Dawg Unleashed # 1

Dawg on sheep

Before I talk about sheep, I would like to introduce myself and give you an overview of how I am going to structure my blog posts. If you aren't familiar with Barb's blog or book - Positive Herding 101, then you may have missed being introduced to me. I am the star of the book and many of her blogs! Unfortunately, Sir likes to hog the videos and pictures, but my stellar performances should not go unheralded. I deserve a larger role in all of Barb's endeavors and my next contract is still being negotiated.

My name is Dawg and I, with Shandler the handler, keep our crew of sheep and ducks in line. Kat is a pain but she seems to stay out of my way most of the time. We all work together to illustrate and simplify herding concepts. Of course, I am the star of the show, but Shandler is my passable assistant.

My blogs won't often have video because I am so photogenic that the camera tends to follow me and miss what the rest of the crew is doing, as well it should. Anyway, let's talk sheep!

Mostly I herd ewes without lambs at their sides. Rams can be obnoxious and dangerous. Ewes with very young lambs are probably the most dangerous. You always want to use a lot of eye to move them and allow the ewe time to gather her lamb and take it with her. If you push too hard, she will ram you with her head. Not a pretty sight.

Be on the lookout for guard dogs around the flock as some of them don't take kindly to us herding dogs.

When working the flock, pick out the lead sheep and keep your eye on her. If you can convince her to go where you want her to go, most likely the rest will follow, like sheep do. Also, be on the lookout for a crazy ewe. She is the one that wants to go her own way and leave the flock behind. If she breaks away from the flock, despite your best efforts to contain her, then take the flock to her instead of trying to bring her back to the flock by herself. A single ewe or any lone animal will act erratically.

Finally, keep your eyes on the sheep, especially if one stands up to you. If you shift your eyes away from her, even if you don't turn your head, she will know you are weak. Once she sees you break eye contact with her, your days of telling where to go are over.

That's enough for a first go at blogging. It's not nearly as much fun as herding!

Tell your BFF to get Positive Herding 101 and look me up. I am the good lookin' dog in there. Sir steals a lot of the show in the book but that is just plain wrong. When you post a review of the book, be sure to mention me. It will help in my contract negotiations.

Get the book here!

Until next time, tell your mates about this blog and...

Grow the pack!

Come bye to learn more about herding!

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