Week 30

Star has exceeded my expectations and has come a long way in a short time. He is useful around here doing chores and has reached the fun stage of his training. He is flanking in both directions on whistles, has a good beginning to the inside flank, a great down on stock and recall off stock, and I have started to teach him to drive. At just 9 months of age, this is asking a lot and he has proved to me that he is up to the challenge.

This week's lessons:

1. Drive away
2. Off pressure flanks, yes you can
3. The little dog is bigger than you think

Here's an excerpt:

He seemed to be a little more comfortable driving today. It seemed like he was beginning to internalize that job. I had him drive away to set up the inside flank, and when I gave it, he just laid still. I gently gave him the flank with whistle and voice a couple times and then all of a sudden he just popped up and flew around on the inside. He has always been a thinker, and he considers his options until he's ready, then Bang! He's off. He demonstrated this performance in both directions, and, based on other experiences I have had with him, it is his prelude to understanding. I finished by letting him load the sheep and sending him out about 100 yards to gather them. I let him choose his own pace on the fetch, which is a bit faster than I would like, but the sheep knew the way after all. I'm choosing not to steady or down him yet, because at this age with Star, I need more dog, not less and he takes the stop and steady a little too well.

There's a new caption contest going on over at the BorderSmith Blog. It involves a picture similar to the one above, with little Dexter using every advantage. I will choose a winner next Sunday and everyone is welcome to play. First and second prize are a 1 year and 6 month subscription to the RTC. Come and play. Tell your friends and good luck!