Our first (and maybe last?) herding class
I did learn a lot though and Lynn is amazing. If I've gotten this right, Lynn explained that initially at any rate, the whole point of herding is for the dog to chase the sheep towards the handler. Since herding is based on prey drive and pack instinct, the handler, as the leader of the pack, gets to be the one who "makes the kill". Therefore the subordinate dog is supposed to chase the prey in a group towards the leader so that the leader gets to choose which one to kill. That's the basis and starting point of herding. And what did Fitz do, you ask? Funny you should ask. Oh, my darling boy drove the sheep as far away from me and Lynn as he could, definitely keeping the sheep to himself, and very expertly cutting one out for himself. In other words, he did the exact opposite of what he was supposed to do. Right from the get-go, Fitz anticipated the movement of the sheep (Lynn says he reads them very well) and he used that to his advantage to try and get one of 'em on his own. Every single time we tried it (and we tried it quite a few times, and even changed up to older & more confident sheep) that's what he did. He got briefly spooked by the sheep once or twice when the sheep stamped their feet at him. But it really surprised me, floored me even - I totally thought he'd be way more afraid of the sheep, I didn't think his prey instinct would kick in quite so thoroughly. 
When Lynn let him know that bullying the sheep was not an option, that he needed to back down, Fitz would shut down, turn his back on us, ignore the sheep & walk away! Lynn graciously said that he was confused, didn't know what we wanted from him and so he shut down. I think she was being polite, however - I get the distinct feeling that Fitz was saying "If I can't do it MY way, I'm not doing it at all". That's my boy! 
If I were to try this again, I think our first issue would be to figure out a way to get Fitz to stop trying to bully the sheep without having him completely shut down on us - I dunno, that might be quite a tricky balancing act. And I might have a heart attack .... I dunno about this - I felt helplessly ignorant and kind of freaked out ... and yet very intrigued. Should I try it again? Shouldn't I? Should I?   |
|
|
| great! I love the idea that you said you were intrigued. It can be overwhelming can't it?
Can I ask, does you instructor normally work with upright loose eyed dogs - or BC and Aussies? They really herd differently. I just spent two days at a clinic with Ann WItte - maybe the biggest voice in upright herding dogs. she has beardies (for about forever!)- although she has previously owned shelties as well. OES have distinct herding preferences - they like to keep the sheep away from the owner (all of these statements apply more or less to my two dogs who have very different herding styles) they prefer to go to the dogs head they can be very smart and need someone who knows how to direct them. If I can get my video off my camera I will post Morgan (ignore the monkey butt hair cut - he had some vet issues this week) herding (somewhat) on day two of the seminar. remember yesterday he was like a wild boy one moment and alternatively didn't want to leave my side, and he has been on sheep off and on for the last few months. I tried four instructors before I found the right one (in three different states) all I can say is finding an upright instructor was like finding the clue book for a very complex riddle - its still hard , but there seems to be some logic!!! all in all we need more sheepies in the herding rings though, even if its only for fun. |
| Yes, it is a lot to learn if you are not stock savvy. Growing up a herding dogless farm girl, I WAS the dog my whole life. I can read the stock, know my pressure and position.
The super hard thing was to step back and let my dog learn the same thing. The instinct is therein the dog, but the rest just needs time and experience on the dog's part. I am embarrassed to say that when Ollie was learning, I sometimes found it easier to just move the sheep myself.....or get a pail of feed and rattle it and they followed me anywhere... 
But I got over it and was determined to have my dog do it right - and it worked! It took time, but the lightbulb went off with the help of our trainer. Oh, I will be posting the herding trial pictures soon - when I get home. I think I will make a new post for them in the pictures section. 
What you mentioned about te dog shutting down with correction - happened to us too. It takes a bit of practice on the human's part to get the balance of enough to stop the dog, but not kill the enthusiasm. It is a human thing. I am doing much better with Chewie, so if it helps you, it goes easier with the 2nd dog! |
| A little overwhelming, yes! For one thing, herding is way more complex than I thought (which is actually kind of cool, I like a challenge). For another, I wasn't expecting Fitz to be so darned enthusiastic in going after those sheep. To me it seemed a heckuva lot more like hunting than the gentle herding I was anticipating. And 'cause he's generally such a goofy boy, I was shocked to see the wolf behind the dog. Now that I've seen it though, maybe next time I'll be less shell-shocked. Maybe I'll be more prepared. Just maybe.
It really does help a lot to hear other peoples experiences herding with their OES, that's for sure. Kerry - I've actually read a few articles by Ann Witte, lucky you to get to attend one of her clinics! My instructor teaches all breed herding, & she works with Fitz's mom too. http://www.downriver.org/ Oh - I am definitely not stock savvy. Last time I was anywhere near a sheep was about 40 years ago at a petting zoo. Flight zone, balance, lift, pressure and position, ha! It's all greek to me - sheep definitely speak a foreign language. The instructor is actually going to let me work one of her dogs next time, just so I get used to reading the sheep and also get to see how it's all supposed to work. Looking forward to Morgan video & herding trial pictures! |
Do you know of a website that would list trainers/places for herding?
 I live near Edmonton Alberta and would like to let my puppy give this a try. |
maximusmom wrote: Do you know of a website that would list trainers/places for herding?
I live near Edmonton Alberta and would like to let my puppy give this a try.There is a place in Sherwood Park that does agility,they do have a waiting list. They also might know someone who does herding. http://www.sherwoodbarks.com/index.html The nisku kennel did try agility and I think herding but it looks like all of their classes are cancelled for now. I don't know if either of these places help. |
Didn't find exactly what you're looking for? Search again here:
Custom Search
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|