6 Reasons Why You're Scared

Spottie's not scared in this picture, but he might look like this if he was

No...not you, as in the ubiquitous you. I mean you as in the dogs. I have no earthly idea why you're scared and would not have insight for you if I did. If you're scared, you're on your own from this blog.

My dogs react differently to different stimuli. Some are afraid of loud noises, some of human emotion. I've had dogs that were afraid of jumping into the truck, walking past 6lb lap-dog, Dexter, my horse, my friends, my sheep for heaven's sake. I've even had a dog that seemed afraid of almost everything.

And then there's those rare few that don't seem to be fazed by anything life throws at them. I like those dogs a lot, but they are few and far between in my experience, there has to be a bit o' luck involved in getting one, and you really have to know what you're doing, or get some good help, to leave it whole.

What about the 5 reasons dogs are scared? Guess what! They are all brought to you by humans.

1. Mechanical contrivances. Shock collars for instance will chill a dog's self-confidence faster than any other method I can think of. They're not fair. They do not give a dog even the slightest chance to right his wrong. Dog makes a mistake, dog becomes torn apart by fear. Give 'em a chance. Everyone learns at their own pace, and some take longer than others. More importantly, some are trained by humans who are better/smarter/more talented trainers than others. Never underestimate your own utter lack of talent on the training field.

2. Timing. Have you ever corrected a dog a scant second after he self-corrected thereby rendering your command and subsequent correction a lie? Yeah...me too. Make this mistake too often, however, and you'll have a dog that has no idea what you want, and is afraid to give it to you. Observe and give your dog, especially your young dog, a chance to be right. Observe closely and wait a sec'.

3. Too much too soon. Go ahead and move that nursery dog up! Hell, she knows how to shed, right? Send them too far too fast. Pit them against difficult sheep, get good and mad when they screw up, demand they drive before they're ready, and by all means, (this one's my personal favorite,) work 'em on cattle. "The dog must always win" is one of my favorite quotes from one of my favorite handlers, Mr. Tommy Wilson. Well, if you're working your dog over it's head, winning sometimes looks like savage gripping by a dog doing all it can with its' only natural ability, because you rushed past a chance to instill confident skill. Write this down: Not all dogs are cut out to be nursery dogs. Not all nursery dogs are cut out to run in open, and it's OK.

4. Too little too late. Have you ever run your vacuum repeatedly over something that it fails to get, then picked it up and checked it out before throwing it back down to run over with the vacuum some more? Yeah...me too. It's the vacuum's job, right? Many, many times I have watched handlers stand by and watch a dog struggle to accomplish a task while doing absolutely nothing to help. It's a Border Collie for heaven's sakes! It should KNOW HOW by golly. OK, but unless you've actually taught them, they've actually learned how and become adept at it, it's OK to move your feet, and go help. It's more than OK, it's necessary to keep them becoming forever unable out of fear. Not only did they "lose," in their attempt, but YOU got mad at them for trying!

5. Genetics. If there's something about a dog that you don't like, please, please don't breed it! Absolutely adoring your dog, warts and all, is wonderful, but not an acceptable reason for breeding it. A gorgeous outrun, coupled with courage, athleticism, good temperment, stamina, intelligence, clean flanks and willingness are GREAT reasons to breed a dog. You will not get all of these attributes in the offspring of 2 dogs that have a few of each.  Don't breed a dog that's scared to a dog that's not and expect the pups to all be braver than the cowardly parent.  Genetics does not allow for blending. You get 1 or the other.

6. Physical abuse. I have known of so-called trainers who believe you can get more from a dog that's scared than one whos' not. I disagree and if you ever take your dog to a trainer who hits it, chokes it, slams it on the ground, or talks about having done such things to any dog, stow your wallet, use your cell phone and run, don't walk away. Use your cell phone to call Animal Control who likely won't do anything for lack of evidence, but if they get enough complaints about an individual, maybe, just maybe... If I got hit, punched, kicked or thrown to the ground, I'd be scared too. And, while I might do out of fear exactly what you wanted, I would never trust you, so you would never, ever get my full measure.

Black and White and Tan

Spottie's off the block. Changed my mind...decided to keep him. Love him!

This will be an easy decision for just the right person. I am offering Spot for sale and wanted you all to know first. He is just 13 months old and will make someone a very nice prospect and a strong nursery candidate. His birthday is November and he was born in 2011.

Here are some pictures that I took today while working him.

Spottie has a little gather, knows his flanks and is on whistles. He will peel sheep off the fence, no problem, and has a lot of walk up for one so tender. If you like training dogs that you have to hold back instead of asking up, this one's for you.

Spot is a grandson of Howard's Spot, which is father to Tommy Wilson's Sly, a Meeker and Soldier Hollow Champion, and father to Haley Howard's Ross, a US Nursery Champion. The Howard's Spot line is powerful indeed. Nancy Penley's Emma is Spottie's mother. Angie Coker Sells had this to say about Emma; "This is the kind of dog we should be breeding to," so Nancy did.

Contact me privately for more information. bordersmith @ sbcglobal dot net. Anyone who likes working Border Collie Sheepdogs will like this dog. He's keen, he's powerful and he's a pleasure to live with. The decision to purchase a dog like this is as plain as black and white and tan.

Spottie, my Spottie...

