Herding Reunion

I went out to a ranch today to visit with some old herding friends who were there for a seminar.  I hadn't seen many of them for ages and it was great fun visiting and catching up on everything.

I wish I had taken my camera.  There were lots of different breeds of dogs working sheep, ducks and cattle.  The cattle were pretty young and hornless so it wasn't so scary.

The instructor was very good and shared lots of information about the way the different animals reacted to the presence of handler and dog.  If the handler did as she said, the dog was able to move the stock where it was supposed to be without confusion.  It's not supposed to be a rodeo but is supposed to be done quietly and efficiently.   Of course, this was 'dog broke' stock and wild stock can't be depended up on to be quite as cooperative. 

Here are a couple of pictures of Tuff working some ducks nicely and calmly and then one showing what happens when he pushes them too hard and too fast.  The ducks start quacking and flapping.  If they get too irritated, they will run at the smaller dogs.  Very funny.  Attack trained ducks.  These ducks are not abused.  The dogs are not allowed to hurt them.

This picture shows Rooster doing a good job of bringing a set of sheep to the handler as part of his competition run.  This was last March when we did have a camera.

While we were at the ranch today, one of the ewes (not being worked, of course) gave birth to twin lambs.  They were light brown and very cute.  I wish I had remembered that darned camera.

I had only gone up for the day so had to leave mid afternoon but it was worth the trip.