muttlycrew Posted April 30, 2010 Report Share Posted April 30, 2010 Stella is 1.5 years old. This is her first exposure to sheep (4/9/10). We are going back for our 3rd lesson on Monday. My instructor feels she shows a lot of promise and seemed happy with her -- I am greener than grass when it comes to this. I wanted to hear some other opinions on her first exposure. I plan on continuing as long as she likes it (which she appears to). Honest opinions welcomed. NOTE: It was very chaotic so I had to pick a random song to cover the noise. Halfway through (2:20ish), a ewe turned on her. I thought Stella was very brave. Thanks for watching! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad Posted April 30, 2010 Report Share Posted April 30, 2010 I don't know nuthin', but I was impressed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juliepoudrier Posted April 30, 2010 Report Share Posted April 30, 2010 She's nice. I would have been happy with her for that first exposure. The ewe turned on her because she kept buzzing them behind (you can tell from the head-on shots when she's seems to come flying around the side from the back), pushing into the sheep's flight zone and causing it to turn. But she looks like she'll be a relatively easy dog to start, which should be good for you as you're green too! J. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue R Posted April 30, 2010 Report Share Posted April 30, 2010 That was rather nice! She was going around, seeking balance at times, keeping the sheep together, and doing some other nice work for a first-timer. Best wishes! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
muttlycrew Posted April 30, 2010 Author Report Share Posted April 30, 2010 The ewe turned on her because she kept buzzing them behind (you can tell from the head-on shots when she's seems to come flying around the side from the back), pushing into the sheep's flight zone and causing it to turn. But she looks like she'll be a relatively easy dog to start, which should be good for you as you're green too! J. Thanks so much for the comments/feedback!! This is the insight I was hoping for. I like my trainer, he explains things well to me and I like his methods. He doesn't do anything that makes me uncomfortable, which is a big thing for me. It's sometimes hard for me to find a trainer whose methods I like for my dogs. Her 2nd lesson was in an actual field and was told she was balancing her sheep, lying down when told, and reading them well. Another ewe turned on her -- I guess for the same reason listed above. As I said, I go back Monday for our 3rd lesson and I will remember to bring the camera this time. I'm very excited. I may even put agility on the back burner for awhile as this really is fun so far. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.D Posted May 1, 2010 Report Share Posted May 1, 2010 Now I like that, she will probably make a good one. She is focused on the job and is ready to start training. For the moment try and keep her out of pressure situations like where an akward old sheep turns on her its important to build her confidence. Nice one. John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PSmitty Posted May 1, 2010 Report Share Posted May 1, 2010 What a catch! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hans_NL Posted May 1, 2010 Report Share Posted May 1, 2010 I've had many BC's that weren't even close to the amount of talent your dog shows here. Be proud. Hans Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
muttlycrew Posted May 1, 2010 Author Report Share Posted May 1, 2010 Thank you again for all the nice comments. I'm sure I will have questions to post in the near future. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maja Posted May 16, 2010 Report Share Posted May 16, 2010 She is good! And she is trying to balance the sheep when balance is understood as the point of control over the sheep. Seems very biddable too. Lovely sheepdog . Maja Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
muttlycrew Posted May 18, 2010 Author Report Share Posted May 18, 2010 Thanks again for all the nice comments. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WyoWool Posted May 19, 2010 Report Share Posted May 19, 2010 THAT is a nice dog!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
workindogs Posted May 19, 2010 Report Share Posted May 19, 2010 Your instructor is doing an excellent job.....giving your dog space, staying relaxed and out of the way, influencing but not blocking or intimidating, not sweating it if she gets around him....he is letting your dog show her stuff to its fullest. You couldn't ask more of a first start. You should feel very good about it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
muttlycrew Posted May 21, 2010 Author Report Share Posted May 21, 2010 Thank you! I hope we are going to make a nice little team someday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denise Wall Posted May 22, 2010 Report Share Posted May 22, 2010 Your instructor is doing an excellent job.....giving your dog space, staying relaxed and out of the way, influencing but not blocking or intimidating, not sweating it if she gets around him....he is letting your dog show her stuff to its fullest. You couldn't ask more of a first start. You should feel very good about it. I second this. The instructor is giving the dog something to do - the basic first step - keep the sheep together and bring them to the handler. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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