Sasha's first Herding Clinic

Over the weekend, I took Sasha to a beginer's Herding Clinic in Nova, Ohio.

It was Sasha's first time working with sheep. On our first try, she stayed by my side. When I moved she moved and when I stopped she stopped too. The instructor said "Is Sasha obedience trained?" I said yes. She said "I thought so. She is heeling perfectly. I can see her instinct is there but her training is telling her to heel. Why don't you come closer to the sheep? Maybe that would set her free" when I did, Sasha's instinct finally took over. She knew to keep the flock together without being told. Sheep respected her and responded. It was really neat to see a shepherd dog do what she was bred to do naturally!

The instructor said her instinct is VERY strong. Once she gets over her shiness toward strangers (instructors wanted to help guide her but she wanted nothing to do with strangers) she would be a good herding dog. We often noticed her shiness/nervousness toward strangers too, and we are working on that. Over all it was a lot of fun and I think Sasha enjoyed it too.

I'd like to have Cookie tested, but I don't know of any place where it can be done here.
Sasha has a collar just like Cookie's.

Wow! Thats amazing

Thats really cool to see a shepherd actually hearding. She looks like she's having fun! x3 I'd love to do this with my dogs, but there is nowhere near me at all.

I'd love to see more pictures if at all possible, it looks like such fun!

Hi everyone,

In case you are interested, often Aussie clubs/Border collie clubs have information on Herding clinics. They invite other herding breeds too. A herding trainer can give you unoffical instinct evaluation. Here are couple of trainers listing:
http://www.willowacres.com/HerdingTrainers.htm
http://www.ahba-herding.org/facilitydirectory.htm
Good luck!!!

Sasha and Missy (Sasha's mom)

Wow she looks pretty!!

Thank you!!!
Missy

Your welcome