[fbkeays]

Originally Posted by bump

The rottie dog needs much more direction to work. You need to be right there telling him what to do. I use him primarily around the near lots to manage smaller groups or single animals. He's great for cutting out and holding cattle or hogs, not so great moving more than 4-5 animals at a time.

My Duncan, who I don't handle, loves the larger flocks. He is in herding heaven when he gets to move 50 or more head of sheep around. He loves doing chores and pen work. He is retired from doing AKC trials. He will continue doing AHBA ranch trials as they involve "chores" and larger flocks. He isn't the kind of dog that you could send over the hill to get the sheep that you can't see and bring them down- that is the BC job. But if you need close work, he does that. He does need to be told what to do, because sometimes he has his own idea of what the sheep need to go. Duncan has been known to argue with his handler, main reason why he isn't doing AKC. He doesn't see the "reason" for going around the handler's post and then half way down to flip them into the Y chute.