At 11 months

I'm fortunate. I have 2 youngsters in my kennel that please me. Tam you already know. He's a little further along than young Spot, and going to his first trial the end of November. At a year and half, it's all about stretching things out with him, making the distances longer while keeping him happy and correct. Gifted with a natural outrun, and graceful precision, it was feel for his sheep that he lacked.

It's been a slow process instilling that particular skill and not over yet. Too often young dogs become the proverbial square peg in a round hole under the guidance of less patient handlers. They hurriedly pound prospects into places they don't fit to accomplish a short term goal sacrificing confidence in the hastened process. I take my time creating pace in Tammy, and leave his pushy side alive and well. I'd rather have a 3year old dog that's rough around the edges, than a 5 year old running mechanically and hesitant.

But enough about Tam. What about the gorgeous pup in the picture? Spot is from a paternal line of dogs I have long admired. I've had others from the line, and when they're good, there's nothing like 'em.  A trusted friend told me about the litter, and I bought him just like that.

Spottie is big, bouncy and playful. He's not one of those needy Border Collies though. He really doesn't care if I pet him. He's the one that digs the holes, chews stuff up, knocks the water over. I hauled him with me this summer on my road trip to Soldier Hollow, Meeker, Strang Ranch and the Finals, and he gained some much needed socialization. On that trip Spot was the one that barked if tied out, got his hair up at other dogs, snarked at Tam, and chewed through the trailer light plug. Agh! He's busy, and he's a handful.

And he's also very fun to train. His enthusiasm is boundless with huge displays of style and eye that I love. He hasn't shown any fear whatsoever towards anything, but he does possess a healthy respect for me. At 10 months, we're just having fun. Little gathers, a lie down, a stand, learning his flanks on whistle and voice, and lots and lots of wearing, wearing, wearing. Want to pull sheep off the fence? No problem. Load 'em in the trailer? OK, but watch out for a huge dive in after them. Clean flanks? You bet and he'll tuck in those ends all day long.

Life is good at BorderSmith Kennel just now. I have Mirk, who has become the grand old man and is running like buttah. My friend, Mandy is graciously allowing me to compete with Buff. So nice, and then there's my pups. Tam you'll be seeing soon enough, and then there's Spottie, my Spottie...

Candy Raises the Bar

How was that?

I took a couple students and went to a fun trial that Candy Kennedy put on over the weekend. She called it "Bare Bones Trial," and it was. On her farm flock in her training field, it was desigend for younger dogs, and handlers who need trial experience. It was brilliant! Here's hoping Candy and company do it again soon.


This was a no frills effort intended to be fun, low key, no pressure. Just an opportunity to put some ground under nursery dogs, and further the efforts of novice and pro-novice handlers. Unfortunately, I don't see many trials like this in my area, and I really appreciate the fact that Candy saw a need, and set about filling it.

2nd time to the post

Mandy shown here with her imported Buff, ran in the pro-novice and made a great job of gaining experience on the trial field. This exceptionally talented dog is currently serving as my 2nd open dog, in addition to capably teaching Mandy the dog-trialing ropes. She loves him, I love him. We ask a lot, and he gives us his very best every time.

Maiden voyage

Remember Star? Jan owns him now, and this was not only their first trial together, but Jan's first altogether! It was nothing short of uplifting for me to watch my friend acheive an early goal of simply going to the post, and Star do everything he could to help her find success. Were they successful? Jan and Star closed the pen gate with a good score, and just how many of us can say that about their first time? Certainly not me! These two are a perfect couple, and no one is happier about that than I am.

Dexter, (shown here with Mandy,) and I had a relaxing weekend supporting our friends from the shady sidelines. I was happy to see new faces, and make some new friends. We all started under "bare bones" circumstances, every one of us, and, like an old friend used to tell me; "you gotta crack out some time."

Puppy Class

My friend, Bridget, is in town for Snowbirds on the Border dog trial. She stayed over at my house last night, and since she was idle today, and I just ran Star, I came home early for puppy class. We both have youthful innocents to train, and decided to give 'em a go on the sheep. It's always fun to watch the youngsters.

At 5 months, Bridget's Rainey got the most face time. My camera was drawn to her like cops to donuts. Adorable, don't ya think? She circled, she balanced, she trotted purposefully to her sheep, and she called off beautifully giving us a brilliant demonstration of her "off" button. When not playing with the sheep, she played quietly by herself while we worked the others.

Here she's saying; "my turn?" Either that, or "mom, I love you more 'n my luggage."

"No worries mom, I got this." "It's me and you, right?" "That is right...right?"

Only his 3rd time out, Tam moved from the round pen to the medium field. Small, the round pen. Meduim, the 3 acre field. Large, a hundred and twenty acres. Each time I've worked him he's improved and I'm so happy to report that today was no exception. He's a listener this one, and so very fast. Bridget cracked up when he awkwardly stopped himself hard on a dime with an expression that read; "what did I do that for?" Gotta love those pups...

No pictures of Nell today, but she came out of the round pen too. Her breeder, Vergil Holland, called her mother " the girl gangster," and this apple didn't fall far from that tree. She loves the move I call the scoot and grab, and she executes with intention. I surely can't fault her enthusiasm, and at this stage of the game, I'm quite happy to see it!

