Herding School with Chris

My treat for Halloween was to travel to a beautiful farm near Boyne City with my friend Chris, (Aral Peak Alpacas. . .including six baby doll sheep), and her two border collies, Jolene and Rose, for a herding lesson.  The lessons are conducted by Nancy, a tall, rail thin, "over sixty" amazing woman.  We drove into the farm and were greeted by three border collies, four "lesson sheep" (Nancy calls them velcro sheep because they are so bonded to people!), three "geriatric" sheep and a pasture full of an eclectic mix of sheep of many colors and sizes.  While we were there, a new "kid on the block" (Blue Faced Leicester) was introduced to the flock.  Oh. . .added to the mix are three mini-horses, several cats, and another eclectic mix of . . . chickens!  Lots of them!

The lessons began with Jolene taking her turn. It is quite an intense learning experience for both dog and human.  The idea being that the sheep are always between the human and the dog, and the dog is never at the head of the herd but always behind the herd, and that it doesn't turn into a "rodeo" but a well choreographed gathering of the herd.  Both Jolene (the black and white pup) and Rose (the gray pup) are doing quite well considering they are quite new at the game  

Each dog worked for about 30 minutes and then got a rest.  The physical rigors are not an issue for these dogs.  They absolutely love what they are doing.  It is the mental rigors when they are learning that need to be addressed.  Like any A.D.D. creature, they can lose interest and they need to be removed from the situation for a while to regroup, calm down, have a drink of water and a treat or two.

 Leaving Chris to practice with the "training" herd of "velcro" sheep.  Nancy gave me a demonstration with one of her "top dogs" and the larger herd.  This taking place on several acres of wide open pasture instead of in the enclosed training area.  Using both verbal commands and whistled commands, the dog was put through her paces; leading the sheep through two gates, back to Nancy at her post, and then back into the pen.  It was amazing to watch dog and trainer at work.

I am for sure not going to be raising sheep anytime soon.  The condo association would definitely frown upon it!  But it was great fun, COLD, but fun!  It takes a lot of time, love and patience to get the border collie's natural instincts under control without breaking their natural enthusiasm.

The buzz is that a woman in Harbor Springs has an idea to bring a herding trial event to northern Michigan.   There has never been one in northern Michigan before.  Based on the few hours I saw on Sunday. . .it would be pretty spectacular!  Will keep you posted.

We ended the adventure with Eggs Benedict, biscuits and gravy and mugs of hot coffee at a pretty wonderful eatery in downtown Mancelona!  If you are ever on the way north and get hungry for some good home cookin', stop at Bo Jack's Bakery and Restaurant right on the main street in downtown Mancelona!   

My Aunt Ida taught me to knit when I was eight years old.  I'm sure she never imagined where it would lead me!  Thank you, Aunt Ida!