This week was a bit of a mixed bag. We were here and there doing this and that. A little shedding, a little international shedding, a little work in the big field, and lots of rest in the shade. Summer is here after all, and things are heating up.
This week's lessons:
This week's lessons:
- Shed and then shed again
- Shed 'em and drive 'em away
- The training wheels are off!
Here's an excerpt:
Observation. I am noticing a new maturity about my dog lately that is a new development. At 20 months, and approaching 2 years old, it is to be expected, but I just noticed it today, and I am very glad to see it. Star is beginning to reach his first level of maturity. In the past I have noticed huge differences in my dogs at 2 years old and then again around 4 years old. It seems as if during the first 4 years I have gotten a different dog when each has reached those milestones. On that basis, Star is right on target. He goes about his work with a clearer understanding, less hesitancy, more enthusiasm, and ever-increasing skill.
His shedding has become quite proficient, and today he demonstrated his mastery in fine fashion. I was able to call him through not once or twice, but 3 or 4 times on the same group of 12 sheep, thereby beginning to teach him the international shed. I could see after making 3 or 4 cuts, he became mentally tired. He demonstrated that by slowing and widening unnecessarily on the come-bye flank when I used it to set up the next cut. When I saw that, I called him off and let him rest.
His shedding has become quite proficient, and today he demonstrated his mastery in fine fashion. I was able to call him through not once or twice, but 3 or 4 times on the same group of 12 sheep, thereby beginning to teach him the international shed. I could see after making 3 or 4 cuts, he became mentally tired. He demonstrated that by slowing and widening unnecessarily on the come-bye flank when I used it to set up the next cut. When I saw that, I called him off and let him rest.
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