Sheep Herding 101

We all went to the farm for Gracie's sheep herding today. The last few times, Miss Grace has done an excellent job. But she has become bored. This happens. Dogs can get turned off to the same type of drill or training, and just enter a state known as avoidance. In my case, this means Gracie will go after piles of wool, sheep poop, whatever she feels like instead of the herd.

Our trainer, Leah, decided that every dog today would return to basics. Get the dogs involved with the sheep again, make them want to run and round up. No instructions . The humans simply entered the pen, let the dog go, and walked around to change directions, often. Needless to say, my dog had a great time of it. Nothing she likes better than to run and chase two sheep without having to listen to Leah or mom. Due to the heat (yeah, already at 10am), we kept these bursts of activity short and to the point. The poor sheep were feeling that sun as well.

We must have worn her out, because both dogs slept in the car on the way home. Just like kids.

Have a great day.
Linda