As Drover and I made our way down the hill from the house to the sheep. In the distance was the tinkling of bells on the sheep as they happily ate grass. A “bah” now and then, soft on the light cold breeze. The sun had set behind Steep Rock Mountain, but it was still light.
Drover was happy and eager to do his job, but listening well to me, and very much in tune with the sheep and me and the work that we needed to accomplish. I put Drover in a “down stay” and went on down to the front of the flock. I started towards the far end gate with the sheep and released Drover with a “walk up” command. He was a bit fast and I downed him quickly. Again as I walked on I released him and he came rather fast. So another Down! This time the sheep and I had all most made it to the gate as I walked thru I released Drover again and he walked the sheep into the pen! Perfect!
I stood at the gate and had Drover DRIVE the sheep on up the lane to the arena gate! That is correct! He DROVE the sheep! I stood still and gave him the right and left flank commands as he walked AWAY from me! At first I thought oh this is just an accident then I realized he was driving and KNEW it too!!!! WOW!!! This is GREAT!!!!!
Actually this is the first time we have in 50 days really driven the sheep. Now it was not perfect, nor pretty! But I believe it will be the drive I most remember!
What a good dog!!!!
I praised him as we left the sheep pens and walked back up to the house in all most no light by this time.
A job well done, a cold evening with a bright pink sunset and a girl with her dog headed home to a warm fire in the wood stove! A true
Simple Country Pleasure!
