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denice

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Everything posted by denice

  1. Most of my experience with VD has been as a vet tech. Most dogs seem to recover rather well. It was very common to give these dogs pred as an anti inflammatory med. If they were not eating it often helped to elevate the food bowl or hand feed them just to help with balance. They seemed more comfortable eating this way. We often used a bath towel as a "sling' up under their bellies to help them go outside and keep them stable. Hang in there with her, sometimes it takes a week or two. Good luck Denice
  2. This is a very common problem but fixable. This has been a topic of discussion here in the past. Try searching for the topic, there were lots of posts, if you don't find the discussion email me privately and I will try to describe what I do that works for us. denice.r@lycos.com Denice
  3. UPCOMING SPRING 2010 Clinics at CLEARFIELDSTOCKDOGS Bennington, Indiana Jack Knox April 2 – 4th Easter weekend Three day training clinic. All levels welcome Private lessons after clinic Steve Shope April 24th – 25th ASCA/AHBA judge Two day clinic/ all levels/ all breeds welcome Kevin Evans April 7 – 11th Three day clinic April 7 – 9th Advanced clinic – Shedding/ look back / judging clinic –April 10 – 11th must be running pro novice level for a working spot in advanced clinic private lessons also available All info on my web site www.clearfieldstockdogs.com Any questions not covered on the web site please email me denice.r@lycos.com
  4. Not sure what part of the country you are in but in NE, SD ect. there is quite a bit of sorghum sudan grown for livestock feed. Some is baled, cut for silage, some left to be grazed. They always do testing before harvest there because summers can be very hot and dry and the lower leaves concentrate minerals I believe and can be toxic to the livestock. I can't recall now if it is nitrogen or exactly what but there are always stories of folks going out and feeding a bunch of cattle and come back the next day to find 1/2 the herd dead. So check into that with the local large animal vet or other folks. Bill probably knows.
  5. Bill, I agree with what has posted. I will add as Julie was describing that some dogs prefer a stand, others a lie down and some dogs are better off doing one or the other depending how how the dogs works. I had a pup that at first would sit when all was clam and quiet, that didn't last long. At first on a young dog I simply want a stop and them listening, even for a couple seconds. You have to be careful about insisting on a lie down with some dogs early in the training. Some take it as they are in trouble and did something bad and I try to keep everything as positive and encouraging as possible so those dogs I introduce a stand first then teach a lie down later. There was a young dog here that was super enthusiastic at Kevin Evans clinic and she would not stop for anything, you had to catch her and that was not easy. His instructions for this girl was to teach her a lie down off stock right away - you had to nearly lay on top of her at first - then keep her on a long line and get her to lie down near stock. He didn't want to be as tough on her close to the sheep as she needed to lie down. It took two days but she finally figured out she could lie down. The second part of that is to allow them up rather quickly and to resume working so the lie down is not a punishment or always a way to take them off stock. They learn quickly if when they come to you or lie down and then made to stop working that they will do about anything to not lie or call off. You have to be careful when you ask for these at first that the situation will "allow" the dog to lie or stand. I expect my older dogs to lie even if the sheep or leaving but not a young dog. I too use a fence and corner at first and if I ask for a stand and they lie, then a get up and maybe step back a step or two to encourage them up, then a stand again. Jack Knox teaches a lie down by backing up and taking pressure off the dog and only advancing toward the dog for correction if they didn't do as asked. It is rather counterintuitive but works amazingly well. Every dog and situation is a bit different, you can have general training techniques but then they need adjusted to each dog - that is what makes training so challenging and us better handlers. Good luck, Denice
  6. I have a few border l's myself. Yep great wool and tasty. I would say if you are thinking of using the same sheep as show sheep and working your bc that you would need different sheep. The show sheep will not react like real sheep if they are "tame" As far working this breed my experience is they either are rather light for those dogs that take control or if they read any possible weakness in a dog they will stand and dare to be moved. I know of a nice flock near Indianapolis IN - they are bred for wool mostly, but also worked with a bc. I think they have a web site - westerfield woolies I think or maybe it is westfield wollies. Denice