The Rough String

Indie, Tam and Hank-bottom to top

Lucky me! I have 3 talented youngsters in my kennel at the moment to train, all at different levels, all with very different temperments, all loads of fun, all good dogs. In the past 10 years or so I have had to place 3 or 4 puppies that I realized were not a good fit for my program after I raised them. It takes careful selection and a bit of luck to acquire good prospects. It quite often takes some trial and error. To have 3 all at once is very good luck indeed, and I'm having fun with them.

Only 1 of the 3 above is owned by me. Tam, in the middle, I purchased on my way back from the National Finals this year. He is a son of Eileen Stineman's Don who has been used a great deal and has so far produced a Canadian open, and nursery champion, and a US Nursery champion along with an impressive string of other very nice dogs.  Now just 7 months old, Tam is showing to be very keen on stock, and a lovely dog to have around. He's a big, goofy puppy right now, but just you wait. I really like him.

Indie is shown at the bottom, and belongs to a very dear friend of mine. As mentioned in a previous post, she got off to a rough start, but is overcoming her difficult beginning and making a very nice individual. She is 15 months old now, and I hope to be trialing her in the nursery in the near future. Maybe as soon as Snowbirds on the Border held over New Years. After settling into my training routine, Indie is coming on quickly.

At the top of the photo is Hank, who came to me from Montana for 3 months of training while his owner is on holiday in Italy. A brash, young individual with lots of speed and little else when we began, he is settling into an obediant, willing youngster that is intently keen, athletic and intelligent. Hank has a nice feel for his sheep, will stop on a dime, and can run like a scalded cat. He's very quick, and will make a nice trial or ranch dog, as his owner sees fit.

Introducing my rough string. Aren't they grand? We're working hard, discovering each other's style, and finding that sweet spot where everyone is productive and happy. I'm so glad to have 'em.

Dirty Little Secret

This is Indie, and she was a victim of abuse. After being with me for a month or so, she will just now walk into her kennel without coaxing, jump into the truck without being leashed, and enter her crate without food offered.

I suspected she was abused with a shock collar the first time I saw her on sheep. Her stop was just too mechanical, her expression too wary, and she gave ground to my pressure out of fear. I knew who had started her, a San Diego County, so-called dog trainer who is notorious for shocking dogs. The owner called the abuser, and confirmed it after I shared my suspicions. She made this excuse: "Indie wouldn't mind me." Indie was 12 months old at the time.

Now 15 months old, I tried to get Indie to sit up for these pictures, but she is far too submissive for that. It is an accomplishment just to have her jump on the rock. Previously she would have run to hide if she thought I wanted something from her.

Her owner is not responsible for this. He had no way of knowing what would happen when he put her in training. Indie was sent home, with the explanation that she was just too soft to be a sheepdog. She is a daughter of Alaisdare Macrae's Nap.

My experience with Indie is that she is a keen, stylish bitch who is afraid to use her talents. As much as her instincts tell her otherwise, she is more concerned about me than determined on her stock...but she's changing. My experience with her abuser is that Indie was too much dog for her, so she shocked her into submission to make the job easier. In other words Indie was abused out of laziness.

As I work Indie, we do lots of walking, and wearing sheep with much shushing and encouragement from me. She is beginning to come right, but it will be a slow process. I love to watch her run out, because that's where she is least afraid, with plenty of speed, style and scope. Indie is learning her whistles, off balance flanks, and has just been introduced to the concept of an inside flank. I have to be so careful not to scare her.

It may take more time, more patience, many more steps, more sheep, different fields, but there is always, always a better way. Do NOT stand by and watch dispicable individuals abuse dogs, not your dog, not anyone's dog. Do not turn a blind eye, and convince yourself that it's OK. How could you?

Shock collars are what one successful sheepdog trainer refers to as "the dirty little secret," and they are the one exclusion in his return policy on dogs he sells. If you use a shock collar on them, he will not take them back, and he can always tell. 

Ranch Dog

Morning Chores

My dogs have been busy. Instead of training for our summer trials, though, they've been busy doing chores. Besides tending the practice sheep, there is a commercial flock of Suffolk ewes and lambs that go out in the morning and back in at night. They are beyond knowing the way, but can be tempted by nearby hay fields, or spooked in route by a tractor or loose dog, so it helps to have an extra set of legs on the job.



What's Next

The practice sheep also go in and out of an overnight pen, kept that way, because Boo, the guardian dog lives with the Suffolks. Fending for one's self isn't prudent for a ewe in this country, so they are protected as best as possible in a secure pen at night. Every morning they go out to a big pasture to hang for the day in grass to their bellies and ditch water in abundance.

All Finished

We're managing some training, usually first thing in the morning for a short time, but this is a commercial horse training facility  afterall. I have witnessed horse shows, pony summer camp, lessons and horse training  from daybreak to dark, and that is certainly the priority around here just now. Having grown up in a similar atmosphere, it's very nostalgic for me. In the meantime, the dogs are biding their time, running to train, and doing what they can to help out around here. All I can tell you is that it's our pleasure...our pleasure to be here, our pleasure to help.

Legging 'em Up

Buff and the ATV

This time of year typically finds me running my dogs with my bicycle on dirt roads that wind through hay fields near my home getting the dogs in shape for the finals. It's always hot and dusty, and requires loading up bike, dogs and water before heading out on a few miles of focused run.

