Herding Instinct Test

[Maxxx]

Max is going for his herding instinct certificate this Saturday and since I've never done this before, is there anything I should look out for or prepare for?

I know it's not something that can be trained so I'm not asking about that part of it. I'm just curious about the actual test.

For those of you who've done the test, what happened? Good parts? Bad parts?

I want to be as prepared as possible for Saturday

[brunie's mom]

Baxter took his last year in May. I was really worried that he would rip the ass out of the sheep...and do remember having to sign a waiver to pay for any sheep that he damaged.

He was very good!! Loved working with the sheep...very focused and worked really well with them. There really is not much you can do to prepare them or yourself...they either got it or don't. You do have to really move around the ring...because the sheep keep wanting to come and huddle to you...and your dog has to keep moving them away.

Bring some water...because they really get a work-out. Good-luck to you and Max. Are you going to "Have Ewe Heard" with Sue Jewel as the tester?
Get there early...and watch 2 or 3 dogs before your turn....if they are other breeds...they all heard differently..but it's nice to watch them. Some bark a lot....though the Rotties are quiet. They are only in the ring for about 10 minutes or less...so it goes very quickly.

Gina

[Maxxx]

Yes Gina, we are going to Have Ewe Herd

And yes, I also have to sign that waiver. I really hope he doesn't take a chunk out of a sheep

So running shoes and lots of water. Check!

Our time slot is 10:15am, so I'll find out when it starts and plan to be there for the kick off. I would definitely like to see others go before me, so I get an idea of what to expect.

Did you go to Have Ewe Herd too? Are they good there? They'll show me what to do and watch Max to make sure he doesn't get hurt or anything? That's the main thing I'm worried about....

[brunie's mom]

Yes...that's where we went for the HIC!
Sue is good...and she likes the Rotties too.

I would get there about 9:45...just in case someone does not show up for their alloted time. This is what happened to us...I only got to see one dog before us..because of a no-show.

They will put a long line on Max to drag in case he starts getting too wild. The tester uses a paddle on the dog so that he can focus. Does not hurt the dog...just teaches him to not get crazy.

The most important thing I forgot to tell you is to take a camera. If you are going alone...give it to someone to take pictures of you and your dog while you are in the ring. If you are going with a partner or friend make sure they know how to use the camera. We got some wonderful action shots of Baxter and the sheep.

Max will be fine...this is not something you can train for.

Gina

[Maxxx]

Thanks Gina

Testing starts at 9:30am and we're the 4th ones out, so I'll time arrival to about 9:15am so we're not in a rush for anything. I want to take my time to get settled and watch the others.

From the sounds of it, it's well organized and controlled, so I'm sure he'll be fine. Just first time gitters for me.

[Maxxx]

Update: Max passed

We were supposed to be 4th in line, but went 2nd instead! Gina, you were right! We got there at 9am and just hung out while they got ready. It was a Rottie convention! There were about 8 rotties being tested today and they all did really well.

Here's his critique:

-gathering style
- runs moderately wide
- eye is loose
- shows wearing
- works silently
- readily adjusts
- very keen interest
- power is sufficient for stock
- responds to guidance/control
- keeps stock grouped/regroups
- adjusts position when balancing stock with handler

Sue's comments: "Nice job! Showed good gathering instinct and kind to sheep"

It was so much fun! It really did go by in a blur. It was all I could do to keep beside Sue and stay out of the way of the sheep.

I've posted some pics in the gallery.

[brunie's mom]

Good for you and Max!!!
It's nice to see that herding instinct kick in.
Told you that you would have to keep moving around that ring....there's no time to even watch the dog and the sheep, because you have to keep moving.

Too bad it was all Rotties herding, it's nice to watch the other breeds do their stuff too.. interesting to see how different the breeds herd.

Hope it was McDonald's for a treat on the way home? Max must be sleeping soundly tonight?

Gina

[Maxxx]

There was an Olde English Sheepdog, Great Dane and Belgian Teruvan there as well. The Olde English didn't have the confidence of the Rotties and the Great Dane was just very different to watch! LOL

It was definitely a lot of moving around!! Sue grabbed my arm and all I saw was blur as I was either running forward or backward depending on where she wanted me to go. LOL I was kinda dizzy

No McDonald's for Max. We stopped by a Tim's on the way there and I ordered 1 plain timbit from the lady and she gave us 8!!

I didn't give Max all 8 though That would have been excessive.

Hubby did buy him an stuffed octopus to celebrate.

I was talking to some of the other Rottie owners and we're interested in doing a herding seminar next year. When it was over Max didn't want to leave the pen! He's such a natural

Thanks for the great advice Gina!

[Eirian]

Congratulations to Max...what a smart boy earning 2 titles in the same month!

The photos look great...I put one up on his website along with his new title.

Great job!

Johnna

[mikimm]

Hooray! Congrats to you guys! Isn't herding fun? My Sofie did that for a while. I've thought about trying the Dane but I'm not sure how he'd do. He doesn't seem to have the same kind of drive to control things that the rotties do.

[Maxxx]

Thanks mikimm! I'd like to get into herding next year, once he's full grown. There was a Dane when I went and he did really well. It was funny to watch him herd since he was so tall, but he definitely had the instinct! Won't hurt to try

[jlhnokc]

Great Job you two! The pictures do look like he's having a blast! Jaycee did too, Can't wait to hear more stories!!!!