geonni banner Posted November 2, 2015 Report Share Posted November 2, 2015 I Have a Future Sheepdog! So Maid went out today to meet with sheep for the first time under the evaluation of Joyce Shephard. Ruth (urge to herd) sorry, I misplaced her last name, was there as well. And a good thing too, as she provided wonderful moral support! Maid did very well. She was in the round pen twice. The first time was a bit rocky. The poor dog has been through so much. She was very nervous at first, not knowing who to turn to. But the second time in she had another dog with her – an experienced dog. And there was an almost audible “click” when she turned on, and the other dog left the pen, and Maid did splendidly. I am not the least bit ashamed to confess that I wept at the change in her. She was a different dog, and set about her work with great enthusiasm. It was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen. I did take pictures, but at the request of Joyce, I will not post them. But here is her evaluation sheet: Maid was clearly meant to be a sheepdog and she is now in the market for a sheepdogger in need of a dog to train and work. I cannot give her that, and the transformation that I saw in the round pen today makes it clear that that is what is needed for this dog in order for her to find herself and be happy. My little Sugarfoot had a turn in the pen too. My curiosity got the better of me. She did pretty well for a seven-year-old pet dog who had never seen sheep. But nothing like Maid. She is still my “best dog” though, and I think she had fun. Maid at home in out courtyard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alfreda Posted November 2, 2015 Report Share Posted November 2, 2015 Awesome Geonni! That's wonderful that Maid found her mojo, and shows strong herding instincts! ...sorry that you feel you must part with her tho... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
urge to herd Posted November 2, 2015 Report Share Posted November 2, 2015 I can testify to that click! I heard/saw it, too. Maid did so well! Once she got into the groove of it, she seemed to balance naturally, listened to Joyce, and kept her tail down. It was a beautiful thing to see. Ruth and Gibbs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PSmitty Posted November 2, 2015 Report Share Posted November 2, 2015 Is the rescue ok with your rehoming her, if you really feel it's necessary? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingfisher7151 Posted November 2, 2015 Report Share Posted November 2, 2015 Are you sure you need to rehome her? She seems like she's really blossoming in your care. It would be a shame to see her lose that. It might be oversimplifying things to say she NEEDS to be a sheepdog to be fulfilled. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donald McCaig Posted November 2, 2015 Report Share Posted November 2, 2015 Dear Ms. Banner, Forgive my impertinence: are you quite sure it's Maid that needs a change? Donald McCaig Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mum24dog Posted November 2, 2015 Report Share Posted November 2, 2015 A friend is a failed foster for a rescue collie that was a "failed" sheepdog from Ireland. A terrified dog that hid rather than face people or the world, No home was likely to meet his needs so she kept and worked on his socialisation then tried working sheep with him, which she had never done before. He's bad his issues and weaknesses to work through but it has done him the world of good in terms of building confidence generally and he's now competing in agility too. I think insecure dogs do benefit from being given something to do that they understand instinctively without having to try and figure it out from us. If you really can't see a way in which you could continue with the training with her I'm sure you're right to want to give her the chance to develop at something she seems made for. Best wishes whichever path you choose for her and you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurae Posted November 2, 2015 Report Share Posted November 2, 2015 So, does this mean you are looking for an adoptive family/person who might be interested in herding? It might be tough to rehome an unproven older dog to a person who needs a working dog based on nothing but keen interest in the round pen the first time out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juliepoudrier Posted November 2, 2015 Report Share Posted November 2, 2015 I wish I were closer. I need another red dog. But seriously, is the rescue going to allow you to rehome her, and if you do rehome her into a working home can you be sure that she will be treated and trained the way she deserves? There are working homes and working homes, if you know what I mean (as well as trainers and trainers). There's a reason I've always said here that I would be more than willing to place a pup/dog in an excellent pet or sport home rather than a mediocre working home. Just be aware that you could be consigning her to a life that's not the one of fulfillment that you're imagining. J. