Welcome to The Real Time Canine


My name is Amelia Smith of BorderSmith Kennel and with The Real Time Canine, I am providing training technique for Border Collie Sheepdogs. Beginning with 10 week old Kensmuir Star, I will document his daily lessons in words and pictures every Sunday. Previously subscription based, the complete working journal is now available here every Sunday.
...

From the moment I collected Star, his training began and you will be with us every step of the way. Good manners, willingness & confidence are necessary for him to attain my goal to become a useful working sheepdog and successful trial competitor. From the first lessons on manners & socialization to his first exposure to sheep, you will be a part of Star's journey to success.
...

After a lifetime with animals, dogs, horses and livestock, I am happy to share my expertise with you. I have found success in sheepdog trials at home and abroad and have trained dogs that went on to find success with others. To learn more about me and my dogs, please visit my BorderSmith website and my BorderSmith Blog! Cheers and thank you very much.

Nov 10, 2009

Week 51

This was an up and down week for Star and I. I am trying to stretch out the distance on his outruns, and Star is telling me in his way that he is not ready. We had some mis-steps early on, but finished the week in grand style.

This week's lessons:
  1. Follow my lead
  2. Trust me
  3. Learning the way

Here's an excerpt:

I worked Mirk first and left the sheep about 300 yards away, up the hill and settled down in a little dip. Star came off his chain looking for sheep, and not finding them. He had absolutely no idea where to look, worsened by the fact that the sheep and old cover are exactly the same shade of pale. Anticipating that he would cross, I sent him come-bye while being watchful and it didn't take him long to turn in. His odometer is set at about 100 yards and I am working to re-set it. I gave him several stop, re-directs, which he took, but never far enough. He never saw the sheep almost the entire way out, and when he did, it was all over. His tenuous confidence was shaken by then, but relieved to find his sheep, he hit another gear and flew across the mid-line of the outrun to land on the away-to-me side and begin his fetch. OK, so I sent him too far.

No comments: