SageHill Ranch Journal

[Mini Horses]

Don't they slow down ??? Once sheep eating, I'd want them to settle more.

 

[Baymule]

Super fantastic videos! I love watching Obi and Zo work, no wonder you love grazing days so much!

Don't they slow down ??? Once sheep eating, I'd want them to settle more.

That’s what I was thinking!
Once the sheep are happily grazing, do the dogs ever just stop and watch them, even for a moment?

Carson heard the panting. Convinced that I was “cheating “ with another dog, he asked for attention. His “hugs” are laying his big head in my lap and pressing down.

 

[SageHill]

Seems like Zo could rest a bit, the sheep don't seem to be going anywhere

Yeah, and while I agree, I've found that the dog has to figure it out on their own. I learned this with Obi a few years ago. I had grand visions of him "laying out the fenceline" and then just occasionally checking it out and moving to where he was needed. Here's what happened - he'd work an area and I'd make him stop/sit/lay down. Pretty much force/enforcing it. All voice, no yelling, and all at a distance. When he'd get up - even slowly, or start getting to the area he needed to be (going along his "fence" - not through the sheep) it would spook the sheep, they'd startle, stop grazing and come closer together. If I let him do his thing everything stayed all calm and happy. Distance from the sheep, time of year, what they are grazing, and of course which dog I'm using all factors in to it. Zo actually has figured he can stop and take a breather, but that doesn't last long - and same for Obi - they're drive to work is huge. Doing an learning this is incredible stuff. Actually amazing at what Mother Nature and good breeding has put into the dogs. I am in awe.

 

[SageHill]

@Mini Horses - they do slow some, and even rest occasionally, but not much. When they do stop and then start back up the sheep startle some and that interrupts the grazing. When I make that happen it is sure to startle the sheep when I let the dog resume. I kind of think that movement for the sheep is like a security blanket. When another dog barks - other neighbors Rotties that they can't see, and like Murphy who they do see, they are not phased. They'll look at Murphy and drop their heads back down. When I have detection students and their dogs come out if their dogs bark the sheep head for as far into the pasture as they can get.

 

[SageHill]

@Baymule they do stop for a little bit, survey what the sheep are doing, what direction they are going and where their "fence" is, and for Obi where the avocado trees are (he keeps them out of the trees), and then resume. Of course a video of them laying down and watching is like looking at a still photograph . But they really don't do it that much.
Awe - Carson - he'll be sending the boyz email telling them be a guardian you can chill more! Give him an extra snuggle for me.

 

[Baymule]

That makes sense. The dogs are the sheep’s security. As long as the dogs are moving, everything is right in the sheep flock.

 

[Mini Horses]

It's just so different than an LGD. They are protectors and only a tiny bit interested in movement from their herd -- and that's if they're wandering where they feel it's not safe. The sheep react more to a bark....and being told to take cover.

The fence feels a need to move. The guardian gets high, watches and takes on the threat as it appears. Now, some do keep the herd in their desired area ... Just not as hyper as the herders.

We humans must learn to respect their agreed upon conversations and attitudes.

 

[SageHill]

It's just so different than an LGD. They are protectors and only a tiny bit interested in movement from their herd -- and that's if they're wandering where they feel it's not safe. The sheep react more to a bark....and being told to take cover.

The fence feels a need to move. The guardian gets high, watches and takes on the threat as it appears. Now, some do keep the herd in their desired area ... Just not as hyper as the herders.

We humans must learn to respect their agreed upon conversations and attitudes.

Exactly! Need to watch, observe, ask why........ all while out in the field. The dogs all have their own purpose. When we've had coyotes out and up close when we were grazing - the first time I had to make an immediate decision - react fast but not too fast to spook sheep - my movement can effect them as we all know so well. The first time I chose dog stays with sheep and I run off the coyote. Dog staying with the sheep did two things - kept the sheep calm and kept the dog out of harms way (aka possible big vet bill). It worked great - dog watching over sheep prevented their movement and possible return of Mr Wiley-Coyote. Now, rather than run off the coyote I shoot at them (pellet pistol) and they charge out fast (I've seen them hit - that little jump when hit). Thinking after the fact, it was the right choice adding in if Obi moved out fast after the coyote that could cause the sheep to bolt, and that bolt could have the coyote or its buddy circle back - prey drive ya' know.
Out there on the road, and grazing it's all 'quiet time' away from the crazy world where on can just stand and watch or ponder who knows what. Hmmmm do today's folk even know what the word ponder is ??

 

[Baymule]

Ponder. I doubt that many people can hold a thought that long.

Smart thinking, pellet gun on the coyote, OUCH! And Obi with sheep, doing what he does best.

 

[Mike CHS]

I'm not sure how your sheep act but mine are completely different outside the fence. They move faster and more erratically almost like they know that dad isn't going to stand there and watch them very long.

I still use the Border Collie occasionally but that's only to keep his confidence up. Most of the time, I just keep a bucket of feed down by the gate and call them back in.