[Jacob-list] herding dogs

[WenlochFrm at aol.com]

In a message dated 3/4/01 2:01:03 PM Eastern Standard Time, WenlochFrm writes:


> In a message dated 3/4/01 11:25:40 AM Eastern Standard Time, 
> bissell at usit.net writes:
> 
> 
> >> I have until about 1 month ago always had a heading dog - but for those 
>> who 
>> think they need one - think!!!  These dogs, BCs, Kelpies, etc, are truly a 
>> dog that has one thing on it's mind 24 hours per day = keeping those 
>> sheep, 
>> goats, chickens, etc under THEIR control!!!!  They either have to be 
>> working or in a kennel or tied or with you.  I did have one Kelpie that 
>> was 
>> satisfied to stay on the house side of the fence after years of battling 
>> with her to do so - but her path is still out there.  To me they are by 
>> far 
>> the smartest breeds of dogs that there are but you pay a price by having 
>> to 
>> have constant control over them =  do not deceive yourself into thinking 
>> you have a LGD that also herds -
>> 
>> 
>> 
> I can wholeheartedly say amen to the above. I have a Kelpie who is just 
> turning two. With a Kelpie, those first two years can be a real test of 
> endurance and patience for the handler. Somehow I got through it without 
> loosing my sanity (I think). They are high-energy driven dogs that have to 
> be busy all the time. If you aren't willing to cope with that, then a 
> herding dog is probably not a good choice. 
> 
> I have not tried to do any herding with mine up to this point. When the 
> weather turns warmer, I will be taking her to see other herding dogs work 
> as I am told (by Aussies) that is all that is necessary for a Kelpie to 
> learn what to do. I will say that my girl has saved me from likely injury 
> on several occasions by keeping rams away from me. So far, she has been 
> unable to frighten them into retreat, but distracts them by grabbing wool 
> and hanging on long enough for me to get away. On one occasion, the whole  
> flock escaped their pasture and she helped get them back in by holding them 
> from going past the gate while I herded them in. This was all without any 
> training, and the only reason that I can think of that she still has a 
> happy home.
> 
> Joan Franklin
> 


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