This post is late getting here since our girl's day actually happened more than a week ago but as they say, better late than never. I can't tell you how much I needed to get out and have some fun and what better way to do that then with Kelly, Rae, and Nancy! This was Nancy's first time down to work at Hog Dog so I hope she enjoyed it as much as we all did.
I have said this a few times already but the great thing about not having to accomplish anything is the lack of stress that it brings when working Diva. I simply love getting out there and just enjoying our time doing whatever it is that comes to mind. I decided to give the blind outrun a try since the sheep had seen us getting out of the cars and decided to head over the hill to the farthest corner of the pasture. Diva has worked very little but I love testing her and this task is one of the things that I have access to that really validates Diva's working ability. Without owning my own farm or ranch most of our "work" is done inside an arena or pen but Hog Dog's main pasture allows for a unique experience. Each time I send Diva out over that hill and across a pasture that is nearly a 1/4 of a mile I get a euphoric feeling. I stand there watching her head up and she always looks back a few times to make sure she is doing the right thing and then poof, she disappears and the wait begins. Somewhere over there are 25 or so sheep with my dog and I can no longer see anything. I have to trust that Diva is treating the sheep fairly, that she is rounding them up, and that she knows her task is to bring them back to me. I do, and I should, because out there with no human around it's instinct combining with training that is guiding her and she has all of the tools that she needs. The waiting feels like forever but when I finally see sheep coming over the crest it's a proud moment. Diva brings the sheep straight to the gate and in they go to the smaller field to get ready for sorting. I have yet to do it but one time I would love to put the video camera on the tripod viewing the top portion of the pasture just so I can actually see what happens after Diva leaves my sight. Obviously the sheep are gathered and no one is hurt but I am curious as to what method she uses to get the job done? Does she make an adjustment to her outrun once she locates the sheep visually or does she stay true to the command I gave? If it's the former will the video show that her decision was the right one given where the sheep are? I almost always tell her "away, go get your sheep." when I send her because where the gate is located the closest fence line is off to my right and I want her to cast out and hug the fence so she makes a clean gather. This bit of large field gathering came in very handy when she finished her OFTm. On that day I also sent her away and she kicked out so wide all the way to the fence and had a gorgeous outrun and lift.Very pretty! Hog Dog has been a crucial part of our journey and as we are nearing the end of 2014 I figure I should mention exactly how blessed and thankful I am to be able to work there.
Once everyone got there the fun began. Kelly and I had wanted to see if Raven would work for me so I took her out to sort and gave it a go. It was a very short attempt that proved even for a Aussie that appears to "live to work" it's still about living to work with their person. I have to admit though I was a bit surprised. Raven apparently loves me but not enough to work with Kelly standing where she can see her. As I was laughing and giving Raven back to Kelly Singe came charging out to greet me so Kelly said to try her. Again, it was a no go. I am loved but I am not "the one". So like a good sport Kelly then took Diva out to "work". Surprisingly Diva was happy to work with Kelly as long as Kelly didn't give her a correction. Corrections can come only from me apparently ;-). It was interesting to watch Diva with Kelly and I have no doubt that if I wasn't around Diva would settle in and really apply herself. I also am curious if Raven's tune would change should I take her out to work cattle. Guess maybe we can try that at our next girl's day ;-).
So there you have it. Just a beautiful December day spent with good friends chatting and working dogs. It's the simple joys in life that heal the soul and Diva and I love spending time with our friends!
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