Hoot and I went herding with Cappy on Christmas Eve.
Each time I put Hoot on sheep at this point she changes dramatically. This time her confidence was amazing, had just a bit of trouble lying her down, and more than a bit pulling her off the stock when it was time to rest. Also, some snipping came out (wanting to bit the sheep).
Cappy and I worked mostly on Hoot keeping her distance from the sheep and preventing her building a bad habit of biting the sheep. I was trying to learn how to keep her back, and recognize when she is going to come into the sheep. Funny, with as much dog language as I am aware of, behavior and agility, I have something to learn with herding. I probably have seen it all before, but I need to put it in this context. Which is a great reason why I blog. If I write it down, it helps me put it in context and remember it.
So, coming into the sheep... Hoot would have direct eye contact with the sheep when she was going to dive in, similar to what you see before a dog attacks another dog. Cappy was having me work to keep her eye contact indirect, keep the sheep calmer and she won't dive into the sheep. Also, when she lies down, how to point the stick so that her first move is away from the sheep.
I really don't mind feeling like a complete novice again. Basic things like what to do with my training stick. The coordination of moving it from one hand to another as Hoot changes sides, how to reach over the sheep to slap the ground or throw dirt, discouraging Hoot from diving in and staying off the sheep.
Hoot is a smart girl, if I let her she will have me trained in no time. Cappy was pointing out how that will happen if I am not smart. Hoot would flank ahead of the sheep and wait, wanting me to bring the sheep to her. I need to make sure I am diligent in instructing her to get back around. Eventually this could lead to Hoot just heading off the sheep.
I have to say I am very quiet and calm with my dogs. The thought of taking a stick and slapping the ground to communicate is not my nature. But, herding brings out the prey drive in Hoot and if I am not serious with Hoot, she will walk all over me and the sheep. This is the first time that I have really seen her be this strong and determined. She is a pushy bitch on sheep.
There is so much to learn in the beginning, just like agility. Trying to train a dog while you are training yourself. I know I will make mistakes, but I am hoping that if I get good help in the beginning, we can prevent/minimize most of them!
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Monday, December 22, 2014
What an awesome 9 month old--she is a worker
Hoot continues to amaze me in every way she can...
I taught a class this past weekend and used Hoot as the demo dog for several things. While she was not working I just asked her to lie down, really thinking nothing off it. After class I began to think about the accomplishment of my 9 month old. She could lie down, no leash, stay put while other dogs/puppies were running on her agility field. She didn't chase nor break. I am blown away by that.
When I did ask her to work in class she was spot on. I didn't get any kind of over-stimulated behaviors, nor did I get any kind of stress behaviors. She just got the job done and in brilliant style.
I can honestly say that none of my other dogs could have done all of that at 9 months.
No wonder I can hardly wait to get out to the agility field and work this little girl, she makes me smile.
On another front Hoot and I are still pursuing herding. She has a lot of natural ability or so they say, I on the other hand know nothing but am trying to not ruin my dog while I learn.
In our last lesson we were working on a small round pen. Things seems more chaotic and frenzied than normal. I am really glad my husband taped the session.
I went back and watched the video. As I was watching it occurred to me that the pen was too small. Hoot normally keeps a bit more distance from the sheep and with the pen size she was forced to work close. I think that her balance point was closer than she preferred. It was stressing her and the sheep.
So we herd again this week and will try for the bigger pen and see if that removes the stress.
I taught a class this past weekend and used Hoot as the demo dog for several things. While she was not working I just asked her to lie down, really thinking nothing off it. After class I began to think about the accomplishment of my 9 month old. She could lie down, no leash, stay put while other dogs/puppies were running on her agility field. She didn't chase nor break. I am blown away by that.
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| Hoot In Action |
When I did ask her to work in class she was spot on. I didn't get any kind of over-stimulated behaviors, nor did I get any kind of stress behaviors. She just got the job done and in brilliant style.
I can honestly say that none of my other dogs could have done all of that at 9 months.
No wonder I can hardly wait to get out to the agility field and work this little girl, she makes me smile.
On another front Hoot and I are still pursuing herding. She has a lot of natural ability or so they say, I on the other hand know nothing but am trying to not ruin my dog while I learn.
In our last lesson we were working on a small round pen. Things seems more chaotic and frenzied than normal. I am really glad my husband taped the session.
I went back and watched the video. As I was watching it occurred to me that the pen was too small. Hoot normally keeps a bit more distance from the sheep and with the pen size she was forced to work close. I think that her balance point was closer than she preferred. It was stressing her and the sheep.
So we herd again this week and will try for the bigger pen and see if that removes the stress.
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