This morning, I simply stepped out of Big Barbie, (my RV,) unleashed my dogs, retrieved the ATV, and took off. Mirk is from Wales, Buff from Ireland, where most distance is covered beside an ATV. On a cool, damp morning like this one, they both reveled in the run and the weather. Both dogs brightened measurably at the sound of the engine. It was all new to Star, but he followed the other dog's lead and outpaced them with his long, athletic strides, loping easily beside me all the way.

The practice sheep are about a mile away, and our first stop to turn them out for the day. From there we looped over the sod farm on a wet, dirt track, through tall grass and across the irrigation ditch. We turned back on to the main road, and hit another gear to finish strongly with the dogs running flat out. 

Legged Up

I am a far cry from the dusty hay fields back home, but the intent and the process are the same. The dogs get out, and cover as much ground as possible to become conditioned and fit. The fact that everybody involved loves it is a just icing on the cake.

Buy that Dog!

Mandy and Buff

It's just not something you will hear me say very often. "Buy that Dog" carries with it a great deal of responsibility, and weight. If I utter those words, I am suggesting that someone take on the care and training of a life that may or may not be well suited to its' new home. I am putting someone in a position of making a commitment that I can only hope will be honored over time.

On rare occasions a student, or others, will ask me to help them find a dog. This is not a task I take lightly, nor one that I would undertake under anything approaching questionable circumstances. Be warned! I must be sure that the person wishing to acquire a dog is suitable working-dog-owner material, then I have to be as sure as I can be that any dog I refer is valued appropriately, and will suit that individual's needs, and skill level, and that's not easy.

Typically what I do is find a dog that may be right, then say to the prospective buyer and seller; "here you go, now you guys work it out," leaving the individuals responsible for their own decisions. Not so with Buff who was owned by a friend, Joyce Geier, and referred to me by another, Carol Campion, who knew he was for sale. I took one look at a video of the dog working, called Mandy, and said emphatically "buy this dog!" To her credit, and that of our friendship, she stepped up, did just that, and boy am I glad she did!

Buff was trained and trialed in Ireland by Seamus Gallgher, who hails from a long line of good dog men. Joyce saw Buff there and bought him for herself. After bringing him home to the states and trialing him for a year or so, she realized he may not be the best dog for her. Because I've done it, I know that it takes guts to make that admission, and in so doing, you are allowing someone else to find the dog of their dreams. It happens. It happened, and my student, Mandy has done just that.

Feeling the Love

I met Buff today for the first time, after his arrival last Friday from New York. Mandy brought him out to test him on sheep, and we threw him in with some lambs. Not the best choice for transitioning a dog, but all I have to work at the moment. Buff surpassed every expectation I had for him, and more importantly, he surpassed Mandy's. The first time she sent him on a little gather in the small field by my house, her hands flew to her face and a look of unbridled joy appeared as she watched her talented youngster square up and speed off on a stunningly beautiful flank to accomplish the task. And then it got better. If you promise not to tell anyone, I'll admit the truth; it made me cry...real tears of joy for the dog and for Mandy. You can ask her...I cried.

"Buy that dog!" Will I use it more liberally on the heels of success with Buff? Absoultely not! If anything, I'll be even more careful, because matches like this are so rare, that what are the chances?  All I know is that we got this one right for the best possible result. Joyce has an opportunity to find the the dog of her dreams, Buff has an idyllic home, and Mandy can finally acheive her working dog goals. It would all have been OK anyway, because if, for some reason, it hadn't worked out, I would have been standing in line to buy that dog!

Change as a Constant

Kensmuir Star

I am going public over at The Real Time Canine, (RTC,) the training blog I have been posting every week since November, 2008. For the past 2 years, the weekly journal was emailed to subscribers only, with excerpts published on the blog and The RTC FaceBook page. It is now available in complete form for everyone and I will continue to publish every Sunday with a complete breakdown of Star's progress and how I acheived it. 

The RTC was originally conceived as a subscription-based way to help others start and train their own dogs. I am often asked how I train my dogs, and learning by example seemed the best way to go. I began writing about Star's progress from the tender age of 10 weeks on the very day I picked him up from the airport, with how to introduce a collar and leash occurring in the first few minutes of our introduction. From there I moved on to crate training, learning to tie out, walk on a leash, a good recall, good manners and becoming respectful. Occasionally, I got sidetracked with things like my feeding preferences, vaccination protocols, and life on the road, so there was something there for dogs of all types and ages.

At 7 months old, Star was introduced to sheep, and since that time, I have documented the ups and downs of training a successful stockdog. If you want to know exactly what it's like to go out almost every day and work with a young border collie on sheep, it's all there in the RTC. I have left out nothing, including my mis-steps as well as Star's and how we overcame them.  From here on out it is available for everyone with my thanks for taking time to have a look. Over the last couple years, I have enjoyed my readership more than I can say. I have made new friends and been overwhelmingly encouraged. I appreciate that very much. Most recently Janet Beale has this to say:


" The Real Time Canine blog spot is the best training article I have yet to come across.
If you have anythng to do with the Border collie or indeed any breed of sheepdog, whether you work the dog on stock or not. You should visit this site and read it over and over, just wish there were video's to accompany the great dialogue. Well done... Amelia."

