Dogs working hard

[BCSnob]

Moving our flock from one field to another is hard work right now. Hard enough that we are using 2-3 dogs to gather and move our small flock of just under 100 ewes and lambs. (We sold some lambs because we needed to replenish our savings)

Here are the mother daughter team of Peg (11 years old) and Nell (7 years old and litter sister to BJ mother our our new pups) gathering and moving our flock. Sam the Maremma Sheepdog makes an appearance at the end of the video.

Peg and Nell moving flock

Peg was sent to the left and Nell was sent to the right. You'll have to look closely to see them. You'll be able to tell where they are once the flock starts moving towards the camera by how the sheep are reacting.

Mark

[Pawz4me]

Clueless questions --

Does Sam get upset when the border collies take over "his" sheep? Do LGDs have to be trained to accept herding dogs as a non-threat?

[BCSnob]

This time of year there is plenty of grass in the fields (as very evident in the video) and we have spring fed running water for the sheep to drink. They don't need much management (they take care of themselves) other than us wanting them to graze certain fields. Sam is there to protect them from coyotes; Sam has an "automatic feeder" in the barn (shelter) and access to water. This time of year we can get away for long weekends knowning the sheep do not need us. We can load up our 9 Border Collies into their crates in our cargo van, hitch up our trailer, and leave (like to sheepherding trials).

[RBak]

Wow - beautiful video, Mark. So interesting seeing the dogs work. You are a great handler and so lucky to have the life you have, despite all the hard work. Having grown up in the city, I really appreciate the country life. Hope all the dogs and sheep are well and stay that way.

Rita

[Scottiemom]

I love watching the dogs work. They are really incredible.

Dale

[mmriddile]

Love your video. That is really incredible that your dogs can work those sheep like that. The only Border Collie we know hates our dogs (2 Cocker Spaniels). Not sure why that is--maybe cause they are "fancy dogs"! Anyway, I love dogs and those dogs of yours are "good" dogs! How do you ever get away with all those animals to care for? That is why I got the motorhome...so I could take my dogs with me. Don't think that you can take all your animals with you though! That would have to be "some" motorhome.