Smalahundur Posted November 17, 2013 Report Share Posted November 17, 2013 Would you expose your sheep to training under snowy conditions? There is an even layer of pretty fresh snow here, I´d say about 25 cm deep (10 inches or so). I´d like to do a few sessions for the trial that will ( or won´t ) be held next week, but I don´t want to take risks with the health of my sheep. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tea Posted November 17, 2013 Report Share Posted November 17, 2013 hum, I never have. I have had to work my dogs and get sheep in in snowy conditions, because of my job.. We get a little snow often very wet, and sometimes ice which prevents me from gathering. I guess I'd ask you what is the field like? :/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TEC Posted November 17, 2013 Report Share Posted November 17, 2013 Here in Inland NW of US ten inches of fresh powdery snow doesn't pose a big obstacle to training in short bursts of 10-15 minutes. All parties (sheep, dog and handler) will need more frequent rest periods. I have heard that hard exercise in extreme cold can be a hazard to sheep, but simple below freezing temps shouldn't be a problem. Ice and hard crusty snow that breaks-through is risky, although 10 inches or less of fresh fluffy snow, I would think to be OK. As you may have experienced, in snow dogs get fatigued/lazy, not wanting to trudge so far around on the flanks. Something to be aware of. -- Best wishes, TEC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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