It was a big week here at BorderSmith, literally and figuratively. Star worked big, in the big field, over big distance, and my new pup, Jed arrived. Star worked beautifully over ever-increasing distance, and little Jed is settling in nicely. More on that later.
This week's lessons:
- What's a set out dog?
- Oops, I am so sorry
- Could use a little help here
There is a line of brush that intersects the field where a wash prevents planting. Mirk always wants to find a way around it, but Star ran through it like a football player busting the "go team" banner at homecoming. Watching him, that's just how I felt, "go Star!" Without seeing his sheep, he went out with faith on my "shush." His trajectory was good on the come-bye side, but I decided to re-direct him, just to make sure I could. He took it like a champ, widening without missing a step to continue on in style. He landed nice and deep at the top, and then it happened, just what I had been hoping for. Unaccustomed to the set-out dog we had today, Star lifted his sheep then went over for a sniff! Afterward, my friend, Llona, who was holding sheep for me said that he gave the "oops, I'm so sorry, please excuse me" expression when I hollered. I could see for myself that he immediately returned to his sheep. I could have prevented it with a walk up whistle, but he would have learned nothing. Better to let him make the mistake and correct him for it. I was gratified to see him lift without a hitch the next time up the field.
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