Week 78

Star and I continued through shedding this week, and it was 2 steps forward and 1 step back. On 2 days he was brilliant, and then he slid back 1 day. 2 out of 3 is pretty good for one so tender, working with uncooperative sheep, while the weather heats up.

This week's lessons:

1. slow and steady
2. Put your right foot in
3. Put your left foot out

Here's an excerpt:

He's beginning to get it. There is a bit of a glint in Star's eye now when I call him through, and he comes right on. He is still a little unsure of himself when they try to break back over him, and he does lose them some times, but he is beginning to understand how to avoid it. I learned something today, myself. I have been calling him through, then attempting to help him hold the shed off sheep. It was confusing him, and it was causing him concern. He thought he might be doing something wrong, and was a bit hesitant as a result. Today I simply called him through a hole that we made together, crossed in front of him, ran to the heads turning the shed into a fetch, and allowed him to sink or swim. I gave him lots of encouragement in the process, but he overcame his hesitancy and tried harder. I set it up again for the same result, and then quit while Star was winning, and retreated to some exercises that are fun for him.