..... lets herself down with the sheep. And we were doing so well. The bullocks have quietened down now and really show no interest in people or dogs walking through them and Lady has now realised for 2 days running that she can trot through without any real danger. So she goes into the field with them and zig-zags across to the bridge over the river and stands on the bridge looking back at them and sticking her tongue out. Across the river is the long field, then the corn field then another small field all full of sheep. The three fields interconnect so the sheep can go where they want as the grazing is getting a bit thin. So some well meaning walker has closed the field gate between the long field and the corn field trapping a group of sheep in the corn field. Up we come on the way back home towards the bridge and the cows again to find a group of about 8 sheep standing by the gate on our side looking through. Leave Lady to her own devices and she paddles up to the gate with the sheep and waits to be let through the style ignoring the sheep completely. They have moved off a bit but are still within about 15 feet of us so REALLY close. Good girl Lady! Let her through the style and she instantly lunges at the nearest group of sheep. Doh! She did stop though and didn't chase, but they do know how to let you down don't they. I'm working on the sheep with permission because Lady and I get assigned to the fields full of sheep when she is picking up in the winter so the steadier she is now the better. Yesterday I was doing retrieving practice with her right in the middle of this flock of sheep who were standing off about 30 or 40 yards or so and no probs at all yesterday. One day at a time then. Ok so that's full marks for the cows but only 7 out of 10 for the sheep.
Re: Small Black Dog Overcomes Fear of Black and White Cows but ...... 70% is still a Credit where I went to university Edit - in fact I think it was a Distinction!!
Re: Small Black Dog Overcomes Fear of Black and White Cows but ...... And EVERYONE knows sheep are confusing things - all white(ish) and blobby and Baa-ey.
Re: Small Black Dog Overcomes Fear of Black and White Cows but ...... And they bounce off in such an interesting way!
Re: Small Black Dog Overcomes Fear of Black and White Cows but ...... and they look like large clumps of Duvet Stuffing...never let her unstuff a duvet then...
Re: Small Black Dog Overcomes Fear of Black and White Cows but ...... Well she really excelled herself this morning. Took off in full pursuit of the sheep, She did recall though so not all bad. She chased until I got the whistle out from under my waterproofs (doh! Leaning point to self - Have whistle at the ready at all times) and gave her a strong recall and she stopped and came back. Phew! My fault entirely I think taking her forwards a bit too quickly. Ooops!
Re: Small Black Dog Overcomes Fear of Black and White Cows but ...... Oh dear Lady clearly needs some birds to retrieve to take her mind off the sheep!! Naughty Lady! Impressive recall though
Re: Small Black Dog Overcomes Fear of Black and White Cows but ...... Or doesn't she like something smelly to roll in .....sorry David,not wishing it on you! I'm so far behind you,what you see as I blip I am struggling to achieve.....if I could recall Dex back from a cat I would be delighted!its not going nearly as well as getting Lady away from the sheep.its great you have got a good friend in the farmer who is letting you train around them.we have got new neighbors with 3 cats that mewl outside their back door to be let in...... on the positive side I am getting lots of opportunity to practice Quiet! when he sets off of a barking chorus!
Re: Small Black Dog Overcomes Fear of Black and White Cows but ...... Yes I thought so too, Barbara. 8) I'm working on the sheep because we have an undeserved reputation for being ok in sheep when picking up. So that's where we get plonked most of the time. If she's hunting she does actually ignore the sheep completely but I'd like to get her to do that in all circumstances..
Re: Small Black Dog Overcomes Fear of Black and White Cows but ...... She's not reliable, Angela. Most of it is pure luck and timing. ;D
Re: Small Black Dog Overcomes Fear of Black and White Cows but ...... Sheep really are awful though, so smelly and delightfully idiotic the way they run away if you just do the slightest bounce at them... (If you are a dog, I mean...) :
Re: Small Black Dog Overcomes Fear of Black and White Cows but ...... I'm in admiration that she recalled once the chase had begun. Alice
