And We March Along

This weekend I have been trying something new.  Well not totally new, I did try a rope once before, but for only one session.  This weekend I have been putting Rave on a very light weight, long rope.  The goal is to be able to correct her on her drive without using a flank command.  Many, many people have told me about this method but I have refused to try.  Now I have decided that I should experience this training technique. 

I have two goals.  One for Rave to self correct.  Two, have Rave push into the sheep speeding them up but not slipping out to the side trying to go to head if the sheep pick up speed.  So off we went, marching around the arena.  Using my more docile woollie sheep.  Rave had a tendency to want to put some tension on the rope, that is a no no.  It should be slack unless you are giving a correction.  Due to some ill timed maneuvers of my own at times she did a spin or came back to me.  Things I definitely do not want to start to happen.  And there where times when the rope slipped up under a weed and got stuck there bye giving Rave a correction I had not intended.  But overall I am okay with how it is going.  I plan to do this daily for a week, or possibly two.  But definitely not more than two weeks.  It is to be a help, not a crutch and if it doesn't get results in that amount of time I don't think it ever will.  I do not want to make her mechanical in any way.  I just want her to understand that she can control the sheep with them moving away from her.  And that she can hold the pressure point.  I know many people have had success with this, it remains to be seen if my inexperience and lack of even seeing it done other than in vidoe will help or hurt our training.

The other thing I have been doing is loading the sheep into a horse trailer.  I have done it with sucess three times now, each time using different sheep on different days.  These sheep had not ever been in a trailer.  The first couple of times I tried it the sheep still hadn't been in a trailer.  But as we tried I saw how this will really be an instinct developer.  The trailer is a 2 horse slant load so pretty roomy.  I have it set in the middle of the arena.  My son put it there for me.  There is no way I could have done it.  I am very dept perceptionally challenged.  The gates are just wide enough for the trailer to pass through.  If I tried it the gates would become quite a bit wider, but I would be unable to close them anymore ;-)  Anyway I take 4 sheep and work on getting them into the trailer.  At first Rave has to stay out and cover.  Here I am giving commands.  Then as the sheep finally decide they can't beat her they settle at the mouth of the trailer, refusing to go in.  Now Rave moves right up to them.  Here is where I have found if I just shut my mouth and let her take care of it all goes better.  I do give an occasional soft steady.  Or I flank her just a little if she seems to lock onto one particular sheep.  Like Andy.  Somehow all the dogs lock onto Andy.  Wonder why?  Rave applies pressure, sheep ball up and refuse to get in.  One tries to break and Rave covers and puts it back into the mouth of the trailer.  Repeat until one sheep decides to go in.  Then back off the pressure and see if the others will follow.  Apply a bit more pressure and finally the second goes in.  Remove pressure and let the remaining two think, ease Rave up and in they go.  Call her off.  Good dog.  Leave the field and put Rave away.  Come back and manually take sheep out of the trailer.  Later I will have Rave take them out but until we are loading easy I will take Rave away after they get in.  I do have to be careful.  The door of the trailer is heavy, it is a steel trailer.  So I have to hold onto it while working the sheep to keep it open.  And at times the sheep hit me while I am trying to hold the door open.  Reminds me of young dog watch your knees days!  In writing this it sounds like all goes pretty smooth.  But in realtiy there is a lot of jostling and breaking.  But I noticed that each time I have done it Rave has handled it a bit better. 

It is suppose to rain all week starting tomorrow.  Sigh. 

Grounded

Went out and worked the cattle at Dianne's today.  It was a good lesson.  These where fairly 'fresh' steers.  Only been worked a little by a dog before us.  I was real pleased with Rave.  She is walking in on the heads a little easier each time.  She listened (mostly) although I was still saying stop on the average twice instead of once.  I concentrated on making my first command nice.  Only going to correction tone when she didn't respond.  We are working on Rave not doing a fly bye but kicking out.  Had some success with that.  Fly byes are certainly dropping in frequency at least in a lesson.  I was real pleased that she only hit heel a couple of times and was content with a once and done.  She is starting to learn some self control, at least I think she is ;-)

There was one steer that liked to trot out alone, not staying with the group.  Perhaps he was a roping steer in an earlier career.  Rave did a good job of kicking out to cover and I was (usually) able to stop her when she caught the steer's eye and did not let her go all the way to head.  I was very pleased that for the most part she did stop. 

On our last exercise we did an outrun with the steers against the fence, facing the way Rave would need to come in to pull them off the fence.  We were not quite the length of the arena away from the steers but pretty close.  This is a big arena.  I keep thinking I will bring a measure tape and see how long it is but I always forget.  Anyway the first time I sent her she did a fairly decent outrun, could have been a bit wider and slowed as she came in on the heads.  I was able to encourage her on into the steers as I walked forward.  She did go in to pull them off the fence but the stress/pressure was to much so she did a fly by as the steer pulled off.  We put the steers back on the fence and set it up again, but I move a bit closer.  Same results but she waited a bit longer for the fly by.  On both I was a bit slow on the correction as I couldn't see her until it was to late and I didn't want to give a 'I know you are going to do it" correction as I was afraid that my timing would be right when she was making the decision to go through and I certainly didn't want to correct her for that! At the last I moved quite close, set her once again and this time she was able to pull them off the fence without releasing her built up tension with a fly by.  Good job and a good place to end it.

