We’re just back from a great, small trial in Minnesota at the home of Janis and Dan Reuter. A heartfelt thanks to them for all the work it takes to put on a trial, especially at a farm only five months old. Not to mention the stamina of Robin Reasoner for setting out all day long, and for judge Lori Perry for her supportive and wise presence.
I wasn’t very optimistic about how Maggie would do, because she had a meltdown while working sheep at a friend’s farm just 2 days before. She didn’t respond to my words or whistles, or if she did she went the wrong way. She abdicated whenever the sheep put pressure on her and let them run the show. I ended up putting her back in her crate in the car, because it was clear that more work would just make things worse. Later, after a break, I worked her again, us both working much closer to the sheep, doing all I could to help her, because she seemed over whelmed and lacking all confidence. I don’t know if it has to do with all the storms we’ve had, but she’s been truly squirrely in all kinds of contexts ever since the last storm, so perhaps her reaction to all the thunder might explain it. I have found that those kinds of reactions are often generalized over both time and context. But honestly, I am just guessing.
And then just two days later, she goes and wins second at the trial in MN. Full disclosure: It was a small trial, only twenty plus entries. It was a relatively short course, with an outrun only 200 yards, and a much closer drive than usual. Maggie made one mistake (left instead of right), but otherwise was fantastic. I was slow as molasses in reacting to the sheep, and can’t quite believe the score that I got, but hey. Who am I to argue with the judge? What mattered most to me is that she seemed happy and confident. I should add that they were her kind of sheep–easy movers who were happy to try to leave the field (there were no small number of “Retired” scores–see paragraph on Willie below), but who responded beautifully if the dog knew how to read and respond to the pressure.
Because the course was not huge, and everyone there was so supportive, I gave Willie a run toward the end of the day. He did a perfect outrun and lovely lift, and then, uh… let the sheep run off the course. He followed them for awhile, and then literally stopped and looked at me. “Hey, Mom, I think the sheep are getting away, could you come and help me do something about it?” As I called him off and left the course, I smiled and said “And that’s why Willie doesn’t run in trials anymore.”
Here are a few photos from the trial. This is Jennifer Thompson’s dog Tally reading the pressure perfectly on the fetch (when the dog brings the sheep directly to the handler). Do you see how the white sheep on the left has her nose turned every so slightly to the left? (Compare it to the noses of the other sheep.) That’s where this particular ewe wants to go, and if Tally didn’t put pressure on her she’d drift over that way, leave the flock and take off on her own. Tally knows this, and is looking directly at the ewe. Such a great example of all the communication that goes on between dogs and sheep.
Tally adds a little more pressure here, you can see the commitment, and the nose of the recalcitrant ewe starting to turn. Cool huh?
A few more photos: I didn’t take too many, it was pretty hot in the sun and I found myself looking for shade after beginning to feel fried. But here are some fun ones, clockwise from top left: The engaging Zeke, demonstrating the perfect Corgi smile, an adolescent spectator investigating the click of my camera with what I can only describe as “WTF?”, an illustration of what happens when things aren’t going as smoothly as one would like, Rose Anderson (who came in first and third) and her young dog–the perfect example of the happy, relaxed atmosphere of the trial, and Lily, a 10.5 year old Komondor/Great Pyrenees sheep guarding dog cooling it in the shade under the judge’s stand. Lily was sweet as sugar to dogs and people a like, but Janis tells me she won’t tolerate any dog ever harassing a sheep. Gotta love those guard dogs.
Hope your weekend was good too.
Diane Mattson says
Just what Maggie needed to boost her confidence.
Loved reading about the trial and seeing your pictures. My knowledge of herding sheep mostly comes from old Joyce Stranger novels and “Babe,” so it’s fun reading about your experiences.
Congrats to you and Maggie on your second place finish!
Janis Reuter says
Thanks for writing a clear example of what goes on between the dog and sheep. Smiling.
Some would say a cedar tree at the right drive gate and birches as the the left crossdrive gate …. not so easy. Grin.
So pleased you enjoyed the Trial itself, atmosphere and field. Watch out – the field may get bigger and a bit twisted.
Chris from Boise says
Woohoo, Maggie! You show ’em!
Great pictures, too. Sounds like a grand adventure for all, and glad Mr. Will had a chance to get out on the course.
Nancy says
I loved the explanation about how the dogs herd the sheep and read their body language! I apply these same strategies at school when I’m trying to manage 20 kindergarteners. (Sometimes I end up like Willie!)
Thank you for all your wonderful posts. And Congratulations to you and Maggie!
Anne says
Congratulations! Woo Maggie!
I have been working with my dog Pepper on driving the sheep in the big field this week. A neighbor’s dog rushed the fence as we were driving along it, and the sheep scattered, but Pepper did not lose her mind and was able to pick up driving them a different direction, so I was happy with that.