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geonni banner Posted November 2, 2015 Author Report Share Posted November 2, 2015 First, Maid is 11 mos old. Not sure, but I don't think that qualifies as an older dog, even in the sheepdogging world. Second, I will readily admit that Maid is probably too much dog for me. I can't get around without a cane, and she is a dynamo. But if I thought she would be happy with what I can provide, I would keep her. And I may end up keeping her anyway, if no one appropriate indicates interest. I took Maid in because she was in the hands of people who would rehome her to pretty much anyone with the $350.00 they were asking for an adoption fee. (And because she got me in the "feels" when I met her on the street, and she lay down on my feet and refused to move.) The dog was terrified, not eating, and skin and bones. I had spent 4 years pulling Sugarfoot out of the same kind of fearful black hole, and I knew that whatever else might eventuate, I could help her. I have helped her. Though still fearful, she has made improvements. I will continue with her until a working home that can demonstrate a willingness to give her what she needs - patience, love and a chance to be a working dog. I am living on SSI. I have mobility issues. I don't drive or have a car. Working Maid myself would be a dream come true. But I don't have the wherewithal. I do not intend to push her out the door for the first person who says, "Oh, I'd like a sheepdog." There are a handful of people here on the Boards that I would turn her over to in a heartbeat. Everybody else will need a full resume. The rescue has no clause about rehoming in their agreement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jvw Posted November 2, 2015 Report Share Posted November 2, 2015 Double what Julie said! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beach BCs Posted November 2, 2015 Report Share Posted November 2, 2015 I took one of my dogs for some training (on goats) a few years ago. She did quite well. I was told she would be a wonderful chore dog and would probably do well trialing...no thunderbolt, but got the work done. Some life stuff got in the way of her training and we weren't able to get back to it. I don't think she feels like her life is lacking anything by living with me rather than somewhere working stock. Possibly you could just take her for occasional lessons to build her confidence in other areas? I just don't want you to feel like you have to rehome your dog to a working home just because she did well one day. Go back a few more times at least. As much as I pick on Georgia saying she'd leave me for a stranger on the street, I'm pretty sure she likes me more than the goats she used to work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luvmycash Posted November 2, 2015 Report Share Posted November 2, 2015 Too bad you're so far away. And she's red... And smooth coated Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PSmitty Posted November 2, 2015 Report Share Posted November 2, 2015 Is there a reputable rescue that you could give her to place in an appropriate home? Particularly a breed specific rescue? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geonni banner Posted November 2, 2015 Author Report Share Posted November 2, 2015 Is there a reputable rescue that you could give her to place in an appropriate home? Particularly a breed specific rescue? If Maid cannot go to a good working home, I will keep her. We will make do, somehow. I am looking for a good dog-walker to get her out for nice long runs off-lead. But I am going to try for a solid, appropriate working home. And yes, I will go back to Joyce when I can for more work. Unfortunately, It will not be more than once a month. That's $50.00 for transport plus the lesson. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackdawgs Posted November 2, 2015 Report Share Posted November 2, 2015 I think that you will have better luck finding a sports home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geonni banner Posted November 2, 2015 Author Report Share Posted November 2, 2015 Dear Ms. Banner, Forgive my impertinence: are you quite sure it's Maid that needs a change? Donald McCaig In the same spirit... I think you may have confused me with Jon Katz. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donald McCaig Posted November 2, 2015 Report Share Posted November 2, 2015 Dear Ms. Banner, No. I respect you. Donald Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alchemist Posted November 2, 2015 Report Share Posted November 2, 2015 Geonni, it sounds to me as if you're moving heaven and earth to give Maid the best home you possibly can. Unfortunately, it costs a LOT of money, time, and effort to train a stockdog. I'm not even sure that weekly lessons would do it... and sending her away for training would cost hundreds per month. Working homes might be reluctant to take on a dog of unknown pedigree with little training, just because they know how much they'll have to invest to get her to the point where they can assess her potential. And unfortunately, one lesson per month won't be enough to train her to a level where anyone can realistically assess her. I've seen plenty of dogs who seemed interested the first time, but didn't in the end have the "sheep sense" to work well (I own one like that - dead keen at the beginning, but VERY hard to train). I've also known of dogs who didn't seem that interested in the beginning but who still became talented Open dogs. Personally - I don't think Maid will live life unfulfilled if you keep her as a pet. She's found the person who wanted to make her life worth living. If you do feel she'd be better off in a more active home, I certainly wouldn't rule out a sports home. Dogs live in the moment. She's not going to say, "dang it - I've just discovered the Meaning of Life, and now I'm not allowed to live it!" She's going to say "what are we going to do now, Boss?". If Maid cannot go to a good working home, I will keep her. We will make do, somehow. I am looking for a good dog-walker to get her out for nice long runs off-lead. But I am going to try for a solid, appropriate working home. And yes, I will go back to Joyce when I can for more work. Unfortunately, It will not be more than once a month. That's $50.00 for transport plus the lesson. