Following the meet and greet at the Atlanta Show yesterday, Cheryl and Susan packed up Treasure and Kearney and Chase to head home to the Knoxville area. Treasure picked yesterday to begin her first season, so plans were quickly reconfigured and Chase went home with Susan. He loves Kearney (who is about the same age as Holmes) and they played until Susan decided it was time for some work.
Chase had his first herding lesson yesterday, and this is what Susan said, “I did take Chase out on the sheep. I had to doctor my lambs (worm them). I let Kearney have all the fun of holding them to me while I doctored them. Afterward, I sorted some out, put Chase on a long line and entered the round pen with him. He got to sit at both gates – he thought that was a HUGE waste of time. Then I let him work the sheep for a bit. He was only allowed to approach them at the proper speed, but was praised for covering when a sheep tried to bolt. I remember he was startled a couple of times when I praised him, but I don’t remember what he was doing (I think it was covering sheep at a fast pace). All in all, he did a very good job. Lots of intensity, lots of drive, really good instinct. I am pleased ”
If Susan is pleased, you can bet your boots that I am. Soon we’ll have photos of Chase, tongue hanging out, big smile on his face — working with the sheep. I am so relieved that he didn’t wash out of Camp on the first day.
Have Susan park Chase in front of her Sony big screen on September 18 – 26. It’s the National Sheepdog Finals, streamed live, and even though it’s border collies, he might pick up a pointer or two. :o)
http://www.nationalsheepdogfinals.com/
I bet you really miss him. I do not know if I could do that by sending one away for 18 months . Hope thing are going forward with the house and condo.
Oh wonderful…swamp dog discovers sheep poop. Look out Susan!!!
From Susan:
LOL, already found the swamp rat. I changed the duck water tonight. Chase rolled in it. I hosed him off, he was not amused
Way to go, dad! I’m so proud of you. I’m getting “back on track.” I went to the park today, and I think I did well. I’m a bit rusty, but I “located” two articles, but failed to locate the glove. I was much more interested in the birds that were in the grass, than finding a smelly old glove. Mom says I need to “FOCUS” more. Guess what,dad? So does she!
Anyway, it sounds like you are a natural on sheep. We all knew you would be. Keep us updated on your adventures.
Fondly, your son,
Watson