We then went to the small pond that Dianne has and Rave got to enjoy a small swim and splash about.  She was a happy dog.

All is Calm, Now

Went out to work the sheep for just a few minutes last evening.  All was calm.  Rave taking her commands smoothly.  Stopping when asked.  Not pushing.  I wasn't yelling helplessly as everyone dashes by. Sheep walked or slow jogged.

So how do I get that same attitude at a trial?

Last Day

Today dawned very pretty although there are scattered dark clouds which may play havoc later. There are foothills behind my hotel and this morning I got up early and decided to take Rave for a run. First mistake of the day. She went varmint hunting and was having a grand time. I was having a grand time watching. Then she disappeared behind a knoll. No problem I waited for her to reappear. Now actual time probably wasn't long but we where out of sight of each other. I started worrying that if she tracked her prey she would not know what direction I was. So I started calling. No response. Called again. No response. Just about the time my heart rate started picking up she pops up over the hill, big smile on her face. And covered in little cockle burrs. I have gotten about half of them off. The rest are going to take scissors as they are a tightly wound knot of burs on her chest and legs. I also found to my chagrin a bunch of mats in her britches. Shame on me. A good bath with cream rinse and a long comb out session is awaiting us when we get home.

Lets hope the rest of my decisions are a bit better today!

Arrived at the trial site early after swinging through Starbucks for a latte to get me going, ready for a fresh day of trialing.  We started with cattle and we got our little friend that liked to split out on his own once again.  As it turned out we got this particular calf 4 times over the weekend.  It was a really good experience trying to figure out the best way to handle him.  We got a little better on each run and on the last run I was very pleased with how Rave had started kicking out on her cover and stopping him before he got started.  We did not get many q's on cattle this weekend but the learning was way more valuable than the q would have been.  As you can see these are little guys.  Quick and did not stick together.

Sheep where fast and running the course.  Had troubles getting Rave to check up just a bit so she got ahead just slightly on the cross drive which resulted in a turn back.  A recurring problem in trials.  Hard to duplicate in training.  Last run on sheep there was one smart black ewe who was really trying to beat the dog on the cross drive and make the break for the repen.  Rave held her but then started having a bit to much fun.  She likes nothing better than playing cow pony.  Didn't help much on our over flanking problem but Rave did well although she probably should have hit the sweet spot to hold that ewe.  But it was a mighty small sweet spot.  I crossed the handlers line to help out and we completed the course but of course lost 50% of our points for crossing the line.  The first run of sheep that we had went okay.  Not stellar as Rave is still sending to much energy to the sheep making them move quick and not taking her flank on the cross drive well.

And the ducks.  Good ducks.  Rave also on the power and not executing her usual finesse on ducks.  We made the course but it didn't flow. I am really looking forward to getting back into training in a few days.  Practicing calmness on both of our parts.

Thanks Montana Magic Photography for the photos!

Staying the Course

Second day of the Montana Trial.  I continue to work on Rave taking her commands.  Using body language more appropriate to an open dog, making sure she gets out on her pick up on the repen, trying to get her to kick wider on her pen work.  Insisting on stops, although on the cross drive I am still not getting them.  A little to far.  I should cross the line to make it happen but not quite committed enough to totally sacrifice the run.  So on the drive up the sides I am trying to make her do her commands. Loosing it on the cross.  We did get into some turning back on the cross drive as she over flanked slightly.  Again probably should have crossed the line to insure she took it.  But I probably won't do that tomorrow either.  Sigh.  Its so hard to totally give up your run ;-).

I did see some improvement today on attitude.  I tried very hard to remain calm and quiet, but again lost it a bit on the cross drive.

We will see how tomorrrow goes.

Heigh Ho, Heigh Ho, Its off to Trials We Go.

This has been a busy week.  We held our home ASCA trial last weekend.  There was a lot of prep work by the club getting it ready.  From paperwork to building the duck arena, holding pens for sheep and placing the panels for the large arenas to getting lunches for judges and volunteers and a lot of other items to do.  And of course once again the weather turned hot over night affecting all, humans, dogs and stock as no one was acclimated to it.  I must admit that the trial is now somewhat of a blur.  Rave and I had one of the best sheep runs we have ever done on the opening day.  From there it went a bit down hill, with Rave listening and responding to commands less and less as the weekend progressed.  We did have some nice runs but we where not on the same page.  Much like Nevada but not as extreme.
So trial wrapped up Sunday, we broke down the arenas, loaded into trailers and trucks and returned home.  Got the paperwork written up, double checked and off to ASCA and then I started to prepare for taking off for the Montana trial on Thurs.  Back to back weekends trialing! 

