It's So Simple...Just Have Fun!

   It should be obvious from the lack of activity on this blog how few and far my working opportunities are between. I am not normally one to waffle around in self pity but I must admit that telling myself that I wasn't really missing working stock with Diva is no longer the band-aide it used to be. Then With ASCA Nationals happening earlier this month I wrestled with so much envy and jealousy reading about people's successes and seeing the pictures. As is my true nature though I have decided that there is no sense crying over missed opportunities. 2015 ASCA Nationals are in TN and I am going to spend the time between now and then training with the intent to do MVA.  There is an obedience and rally trial locally in February and I would like to get Diva's CDX and RA there. We also need to get back to doing some agility and yes of course we must ALWAYS work stock. 

    Yesterday Diva and I were able to meet up with Rae and her crew at Hog Dog for some long overdue laughs and sheep time. Diva was so excited when we pulled in that she started whining as we came down the driveway. I wasn't going to push my luck and ask for the big pasture blind gather but when we were half way up the hill (still out sight of the sheep) I asked Diva, "Where are the sheep?" and she was off like a rocket. By the time I made it over the crest she had everyone gathered up and heading my direction (at a pretty fast pace ;-) lol!). Once she had them settled with me she drove them down the pasture and put them in the small field for sorting so nicely. It made us both smile. 

   When we "worked" the first time I had her do a few baby outruns and then I just basically let her have some fun while fetching. She was slicey, fast, and grinning from ear to ear and I was having the best time watching her enjoy herself. Its easy to forget when your life is all crazy that the animals sometimes feel the pressure and stress just as much. Diva needed a chance to cut loose too. Once I reined her in we spent some time watching Rae work her dogs and just enjoyed the vibe together. Sun, a brisk breeze, sheep, and friends...priceless. **We missed you Kelly!!**

    For our last little work session I wanted to practice something that does not come easy or naturally to Diva...shedding. What we did was on the most basic level and I assisted so as not to make it stressful for her. I was using a group of 15 or so sheep and had her push them along the fence line, changing direction when asked. Then when I saw a good spot I would stop her and ask her to walk in. I stayed within 4-5 feet of her and really showed her where I wanted her to walk in. When the sheep split I praised and then re-directed her to "watch" the group we had sorted. Rinse and repeat several times. Diva stayed happy and I made a point of not raising my voice or getting frustrated if one slipped back tot he group (the same one I might add...stinker ;-)). I was a great place to end with her and we both left happy. Keeping things simple and having fun was just what we both needed. Next week we head to NY for the Thanksgiving holiday and we will get the chance to work more sheep and cattle with our NY friends! Yay for more fun!