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.
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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.
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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.

Jul 11, 2010

Week 86





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:
  1. What's a set out dog?
  2. Oops, I am so sorry
  3. Could use a little help here
Here's an excerpt:

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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