My friend drove her RV to Montana and I rode along.  Upon arriving in Missoula I rented a car.  My friend went on to the trial site where she is parking and 'camping' in her RV.  After renting the car I drove to the trial site and we let the two dogs have a bit of a run.  Then we put them back in their crates in the RV and went out for a good steak dinner using the rental car.  After dinner I picked up Rave and drove to the motel I was booked in.  By the way, I do think that Rave will be protective of me if needed.  I didn't think she would as she loves everyone, but here in the motel as people rattle doors next to us Rave will give a soft low growl.  So I feel if anyone broke in she would have something to say about it.

Friday morning dawned crisp but clear and after stopping by Starbucks for my morning latte we drove to the trial site.  After the morning runs which were okay I decided to change my tactics for the afternoon.  No longer is my goal to score high.  Now my goal is to get Rave and I working as a team, get Rave to soften and to respond.  I am to 'calm myself' in this endeavour.  Although by insisting that she stop, or slow etc. I didn't have the best control of the stock since there was a bit of a struggle at each one to get her to comply, and of course the stock didn't wait to see what would happen, they went on with their own agendas, I was very pleased with what we where accomplishing.  If I can work through this with Rave, that we work the same in trial situations as we do at home, we reap the benefits later.  So that is my game plan for the rest of this trial.  Steady, calm work by me.  Listening and responding from Rave.  And that will be a giant Win!

Wish me Luck ;-)

Don't Say it If you Don't Mean It

I find myself saying lie down when that is not what I intended.  In the past I just let Rave check up and continue on.  Now I blurt out lie down, cringe, and set about the process of making sure she complies.  And of course in the meantime the sheep break away in a cloud of dirt and Rave gives me that look.  It is a catch 22.  I need to make sure she does her stops, lie downs, and slow downs.  At least until we are solid and working as a team again.  But I goof, blurt out the wrong thing, and the sheep get away.  Rave looses trust.  So think before you speak is my new mantra.  It is replacing the slow down chant. 

Calm Cattle

Went to Dianne's yesterday to work cattle.  What a difference between these cattle and the trial cattle.  These are well dog broke.  Walk along and rarely trot.  Stay grouped.  Rave did some very nice work.  Probably the best I have seen.  She did do a couple of small fly byes but we quickly regrouped and continued to work.  It was fun to work on them.  She got in a nice single, hard heel bite and didn't go on and that was really nice too.  Good Girl, Rave!

Say It, Mean It

Lisa Edwards kindly offered to show me her new place on Monday after the trial in Nevada.  It was really nice. Lots of different size arenas, lighted one too.  Well cared for sheep, goats, and cattle.  Lisa is obviously a good shepherd and her sheep are very affectionate to her.  And they still work well.  Moving easily off the the dogs.  She offered to let me work Rave and give me some pointers on improving our work.  Rave and I where not even close to a team this weekend at the trial.  So we took a giant step back and worked on beginner training.  Having Rave be soft and square as she moved around the sheep.  And having her stop or lie down on the first command.  No excitement, just calm steady commands.  As I escalated my commands Rave escalated her responses, or lack of them so this was much needed advice.  I will be working on staying calm and giving commands once over the next week and a half.  We will see if that is long enough before our next trial to make a difference.

Pushy, Pushy, Stop? What?

We had our first trial of the season this weekend put on by the Working Australian Shepherd Club of Nevada.  The weather was wonderful except for the wind that came up in the afternoons.  A beautiful trial site with snow capped mountains and creek for the dogs to play in and a nice field you could throw a ball for your dog to blow off some excess energy.  At least that was the hope by me at least.  Don't think it helped

We did quite well winning many ribbons and the silver buckle for advanced dogs!  But Rave was on her own agenda and not working as a team player at all.  I don't think she even remembered that stop had any kind of meaning.  Fast and furious was she, furious was I.  Hee hee.  Not really. I was frustrated because she was not giving her true good work.  Lisa, one of the very nice people here, offered to let me come work Rave this morning at her place to get in a training session where she can be reminded what stop and slow down mean and there is actually a team process going on here.  So I am delaying my trip home to take advantage of her kind offer.  I really would hate for Rave to think that this is what trialing is all about.  So thank you Lisa!

The cattle where really tough and all of the dogs where having trouble with them.  Angus replacement heifers off of the range.  It wasn't until Sunday morning that anyone was able to get them penned.  Rave had trouble getting them going but she always managed it.  Early in the weekend she would get them going, they would break up and go extended trotting away and then Rave really had fun with doing her fly byes.  We have been working hard to eliminate this but in this situation it was just to much and she had a grand ole time.  But we did have one decent run, considering the cattle, and managed to get one penned.  On one other run we should have had two penned.  I had them all lined up to go in but over flanked Rave and lost them.  Totally my fault.

There was also a farm trial that we entered and that was really fun.  I totally messed up the sort.  Don't know where in the world my head was as I never sort at home like that.  I had her in close and applying way to much pressure so the sheep stayed all balled up and wouldn't move.  We got two of the needed three marked sheep.  We did qualify in the end for her Open Farm Trial Dog title but it wasn't a high score.  I hope to do more of these farm trials.  they are fun.  Hope My brain is more engaged next time!