23. July 2009 by admin.

I have been without a solid trial dog for sometime.   Bill was the best dog I have ever owned.  He died at the end of 2007 and I have not really been able to fine a dog that has come close to his ablity until Rob.  Bill did “grow up” faster then Rob.  Bill was in (and won) his first trial at 14 months old.  But, both dogs have great feel for their sheep, plenty of power, and both try very hard for me.Rob has had issues with taking corrections but this last week he is getting soooo much better.  Today I did a little “ranch work” with him (we have to make ranch work up since I only have 18 sheep.)  He has had trouble going into pens but is getting over it.  Still sloppy but at least he’s going in!   After that, we worked a set of 4 sheep in the field.  He is a great looking dog in the open and is a very pretty mover!  Since he is taking corrections better his driving is getting better too.  Inside flanks are coming along!  He still likes to flank off to the heads on the drive.  I have to call his name a bit to keep him on line.  I think he’ll be fine…. just has to learn to stay behind his sheep.Overall I am very happy with him.  Rob is, by far, my favorite dog in the kennel to work.

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22. July 2009 by admin.

A little over a month ago, one of my ewes had triplets and then died two days later.  Jeff and I have been bottle feeding them and are just starting to wean them.  Well, one died this morning =(  They turned 5 weeks old on monday and I guess little “Pugg” desided that was enough.  The other two (Checkers and Pigglet) are going strong and I am sure that they will live long, healthy lives as “pet sheep.”

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22. July 2009 by admin.

Yesterday I took Rob, Tweed and Jack out to Sally’s (Lucky Ewe Ranch.)  It was sooo hot!  I worked the dogs 2-3 times each for 10 minutes a round.  But, the sheep where perfect.  My dogs really like them and did well on her field. 

Rob is really starting to “cowboy up.”  His driving and outruns are really coming along.   I really can’t wait to start trialing him!  He is so much fun to train!

I am still a little worried about Jack.  I am not sure that he will have the power to do well on range sheep.  He is a great farm flock dog.  He holds his drive lines well and his outrun is finally starting to come along.  We’ll see how is handles range ewes when he starts trialing …. I hope he does well…  I LOVE his personality!

Tweed also did well.   Yes, he is still for sale.  I think he will make someone a very nice dog.  I just don’t seem to get along with him as well as I should.  But, yesterday he didn’t place a wrong paw.  Strong outruns and no stalling out on the drive. 

 It was well worth the drive up to LA!

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