Radical Canines

I miss Texas beyond words but the training and competing opportunities I have in NH will likely keep me here for some time to come. This weekend was a great example of that. Midweek Jess asked if I wanted to join her and Kate for a fun day of herding at my aunt’s. Obviously, I jumped at the chance (otherwise you wouldn’t be reading this). I have very limited knowledge or experience with herding but I think it’s fascinating seeing dogs do what they were bred to do. Now herding basically has its own language of commands and not only do you have to work with your dog but you also have the added challenge of livestock to manage. I was definitely uncomfortable because I had NO IDEA what or how to do things which isn’t the norm for me when it comes to dog stuff. I’m always learning but typically I have some clue.

Now, the first and only time I’ve been herding before today was with Ryder at least 5 years ago. It was also at my aunts, working her goats and was pretty comical. Ryder was not sure about the whole herding thing so we basically started with Ryder on a long line, hiding behind me, with me dragging him along with me as I used a stock stick to push the goats away while they tried to charge at him. Eventually he did turn on to the stock and ended up doing fine but we haven’t done any herding since then.

I decided to bring Rugby because I was curious if he would have any interest in working stock and Ryder because I knew he would. Rumor stayed home because even though he looks like a border collie his brain is pretty much lab. Goofy, happy, and not made for working livestock. I may try him eventually but I don’t really feel the need. Now Rugby is a mix of 3 different herding breeds (Aussie, Border Collie, and Heeler) each of its their own herding style. In most things we do, he’s very much cattle dog. Serious and gritty. So that’s kind of what I expected. He did great, had interest in working the stock (and eating/rolling in their poop). He wasn’t too bitey, which is honestly kind of what I was expecting. He lacks some confidence but overall did awesome.

Ryder was a rockstar. I’ve struggled to find something he loves and wants to do. He’ll do anything I ask of him but usually just because I asked. This was difference, he wanted to work the sheepies. He did a lot more flossing of his teeth with sheep wool than I anticipated but was a good boy who didn’t shut down despite some strong corrections when he grabbed the sheep inappropriately. He’s not usually super intense especially cattle dog mix but I definitely saw his cattle dog while working the sheep. It was really cool to see him so turned on to something.

Have you ever had the opportunity to see your dog do what it was bred to?