Our dogs don't handle being in trouble well

[Mike CHS]

That video was great and the trainer of those dogs has to be top notch.

Our dogs are still in training (which is one reason we got sheep this year instead of next spring). Where we train was far enough to only be able to go once a week since it pretty much blows a whole day. When they can work a little every day they progress twice as fast. There isn't much we can do right now since they are all so close to lambing and don't need the stress. Sheep move nice and easy for Sassy but Lance can get them moving just with his stare but he is young and too intense right now.

 

[CntryBoy777]

Shoot!!....I'd have to work as hard as the dogs just to Learn how to Whistle like that....and Loud...

 

[Mike CHS]

That whistle is a bear to master and I haven't done it yet.

Teresa has it down pretty much but not me.

 

[babsbag]

I would fail at that whistle for sure. I would get a bosun pipe but I would never remember which whistle to use for what so forget it. I just want to say "go get 'em" and have them do the rest. Or "bring 'em home". I need Lassie.

 

[CntryBoy777]

Whistling has never been my 'Fortay'....would have to work with vocal sounds....my voice tends to 'Carry' pretty good...I never could get away with a 'Whisper'....and my 4 daughters always accused me of 'Hollaring' at them....and I would show them that I wasn't 'Hollaring' at them....the argument never seemed to last much longer.... ...and most of my dogs I grew up with...I used sounds and could get them to obey them....I have always envied those who could Whistle tho....it really is an 'Art'...

 

[Mike CHS]

During trials the dogs may have to do an outrun the length of a football field so voice doesn't work.

This is one version of what is used:
http://www.sheepdogherding.com/shepherds-whistles

We hope to be able to enter some Novice category trials next spring.

 

[NH homesteader]

My grandfather was always a great whistler. Then he had a mini stroke and he can't do it anymore. It's too darn quiet. Good thing my husband is also a whistler, he took over for him!

 

[CntryBoy777]

That really sounds interesting...and will be looking Forward to the 'Progress' of it for Sure!!....will ya be using your own sheep?....or, do ya use stock animals?

 

[Mike CHS]

The farm where we train has a trial every Labor Day and another in early summer. The hosts for trials provide the sheep and there are usually 100 more being used. That keeps it mixed up and fair for everybody.

 

[CntryBoy777]

So, it is similar to the turkey 'Calls' that ya put in your mouth...well I would need all the Help I could Get for sure to even have a Chance....