What a great day we have had! I took Polo to a sheepdog trainer for an assessment this morning. We had a great time. Polo got out of the car looked around saw a few dogs and then saw SHEEP. I had him on a line and took him into the pen with the sheep as instructed and as predicted, Polo went slightly berserk at first. However, the trainer was not concerned and was pleased that he was keen. After gaining some control, we left the pen and went for a tea-break. Second time in the pen with the sheep was far better and Polo was listening to me and stopping when told and moving nicely around the sheep. At the end of the session I was invited to allow Polo to run about with the other collies. He behaved well and enjoyed himself immensely. AND we are welcome to join the group each week.
Yes, the other dogs were all collies. It is a small group and ordinary pet-owners are welcome. I'm not sure whether they train other breeds too or not. I mentioned Polo's issues and they were not concerned at all and agreed working him may help. There was another lady with a collie that shuts down or bolts at loud noises. She has found a massive improvement since working him with sheep.
I don't think I have heard of Betty - does she trial do you know? What breed of sheep are you working with? Would love to see piccies next time you go.
Yep thats her. What breed of sheep. Um....she breeds hardwicks I think? but Polo was started on some black wooly ones dunno what they were - cross-breds, I think.
Our second lesson today. It was such good fun! Polo was calm going into the pen and went down when I told him. Initially Polo was just holding the sheep to the edge of the pen and I couldn't get them off the fence so another dog came in to help get the sheep in the middle. I never thought I'd see Polo stood next to a male dog that he has not met before and barely acknowledge it. He is just so focussed and chilled there; it is lovely to see. Polo moved well clockwise but we struggle anti-clockwise. (Always more difficult working that direction for agility too.) I did manage to get him to go anticlockwise for a bit but I kept nearly falling over the sheep and got extremely dizzy and breathless. He tries to nip going anticlockwise too but does stop when I tell him. He came away from the sheep when I told him and I was thoroughly proud of him. OH did get one rubbish picture and a short video on his camera which I will try to upload later.
