[Caution: The following contains details of sheepdog trials and a video of one of Skip’s runs. If that bores you to tears, no worries, I won’t be offended. Just skip this; I’ll see you next time!)
We’re just back from the Nippersink or Swim Sheepdog Trial outside of Lake Geneva, and in spite of blustery winds, cold, and rain, we had a truly great time. It was great to see people we only see at trials (friend Dan said “It’s like going back to summer camp”), to work on a gorgeous field with challenging sheep, and to let the dogs do what they were born to do.
To say that the sheep were challenging is an understatement. They were super reactive, meaning your dog had to work far back away from them to avoid a mad dash to the barn, which drew them in like a massive magnet. The sheep beat the dogs more often than not, illlustrated by lots of letters for scores rather than points. As in: R for Retired–handler leaves the post to help their dog, and DQs–the judge calls the team off to protect the sheep or because the sheep are off course).
I took almost no photographs this time. I was too busy saying hi to friends, running or prepping my dogs, or huddled shivering somewhere trying to stay out of the wind. The video below is of Skip’s first of three runs in an intermediate class, “ProNovice”, in which we were allowed only four minutes to complete the course. We placed 5th for it, instead of the first we got in our third run, but I like this video because it contrasts the times where Skip and I were doing exactly what we should, with the sheep in perfect control, and the times where we weren’t. A great primer on what we need to work on. It’d be fun to have had a video of that third run, which turned out to be the winning run, but honestly, it’s more interesting to see the ones that don’t make it look as if nothing else could possibly happen. “Perfect runs,” or ones that are close, make it look so easy that you can’t imagine any other way that it could go.
On this first run, (video below) I was worried about his outrun, because he runs big and wide, and the Nippersink Creek, which is pretty wide itself, was close by on our right hand side. You HAD to send right because that was where the sheep wanted to go to get back to their barn. The draw between the sheep and the barn is so strong it’s as though there is a stretched out bungee cord connecting them. (There are also two bridges over the creek that the sheep use all the time when they are grazing). I gave Skip a “come in” whistle as he went toward the creek, and my heart dipped when he disappeared into it. But he popped out by himself (whew!) and ended up overall with a good outrun to the back of the sheep. (19/20 points)
He did a good lift, when the dog “makes contact” with the sheep and gets them moving, although watching the video I thought it was a bit fast. He can get sticky on the lift though, so I didn’t want to interrupt him. The judge liked it though, (10/10 pts), so I figure that she and Skip knew best. The lift is where the sheep are basically introduced to the dog, and it can make or break the entire run. If the dog is too close and pushy, the sheep bolt and fight the dog the entire way. If the dog seems too cautious, the sheep take advantage and simply beat the dog at its own game. Handlers far more experienced than I said, about Skip and a few other dogs, “the sheep really like him,” meaning that they trust a dog to take over but not harm them. Which is exactly what we all want–to have a dog that is a good shepherd to the sheep. So all good there.
Next up is the fetch, when the job is to bring the sheep in a straight line through two gates, directly to the handler. Most of the time on this run Skip is doing exactly what you want: Keeping “contact” with the sheep, keeping them moving without scaring them, and responding to my whistles to make short flanks to get the sheep straight through the panels. However, after we got them through, at second 42, you can see Skip flank so wide he goes out of the frame. He got away with it on these sheep; you can see how far away the dog has to be to effect their behavior, but it’ll hurt him in other trials. I’m working on him “staying in contact” when asked; it’s a work in progress.
The Fetch line was pretty good though. (18/20 pts. The judge is looking at where the sheep are, not where the dog is), and he brought them right to me. I couldn’t believe that one of them started sniffing my pocket! Being like deer around the dogs did not translate to their reaction to people. The drive is where we lost most of our points. Because it was a narrow course, we had to drive the sheep back through the Fetch panels, and then through a second set of gates to our left. Driving is my biggest challenge right now, and it showed in this run. We tried to get back through the Fetch panels but missed them on the left. I had to bring Skip back around because if they didn’t go well past the panels, even if you miss them, you can get DQ’d.
But for the rest of the drive, watch for the times that Skip “has a hold of the sheep,” when he is “on contact,” right behind them, with them trotting in front of him but not running away. It’s almost like the dog has the sheep on an invisible leash. It’s sort of an amazing phenomenon, and it’s exactly what you want: The sheep relaxed, with the dog putting exactly enough pressure on them to keep them moving but never scaring them. (One of my favorite parts of the trial was the reminder of the judge, Linda Tesdahl, that this sport is fundamentally about being good shepherds and taking care of the sheep.)
