Opal @ 8 months.,"here we go 'round and 'round'

I know I have been bad about updating my blog. I have a lot to catch up on but I'll get to that another time.
I'll fast forward to yesterday and share my youngest hopefuls first formal training session.

I recently was inspired to get going on Opal in a little more formal setting. I had the chance over the weekend to see two slightly older pups on sheep.
She has had a few trips around the whole flock , here and there . Not planned,  but in any event I used it in a positive way and tested where she was at. She looked pretty good, but with 80+ sheep it was hard for me to keep things quiet and controlled, or to negotiate the flock and be in the right spot at the right time.  I did not want any bad habits to become ingrained either.
 I have my hair sheep sorted off of the wools in anticipation of the shearer stripping down the wools. After several sortings and no shearer I figured I would just leave the hair sheep in with the horses until the deed is completed.
I thought, well this is as good a time as any to see how she handles a closer more controlled setting.
Other than a few puppy cheap shots I was happy with what she showed me. Easy to bend to either side, though looking more comfortable going to her right. Stayed fairly relaxed and okay with a closer controlled situation. I even got a lie down at the end of the session. After turning the camera off we just spent a little time in the pen hanging out . I want her relaxed and not thinking it's always "go time" when near the sheep. Overall, I was pleased with how she handled herself for her age,