kelpiegirl

I was thinking the same thing. To have accurate numbers, we would have to be able to document the litters/dogs being born each year.... Maybe it's a guestimate?

So, last night, after I had just found that a tumor had reappeared in one of my dogs, and had logged off the computer, Danny went out for his last bathroom break for the evening, and slipped on the paver (ice), he immediately came up lame. No ball play there. Just a stupid mis-step. With me blaming myself for their being ice there. This morning he appears okay, but I won't be playing retrieve until ice is gone. Poor boy, this morning really stunk for him. I guess that's just growing up. It honestly was just too cold- 19 degrees for me to be out there too!

No tenderfoot here I do allow my dogs free play. Right now, the dogs- all of them are sacked out, including Danny. Since I work a full time job, I want him exercised before I leave, and we play a bit when I come home, otherwise it's chill time. By the way, my Kelpie has more endurance than any dog I have ever seen, will chill all day long, but is at the ready when we go. I also played with her when she was a pup, like I do with Danny. When they are adults, we aren't as regimented. My parents live in the BEST neighborhood for walks. WISH I lived there. I would ALSO be skinnier!

Hi Laura Thanks for that suggestion- we've been working sheep about 3 times a week, so we have that- except now the weather tanked My yard is decent sized- the dogs play, and Danny's real good in the house- quiet, unless Lucy gets him to play ;)Typical bitch, rules everything. Truth be told, if there was something else I could do at the house, like work ducks, or something, I would Did you all see that guinea pig and BC video I put up on my blog? Anyway, Danny isn't one of those "hyper" BCs, I suppose mainly from genetics, and also, I taught him to chill as a pup. One of his claim to fames, is when he is tied after working sheep, he will fall asleep sitting up... He's a dang good boy.

You're right. But, that's okay, I get you, and you get me- we do what we gotta. Now, how do I make a streaming avatar of Danny fetching?

There was no prevarication on my part. What were you trying to get across, when you told me to get help to make a good working dog out of him? Please elaborate, I am bein' a dummy, I know. truth bve known, I could not be happier with my dog. It's not constructive when it is phrased the way it was, unless, of course, I am bein' a dummy agin. As to the mental acuity of my dog, he gets good work on sheep, and is focused, very quick to learn, and a A+ student. The fetching is something that burns some energy, 20 mins a day. I have multiple friends who run their dogs at the open level, who play fetch with their dogs- not regularly, but they do. They will tell you it's fine in moderation, and on the human's terms. So, those of you who do not play fetch, what do you do with your dogs to mentally exercise them (without access to sheep).

I a,m here to tell you, that I could stop playing fetch forever right now! Now, anyone want to buy me a place where I can walk my dogs off leash, without them getting attacked, or better yet, a working farm? I really don't like playing fetch, but I will not NOT exercise my dog.

Quote abbreviated for the sake of brevity Hmmmm. Now we have gone to my dog is out of control, crazy, to a sh&tty working dog. My, how this conversation has morphed. I don't think he is a bad working dog, in face I think he will be nice, but he is a pup. But, I could be wrong... But THINK of all the potential as a ball fetching dog!

What on earth are you talking about? Where did I post that my dog was- "flying through the air, and in charge, oh, and "going crazy".

To each his own It's a matter of personal choice- oh, and that mindless throwing the ball from the couch? A friend of mine's acd became an intolerant a&& from that- would never stop. We play fetch twice a day, morning and night, and for less than 10 minutes. The dog loves it. The dog would rather work sheep, but they aren't in my back yard. How did this conversation go from types of tennis balls, to the evility of fetch.... And, "fetch mania" is that a medical term ? I suppose I ought to just get a chain for Danny, and tie him up. and leave him there. until we work sheep. and then put him back when we are done. Would that be better?

We've done that We do that in doors, gates, for food, you name it. He's got good impulse control- ask his trainer

Um, well, the I don't like that version, because he "goes for it" as it lands, and rolls, and that is when dogs are most likely to get hurt.... Also, now that we play in the dark/snow, he always has to use his nose, which I like. Don't get me wrong, I have downed him, had him stay, and then thrown it, but that is when I see him be crazier. By the way, the ball doesn't always just land in front of him... It IS ME throwing

Are you sure he's not eating worms?

I can't speak for anyone else, but in my case, my dog leaves before the ball is thrown, runs out, turns, and waits for the ball. We have to make due, and play ball, as I don't have acreage, and my neighborhood is 100% not conducive to dog walking.

So, consensus on the kong air dog balls, is that they are safe for dogs? That's what I have- but need to replace- will get the rubber chuck-its, but he likes the squeak of the air dogs

Are there any balls out there that are safe for dog's teeth? Specifically, those that can be used with a Chuck-it?

Cynthia: That was just about the best post I have seen wrt acd and training.

No worries, I am never sure I am doing it right But, the strict positioning is inane to me- that is not real life Unless, of course, you are running in asca arena trials

Actually, I know someone, a pretty respected trainer who does work sheep in her riding arena, when there is loads of DEEP snow, where you can't just suck it up and plod through... But, that won't help you in Michigan!

Now, who out there thought I wouldn't reply I have a Kelpie. She has only ever trained with BC trainers. I have never heard of this having to be at 6:00 stuff. Balance is balance. The dog needs to find it. The exercises you are doing with Odin will solidify that, however, you have to be careful when he comes up, in turning hard, because it become a habit with dogs- they will push hard, then, have to flank to balance. As to coming to close on the sheep - that's what young dogs should learn first off- proper distance, so you won't have a big issue with that. I have *never* heard anyone ask ME to head sheep. That's just plain odd. In the beginning stages, your dog should keep the sheep to you. Kelpies are heading/gathering dogs. THEY should do the heading. I shall have to find some video of my Kelpie working without the sheep being set up right, and with me at 6:00...

What I would do is work on those lefts And do it so that left is the only sensible option, so she gets used to that direction. Not sure what you mean on the last leg of the fetch? Is she just getting up behind them and laying down? As to the flip flop, if you get her further off the sheep, that will stop. Cattle don't move (generally) as fast at sheep, so she's probably filling her time. Get her to down off the sheep, and then walk her up- then the sheep will leave, and your job is to keep her off them. She sounds prettty neat.

Where are you located?

Oh, we would all love that (a pup looking so mature)- don't get us wrong! My pup Danny is a good boy, except for one little thing...

Thanks Diane- that was very nice, a good way to start the day.

THANKS Diane! I have wanted to get something like this for my guys, but never knew about these! Since I almost lost a dog to bad quality chews/toys, I am super careful...