Which one(s) of you suggested herding for my non-GSD when I was complaining?

[JazzNScout]

I posted here that I was a GSD snob and had adopted a Aussie X who acted crazy. A few of you told me that perhaps he was not working as he should, and that maybe he would not appear retarded if I got him into herding. Well, this is what I have to say about that (I'm laughing here):



Hmmm..Who was herding whom?



He was most interested in the goat's WATER in their pen -- He LOVED the huge "water dish."


This is just prior to the goat ramming him, which was followed by a goat-dog fight.

Kasey was very tired that evening. It was an exciting and eye-opening experience. I think Kasey will stick to herding lizards!

[JakodaCD OA]

that is toooo funny! guess he wasn't cut out for herding

Love the water one, and the pig checking him out thru the fence LOL..

Maybe flyball? LOL

[Jason L]

Goat dog fight haha. Priceless!

At least his nerve is good. Most dogs would not get close enough to a moo cow to let her head butt them.

[AgileGSD]

Was this herding lessons or did you just take him to someone's farm and let him go with the livestock?

[Samba]

It doesn't look like you took him to herding though?

[BlackPuppy]

I like the way those goat are all looking at him and discussing what to do next.

Definitely, try an actual herding lesson or clinic.

[AbbyK9]

"Herding" doesn't mean you take your dog to a farm and put him into a pen with the livestock. It means going to a herding trainer and having your dog evaluated for the sport. A real evaluation is not done in a goat pen with food and water - it's usually done in a round pen to see how much interest the dog has in herding and how easily he can be taught to be directed to move the animals around.

[JeanKBBMMMAAN]

I have no idea the circumstances of the head rub from the cow, but from the photo only, at that point I know a few of my dogs (if they had even gotten close to the cow) would have shut down and quit. Which I think may have been part of the water drinking. Dogs, like people (oooh, I said it! I said it!) need to be built up to be competent and confident in any new undertaking. If they are starting from a point of good confidence already, it's easier. If they are starting lower, it's more difficult. A herding trainer that's good identifies where the dog is at and works to build.

My ShepHERD hated herding. My Chow-Shep and BC-Chow mixes loved it. The latter two started as more confident dogs who were more secure in new situations and that helped.

[JazzNScout]

I took him to a woman who does training and has herding dogs. Kasey had no interest whatsoever. It wouldn't take a trained person to see that. I've had dogs with incredible herding interest before...It's recognizable.
That's fine - It was a fun experience. And I got some good pictures.

[JazzNScout]

Originally Posted by JeanKBBMMMAAN

I have no idea the circumstances of the head rub from the cow, but from the photo only, at that point I know a few of my dogs (if they had even gotten close to the cow) would have shut down and quit.

His nonchalant attitude fascinated me. Any of my other dogs I've EVER had would have either acted aggressively, openly frightened/scared, or actually gotten into herding. That cow did that to him a number of times. What did Kasey do? He lied down to take a rest in front of the animal. It wasn't a shutting down thing -- It was...hmmm..what's here? Goat poop? mmmm! and bopping around.