I've spent the past couple days learning the ropes of teaching my two how to be sheepdogs.

And (before you ask) yes, I've got a couple of videos, but can't post them 'til I have a high speed connection to work with...

What I've learned.

Kipp has loads of natural talent. He is quite responsive when worked with correctly. And putting a greyhound muzzle on him did wonders for his tendency to dive and grip. No muzzle - dive and bite. Muzzle - oh wait, dive and bite doesn't work so well, I just keep hitting my face. I'll widen out, give them some space and see how it works. and low and behold, it worked. We had 4 session on sheep spread throughout the day today. By session 4 he was actually doing a nice straight walk up behind the sheep for several steps instead of flipping out with that sort of pressure. Before at any time where he'd be asked to hold his spot he'd get tense and try to dive and bite. Tonight he held it for a few seconds before I'd move (letting him move to get back on balance).

Kenzi doesn't have as much in the talent/drive department. But she has nice interest and made progress every time I had her on sheep. So I'm definitely not wasting my time working with her at this point. The first session today she did quite nice. And the last one was pretty good too. Tonight I had her downing for a couple seconds before releasing her to go back to the sheep. She needs a bit more control on her and I need to find the right balance of pressure and release for her.

Me - I'm a bit of a wimp when it come to getting in my dogs faces. When they think about doing something wrong (ie cut to close to the sheep) I need to get them out. Must work on this. As I get the give/take on my pressure down, we'll do better.

And I also worked with this cool little dog today. She came here from the south after hurricane Katrina. No background on her. She is a soft dog but she can work! She worked sheep like a dream for a novice like me. It was neat to get out in the big field with a dog that I didn't have to stay on top of and just work her!

Wow Mara that's cool. My hat is off to you, not an easy sport by any means.