Bite

[gvmama]

(posted twice for input...experts and training discussion)

 

I have a 4 yr. old bitch that will go to head (nose bite), but won't bite a heel (I have never put her on cattle) If I move her quickly on sheep or need to push sheep quickly, she will zip into the lead sheep for a nip on the nose which sends everyone in opposite directions. She will nip a sheep on the nose that is staring her off...no problem. The sire has a ton of sheep sense, but lacks power. He will turn his head if confronted. He will grip if necessary if I am close by, but if in a field, it's RT time if he is confronted. He is my first dog and from lovely lines.

 

Now I have a daughter of theirs that is 15 mos. She will bite a heel (in a heatbeat), but not a nose. LOL This pup will not turn her head if confronted (Yea), but will stop dead in her tracks. I have been very careful to try not to over power her on the different ranch sheep I put her on. This pup gives 100% and tries so hard to please. She doesn't have a lot of push, but is eager to do everything correctly. If a sheep breaks she will go to the head. She is praised for that.

 

Today, when she stopped when confronted by some yearling lambs, I just kept walking with her until they turned. I prasied her for walking on. Occasionally when a group of goats and sheep are in a pen together I encourage her to nip through the fence at a nose or two. She will growl and carry on jumping in and out. I praise her for that, too. She will walk up to a ewe with a lamb (outside of the fence)....and do a little jump at the fence.

 

Exercises? Just keep on doing what I am doing while waiting and watching her grow up? Thanks. Suzanne