OK, so that felt good and pushed me to my decision of writing for everyone. I know I won't please everybody, and that is certainly not my intent. I suggest you do what I do; take what you like and leave the rest. I sincerely hope I can impart something of value that will help you and your dog. It is my way of giving back to the community who has been so forthcoming with me. I would still be struggling needlessly if not for those that are smarter, more experienced and talented than I, and I thank those folks endlessly for their time and trouble.

Cheers all!

Sheepdog 101

The Clinic

Joella and her dog, Katie

While away the last couple weeks, I had the great pleasure to give a sheepdog clinic at The Strang Ranch in between the Soldier Hollow and Meeker dog trials. Held over a day and a half, we had great weather the first day, great sheep both days, a large field and big round pen to work in, and of course breathtaking beauty in all directions making it hard to concentrate. We had rain showers off and on the second day, but nothing that could dampen our spirits. We just threw on an extra layer, and stayed with it. Bridget, bless her heart, loaned me dry socks and rubber boots, because, being an optimist, I had left all my rain gear in Meeker with my RV trailer. Wishful thinking...

I just wanted to say thanks to the good folks who attended, and to the Strang family for hosting me...again. How fortunate am I to be able to call them friend. They gave me a soft bed, too much fine homecooking, (with offerings from Kit's garden,) and run of the place and sheep. The ranch manger, Max, (so nice,) even showed up with a couple dogs, then laughed the next day about the mean clinician who explained that it's always the nut at the wheel. Come on now, Max! I loved Mowgli!

Encore Performance

My new Italian friend, Marina, has bred her bitch to the 2009 International Supreme Champion, ##Dewi Tweed, handled by Richard Millichap of Wales. She contacted me for information about Tweed's sire, Lad, that I imported from Richard a few years ago, and has granted me kind permission to post her video..

Marina visited Richard and Lisa's home, Hendre-Owen Farm in South Wales, for the mating and took this video of Tweed on his home ground. Not only is it a wonderful tribute to this fine dog, but shows the breathtaking scenery that abounds on that gorgeous spot.

At one point, Richard flanks Tweed to move the sheep across the shot, and you see the dog run up and back down the coal tips. These are huge piles of coal mining waste that dot the farm from coal mines for which the area is famous. When I visited Hendre-Owen Farm, Richard's father, Donald, explained to me how, over generations, the Welsh Mountain sheep have adapted to living on the coal. Appartently, so too the dogs. And Richard told me how he famously parked his 4-wheeler on top one time, only to turn back and see it plummet over the edge. He admitted that it made for a long walk home deciding how he was going to tell his dad.

Richard Millichap is arguably one of the most talented handlers in the world today. His success came early in life. He is just now 40 with 1 Supreme championship and 2 reserve championships under his belt, having been won with 3 generations of the same bloodlines. It was no accident, he works hard. I know, as I tried to keep up with him for a few days one July a couple years back. This is a tremendous video. Enjoy!

Operation Sheepdog

This is Kate and Tam, 2 talented working Border Collie sheepdogs owned and handled by my friend, Stephanie Summers. Recently Stephanie asked my to review a product from her online sheepdog supply store, Operation Sheepdog Herding. I was happy to do so, and tickled to be able to introduce you to the newest and best outlet for all your sheepdog supplies.

Her webstore is a natural extension of Stephanie's love for all things stockdog and the lifestyle that surrounds it. That love is reflected in the obvious professionalism of the webstore and the care and attention she gives to each order received. Buying a product from Operation Sheepdog Herding is smooth and effortless. You can expect your purchase to arrive promptly with appropriate packaging in perfect condition just like mine did.

Stephanie's affinity for sheepdogs grew from Bonnie, her first working dog. She has an obedience background, and also "flirts," as she says, with agility. Her breadth of experience with these varied disciplines allows her to offer a well rounded assortment of supplies to meet all needs.

Shelly Parker, my long-time friend, is one of Stephanie's mentors who continues to provide guidance even while Stephanie has moved on to offer teaching and training on her own. I first met Stephanie through Shelly at a dog trial and was impressed with how well she handled her dogs even though she was relatively new to the sport at the time.

Her young dog, Tam, has qualified numerous times for the USBCHA Natonal Nursery finals. One of Stephanie's goals is to qualify for the USBCHA National Finals in the Open division, and make the final round. After watching her compete on more than one occassion, it won't be long.

Stephanie's webstore offers a wide variety of supplies from shepherd's whistles and crooks to homemade dog treats to clothing, dog care items, and toys. In this picture I am holding the training stick I received from Operation Sheepdog Herding. It is made from carbon fiber with a golf club grip, so it feels good in your hand. These things are handy, quite strong and so lightweight that I don't mind carrying them through an entire session with all my dogs.

Stephanie Summers is a nice person, a good hand with a dog, and a dedicated sheepdog supporter. Please visit her store and have a look around. I did, and I liked what I saw. It's nice to have all the supplies I need in one place distributed by someone I know and trust.

Anatomy of a Shed

My friend, Jan Elliott came out yesterday, and photgraphed my nursery dog, Star, and I practicing his shedding. Great job, Jan. Thank you so much!

She caught a tremendous series of shots illustrating the steps I use when teaching a youngster how to love the shed. Star is 20 months old, and I began teaching him the skill about a month ago. At that time, I put the sheep between he and I with my back to the fence, using it as an aid to make things easier for him initially.

