My first herding video and photos

Questforfire · 08-13-2012, 11:46 AM

I have only taken Zak to sheep five times so far, but he is already showing good control. He is clearly still trying to work out exactly what it is he is and isn't allowed to do

but is pretty relaxed around the sheep, and is happy in his work (his tail never stops wagging).

My aim is really to have a dog that is totally trustworthy and under control around our livestock. The other aims are to teach him how to drive sheep from one place to another, to hold and contain sheep in a certain area and to come away immediately he is called. Anything else will be a bonus.

There are exceptionally few herding GSDs in the UK - in fact, I only know of one other and I am not sure how much actual work that dog does. We have no HGH championships and such, which is a real pity.

Anyway, here is the video and photos to follow ...

Questforfire · 08-13-2012, 11:47 AM

First lesson

Watching a straggler

Watching the sheep move away

Questforfire · 08-13-2012, 11:50 AM

Second lesson

Some pen work.

Getting used to one another

Moving the sheep from one pen to another

Holding them in one place

Getting a little bit overexcited and rushing his sheep. He is now learning to take his time.

Questforfire · 08-13-2012, 11:52 AM

Third lesson

Learning to wait until given a command

Fly, one of our collies, showing Zak how it is done collie-style

When asked to stop, Zak sits rather than the usual collie lie down

Questforfire · 08-13-2012, 11:54 AM

Fourth lesson

Facing up to his sheep

Driving them away on his own

Stop there

Starting to learn how to flank

Shade · 08-13-2012, 11:54 AM

Very cool! Thanks for sharing

wolfspirit · 12-16-2012, 04:48 PM

Great pics Kirsty! I love Zak..

(And I wish my 2 were as controlled around sheep!!

)

carmspack · 12-16-2012, 04:54 PM

absolutely love the pictures. Seems like he has good self control . Can you comment on other aspects of the dog , such as biddability / directability, general character , and of course.... pedigree please.

Questforfire · 12-16-2012, 05:14 PM

Latest photos of Zak and his amazing self control around the sheep

Showing almost border collie style

Keeping a close eye on the flock

Keeping his line

Distance control

Showing incredible self control and bravery

Relaxed around one another

Questforfire · 12-16-2012, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shade

Very cool! Thanks for sharing

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolfspirit

Great pics Kirsty! I love Zak..

(And I wish my 2 were as controlled around sheep!!

)

Thanks both

08-13-2012, 11:46 AM	#1 (permalink)
Questforfire Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Scotland Posts: 161	My first herding video and photos I have only taken Zak to sheep five times so far, but he is already showing good control. He is clearly still trying to work out exactly what it is he is and isn't allowed to do but is pretty relaxed around the sheep, and is happy in his work (his tail never stops wagging). My aim is really to have a dog that is totally trustworthy and under control around our livestock. The other aims are to teach him how to drive sheep from one place to another, to hold and contain sheep in a certain area and to come away immediately he is called. Anything else will be a bonus. There are exceptionally few herding GSDs in the UK - in fact, I only know of one other and I am not sure how much actual work that dog does. We have no HGH championships and such, which is a real pity. Anyway, here is the video and photos to follow ...

08-13-2012, 11:54 AM	#6 (permalink)
Shade Knighted Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Ottawa, ON Posts: 3,446	Very cool! Thanks for sharing __________________ Shanna My Pack: Jasmine - Female Miniature Poodle - born Aug 15, 2010 Loker Delgado Von Stalworth - male GSD - born Jan 26, 2012 Koda & Zazu - 4 year old male cats

08-13-2012, 11:47 AM	#2 (permalink)
Questforfire Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Scotland Posts: 161	First lesson Watching a straggler Watching the sheep move away

08-13-2012, 11:50 AM	#3 (permalink)
Questforfire Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Scotland Posts: 161	Second lesson Some pen work. Getting used to one another Moving the sheep from one pen to another Holding them in one place Getting a little bit overexcited and rushing his sheep. He is now learning to take his time.

08-13-2012, 11:52 AM	#4 (permalink)
Questforfire Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Scotland Posts: 161	Third lesson Learning to wait until given a command Fly, one of our collies, showing Zak how it is done collie-style When asked to stop, Zak sits rather than the usual collie lie down

08-13-2012, 11:54 AM	#5 (permalink)
Questforfire Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Scotland Posts: 161	Fourth lesson Facing up to his sheep Driving them away on his own Stop there Starting to learn how to flank

12-16-2012, 04:48 PM	#7 (permalink)
wolfspirit Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Up a mountain in central Italy Posts: 139	Great pics Kirsty! I love Zak.. (And I wish my 2 were as controlled around sheep!! )

12-16-2012, 04:54 PM	#8 (permalink)
carmspack Crowned Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: ontario - Posts: 5,542	absolutely love the pictures. Seems like he has good self control . Can you comment on other aspects of the dog , such as biddability / directability, general character , and of course.... pedigree please.

12-16-2012, 05:14 PM	#9 (permalink)
Questforfire Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Scotland Posts: 161	Latest photos of Zak and his amazing self control around the sheep Showing almost border collie style Keeping a close eye on the flock Keeping his line Distance control Showing incredible self control and bravery Relaxed around one another

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