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geonni banner Posted November 2, 2015 Author Report Share Posted November 2, 2015 Dear Ms. Banner, No. I respect you. Donald Back at'cha! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geonni banner Posted November 2, 2015 Author Report Share Posted November 2, 2015 Geonni, it sounds to me as if you're moving heaven and earth to give Maid the best home you possibly can... "snip" Dogs live in the moment. She's not going to say, "dang it - I've just discovered the Meaning of Life, and now I'm not allowed to live it!" She's going to say "what are we going to do now, Boss?". All true. And if she ends up with me 'till she's old and toothless, that's OK. But I want to try. Who knows... Some young person with a good heart and a little sense - and a good mentor. I will be going out with Maid again - as often as I can swing it for awhile at least. It's good for her. It's probably good for me. Maybe I'll find a spot in the hinterlands where I can be useful to someone, and she can have both. Hey! It could happen. I'm not much good with kids, but having been a kennel maid, a groomer, a vet's assistant and a dog trainer, I might fit in someplace for room and board. I'm not scared of getting crap on my shoes, and I even know a bit about looking after chickens. I can shoot, and builds a fire. I can kill and dress a chicken or a rabbit, and I know a lot of funny stories... Who knows? I might even lose weight! Then I could ride horses again and try my hand at sheepdogging. I'm 63, not 103. I have a little time left... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alchemist Posted November 2, 2015 Report Share Posted November 2, 2015 And if you were closer, I'd definitely be asking if you wanted to farmsit! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gcv-border Posted November 2, 2015 Report Share Posted November 2, 2015 I agree with Lynn's (Alchemist) posts (both of them). If I wasn't 3000 miles away and if I was further along in MY training to be a 'sheepdogger', I would be seriously interested. I love me a R&W dog. Best of Luck to you and Maid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juliepoudrier Posted November 3, 2015 Report Share Posted November 3, 2015 Geonni, I hope you can find her the perfect home. I was once that sort of home, and I started with two rescues and a suggestion I try them on stock. Once of those rescues was a washout, but the other made it as far as open ranch, and she, as well as a third rescue taught me the skills to become the handler I am today (and I think I'm a pretty good handler). I don't think you can get there with once-a-month training and no access to stock in between, but if you're both enjoying what you can do, there's no reason not to continue. I think you could still be a great home for her even if she never sees stock again. What these dogs really want is time with their person, doing whatever it is that allows you to be together as partners. But if you really want to pursue finding her a new home, I hope you can find someone like I was 15 years ago, and if not that, then someone who wants a pet who is also a sport competitor. She's young and she can adapt to whatever you make of your situation together. J. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geonni banner Posted November 3, 2015 Author Report Share Posted November 3, 2015 Geonni, I hope you can find her the perfect home. I was once that sort of home, and I started with two rescues and a suggestion I try them on stock. Once of those rescues was a washout, but the other made it as far as open ranch, and she, as well as a third rescue taught me the skills to become the handler I am today (and I think I'm a pretty good handler). I don't think you can get there with once-a-month training and no access to stock in between, but if you're both enjoying what you can do, there's no reason not to continue. J. I don't in any way imagine that once a month sessions are going to advance her appreciably as a stock dog. But neither will they retard her, and they might benefit her general state of mind and help with her anxiety/fearfulness. If we meet with someone who can do stockwork with her more like full-time, well and good. In the meantime, we can see if her interest remains high. Sometimes I wish she were not so pretty. Often it's all people see. Joyce was sensible about it. That white face and parti-color nose will need protection from the sun. She mentioned that right away. It's funny. To me, Sugarfoot is a much better-looking dog. My plain black little collie. But I never thought of her as a potential stockdog. She just didn't seem like the type. But Maid was different from day one. I can't tell you what it was that I saw. I know enough to know that I know nothing. But, so far at least, my instincts have been borne out. Sugarfoot basically chased the sheep. She wanted to bite. We didn't let her, of course. But her tail curled up and she stood and ran very upright. Once Maid clicked, she just changed. Her fear fell away and she focused. She didn't try to bite. She turned a sheep if it split off. She tried to balance the stock. Even I could see it. I'd like to see her in a position to grow in that. Whether she can make good on her promise, only time will tell. It's hard not feel a sense of urgency. It's hard to remember she will not wilt into a slough of despond if she can't work right away, all the time. But I need to stay with the dog she is, and not the dog I would wish her to be. It's hard to stay present in the moment I'm in now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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