LVShep

KELPIEGIRL ( Julie ) --Thank you!! It is good to see a helpful reply.. TO SUE R: Your opinion, as to the use of my BC, is not what I'm looking for. I'm sure there are people on here that also can't see the point in using a BC as an AGILITY dog ( just as an example ) or whatever else people have their BCs for. A person should keep their opinions to themselves, if they don't know the facts!! I would rather run a goat with a dog for 2 laps, 3 times a week ( for toning not bulking ) than pump it up with an assortment of "enhancers" or "supplements". That is deception for a ribbon!! As to your comment about "ABUSE OF STOCK", as is slightly being accused by your post, then maybe you should ask who here has ever used a "HOTSHOT" to "TRAIN" any type of animal, or tied an animal to a bumper to " take it for a run " or held feed or water for any amount of time . I raised animals for show in 4H and in FFA in my younger years and had, and still have (my sons animals), the upmost caring for what happens to them in our care and after they are shown. DOGS run, GOATS run away!!! That's how it is and how it always should be. I could have just got a BC for a PET and keep him locked up in a kennel until it's time for him to to do his "thing", but I chose to get him to work and let him enjoy being a dog. To not let him run and work is a MISUSE and ABUSE... I grew up with BCs and wanted another one, due their intelligence and loving, as I wanted my kids to experiance it. I hope you see where I'm coming from.

First let me give ya'll the story here.. I have a 6 month old red and white male, and he is currently running the yard with our 3 yo. Lab and 8 yo. Dauschaund. When we first got him we were also GIVEN his half brother ( mostly white - breeder said he has a hard time selling them ). Both of them were from working stock and had been out back with me when I fed our GOATS. They seemed to have the natural aggression, and smarts. I gave the white one to a buddy of mine, and he is coming along real good. Here's what I'm getting at... About 5 weeks ago, Shep ( the red and white one ) was in the back with me, and one of our nannies, that had a 3 week old set of twins, litteraly buried him in the ground. Now he wants nothing to do with leaving the yard at all and when he notices the goats he hauls tail and hides. I know he's young and should HOPEFULLY grow out of it!!! I need him for a track dog by the end of the year. Do ya'll think he is ruined or is there something I can do to re-build his conifidence. Thanks