Bill Fosher Posted September 17, 2003 Report Share Posted September 17, 2003 RDM -- There is a point of balance regardless of which side of the sheep the dog is on, and the point at this stage of training is to get the dog to feel that balance point and be comfortable at it. If being near you allows her to be more comfortable, you should try walking along with her while she drives sheep away from you sometimes. Mostly, I think, it'll just be a matter of time and experience (a year or more) before a dog like this gets to the point where it's right on both flanks. Too much drilling will make the dog feel that it's being "bad" when it take the flank it doesn't like, and you'll start to see things like the orbiting you're describing. I'd say the best thing to do at this stage is to let the dog work however it works, don't push it too hard, and let it get comfortable working sheep. It would also be good to get onto some heavier sheep that are not knee-knockers from time to time so that she can lift them properly and not have them bolting to you as soon as she gets anywhere close to behind them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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