WildFlower

Glad to hear that Quinn is doing better!

^ I do what Mara does. We don't play or do anything else until every goes potty. My dogs go on command pretty much, too. With puppies or foster dogs, I stand in one spot with the dog on a leash and be as boring as possible. Then, once they go, I get all happy and excited. Then we play.

Have a great trip!! Sounds wonderful to me!

Woohoo! Great news!

I am so very sorry, Nancy. Run free Kit.

I am so sorry for your loss. Run Free Carlie.

I believe that Janet is located in Minnesota.

I agree with Smalahundur - no need to beat yourself up over purchasing a pup. You've done your homework and are buying from a working breeder. BTW, I learned to never say never a few years ago... I always said I would NEVER have a mini van. I bought my "dog van" almost 2 years ago and I absolutely love it... I had to eat my words with a few friends... LOL.

Love the picture! Dogs are great conversation starters. I met more people in my old neighborhood once I got a dog than I had met in the 4 years before owning a dog. I love that about dogs.

I am so sorry for the loss of your boy. Run free Bear.

I wouldn't feed this to my dogs for the first reason listed in the link that CurlyQ provided. Chicken really isn't the first ingredient after the water is removed. (And it does have a lot of corn.)

Liz - you are correct. I was trying to make the distinction easier for someone not involved with SDTs etc to follow. Should have added a disclaimer, I guess. Thanks.

When I posted these two videos I was trying to demonstrate the difference between what AKC breeders consider "herding champions" compared to what the USBCHA (ABCA or CBCA registered dogs) considers a champion. In all fairness I have no idea what level of AKC course it is in the AKC video... Even acknowledging that, I think that people that don't compete or have a strong understanding of stock work and SDTs can see the difference in the way in which the dog moves, relates to it's stock, and works with the handler. There is really no comparison in my opinion. But to answer your question - "knee knockers", "puppy sheep", or "well dogged sheep" are generally used when training young dogs or perhaps even when training a new element to a not young dog (depends on the element). Each of those terms in quotes above, are used to describe sheep that have seen dogs before (usually seen dogs a lot) and are used to being moved by a dog. Well dogged sheep don't generally spook or split apart. They allow a young dog to move them around fairly easily. This allows the handler to "train" the dog and also allows the dog to gain confidence by succeeding in the task (hopefully) without incident or making a mess. What you are seeing in the first video is wearing - as Sue and Lisa described already. What you see in the second video is fetching and driving. There is no wearing in an open level USBHCA course. The only USBHCA level course that has wearing in it is the novice level. Just a side note: even at the novice level (lowest level) of USBCHA trials the novice dogs work the same sheep that the open level (highest level) dogs work - granted usually on the last day of the trial so they are a little more dogged than they were on day one. This is at least true in my experience here in the Midwest. Oh and I am a relatively novice handler for the record.

I am sorry to hear about Quinn's injury - but sounds like he is making a pretty good recovery! Best wishes and board mojo!

I am so sorry for your loss. Rest in peace Zoey.

I am so sorry for your loss, Robin and Susan. What an incredible tribute. Run free, Tansy.

Wow, what a difference. He looks great!

Thank you Sue for documenting your and Celt's journey. Next wishes for a speedy and smooth recovery.

Awesome! Have a great time! Maybe you can report back on how it went???

I use soft crates in hotels when traveling. They are much more convenient to carry and pack then metal crates. They just sleep in them in the hotel. All of my dogs are crate trained. I would never leave them unsupervised in a soft crate.

Hi Mara, The rescue group that I work with, MWBCR, is possibly taking some of these dogs. If I happen to know of a transport that you may be able to help with, I will shoot you a PM. Thanks!

Julie, I am so sorry for your loss. Run free, Willow.

Mara, I am so sorry. You did right by your boy. Run free Kip.

Wow! Sounds like a whirlwind travel day! So glad that you made it all safe and sound. Hopefully agility will make your boy happier.

Thinking of you and Kipp.