Today Josh and Karma had their first herding lesson with the wonderful Robin Penland Elliott out in Jamul. Karma had already done her first instinct test, so this was her first “for real” lesson. How completely awesome to be part of! When we got her out of the car she just tootled along and then saw the sheep and it was like a switch clicked on, she dropped to a crouch and walked veeeerrrry sloowllyy over to the pen. She was a bit hectic at first, there was some crashing and some biting of the sheep - but they only lost a few chunks of wool and Karma settled in quickly.
I had a ball watching, I’m so proud of my hubby and his lovely girl!! Robin was great, explaining what we were trying to accomplish, letting Karma build her confidence and learn to think on her own. Letting us know that there are no mistakes this early in the game, for both of them it is about learning to “read, think and feel sheep.” After a break for Karma, Josh went in the pen with her and did a fantastic job of learning to be a shepherd. Only once did he get a sheep diving underneath him!
If you’ve been thinking of trying out herding, I’d highly recommend giving Robin a call. She’s personable, a clear and motivating instructor, and very fair. I love that we are teaching Karm to figure it out on her own, to use her head, and not trying to create a robot. This fits right in with all of my training philosophies. And as it turns out, Robin is also a blast from my past, as we started talking we realized that she’s also the lady who gave me my first job at a vet’s office - way back in the day!! So glad to see you again, Robin!
Stay tuned for more of Karma’s herding adventures!
Posted on November 10th, 2007 by michelle
Filed under: My dogs, Training
Gunner is SO Jealous!! Let me know next time you guys go and I’ll join ya