This year we had a special (for us ;-) treat. Helen Dunning, from Ontario, Canada, was in town and came over to do a short demonstration with her fabulous dog, Cap. I've always loved watching good dogs and handlers work and now that I have Kate, I'm trying to learn as much as I can. We asked Helen to show a few things a good dog can do to help you work with your sheep.
Here they come!
"Okay sheep, this is what we're gonna do."
Graham thought it sounded fun, but that he'd just stand back and watch ;-).
First she had Cap send the sheep up the hill. This is something you would want to be able to do to rotate the flock into a fresh field... Then she had him bring them back to her.
Straight to her.
You would want to be able to do that to bring them into the barn or pens, get a close look at your sheep, check for any problems...
Kate and I can do these jobs, but not at this speed (Cap's racing up the hill to go get to the sheep, not "chasing" them that fast). Well, Kate can go at that speed, but my brain can't keep up with her...yet. I'm working on it though and it's fascinating and fun!
20 likes to watch a good dog work, too!
Hank watched patiently from the sidelines for awhile, but when he decided the sheep had had enough, he went out to lead them back home.
Kate can attest that this is not an easy flock to work (lots of, um, "strong" personalities in there ;-), but Helen and Cap made it look easy and it was a real treat to watch. Thank you!!! And another big thank you to Amy for such great pictures!!!
12 comments:
I bet that was fun to see! I love watching then work in videos..but have neve seen it in person. You and Kate could practice everyday in your spare time:)
Well done, Helen! And you realize that this was Vergil's Cap so he was showing off for the home crowd, and making his first mom happy to know he's got a great home!
It's a bit odd to see all your wooly folks acting like...well....sheep. :)
I can't express how much I wish I had been there! Was it strange to watch someone else working your babies? I think it's amazing that dogs can do that. I shows how smart they are. I think most people think that because they can't speak English animals aren't so smart. Great pictures.
Watching good dogs work is wonderful. Mine are... er... fun.
Love Maisie paying such rapt attention in the second pic. Soon as I win that darn lotto, I'm coming for Hug A Sheep Day!
I always love to watch Border Collies work. Such smart dogs. Glad to see Hank come in and take over at the end. He know just what to do :)
There's nothing like a good dog:)
Hehe...I had the same thought.
This was amazing. Just amazing!
No, I was happy someone experienced was working with them. They tend to take a little advantage of me and Kate sometimes and there was no way Helen was going to let that happen ;-). Plus, I knew the dog and knew he would treat them right :-).
All I can says is: "Kate: wow!"
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