Reluctant to separate sheep that he always works so hard to keep together, there was at first a lot of cajoling, encouragement, and begging to get him to come in between 2 groups of sheep. Deciding that more sheep is better for the excercise, I borrowed 8 head from my friend Wilda, things got easier for Star and it wasn't long before we were away from the fence with Star keened up measurably.

In this photo, Star and I are working together to create a gap between any 2 groups of sheep. At this point, I don't care how many we shed off, whether he comes in on the heads or the tails, or which ones. I just want him to be happy and excited about the exercise.

Star will give me a 1 or 2 step flank, and walk up softly to help create the gap. Here he is coming through easily while getting lots of encouragement from me to make things snappy and fun.

With practice, Star learned that the direction of my body tells him which group I want him to hold. Here is looking and turning on to the right bunch. To do otherwise can cause wasted effort on the job, or a missed attempt, and lost points on the trial field.

While Star has the job well in hand, I begin to cross in front of him to get in front of the sheep, and turn the shed into a fetch. In the beginning, that process makes it easy for Star to hold the shed, keeps it really fun for him, and creates a confident dog that simply craves the exercise.

I move to the sheep's heads as quickly as possible to create the fetch. The quicker I am, the quicker Star is, and the more he likes it. Once he is confident with this part of the exercise, I will stay put, let Star come through and drive sheep away. But for now, it is creating the fetch after the shed that engenders speed and confidence, and will eventually allow Star to shed the toughest sheep like a Skil saw through pine.

After receiving some much deserved praise for his success and willingness, Star is keen to re-gather his sheep and repeat the exercise. What a dog!

It's always the nut at the wheel

Photo credit Ann Croft

The title of this post refers to driving a car, but it applies equally as well to training a dog for any endeavor. Over the years that I have owned, raised, trained, worked and competed with border collie sheepdogs, I have heard every excuse in the book for poor performance. I know you'll be shocked and amazed to learn this, but I've even spouted a few myself. The longer I'm at it, though, the harder that gets, because at some point it became crystal clear to me that my dogs are only a reflection of my own abilities, such as they are.

"My dog can't lie down." "My dog won't lie down." "My dog won't come when I call it." "My dog barks all the time." "My dog chews up everything." "My dog is sulky when I work her and I'm going to breed her to dog of the moment. I just want a pup out her so bad." My dog grips off all the time. It's the way she's bred. It's in the line." "Whenever I crack open the door, my dog takes off and won't come back." "My dog reacts, resource guards, shows aggression, jumps on me, pulls on the leash, takes the wrong flanks, won't take an inside flank, won't balance, drive, walk up, pen, shed." "My dog won't listen and I've tried everything." "I have worked with this dog for the last year and a half and it is a mess." "My dog, my dog, my dog."

Uh-huh and how are your training skills? Really? Who taught you? And their skills? Not to mention; How often do you work with your dog?

So look, here's the thing; I don't mean to go all preachy on you, but...pssst, it's not the dog. There are a myriad of bad training techniques that I have seen over the years, but here's my personal top eleven (yes, 11!) in no particular order:

1. Use of a shock collar. Simply put, your dog may never be the same again. There is NO EXCUSE for a shock collar. No, I don't want to hear it! Not one, single, solitary, valid excuse. Whatever you think you're teaching with a shock collar, I can teach better without, and you can too.

2. Inappropriate correction. Say it once, mean it and match it up with the same intention your dog has while committing the indiscretion. In other words make it short and sharp. Do it once, make it meaningful and move on.

3. Inconsistency. If you don't let me do it this time, but next time it's OK, I'm going to be confused too, and I'm a lot smarter than your dog.

4. Holding a grudge. Dogs don't do this so they are completely unable to connect the grudge with the indiscretion. It confuses them and confused animals act odd. Correct the dog then let the anger, frustration, fill-in-the-blank-feeling run right out the top of your head, bottom of your feet, wherever, then return to your happy place. It takes practice to master this and I know it, because I did.

5. Failing to release pressure. If you correct the dog and go right on correcting it when it finally complies, the last thing the dog will ever do for you is comply, because it got no relief after it did. Dogs don't learn from correction, they learn from reward that comes after correction once they comply. And here's a hint for those of you with a treat dispenser clipped to your belt; The most effective form of reward is not a treat, it's the release of pressure. The faster you release pressure, the faster the dog will learn.

6. Ranting at the dog. If you have to initially raise your voice to get the dog's attention, OK, but return to a soft tone as soon as possible. Someone who is always yelling is quickly ignored. Never give your dog opportunity to practice ignorance.

7. Asking a dog for too much too soon. You wouldn't ask a 4th grader to consider theoretical math, so don't expect your youngster to learn like a dog. Dogs are immature long after they look all grown up, so gauge your training to be age specific. Sheep dogs may show interest at 3 months, but it doesn't mean you should give them a go on stock. I heard that. "Aw it's all right for him to have a little fun." It's not about the dog. You will expect more and ask more of the wee one than you should. Trust me on this, you will. If he's keen at 3 months, he'll be more keen at 12 months, and better able to suffer the consequences of your mistakes. Just wait.

8. Fail to teach manners and respect at an early age. Dogs live in a hierarchy and the one at the top gets the most defferential treatment. Be the top dog. Manners and respect are the first lesson without which none others can be learned effectively. If you have glanced over or all together ignored this first crucial step, back up and begin again. It's more difficult for you and the dog the second time around, but IT IS NEVER TOO LATE.