  7. Sounds like a nerve problem and MRI and more specific tests may help find the problem. Is the atrophy over long term or more sudden? I would consider massage or acupuncture to try to relieve pain. I hesitate to even mention this but you would be amazed at what you see in a vet clinic. Most likely not the issue but easy enough to check out - I would check the dogs anal glands. Infected or abscessed anal glands are super painful and would account for the tail tucking, pain, not wanting to work. Some times the simple things are not checked and part of the problem is right there. It is easy enough and can't hurt. Denice
  8. Nancy, My fist thought is also an empty stomach but her advanced age I am more concerned about the vomiting than I would be if she were young. Vomiting is often and early symptom of kidney or liver issues. If she were my girl I would have a blood panel done or at least check kidney and liver function. If there is something going on if caught early it is much easier to manage. Hope all is well Denice, RVT
  9. Steve Shope will be traveling to my place from his home in New Mexico for a two day clinic in April 2010. Steve raises and trains Ausssies at his ranch and has qualified multiple dogs for the ASCA finals. He is an ASCA and AHBA judge and will be able to give you is insights for not only training but trialing in these venues as well. Steve has worked with nearly all herding breeds so whatever breed you have is sure welcome. More info on my web site www.Clearfieldstockdogs.com We will have sheep and ducks available for the clinic. There is a round pen, arena and large pasture to work in. All levels welcome.
  10. I am not sure of specific training opportunities in OK but there are many great clinics across the country. Clinics allow you to work a couple times a day with your dog and get individual help as well as learn from every other person and dog in the clinic. It is a great way to meet folks and build great friendships. Many learning opportunities exist from going to a trial, watching and talking to folks, private lessons, and this forum and others (working stockdog forum, sheepdog L ) that discuss about every topic you can imagine. If you would enjoy some travel this Oct I am having 2 clinics in SE Indiana and have a working spot open. Good Luck Enjoy yourself, Denice
  11. You guys crack me up! Oh I so remember when most of my herding training I was a step behind and couldn't think fast enough. No - years later mind you- I am finally feeling good about things - almost every training session anyway. There is always something to learn from these great dogs. Luckily each dog is different and has something different to teach me. I was/am so blessed to learn from a great dog. Lad come to me trained, very fast, pushy and passionate. At 10 he is still that way. When I started with him and would ask him to do something he "knew" wasn't right - he would look back at me and say " You really are not serious are you?" "You want me to do What??" Ok so it was just this look in his eyes, he really didn't talk - Thank goodness or who knows what he would have really said It may have been more like " Come on woman, what do you mean you don't get it? I have to explain it again?? weren't you watching?... We all need a Lad to teach us. I must be getting better since I rarely get The Look anymore. Enjoy the journey, Denice
  12. I would agree that some dogs are sit back and think types while others jump in the middle and see what happens. I had littermates that were about as opposite 'workers' as there are. Both raised, handled and started by me. The jump in and try something needed some help slowing up and thinking. Tthe never want to do it wrong guy needed to be encouraged and left alone a bit and kick up his instincts some and allow him to gain confidence that he could figure it out. What a difference it has made in him, getting the sheep moving and allowing him to get in there has made him want to work even more. He is a very natural dog, always easy and thoughtful so I knew just a word from me could slow him up if I needed. He is even more enjoyable to work now since he is more confident and enjoying himself. I must give credit to Jack Knox to seeing this in my dog and knowing what to try to help us, many folks had seen this dog but I think most assumed he just wasn't super keen which I knew wasn't the case. Denice
  13. I have a couple working spots open in both clinics in SE Indiana due to some scheduling challenges with folks that had signed up. Kevin also has some lesson spots open. Lessons with Kevin will be Sept 30 & Oct 1. Clinic is 3 days Oct 2 -4th. Aled' clinic is mid week Oct 20 and 21st. Audit places also available but you need to also preregister. Info on my web site www.clearfieldstockdogs.com I have places to work and sheep suitable for every level.