Trisha says
To Nancy: Love the comparison of herding sheep and kindergarteners, especially the Willie (abdicating) part!
Anne: Yay for your dog for holding the sheep, and herself, together!
And to Janis, along with continual thanks: You have such a gorgeous property, I have high hopes that you’ll keep putting on trials. Maggie and I will do all we can to be up to whatever challenges you come up with. (And I should add that I loved the “panels” that included stands of birch. It made it extra fun and challenging I think, keep that part up!)
Pat says
I enjoy reading your books and blogs even though we have a Cavalier King Charles who will never do much more than be the best companion dog ever!!! But reading this blog, I am reminded of a blog you had some time ago about suggestions on handling a dog who is afraid of thunder. We live in Arizona and don’t get much thunder and lightening, but when we do, our sweet little Sammy is terrified. Even holding her and reassuring her only helps her somewhat. We have used holistic Calming chews and tried getting her interested in playing when the storms roll in, but this doesn’t usually help. What is your feeling on the “thunder shirts”?
We just feel bad for her because normally she is so calm, but storms make her frantic.
Alice Richbourg says
It is so much fun to read about sheep herding with what are essentially pet dogs. So much fun to imagine. I’ll have to go to a trial sometime and learn more.
STACEY Gehrman says
To Nancy: (having taught preschool myself) give ’em more eye!
Jann Becker says
You mean the sheep are not supposed to be going in 2 directions at right angles?
My Miniature Poodle is saying he could do that, sure, easy, except the grass is taller than he is.
Mary says
Awesome action pictures, and I especially love hearing your analysis of herding runs. Haven’t trialed for a couple years since my first BC is now 11 years old, but hope to have another BC from working lines in the not too distant future.
Bruce says
Trisha, congrats on Maggie’s herding performance.
Pat asked about thunder shirts. We get frequent thunderstorms have used thunder shirts on three dogs. One dog showed clear improvement during thunderstorms, and one dog showed slight improvement. The third, Red Dog, froze in place when the thunder shirt was put on and completely refused to move.
So (Trisha’s favorite answer) . . . it depends.
My suggestion – see if you can borrow a thunder shirt to see if a) your dog will tolerate it and b) whether you notice improvement during a thunderstorm.
Good luck!
Victoria Moore says
Thanks for the photos of Tally and the sheep. I’m a real novice at herding and frequently forget to look at the sheep as Im fixated on my youngster flying around the sheep like a torpoedo. Good job Maggie! As they say with horses, every day is a different horse race.
Trisha says
To Pat: Like Bruce, I’ve seen a variety of responses to Thunder Shirts. They do indeed seem to help some dogs, as does creating a “Safe House” for the dog. (Away from window–no lightning, as quiet as possible, train to go there the instant you see the first signs of discomfort, which could even be when the pressure drops and long before any thunder). For severe cases it can help to talk to your veterinarian, but be sure that he or she knows how to use drugs appropriately to medicate fear. Easiest to do is “Thunder Treats,” highest of all possible value treats which the dog gets instantly after each peal of thunder. If the dog is too afraid to eat, then this method won’t help, but it does help a lot of dogs. You might want to check out the Learning Center on my website, it has quite a few articles and ideas about thunder phobia.
To novice sheepdog handler Victoria–I’m supposed to be “intermediate” in skill, but I too have to be reminded constantly to watch the sheep and not the dog. Infinite trial learning…
leslie meredith says
Congratulations on Maggie’s ribbon! That’s fantastic. And thanks for sharing a corgi photo!
Rebecca Rice says
I tried herding with my miniature rat terrier (a whopping 9.5 pound dog who is a “sheet of paper tall by a sheet of paper long”). Did the instinct test, since some ratties do have herding instincts. She, alas, does not, but had a grand time chasing sheep around! High prey drive, but no instinct at all for holding them and stopping them. So, more power to you folks with dogs who can do this!
Surprisingly, she loves Treibball, which is why I tried her with herding. But I think there is less instinct and more training in that, which may be why.
Trisha says
Rebecca: Thinking of a Min Rat Terrier herding sheep absolutely made my morning. I can’t stop smiling. Re Treiball: I think you are right about training versus instinct, because so much of sheep herding is about reading the sheep, which way they want to go, who is the leader, who is going to challenge the dog, etc. Obedience feels like ‘everything’ when you first start out, but it’s actually a very small part of it. Good trainers are helping their dogs learn to control the sheep, not just do what they say.
Beth says
Great job Maggie! And good for knowing when you’ve had enough, Willie.
There is nothing like a Corgi smile. My personal belief is a long history with no tails led people to subconsciously select dogs with extra-expressive facial expressions. Just a theory.
Marie Gruber says
Thanks for sharing the pictures and fun of the trials. Congrats to Maggie!