NvShadowBCs-Noggin' Doggin'

    "I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived." -Henry David Thoreau      In the past, I have made numerous new years promises that I have not kept.  This year one of my resolutions was to work on big walls (destructing) and little boundaries (constructing). I very rarely take time off. This year I had the good fortune to be able to take a weeks break in our off season of work and herding to go visit a friend in Canada.  I left my dogs behind.                        Dogs were still the center of the visit.  Working dogs.  On a small working farm.  It was timeless in nature.  I felt like I had slipped back in history in a way. Reaching a time...

First comes trust,     Photo by Kelsey Nichols then comes loyalty.        Dogs are smart.  They all lead different journeys before they arrive.  The only time things are created equal is when they are in the litter, and even then there are inequities.  The little runt sometimes becomes the pick of the litter because he had to be tough to make it.  Multiple owners.  Genetics.  Environment.  Human quirkiness transference issues.        I like these words "first comes trust and then comes loyalty".  It is just part of some random fb post that I borrowed a part of.  It is very true on all accounts.  If there is NO trust, then there is NO loyalty.  And for my dogs, bless their hearts, they all come from different back grounds, experiences, exposures, and genetic predispositions.        My mentors lament that you should find the style ...

     The seasons keep rolling by us.  The challenge is in seeking daylight, which is graciously showing up more often,  safe conditions and warmth.               Our motley crew of herding volunteers.  Very fat and sassy this winter.      The dogs are looking forward to getting out.  Very happy with the extra hikes and ski outtings this year.  The Canadian and Idaho bred dogs are loving the snowy conditions.  The Nevada bred human, maybe not so much.       Currently shifting work from close to home, arena and home-field ranch work, to greater exposure within a reasonable and time sensitive distance.        Braving the terrain that isolates us from the rest of the world.  This small barrier that we call the Sierra Mountains.  Again, expanding horizons of what CAN be do...

Words that are Impeccable Tend to Ring True Don Miguel Ruiz Be impeccable with your word      At the previous official training event we had a discussion prior to going out and working our dogs. I have high regard for this elite trainer both on and off the field.  For a moment it was nearly as if an unofficial sermon was being delivered.  Not that it was either 'preachy' or condescending. The talk was also not judgmental or biased.  It was very nearly sermon-like in that even though he was speaking to a room full of diverse individuals from many different areas, all with sheepdogging tendencies, it felt as though he was speaking directly to me.      The story he told was about a clinic he put on some time ago.  Very nice handlers and very nice dogs.  The first day went really well.  Dogs seem to be coming along and the handlers appeared to be learning quite a bit.  Absorbing the knowledge put for...

Trekking on... Private lessons with Dianne Deal   .  Just for her pre-existing clients. Small venue.  Perfect weekend.  A total blast. Hosting our first event.  DD worked from sun up to sunset               to make sure everyone had a fair turn.                             A lot was learned! Sheepcamp 2012 Patrick Shannahan and Don Helsley Caldwell, ID        Excellent learning experience.  We were much more prepared than we were last year.  With Tic and Don Helsley I learned another trick for controlling his eye.  I like the slowed down Tic though, a lot.  He did nicely in the stockmanship work in the corrals. Don demo-ing his version of the shed mechanics. Hocus Pocus! No wonder he has a dog named Wizard,  he may be a tad magician. This...

Looking through  the looking glass      Packed and ready for the week, my friend Ann and I pulled into the site of the USBCHA National Sheepdog Finals a bit before sunset.  The stage was being set for the most amazing sheepdog event on the North American continent.  I had slated a week of vacation to go; as a spectator, as a volunteer, and as a sponsor.  Three years ago, I also attended in the peanut gallery, as a fan in awe.  Lily was sitting on my lap watching the impossible magic unfold.  This year, the event would be different.  I have managed to throw my dice up on the table as a Novice handler.        The weeks leading up to the Finals were filled with anticipation, preparation, and packing.  I had an unexpected bonus with Amanda Milliken and Sandy Milberg stopping by on their westward sojourn from Meeker and Soldier Hollow.  My girl dog Val was courted by a dark sleek handy Canadian n...

MY PART "Walk with purpose!!!!" "You know they are looking for a pack leader?" -DD