  14. I am super excited to have two of the very best Welsh trainers/handlers coming to share their wisdom with us this fall. Both these gentleman have major accomplishment to their credit on the trial field. Kevin and Mirk are the 2008 International Supreme Champions, 4th at the Welsh National in 2008 and 3rd in 2007. Kevin and Spot were the North Wales Open Champions in 2008 and 10th in the World... Aled has competed in the International 25 times, won the Supreme title in '99, 2000, and '07. He has won the World in 2002 and 2008 and has been the Welsh Open Champion seven times... Kevin will be the week following the National finals. He will offer private lessons on Sept 30 and Oct 1 and a 3 day clinic Oct 2 - 4th. Aled will have a 2 day clinic Oct 20 - 21st. The clinics will be 260.00 for 2 days and 360.00 for 3 days. Working spots held only with deposit. Clinic in SE Indiana. All info is on my web site. Please email me with any questions if it isn't covered on my web site. denice.r@lycos.com www.clearfieldstockdogs.com These clinics will fill quickly so don't hesitate Denice
  15. DEB, If your girl isn't back to acting normal I would think about running some blood work. She may have a Calcium deficiency from nusing the pups - this can cause weakness as well. I have had vets say give them bitches a tumms because of the added Ca. Just a thought Denice
  16. I have read all 11 pages of this thread. The line or no line discussion I imagine is as old as sheepdog training itself. I believe these wonderful partners we have in these dogs are always learning in everything they do. I think we should do the same. We should not be so stuck with what we think should happen or how we think we should get to the point where we want to be that we are not open to try something different. Not every person learns the same and not every dog learns the same either. The basic tasks that we need our dogs to preform are similar no matter if we are using them for 15 sheep at home, 1000's on a ranch or on a trial field. I also think that most training methods have similarities of pressure and release be that on a line or not. Somehow both members of the team need to come to an understanding of what is being asked. In speaking with some of the big hats I was encouraged to watch folks work their dogs. IF I liked the way they and their dogs worked then those are the folks I seek out and learn more about their training methods. There are clinicians and "trainers" I have watched that treat each dog exactly the same and do not adjust to the different dogs and handlers. I don't ask these folks for advise but there may be something I learn from them. Sometimes it is what not to do. I seek out those handlers who are quiet, confindent, encourage the dog, help the dog do the right thing, give a correction needed to get a change but not go over the top. THose handlers who are at the post and even when things are not going well they are helping the dog as much as possible, know when it is no longer a 'learning' experience for the dog and retire, shaking their head maybe, but still walk off the field pleased with some of the things their dog has done. That type of handler who also watches the more novice folks and encourages them I appreciate even more. I was recently at a trial and saw some nice runs and some that didn't go so well. There were two handlers that impressed me during the nursey runs while I was scribing. One was Alastair MacRae the other was Kathy. Alastair's dog was not listening to him and he took the time and much patience to impress very sternly but calmly to this yound dog that he must listen and will not be allowed to get away with that at a trial. He retired and still stood on the field as the dog ran to him and spent a couple seconds petting the dog and letting him know that he was pleased with the dogs efforts. Kathy's young dog was exuberant as well. He crossed over on his outrun and his drive was far from straight but Kathy calming gave his direction, encouragement, and corrects then retired when it was obvious that it was time to do so. She walked off smiling as she petted her young boy knowing that they both learned something and will the dog kept trying for her. While I have not ever seen Kathy at home giving lessons I know she has the best interest of each and every dog and person that she has contact with at heart. She is always striving to learn and do her best and encouraging to others. There are many, many folks out there that are giving lessons/clinics and that is because there are many different folks out there wanting lessons. I am not sure it is a just critique to see a couple short videos and make judgements since we have not seen where this person and dog came from, the progress made and the challenges getting there. I would hope we would take a wider view and take all things into consideration. The end result of "success" does not justify all training methods. It is up to all of us to gather information and find those methods that resinate with us and our dogs. Hopefully our goals for us and our dogs are high and we all learn and evolve over this journey. Best to all, Denice
