Two Things I Learned at the Clinic

I've been banging at this sheepdog things for a while....almost 14 years to be close to exact.  I've gone to so many clinics, worked with top clinicians for on-line training, helped another write a book and yet......I learned two big things at the clinic this past weekend.  1. There is sooooo much more to learn.....and 2.  I love the learning!

It is always nice to watch the young dogs or less experienced handlers working with Patrick.  I watch and think, "what would I do?" and "am I seeing the same thing Patrick is seeing?"  As I worked my puppies, I ask to be challenged on my accuracy of seeing why the dogs were doing what they were doing and how I can be more effective at communicating my expectations.  Both of my pups have a bit of tension their first go with the sheep after being unclipped from the leash.  With both of them doing it, I totally know it is something I have done.  Once they are on the sheep, I can call them off and start again and that tension is not seen again...its just that first unclip.  I know I need to get on it before this becomes muscle memory and it was fun to talk through some ideas on addressing me and my relationship with my dogs in this area.

This was my first clinic with my pups....and their first time doing the long days in the car with short potty walks.  It was hot and I was a little nervous leaving the car open with shade cloth.  I was so pleased with the pups....no barking or whining or (Jon's favorite) howling!  They were quiet and very respectful on their potty walks.  It gives me great hope for my summer road trip!

When I signed up for the clinic I thought we would focus on the pups.  But they looked good and I had input for what's next so I got to work with Sis and Patrick which was a big treat.  Sis wouldn't suit everyone, I know this. But I sure like her.....she is a partner, likes working for me, has a big heart and is full of try.  The clinic's focus was to address problems and I wanted to work on Sis' outrun. But true to form......her outrun looks nice without anyone holding sheep.  Back to the drawing board of finding friends to come help me work her through understanding lifting off people and dogs.

I had a big enlightenment moment as we talked about "eye" and "method" and the fact we can give dogs more methods to draw from depending on the sheep and draws.  The discussion on working two sheep and what that might bring to a dog's understanding was worthy of some good deep thinking on.  And of course, my favorite topic of how to bring out the dogs natural ability and hold it accountable to it's job.......when there is that internal struggle to want to control everything about the dog to make it perfect.  This must be the "normal" struggle....and I saw there were times I have made great
strides...and times I fall back into a bit of micromanagement.

At this point, I really don't know how much I will trail in the future.  I would love to go back to the Blue Grass again.....see some friends along the way.  But at the end of the day, I do know.....I love training the dogs....sorting and trying new things and watching them figure things out and learning new ways to get things done.  May I never stop learning.....and while I am at it....may I keep becoming a better partner and me.

Seize the Day!

NEXT.....

I'm taking the puppies to a clinic next weekend.  I'd sort of sworn off clinics after the last one I attended.....but I am open to what's next.  There are a handful of people I respect and trust when it comes to training young dogs and I know I have to rise to occasion when it becomes available.  I think my Achilles heal in dog training is:  I train by myself all the time.  I can get stuck in seeing things the same way and then wondering if it's time to try something new.  Is it time to open a flank?  Should I put some pace and feel on this dog?  Am I driving prematurely?

The clinic is, I believe, designed to address these questions.  So, in preparation, I am writing all of them out in the coming week so I am ready for my turns next weekend.  And, of course, with two radically different puppies.....the list is going to be very long.  hahahahah  Poor, poor clinician.

I'm also toying with sending one of my puppies off for training.  I have never done this before and it might be fun to see how that works.  Since I have two....it would leave me a dog to train myself for the winter.  Every now and then, the allure of buying in a trained dog tickles the back of my head.  I think, I have the dogs I enjoy...perhaps send one of those off and see how that goes.   So many options....

The weather here has turned amazing!  I need to work on my discipline of working pups every day and then doing all the other things.  My list of things to do in the spring can be overwhelming!  I think I need to stick with the idea that life is short...eat dessert first and train puppies first thing in the day.  I'm loving my little field down below......it is perfect!

I'll be back.......

Seize the day!