Sue in France Posted March 5, 2003 Report Share Posted March 5, 2003 Anyone have any hints on how to speed up a dog when flanking, especially from out of a drive position in order to turn the stock? I don't want to do what comes naturally and shout...he would stop dead then and think I was correctng him for someting he has done, not something he hasn't done, IYSWIM. Any help would be appreciated. Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pam Wolf Posted March 5, 2003 Report Share Posted March 5, 2003 If I read you correctly, he moves slowly when flanking on the drive? Have you tried a 'shhhh'? Pam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
concrete Posted March 5, 2003 Report Share Posted March 5, 2003 If he is just starting driving I would give him some time. It might just be a confidence problem. I would use a lot of verbal encouragement also. (good dog, shoosh, etc) Kevin Brannon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue in France Posted March 5, 2003 Author Report Share Posted March 5, 2003 Sorry..I should have given you more info. he is 2 and a bit years old, passed from class 2 to Open after only three trials (takes 2 of a certain standard to do so in France) and has always been sensitive to stock...reading them very well. He has been training on heavier stock and I have a feeling he is not only bored but pragmatic.."if they won't move any faster than that anyway, why bother?" Trialling season is sarting up here soon and I am getting a bit worried that he won't have the pazazz it takes to flank quickly when necessary ie around gates. I can't find any lighter stock ATM because everyone here has just finished lambing and don't want dogs around the place. I have tried sshhing him, using a more excited whistle, doubling up on whistle commands...he moves more quickly closer to me (say 50 yards) but slows up again any further away. It may be just a question of practice and experience...just wondered what you all thought. Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pam Wolf Posted March 6, 2003 Report Share Posted March 6, 2003 My youngster was slow on the flanks and experience and encouragement seems to have helped. Pam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackacre Posted March 6, 2003 Report Share Posted March 6, 2003 Try associate a fast flank (quick, exciting whistle) with sheep running away. A. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest totallyterry2003 Posted March 6, 2003 Report Share Posted March 6, 2003 Good answer A. I bet one of them thar Big Hats told you that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackacre Posted March 6, 2003 Report Share Posted March 6, 2003 T, You can bet I didn't think of it myself. A. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.