training time

This past week I "formally" started Pearl and Carey's foundation training. Since about 7 months I would expose them to the flock to see where they were at mentally. Both showed good interest but also lack of maturity . Goofy young dog stuff , but nothing rash or dangerous to them or my sheep. I was in no way part of the picture but I was able to call them off after they had their fun.

I selected four sheep to use in a round pen format. These were dogged but in no way "puppy" type sheep. I like to use light fresh sheep to start pups rather than the Velcro , unreactive  type so that a pup can learn through effect ( right or wrong method ) and the ramifications of poor choices. I also find the over dogged type to be frustrating to wade through to work on a partnership with my dog and think it causes frustration for a dog to endlessly circle with little reaction from the sheep. I'll use quieter sheep later on, but that's another blog :)

This video is the fourth go in the round pen. The first few had all the usual scenarios of excited pups, tails coming up, buzzing and fly by's with a grab at a sheep butt on the pass. I was not really part of the plan and patience was needed to get a change of direction and or keeping the sheep from bolting or jumping the pen.
Yet what I liked was in these four sessions they learned to relax, include me in the game and calm down . The sheep in turn calmed down and relaxed with the pups. So in a matter of maybe four 10 minute sessions I saw some interesting changes . From crazed, tight, buzzing fools to pups relaxing and thinking about me and the sheep.
I still see some lack of confidence but that will come in time.

middle creek wildlife management area

I know it's been a long time since I've shared much here. I'll try to be better about that.
Lot's of things to share but I'll save that for another time.

This installment is about a wonderful visit to Middle Creek this past weekend.
A very good friend, Sharon Nunan and I have both wanted to visit so we did! The Snow Geese ( and various other water fowl) use Middle Creek as a resting place on their migration and the numbers are astounding. The weekend I was there Snow Geese were estimated at 60,000 (!) and Tundra Swans around the 3,500 range.
From what I gathered that was the best time to visit and see the largest numbers of birds. We were not disappointed.  It was amazing.
The weather was just right, hovering in the high 50's and the sky clear and blue.
So without further delay I'll share my photo's of my visit .

Tundra Swan

Female Common Merganser

Common Merganser

Immature Bald Eagle

Snow Geese