| Herding
Does anyone here do herding with their Rottie? Thursday my 2 1/2 yr old Bessie had an informal herding instinct test and did she ever love it! There was no problem with her showing interest--getting her OUT of the pen was the problem! Although she was totally focussed on the sheep, the evaluator did manage to get her to change direction, move away from the sheep, then move back in. Getting her to lay down was pretty much futile, though.
When the test was over, I had to all but man-handle her to get her out of the pen and back into the car. She was having so much fun that even though she's a complete wuss when it comes to pain, she had bitten her tongue and didn't even know it. (Evaluator said bitten tongues are quite common in dogs that show a strong herding instinct.)
I'm quite excited since I've been hesitant to continue to an AKC Open Obedience title because of the jumping. Bessie is way too tall (that's why she's neutered) and would have to jump 28 inches. I feel that's just too high for her.
Since we've just discovered this wonderful new activity, do any of the herders here have any suggestions?
(Aren't Rotties just the best? They can do just about anything, can't they?)
--pam  |