Beauty & Brains
Just received some exciting news from Linda Howie .... "Whistler" went seeking a new title on Sunday at the herding instinct testing in Alfred, Ontario ... he passed all the requirements with flying colours!!!
He was able to work well with the handler, gather the sheep well & adjust to them, super temperament, with an "well done" comment.
He was able to work well with the handler, gather the sheep well & adjust to them, super temperament, with an "well done" comment.
Don't you tell me when, that's my job!!!
He is now
BEST PUPPY IN SHOW CH SHELAMO'S RIDING THE SKY HIC
Gosh Linda, this boy has gone from the show ring, to agility classes, to entertaining the ladies, and now trying his paw at herding. YIKES, he's just over a yr of age, are you going to have fun with this boy.
6 comments:
Congratulations! What a wonderful accomplishment. Cathie
It certainly didn't tire him out. We came back from herding to Dogz Canine Sports Centre where he chased Sue's collie Steve ( from Diane Biggar) around. They get into barking matches with each other. Too funny with the difference in size. Both noisy though!
You know the old saying "Blood will tell". Now . . . the humans involved may have had a little to do with his accomplishments, but mostly Whistler did it on his own. Congratulations!!
Yes, very good breeding, lots of socializing in different venues, and the little guy does the rest. For the herding test, I just stood there and watched him go! Now agility, that's different, lots of training and teamwork between the dog and the handler. Its a wonderful sport and the bonding is incredible.
That's fantastic! Love Whistler's stance in the second photo -- you can tell he means business with that tail all fluffed up!
So in this herding instict test -- does that mean the dog goes in without any prep? I can see where the instinct could take over, but how would he work with the handler? How would he know what is expected of him? This whole herding instinct completely fascinates me!
I've only experienced HIC once, the dog just kicked in and did it. There are moves you do, body language signals, and moves the sheep do that can cause the instinct to be there. The dog isn't doing it in a wide open field, it's a smaller arena; nor are they going thru gates, gathering from way out, it's how they use their 'eye', barking or not, going around to drive them ... plus the examiner usually has their own dog which might be used to step in and help. You need to watch and experience it to really get a feel for it.
Post a Comment