Pioneering My Way

2018  Sheepdog blog

     Always good to take time to reflect.  So much to be grateful for. So much more work to do.  So 

much has changed in a year; on a personal note, professional note and with the stability of our country/politics. 

     In the journey of the sheepdog world, I have realized the importance of continuity.  Building the Mecca (or rather unveiling the Mecca) in Nevada has been telling.  My focus shifted awhile ago from what I could not do/have to what I do have.  I have listened to others talk about grit. I believe to stick around in this game you have to have grit and determination. To stick around in Nevada you have to add ‘a little crazy’ to the mix.  

     I have watched the one hit wonders in the sheepdog world, already come and go.  Continuity is the corner stone.  That in itself, I think may be the hardest card.  I love Feist.  When I practiced in Idaho, Wellington, or Plymouth I would often say, I just want to learn how to run Feist.... and then I want all my dogs to be just like Feist.  Everyone laughed at me. But she was two and I was new, and it seemed perfectly doable. 

     Now I am five years an open handler and Feist is 7 years old, just like that!  I have wanted to breed Feist for about 3 years now.  Actually I love my mighty but small partner so much, I would clone her. Finding the next page of consistency in the next generation proved to be more challenging than I could predict. With three failed matings dates - males back out at the last minute for various random reasons - this year we were finally successful. Feist had a beautiful litter of 6 healthy pups. It was difficult to chose only one, but I did. I chose the first escapee who wiggled out and came and found me in the next room. Ziya-Cracker she will be named.

     A friend and co-sheepdog hand advised me last year that my young dog program was lacking. I would not be able to provide continuity for myself in the sheepdog world if I only trained up a young dog every 2-3 years. And she reminded me that not all dogs are cut out to be trial dogs. So, I have put forth effort into amping up my young dog foundation program. I have spent quite a bit of time watching techniques and styles of other dogs (dog-lines) and identifying what attributes I admire in a partner. With this said, I have no desire to become a “breeder”.  I also realize that one of my ongoing faults is my overdone level of sentimentality. I will struggle to not keep them all. I have dealt with pet owners for too long, thus developing a deep skepticism in others abilities to be responsible for the wellness of these precious dogs. In my humble opinion this commitment has very little to do with the persons financial wellness, but rather to where a ‘dog’ falls in their discretionary budget.

     In the midst of pioneering this new horizon for my sheepdogging passion, I have imported a female puppy of completely different genetics.  I am enamored by her mothers feel and way handing sheep both trialing even though she is young and just starting her career. The pups father is Aled Owens Cap a proven champion. 

     I recently read another long time handler say that it takes 10 years and 3 dogs under your belt, before you know what you are doing. Similarly I have heard shepherds say it take a sheepdog one year under each leg before they amount to anything. Both statements may have validity. As a handler I am developing my own style as well. Coming from a multigenerational background (5th generation) in ranching the livestock are the priority. The bordercollie breed is also very important to preserve. My goal is to have consistent teams, travel and have fun competing and showing how magnificent this sport can be.