Why not? I'm old and still learning new tricks!

 

I'm proud of you. I'm too old to learn new tricks without hurting myself. :grin2:

 

If the dog is healthy and fit, do it up! My previous Whippet ran the lure until his teens. He died happy at 17 nearly.

 

I would imagine it’s a lot easier then training a adolescent dog in sheep herding- lol! New things keep the brain fresh at any age two legged or four!

 

No reason not to jump in. A lot of the stress in the foundation work is mental and not physical, a thinking adult dog can be a great partner.

 

My older dog has more energy than my younger one. Try it and see.

 

Good to hear the encouragement. Bonus is the guy said we can bring more dogs so I will take Ranger too. Ranger has never been around sheep, but he’s a pretty calm guy so he should be fine.

 

If you have the time and opportunity, I'd say go for it! If it seems like too much for the dog, you could always stop or scale back. I always thought herding looked fun, but have never been able to find any opportunities in my area. If you try it, take some pictures, and share them with us!

 

This place is new to our area, they've only been here for a couple years I think. From what I'm getting he brings in people for seminars/workshops and that sort of thing. Mostly border collies, but he welcomes all herding breeds.

 

Isn't 9 years old considered a senior in the GSD world? I'd say go for it, but just be careful and not overdo it.

 

Since IMO herding/working dogs thrive and are at their happiest mentally when they have a job....since he's in good physical shape-I say go for it...since I have a senior I envy you a bunch....Wow..9 years old and arthritis isn't slowing him down and you're in a situation where you can train the dog for herding....I'll be surprised if you move forward with it if the dog doesn't start to "act" a little younger .....good luck

 

My female is the 9 year old and she's been very "sturdy" as far as skeletal/muscular structure goes, She has had battles with allergies that at times made her look old prematurely, she has pannus too. She can still surprise me at times with her athleticism, she still outruns both our younger males, just one more reason she has to play fetch solo.

 

We had our eval yesterday. Zoey did ok, but the trainer said something along the line of she has conflict. She would would break off the sheep and return to the heel position, she did this several times. Nine years of inhibiting any kind of "pursuing" deer, cats, etc... and then be put into a situation where it's wanted is confusing. Ranger on the other hand was all over it and took some effort to get him to realise there are humans with rules to adhere to. Ranger responded well to pressure and really seemed to enjoy the experience. The trainer thought Ranger was in a better position to move forward with and seemed to take some liking to him. I'll schedule another go with Ranger and see how it goes.