I didn’t handle things especially well on the second leg of the drive, but we scooted them through the gate panels and got the sheep in the pen, although but not before the judge called “Time,” one second before I got it shut. So we got no points for the pen, and 15/30 for the drive.
If you’d like a laugh, watch how I, middle name Clumsy, walked myself into the gate while trying to shut it. We ended up with 62/90 points for the run. Not a great score, but good enough for 5th.
Our second run was okay but sloppier, but Skip took everything he learned and pulled it together beautifully for our third run. We scored a 77/90, and had the sheep on line and in hand just about the entire time. I got very, very lucky at the end though, because as the sheep got to the pen Skip orbited way way WAY off contact, but the sheep went in anyway. I thought and thought about why that happened, and realized a few hours later that he did it because I messed up the pen on the second run and exhausted him trying to get them in when there was no chance that we could. I should’ve retired to save him being exhausted and beaten by the sheep.
The summary of our first trial is that I love that our third run was so smooth, it felt great. It feels like Skip and I are dancers learning how to mesh together well under pressure. However, I am not happy with myself for not retiring when I should’ve on the second run. I made the same mistake with Maggie, who did a gorgeous outrun and lift in Open, fearlessly fording the creek that most dogs saw as a fence, but got beaten by the sheep on the drive. I get caught up in the moment, and get too focused on completing the task. That’s the big lesson I learned this weekend, let’s hope it carries over to the next trials. My goals were to have fun and learn something new. Goals definitely accomplished! Thank you to Margaret, Tresa, Nancy, John, Hixie and many others for working so hard to put on the trial. And thanks to the judge, Linda Tesdahl, who is a class act and an inspiring woman.
MEANWHILE, back on the farm: Jim and I left the trial mid day Saturday, in part to get back home before some big storms moved in. Lucky we did; turns out that our friends in their own campers had to huddle in the farm owner’s basement because of a tornado warning. It poured rain and hailed and the creeks got so high that one of the bridges was washed out, the other under water. They carried on Sunday I’m told, just re-structured the course. Do not mess with people who live in the country.
Oh, you sweet, naive little House Finch! I finally figured out that this is the nest of a House Finch, not the Phoebee who is always perching nearby. Regrettably, the nest’s structural integrity is dependent upon the shovel that I use almost on a daily basis. I should’ve taken the shovel off the first time I saw any activity, but I got busy and didn’t. Please join me in laughing that, yeah, I’m going to leave her alone and buy a new shovel. I need one anyway, right? (Actually, this shovel just needs cleaning and sharpening, but let’s pretend together, okay?) However, now that it’s finally getting warmer (at least theoretically, I was shivering outside this morning), we’ll be in this area a lot, and she’ll either have to habituate to us or find another site.
The ridiculously cold and rainy weather has result in some very happy Daffodils. I have hundreds in the yard–they are my favorite bulb. No one eats them (I’m talking to you deer, chipmunks, and squirrels) and they proliferate all by themselves. I fertilize them every year after they bloom, which admittedly takes hours because I have many hundreds of them, but it’s well worth it in late April and early May.
Not much more this week, the garden and the novel are calling. I hope you are savoring either spring or fall where you live, and that, most of all, you and your loved ones are safe and warm.
Melanie says
I love watching Skip run so much! There’s something about watching a Border Collie work sheep that gives me chills. I’ve always wanted to learn, but it’s all very far from where I live, and my little Aussie/Jack who would adore moving sheep is almost 11. Maybe in my next life! Meanwhile, I can live vicariously through you!
Trisha says
Melanie, I’m so glad I’m not boring you! Thanks for the encouragement. Sloppy kisses to your Aussie/Jack.
Jana Wilson says
I am your perfect target audience for this post! I loved it! I have a young Border Collie and we have done exactly two Novice-Novice trials, getting ready to do our third later this month! Its great to watch you and Skip. His pace is lovely, that’s what I’m working on right now with Dash…not pushing the sheep too hard and slowing down on the drive!
Cathy Balliu says
You had a tricky combination of sheep and it really showed on your drive away. The one running ahead, the one in the middle uncertain who to draw to and the lagger. Skip has to bump the last one yet get out to cover the first one – truly delicate work. The sheep settled for the crossdrive with looked very smooth up until the panels. Nice recovery but lost a point or two there. It looked like a short distance from the second panels to the pen which can make it hard to set up a controlled approach with the sheep calmly walking towards the opening. And again you have the 2 tamer sheep and the one who was lighter. Nice run overall on a very challenging course and sheep.