  17. Pam, Here is the contact info for the hamps that i have liked - Jody Fuller - lambs4u@itctel.com While they do have some "show" sheep they also had some of the older lines and older style hamps when I was last there several years ago. There is a gentleman in western SD that raises Suff. that I trust as well - never used them but he is a very honest, great guy Dwight Kitzan 605-257-2105 He raises those and merino/ rambou. crosses. Denice
  18. I know of a good breeder in eastern SD for Hamps if you might be interested. I have had their rams for many years and have always been pleased. I ask them for a range type ram andgo pick them out from many choices, they sure add frame and meat to my lambs. My lambs on feed would fatten at 4 to 5 mo old and weigh 140 lbs - 148 lbs. I never had any health issues with these rams, easy to handle ect. I also have Corridales and the crosses were nice lambs. If you be interested email me and I'll look up their contact number for you. Denice
  19. Whenever I am having an issue with something I try to look for similarities when it happens and then once I think I know when it happens, I can maybe figure out why then go about giving an effective correction at the right time. I look for when it happens- are the sheep running, dog moving fast, tail up, is he maybe locked on, is he along a fence, same place in the working area, maybe same place on the sheep say 10:00, are you in a specific place or putting pressure somewhere... If there are reoccurring specifics then can narrow things down. What is tough is when all is going well and the dog dives and grips just for fun. I find that much more difficult to correct since I don't see it coming very often. If there is a friend who can watch and give you some insights that would be Great. I can see lots more from the other side of the fence. Denice
  20. While we are on the topic of heat, heat stress and working dogs dealing with the heat I would like to know if there is a glycogen product folks have tried and liked. Is there one the dogs eat/drink better than others? I would like to have some on hand this summer. Not looking forward to our hot humid summer. Thanks, Denice
  21. I second the thought of getting the dogs up off the floor. All my gang stand for me on the porch and I go from one paw to the next a bit like trimming a horse. Working as a vet tech and groomer I get all those dogs whos people say "he just will not let me trim his nails" Well I can't say I have ever asked them to let me - I just matter of factly, calmly trim nails with no fuss. Lots of dogs are better if you are able to put them up on something - bed of a pickup, washer, anything up off the ground where you can stand next to them. You have much more control that way. Also if the pulling their foot away from me I do not let go until they are still and they learn it is much easier to just stand there. Denice
  22. Here is just a thought. What are your feeling and thoughts when you are out walking? If another dog is approaching do you get tense because you are expecting a reaction from him that you concerns you. My thought is that he may be picking up on your tension. I am becoming increasing aware that dog pick up and know many more thnings than we give them credit for. I would try walking him past other dogs with a calm reassured attitude, no hesitation, you have things under contol... - "No problem, we are great, we are enjoying the walk, no worries ect" There is a really good book called 'The Dog Listen" by Jan Fennell She talks about many dogs and owners with "problems' and how she has helped them resolve different issues. Denice
  23. Hey Folks, The clinic is over 1/2 full. All the info is up on my web site with registration form, hotel info and directions. www.clearfieldstockdogs.com Check back on the web site in a few months I am working on a couple fall clinics with two top handlers from Europe. Once details are worked out I will pass along the info. As long as the clinics continue to fill I will try to hold several a year so we can all benefit from these wonderful folks who are willing to share their knowlege and expertise with us. Denice
  24. Hey Folks, I have several bc's and sheep of various breeds that react differntly to the dogs. I am interested in getting ducks just for something different. I am sure the differnt breeds of ducks flock and move differently. I would like to get a couple kinds that will challenge the dogs. I have a young 2 yr old that is a Super dog and doing great, we are even entered in the Bluegrass. He is a team player, doesn't like messes, great outrun, nice amount of eye but is just a bit to cautious and careful. He flanks slowly and I am thinking ducks might help him 'loosen up' some. I am considering some Campells and Runners. Any suggestions? I have never worked with ducks so this will be new for us. How many ducks do you use at a time and at what age are you able to start using them? Do you need to keep the wings clipped? Thanks, Denice
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