9. Fail to kennel and crate your dog. Dogs need a home of their own where they feel safe and secure and are warm and dry. "My puppy chews up everything, digs holes in the lawn, escapes from the yard, chases cars, knocks the baby over, runs the fence barking all day, fill-in-the-blank, but I just can't bring myself to confine him." Then a year later; "What happened to your dog?" "Oh we had to get rid of him. He was just too wild for us." Crate and kennel them while you are training and until they mature and learn their way out of bad manners.

10. Expect your dog to train itself. It won't. You will have to put forth consistent, qualified and effective effort for some time to end up with a good dog. You may have to read, drive a distance, pay a trainer, take a lesson, use some of your precious time, ask questions, admit you are wrong or admit you don't know at all. You may have to be patient, learn new skills, keep trying and practice, practice, practice. If you are unable or unwilling to do some or all of these things, please, please, please get a cat!

11. Blame the dog. Pertaining to the dog, when you admit your own shortcomings and lack of knowledge, you can do something about it. When you blame the dog, all you can do is get a new dog...again and again and again. Every time something goes wrong with my dogs, I ask my self this question; "what am I doing to cause this?" I ask the same question every single time, because I know absolutely that it's always the nut at the wheel.

Kensmuir Star, the movie

It's been a year already. Can you believe it? I traveled to San Diego Airport on November 23, 2008 and picked up my little Star man. At 10 weeks old, my little wiggle-butt, seal-boy, funny man and prospect-in-training was sent to me all the way from Kensmuir Working Stockdog Center in River Falls, Wisconsin. I removed him from his crate, picked him up, snapped on a collar and leash, and his training began immediately. "Why wait?" That's what I always say. Well that and "it's nap time." Kidding...I'm kidding! All of a sudden it is 1 year later, he is fully trained to nursery level, entered in his first dog trial and on injured reserve with a puffy ankle and a limp. Oh well, I have plenty of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, otherwise known as Derramax, on hand and nothing but time to wait for him to heal...while I have a nap, or a beer, or a visit to crazy-ville...again.

My friend made you a movie. Yes, it's for you. It stars Star. Stars, Star? Yes well he now prefers to be called Movie-Star after starring, (Star, starring?) in his first ever video that you can only view here. Don't bother with VH1, MTV or the Reelz Channel, it's only here and it's only for you. Well, unless you count YouTube and the unwashed masses, I mean world-wide audience who have access to that.

Many thanks to my friend, Jan who valiantly schlepped all over Valley Center, filming on location, standing where I asked, filming what I wanted and editing over the teeth-jarring sounds of Dexter yapping in the background using hauntingly beautiful Celtic music that she just happened to have in her collection. Next time Jan, could you just please edit out Dexie?

This video is in celebration of Kensmuir Star's first year in training. It demonstrates how much he has learned and how far he has come. He's a pretty good boy. So pull up your favorite chair, put your feet on the coffee table like I do, put your lap-top, well...on your lap, and enjoy.

To read Movie-Star's entire training saga from the very first day, please visit The Real Time Canine and subscribe to my weekly E-digest. Come on, you know you wanna.

One year on

This is little Star man working his heart out for me at just 13 months old. I have kept and published a weekly training blog on each and every one of his lessons and unbelievably, it will 52 weeks next Sunday that I've done so. So much has happened in such a short time.

Early on he learned how to keep his feet on the ground (and off me,) how to come when called and walk on a lead. Those lessons seemed so important at the time, and of course they were. At 7 months I started him on sheep not sure whether he was fully mature enough and ready. We took things slow, and with one break to re-group, he has steadily improved and is entered in his first nursery trial to be held in a few months when he will be only 15 months old. That's a lot to ask of one so tender, but I have no expectations other than that he will learn.

Little Star man is a joy to have in my kennel. He gets along with everyone, is playful and joyous, and loves to have his belly rubbed. He's a very sensitive guy and aims to please with every inch of his being. He's tidy in his kennel and I never hear a peep out of him, which is so very nice. He came to me from River Falls Wisconsin at the tender age of 10 weeks. He has grown up with me and the rest of my boys, Mirk, Price and Dexter, and is really coming into his own as a working stockdog. He was selected based on his grand-parentage, (is that a word?) and he has not let me down in any way. Time will tell what the future holds for him and his success at work and on the trial field, but it's been a great ride with him so far. It is remarkable what a difference a year can make.

Amanda Milliken, The Interview

I am fortunate, I call Amanda Milliken friend. I am having a hard time repeating the endeavor, but she even once sold me a youngster from her breed that went on to have the beginnings of a stellar career with another hand. Amanda is always good for an adventure, shopping, great food in endless supply from her 5th wheel, and intelligent conversation. Amanda is a good egg. If you don't already know her, reach out. She will respond with warmth and grace.

This year as always Amanda's name can be found at or near the top of the placings from almost every maojr trial around the country, including The Bluegrass Classic, her self-produced Kingston Sheepdog Trial, Soldier Hollow Classic, the USBCHA National Finals, and just about every other sheepdog trial where she competed. Amanda is a winner of the highest caliber and as true champions repeat, she is a champion as well. I have competed, and lost, to her many times, and have learned to watch closely when she goes to the post and never, ever count her out.