Trisha says
Thanks Cathy! Love that you noticed the tricky set of sheep. I thought Skip did a brillaint job of dealing with the one in the back, I let him do it all, he made the decimsions to nurse her all on his own The judge even complimented him on how well he handled it, could easily have been a wreck.
Trisha says
Good luck Jana in your trials! It’s great that there are more opportunities now for Novice handlers and dogs. And re pace: Remember that Skip is five
years old now–don’t try to put too much pace on a young dog. At least that’s what the wise handlers say, unanimously.
Kathy Fegan says
Not boring at all!! Just love seeing how these intelligent dogs can work so well and smoothly! Bravo to you and Skip! Please keep us up
To date on your trail runs!
Kat says
I love watching dogs do what they were bred to do and love doing. It’s a beautiful dance. I’m always happy to see your videos and learn more about sheepdog trialing.
I’m also being entertained today by my own dogs doing what they were bred to do–well sort of. We have a crew on site with an excavator and D’Artagnan and Falkor are being perfectly Pyr about it. Any time the sounds from outside change they have to be put on leash and taken out to inspect and supervise. Once they’re satisfied there is no threat they come back in and doze for awhile until the next inspection tour. The most excitement I’ve seen from them was when the excavator started up the first time and Falkor took a step backward and sat by my leg. Chaos, disruption, fence sections missing, loud equipment and the biggest reaction is a step back and a sit. They’ve also managed to charm all the crew including the guy that doesn’t really like dogs. He was petting them too.
Layne says
Great to watch and not at all boring!! A challenging day for you both with the blustery weather, skittish sheep and the first trial. I’d certainly be pleased if my boy and I could do that well. Skip has a large bubble and good sense. I look forward to seeing more of your runs please!!
gayla says
“They trust the dog to take over but not harm them.” I don’t know why, but that brought tears to my eyes…
I’m so glad you share the explanations! I’d have no clue what was going on otherwise!
Dede Crough says
That was so much fun to watch! Thanks for sharing Skip with us, and for showing us the “less than perfect” runs. They are the once from which we learn the most! 🙂
Linda H. says
I’m not gonna lie…I didn’t read the text (I wouldn’t know what it meant anyway) but I loved watching the video and I continue to be amazed at the level of instinct, training and outright partnership it takes for this. Sooo cool!
We have house finch who nest in a spring wreath by my front door each year. Again this year they built their nest and 3 of the 4 eggs hatched. Yesterday, about 1-2 days from fledging, a couple crows decided they needed a meal. So stealth, so heartbreaking, so natural. The finch were back today…the circle of life.
Joan Castell says
I dabbled very, very briefly in herding with my corgi so I can appreciate how difficult it is. Kudos on your great day with your dogs! I live in northern Illinois not far from Lake Geneva and we had that same weather – including tornado warnings. Thankfully no damage or injury. I love your herding stories and videos and am not bored by them at all!
Trisha says
Kat, I so remember my Pyrs needed to investigate changes until they are satisfied. Love imagining D’Art and Falkor being on duty!
Louise says
Super interesting!
David Egger says
What a video and what a trial. I enjoyed so much your great work with Skip and I love saying “Nippersink” for some reason. It makes me smile and that’s a good thing.
So grateful to know you and thumbs up for you and Skip and your crew of support! That’s you jim!
Trisha says
Thanks David!
Wanda Jacobsen says
Absolutely love watching you and the dogs herd the sheep. Just wish I could see it live instead of videos! So much fun.
carol w says
I LOVED this!!!!
Margaret says
I love watching these videos. It’s neither my breed nor my sport, but I love to see sheepdogs work and learn more about it. Really, any breed, any sport. Besides my own club’s Obedience, Agility, & Nosework trials I have volunteered for a Newfie Draft Test, just for the pleasure of watching the dogs.
I am house-sitting for my new puppy’s breeder, & at the sound of the whistle, all the adult dogs flung themselves off the couch & outdoors, barking like maniacs,& then the puppies joined in, sounding like squalling cats. Cacaphony isn’t in it.
It’s been great to have time to choose my puppy & get to know her before I have to stuff her in a crate & drive for hours.
Tonya Allen says
Skip is beautiful. Loved the video.
Cat Warren says
So much fun to watch, and what a dog! I am so very happy to see this — and you. Herding is SO complicated and fascinating. Huge congrats.
lak says
I know nothing about sheep handling but loved the video of Skip. So beautiful and intelligent, love the communication between you both. Thank you it is amazing to see a working dog perform! We finally have warmed up in MI and now have leaves opening on trees, bulbs blooming and windows open…HOORAY! I know as a fellow midwesterner you get this!