I guess it's not fair if I only tell you about the brilliant days of working stock with my dog. You don't get a realistic picture of the work it takes for this novice handler and this novice dog to get to where ever we are and where ever we're going, if you don't see some of the ugly stuff, too.
First task of the day, work the sheep (10 +/- head of mixed sheep) in the arena a little bit to make sure Jane is thinking and listening. Strong indications to the contrary outside the gate. Went in and things looked good.
Second task, take the stock out of the arena, down the road to the big field on the horse side, and drop them at the far top of the field. We made it down the road, more or less, then sent the sheep spitting off to the right, to the alfalfa field at a dead run. Send dog to gather on an away, she crosses over causing a wreck. Lie down. Come here. Get Back! She brings them to me, just as they reach about six feet from my feet, she decides it's time for an inside flank and sends them flying back out across the field.
Is the dog making work for herself? YES, SHE IS!! Multiple times. Ooops, there they go! Don't worry, I'll go get them for you!!! Happy to! Etc., etc., so many minutes later, our simple task was finally done and I was ready to kill the dog. Zipppy, not thinking, not listening, dog. Interesting development: dog can pee lying down. This one, anyway. Takes her lie down, goddamn finally, when she has to pee so badly, she pees as she waits to be sent on an outrun, on a down, butt up in the air a little bit.
Many rock bottles thrown. LIE DOWN! Many GODDAMMITJANEs later. How many miles has she run? Not tired yet? Not ready to settle down and think yet? It was a cold, brisk Nevada November morning. Extremely keen Border Collie, not yet two years old.
Talked about Dog Soup. Wouldn't trade her for anything. She has never quit, never thought about quitting. Quit isn't anything she would ever consider. Sheep is her game and that's what she wants to do. Or cows. Or geese. Or, even Agility. The dog wants to do what I want to do at any given moment. That's what I want. This is a good dog.
We had a rough morning and I was going to kill her or something, but I am grateful to have a dog with the "want to" and drive to be that much of a jerk, but in the direction that I want the jerk to go! :) We're going to put her on cows straight off next time and see if that doesn't sharpen her ears.
A few house pictures
8 hours ago
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