Amanda won the Meeker Sheepdog Championship this year with the dog she calls her "old girl," Ethel. Now 10 years old in what should be the twilight of her career, this two-time Canadian National Champion appears to be quite strong. Meeker is infamous for inflicting us with some of the toughest sheep of the year, and at around 6,400' altitude with always challenging weather, it's no picnic. Her score this year of 130 points in the double-lift final was 25 points ahead of very distant second place and 1 of only 4 of the 12 finalists that finished with more than 100 points. Did I say Meeker was no picnic?

I thought it might be fun to ask Ms. Milliken a few questions. As she does with most things, (aside from selling me another pup,) she readily and graciously consented. Taking place via Email, here is my interview:

BS: As improbable as it seems, you are an amateur sheepdog handler. What is your profession and how do you manage to maintain a successful professional career and find success on the trial field?

Amanda: I started a cardiac test company with my Dad twenty five years ago or so. He has since died but my sister, Cathy McIlquham, and I are partners in Home Cardiographics. I train dogs in the morning, normally and then go to work. I work no more than three, and try to make sure events don't go south, so I have to work more and end with success. I avoid problems and build on strengths. I have been very lucky with help at home and we have great employees at the office and my sister normally there to supervise. IF they need me, I can be phoned.

BS: Tell us about your farm and how much it influences your success with sheepdogs. Do you think you could be as successful if you had a house in town?

Amanda: I have 180 acres, a lot of it bush. My Mother (I live next door to her) has 180 and I use another 160 for hay and or pasture. People want their grass cut one way or another. I keep a hundred and twenty ewes, mostly North Country Cheviot. I am questioning the need for so many with a no help winter looming but I'll see what I can do. It is a nice number for a training flock--they do not get doggy. Home sheep are the making of dogs. Prospective hands should pay more attention to the sort of sheep with which they train. I have lots of big fields and little ones, water, circumstances that conspire to bring diversity to what I do with the dogs. I try to be disciplined about stepping out each morning, first thing and running the dogs. Of course, I could never do that if I lived in town. My farm is a lot a work and black hole for finance, but it is what I want to do. It is beautiful and I am an avid gardener.

BS: You breed, raise and train your own dogs. How many generations have you competed with and which of your dogs have been the most influential in your line and why?

Amanda: Bart and Meg begat Waifer. Waifer and Rambo begat Hazel, Hazel and Boy begat Grace. Grace and Craig begat Ethel. Ethel and Star begat Roz. My bitch line goes off the page. All great outrunners which is job one. I trialled a bit with Bart and Waifer at the novice level, but Hazel is the first one I trained, under the guidance of Jim Cropper. She was a marvellous bitch. So staying with my good bitch line, I brought in the dogs. I tried the pup route for a while and then just went for the dogs.

BS: I have trained and trialed a dog from your line off Stuart Davidson's ##Star and grandson to Davidson's ##Craig, both of which you bought and imported to use as stud dogs. How did you come to own these 2 greats and how did you select them?

Amanda: I have had a good thing going on with Stuart Davidson and my place is a charming retirement home for great dogs. International winners are good go to dogs.

BS: I've admired Ethel for many years and have seen her overcome substantial odds to find success. Is she the best bitch you've owned and handled so far?

Amanda: Such a hard question to answer since I hope I have developed as a hand to some extent. I wonder what Hazel could have been like if I owned her now. She was terribly good. All my bitches have been good. Imagine what they could have been like in better hands.

BS: Ethel is now the 2009 Meeker champion. What other prestigious wins does she have to her credit and of which are you most proud?

Amanda: Ethel won the Canadian Championships in 2006 and 2008. Her mother Grace, was the first Canadian Champion in 1999 and Grace's older sister Eucher, in 2002. The success of the Canadian Registry means a lot to me. Their Championship is one I covet.

BS: What kind of dog was Ethel to raise and train?

Amanda: Ethel was terrible to raise and train. I did not take her on the road because I could not stand her squirming. To this day, she almost cannot walk on a leash for choking herself. But we have a good working understanding. She knows the routine and gets in a zone for it when she runs. She was hard to train. Difficult to stop.

BS: Did you anticipate that she would be as successful as she has been before she was?

Amanda: I was always tempted to part company with her, just because she was so annoying, but she did enough brilliant things to make me have her. So I guess I always anticipated that she was good. I always think all my dogs will be successful. I am always looking for the great partnership. If I don't get along with a dog at bottom, if I don't think I can run them, I let them go. That is better for both of us, dog and me. Most of my dogs are here to stay. I rarely sell one that I have had through pupppyhood. But there have been occasions.

BS: How many litters has she produced and which of her pups do you have the highest hopes for?

Amanda: Ethel had three Star litters. I bred her once to Stormy Winter's Roy. There are a couple of those pups around that are good. I am running two Ethel/Star young ones, Roz and Monty. Monty is plainer and Roz is more stylish. Both disappointed me at this year's Nursery championship. I would appear that I have forgiven them--I still like them lot. Monty is good for next year's Nursery.

BS: I'm sorry, but I just can't resist asking; which of all your dogs, past and present, is most dear to you and why?

Amanda: Please give me back Hazel. What a character and good. Every time I pick a pup, I want it to be like her, so I have a pretty consistent look in my kennel: smooth coated, prick eared, black and white (just like real life).