What a difference a month makes!

[Lauren]

Xena and I went for our second herding lesson. The first was a huge group thing, this was just a semi private hour with a friend and her GSD. Xena LOVES this. She can hardly contain herself, but I am told that will improve.

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Apparently this little girl is quite a natural. (not that I am biased or anything) The first time we went she pretty much tried to attack the sheep running around non-stop and barking. This time, something had definitely shifted. She realized that we were working together to move these sheep! She changed her direction according to my direction and She was VERY good at "there" which means she holds the sheep opposite from my position.

"There"

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Here she is at point, according to where the sheep are looking...

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After two or the times telling her "there" when she naturally did it, she understood the cue. Not only THAT but she held them at point according to where the lead sheep was looking!!!!! And she was able to focus enough to down and hold them when asked~

Don't move a hoof!

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I am blown away!

Now if I can get her to quit screaming when it is someone else's turn. She obviously thinks she can do it better!

[Schlussdibusti]

This is awesome! As a herding dog, she has it in her genes to do this job. Are you getting her a herd of sheep?

[alspyce]

Someone down the road from me has sheep----thinking of finding out how they would feel about my dog coming over for a visit, just to see if Lyric would even pay any attention to them----I had 2 very stupid sheep years ago, no desire to get any more. (unless they come as dog food)
Photos are great! I'll bet you're very proud of her!

[Dutchringgirl]

excellent!!!!

[felixone123]

wow!! great shots and go Xena. I wonder if Odin could herd?????

[CaroleBoaz]

Very nice, and good photos!

I wonder, though, if she's just waiting for you to take down the fence for her dinner. LOL!!

[Raven]

You have so much to be proud about! Go, Xena!

I read somewhere that--generally speaking--DSs tend to be better at (or prefer???) line herding. (???)

So, are your plans to take Xena all the way with this (competition or real deal) or is it too soon to decide?

[Lauren]

thanks guys. If the fence was down i think she would definitely go for a mutton chop. The first time a sheep stuck it's nose through to sniff her she snapped at it. the second time, she hesitated and the instructor said "Look! she is not even going for that nose!" I said "she's about to" and SNAP.

I had herd that they were mostly line herders too. But the instructors (who I am PAYING, of course) said even at the first lesson they thought she would compete well.... So who knows! We will keep going as long as i can afford it and she enjoys it!

If nothing else, the dynamic between us really shifted that day. Not just how she views me, but how I view our relationship too. It is a partnership. We both kind had that light bulb moment

[CaroleBoaz]

the second time, she hesitated and the instructor said "Look! she is not even going for that nose!" I said "she's about to" and SNAP.

Jinx! I think that was your instructor's fault for saying something. :p

Just came to me, why are those sheep so clean?!

[kchristy]

Awesome pics, I bet it would be fun to watch in person

[leih merigian]

waYcool!