Flamincomet Posted March 18, 2008 Report Share Posted March 18, 2008 Well, I haven't been able to go to herding with Ghost for quite some time, due to the trainer having an outbreak of parvo and losing 7 of his puppies... Because of that, my friend (who herds with her aussie) and I are going to head out a little farther to a new trainer, but I've decided to start working with Spirit instead of Ghost, as I think she has much more potential. The trainer we went to before didn't charge, but I also don't think he was very thorough, and it was very informal. Since I will be paying for lessons from now on, I'm assuming they will be more structured and complete. Therefore, what should I expect at Spirit's first lesson? She pretty much tries to herd anything that moves, but she is also very submissive and shy. She is also scared of loud noises to the point that she will leave the room where it happened and not come back for a while. I'm not sure if this will affect her on stock however, since whenever she tries to "herd" she is extremely focused... does anyone have any experience with working with submissive/shy BCs? I haven't taken very many good pics of her, as she is afraid of the flash, so here is an old shot. Thanks in advance, Autumn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chesney's Girl Posted March 18, 2008 Report Share Posted March 18, 2008 I wouldn't be surprised if the new trainer takes Spirit in the arena the first time to work her. Then I would expect to get to work my dog a second possibly third time after a few breaks and possibly some explanation on what my dog did the first time from the trainer. As far as working ability goes. I wouldn't go in with too much expectations and just see what happens and go from there. I don't think making expectations until a few times of working my dog is fair and even then they are low and meet-able expectations. Also if you search around the training section I'm sure there is more information on this. I know I have seen it asked a few times. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alaska Posted March 18, 2008 Report Share Posted March 18, 2008 Little Hats is your friend. Many helpful articles here. Especially read Robin's article titled First Exposure to Sheep. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue R Posted March 18, 2008 Report Share Posted March 18, 2008 You've received some very good advice, and also might want to see if Eileen would move this thread (and any related questions you have) to the "Working Sheepdogs" Training section, where you might get more responses to your questions. Just remember that just because a person charges money for training, doesn't mean that person is more or less qualified than someone who doesn't charge. Anyone can set themselves up as a "herding" trainer but that doesn't make them qualified to do so. As for structured lessons, yes, there is normally some structure but you would find that top trainers also have their own methods and some follow a certain protocol and others approach training steps in a somewhat different sequence. In addition, a trainer needs to have a certain flexibility to adapt or modify their training methods to suit the dog and the situation, as well as the dog's (and your) progress. Be prepared to ask questions, watch, and listen. Best wishes in having a wonderful time and a successful time with your dog and your new trainer! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PSmitty Posted March 18, 2008 Report Share Posted March 18, 2008 I have a dog who is full of fear issues, and very noise sensitive. However, on sheep, he's a totally different dog. Out with the sheep is the one place where I see him confident and unafraid. It's a joy to watch, let me tell you. So, don't be surprised if she turns out to be more confident than you think... As Danielle said, the trainer will most likely work your dog the first few times. Every trainer is different, but mine actually worked Jack the first 7-8 times (he's a wild thing) before I went in with him. Since I'm clueless, he naturally works better for her. Now, Alex won't work for the trainer yet (ever?) so I've been in with him since the beginning...poor dog. So, again, it just depends. How's that for not helpful? Also, how it works for us, the dog goes in and "works" for maybe 10 minutes or so, and then comes out to get water and cool off. Trainer and I stand around and talk, with her giving me some instruction. Repeat three times and that's about it. Best thing is to go in with no expectations of how your dog might do. You should expect the trainer to be courteous to you and treat your dog well, and explain things as they go along, in between works. Like most things, you'll get a feel right away if you think it might be a good fit with the trainer (i.e. how comfortable are you and the dog with him/her, how well does he/she treat the stock and dogs, etc). Good luck and have fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chesney's Girl Posted March 18, 2008 Report Share Posted March 18, 2008 You've received some very good advice, and also might want to see if Eileen would move this thread (and any related questions you have) to the "Working Sheepdogs" Training section, where you might get more responses to your questions. Sue... This is in the Working Stockdogs training section Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue R Posted March 18, 2008 Report Share Posted March 18, 2008 Sue... This is in the Working Stockdogs training section Well, sure enough, it is! Where have I been? I was thinking it was in the General section. Sorry, since I use the "new posts" function at the top, I rarely notice just where things are posted anymore - and, I guess, when I do notice, I notice wrong! Can we just blame this on age? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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