Herding

Well I didn't think it was a herding instinct test, but it looks like it was, lol. (i know --- weird that I'm not entirely sure yet -- but i do have a piece of paper saying "dog qualifies as being herding instinct test certified"! -- so i think it counts? I'll have to check. Tara had an absolute blast. I don't have footage of all of it (unfortunately I only have video of the first few minutes -- it got more interesting later...), but as soon as I get it off the camera I'll post it here. She definitely had a lot of fun and we got some nice compliments. The judge/trainer's comments were: "Dog had a grand time once she figured out that chasing was allowed. She has a stamina and moves well - especially for a collie. Nice entry! We turned her on to herding." So I'm happy, and she definitely did have a blast. It's always nice to know that an extremely experienced herding person (check out her farm here: http://www.raspberryridgesheepfarm.com ) thinks you have a sound dog that's "sufficient for stock". Woo-hoo Tara! Now we have to try to fit some fun private herding lessons into our life. That will only add another expense and more driving. Can't waste her potential though, lol. So more exciting news. Yay.

Tara, a clicker and a ball. . .

Some videos and a couple of pics

Tara and Orion wetting their feet in a particularly nice spot on Little Concord Pond.

Tara making a funny face in the wind on a recent hiking trip.

Tara's Mouth/Canine Driveball

She seems to be fine now. She certainly devoured the bully stick I gave her today with no problems. We're looking for other rally trials to enter. We also are going to be getting involved in canine driveball. New canine sport coming from europe. It's great for herding dogs looking for work! (I do have some new pics too, I just need to upload them).