Herding
|
|
Do you mean Judy in MA? That is so cool! I'm in Chicago now but moving back to Boston in February and then we can start herding!!! 
Don't forget to post pictures and let us know how it went!  |
| Yes Judy in MA. I am so excirted - I hope I remember the camera!
Yesterday our trainer organized a great event where a professional photographer came and we went through all of the equipment to get competition type photos (any one who is interested the photos are on Barry Rosen' website under special event at Dr. Karen Garelick's) It was a cold miserable day but we all got some great shots - now I just have to decide which one's to have printed! It may be a good type of event for a club to sponsor as well. |
| Good luck with the herding test. Be prepared to have a fun day watching all the different styles of working sheep that the different breeds have. |
Love the photos, especially DRK_0187, DRK_0997 and 98! That head tilt is FANTASTIC!!!! 
I love those ears flying on the A-Frame (DRK_0348) and the jump through the tire (DRK_0443)! I thought that retriever was really cute at the toilet and also loved that dog, who just stopped and start shaking himself on the dog walk! Oh, it looks you had a great time! I can't wait to do agility again (and start herding!) |
| Not sure if this is allowed, but I just found out there's going to be an all-breed instinct test weekend going on next weekend (November 10 & 11). The facility is at the Illinois/Wisconsin border, just south of Lake Geneva. Times are for both days. There will be a morning group (gate opens at 8 AM, gather at 8:30 for 9:00 clinic) and an afternoon group (gather at 12:30 for 1:00 clinic)
The contact person is Dorothy Schmidt. dotjuschmidt@aol.com or 262-781-8530. She requests no calls after 8 pm. I've helped Shannon at a lot of her instinct test days, and they are really amazing. You can actually see the light bulbs clicking on when the dogs 'get it'. Your dog will be put on a 6-foot soft rope to go into the pen with Shannon and the stock. She will introduce your dog to the stock and help him/her do their best. Some dogs will need their own people in the pen before they'll work, and if your dog says that...get ready to PARTY with the sheep! There's a limit of 25 dogs per time period (Sat AM, Sat PM, Sun AM, Sun PM), and they will be filled based on the time your entry is received by Dorothy. This is a GREAT opportunity to see what your dog will do. The facility is at W1192 Hwy B, Genoa City, Wisconsin. The charge is $40.00 per dog. You really need to get on Dorothy's list if you want your dog tested. If you only want to watch, you're welcome to come, but please leave your dogs at home...it gets too crazy with unentered dogs adding to the commotion. |
Great!!!  I'm flying to Boston for the weekend to go to a seminar about dog training in Portland. 
I am very happy I can go but I always miss these herding tests! It sounds fantastic though! Is there going to be another one anytime soon? |
| Probably not until the spring, but she does have them frequently. And if you're very interested, you can arrange for a private session with her. She's very good at reading dogs, and it's not a stressful thing for them...can get stressfull for the human, but the dogs have great fun!
Jeanne |
| Oh Wow! We may be able to attend this weekend! We don't have anything on our schedule. I'll talk to Steve today and see what he thinks. I'm getting excited already! |
| Be sure to let us know how you did! I did receive a word document for the premium list, but I don't know where I could post it here. I also heard that the Sunday afternoon session is full, but there's still room in the other three sessions.
Jeanne |
| We're signed up for Saturday afternoon I'm very excited...and kind of nervous. We've never done anything like this before. I'll take pics and let you know how we did. I have a feeling Fozzie will want to bring a few sheep and dogs home to play with |
Wow, Stacy! That is great!   Make sure to take LOTS of pictures!!!!
furoaks wrote: Probably not until the spring
We are leaving Chicago in February...but we will definitely do herding there with Judy! I'm really excited about that! |
What a day!!! Steve, Foz and Annie started it off by going to the vet this morning and then we drove Foz out to Genoa City, WI for the herding instinct test. We were #20 out of 24  The results...Fozzie didn't pass but it sure was a fun day except for the cold and wind. In typical Fozzie fashion, he didn't work. He played and chased the sheep
At first Foz went in the gate with Shannon (who's amazing), but wanted to come back out to Mom and Dad. Daddy went in and chased the sheep and ran Fozzie in a few circles. Once Foz got the idea that the sheep were okay, he chased them down. His sheet says, "Sorry, try again. Fozzie was funny" There weren't any other sheepdogs herding today, but Pat and Beckett the sheepie were there to observe and assist with the events. Steve is now giving Foz a bath and then I think they'll both pass out. I know you all want to see this funny show. I'll get video downloaded soon. |
| Sorry Foz didn't take to it the first time, but I'm sure Shannon told you that a lot of them do turn on after more exposure. I usually start taking my puppies along with me once they have all their shots, and just let them watch what's going on. After a few weeks of this, Shannon usually tells me so & so is ready, let's take 'em in...and sure enough..off we go!
If you're really interested in getting into herding, Shannon doesn't have a problem with you coming up and letting your dog watch other people's lessons, as long as your dog doesn't distract the sheep or other dog. Let me know if you want to try this, as it's always best to touch base with Shannon before you just show up! Jeanne |
| Definitely try again, Stacy. Going and watching helps you, and will help Fozzie get accustomed to all the goings on. Ususally the hype from the other dogs is contagious and they decide - "That must be fun, I want those sheep too".
I can't wait to see your pictures. |
| I am having both dogs tested nest week - but meeting with a trainer in cember who doesn't require a test - she works with the dogs from where they are. |
| Thanks for the pep talks, ladies! This was really a one time thing and fun for us to watch. It was quite a long day and standing in the cold was physically wearing for me. We really did enjoyed our adventure and creating more memories.
Quote: "That must be fun, I want those sheep too"
Oh Foz wanted the sheep alright, for playing He just didn't care if one or all joined in on his fun.
Jeanne, thank you for your thoughtful gesture in assisting us We were definitely in awe of Shannon. She was so patient and tactful.
There was one German Shepard who was very aggressive and had very interesting owners. I even got a pic of the man for entertainment sake. He was a flashy older gentleman with a bad toupee, decked out in blue everything including the leather coat, car, shoes, glasses  |
Didn't find exactly what you're looking for? Search again here:
Custom Search
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|