Xena is going to try herding....

[Lauren]

After reading these 4 posts, I must say I am a little worried... BUT, Xena and I are going to a Herding clinic. It is open to dogs of all types and ages. It is all day on Nov. 19th and whoever shows up (usually about 20 dogs) rotate in and out of the ring.

The woman I spoke to was very encouraging. She had never heard of a Dutch Shepherd, but was excited to meet one. I figure for 30.00, it is not a bad way to spend a Saturday. they have, ducks, goat, sheep and cattle for all levels.... I will try to get hubby to take a video.

[Christie M]

Sounds like fun! Don 't worry too much about my horror story. It was a combination of a cocky person (the instructor) and me not having enough confidence to step in. Otherwise, I know Willow would have really enjoyed it!

[CaroleBoaz]

Herding is fun for both of you!

I've let all my dogs try it. So far, my female Malinois is the best herder. Those bossy woman get the job done! I wish it wasn't so hard to find sheep, though.

[Marjolein]

hope you have fun!

[kchristy]

That does sound like fun

[GSDNanny]

BEWARE!!! Herding is addicting! Seriously. When you watch a herder do what they were bred for initially, it is awesome. Have fun, I know you will!

[Lauren]

Well, she LOVED it! My little girl, who is forever being told, "No, don't chase that" or "OUT!", or "GET OFF THE CAT!" or "Leave the chickens ALONE!" was actually encouraged to chase and bite creatures. She had finally arrived at her idea of heaven. And the absolutely best part of the day was that she decided she liked dogs. ALL dogs (except that one giant female with the unfriendly glare)... But other than her, my normally reactive, hair up, growling lunging, barking nipping puppy decided that she liked them all. Wanted to play and hang out and meet and everything. ????? I don't know what happened but i am good with it!
Here is her first look at sheep

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, then she ran them and was encouraged for it by the instructor lady.

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She's giving them the eye!

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Ok, I have to say there is a new purpose on that face!

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The sheep knew she meant business!

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And this is what happens after a day of herding!!!! Bliss!

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Everyone was very encouraging and she was off the charts happy. Twice, she actually stuck her head through that little fence and bit a sheep. She pulled a mouthful of hair. The instructor said "Wonderful!!! Good girl! Usually it takes a ling time to get them to bite....." Hmmm, welcome to a Dutch Shepherd! :dswink"

[kchristy]

lol, congrats! She does look like she has new purpose! Xena was probably thinking yes, finally I get to bite something and get praise!! lol

[Sugars Mom]

Looks like fun

[Schlussdibusti]

This is absolutely GREAT! Great pics, great story! She felt amongst her own with purpose and is happy.
I love the pic of the sheep. They surely do look like they know there's a Hollandse Herder around who means business

[Dutchringgirl]

Thats fantastic!!!!! Great pictures, she is so beautiful .

[leih merigian]

Great story!

(The picture of the sheep all looking your/her way made me think of Babe<g>)

[Sugars Mom]

I'm wondering how much it was for the session, and how often the sessions would be if you continued to do it.
Thanks, Sue

[Lauren]

Sue, It was $30.00 for the day (10.00 for a second dog). It started at 9:00 and went until 4:00. There were 3 rings going with instructors: Double ring (beginners like us), Round ring where dogs are on a long line working three sheep up close and the larger pasture with 6 sheep for more advanced of off-lead dogs. We only got rotated in 3 times (it depends on how many people of your level show up and I left around 2:30. Here is the link: http://www.possumhollowfarms.com/stockd ... m#TRAINING

Next time I will probably just take an hour private lesson for $45.00. But this time, it was so great that she decided she liked dogs!!!! The instructors were actually introducing their shy dogs to her because she was so friendly and sweet! The instructor said that at her age we should only train once a month or so, working up to once a week/every other week as an adult. She said it is not like training a horse where you do it everyday. She also said that she felt Xena should have no problem titleing and doing quite well at this sport (but then again I am PAYING her )

[Sugars Mom]

Thanks for the info. And its so nice to hear how well Xena is doing : )

[GSDNanny]

Now that's what I'm talkin' bout!!! Wasn't that fun!?!?! There really is an art to it sort of like a dance between the stock, the handler and the dog. For each action, there is a reaction. Reading stock by the handler while reading and instructing your dog at the same time will take some time but before you know it, you and the dog are like a fine machine running smoothly. So hang in there and please please post your progress and pictures!

[Lauren]

Thanks Guys. And Denise, It was great fun. She doesn't even look at the chickens the same way anymore. It was as if now she knew what that drive was for. Instead of chasing them she circles them, and lays down to survey her domain... We will definitely be back... and I am looking into ducks (Indian runners? Khacki Campbells???)

[Dutchringgirl]

that is so great!