SageHill Ranch Journal

[SageHill]

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.

Mine are pretty much the same inside and outside the fence, They have an acre-ish or so turn out and corral. The perimeter fences they can not see (except where Murphy has his chats). I also do take them out on the open traffic road (no traffic other than deliveries, and those who live here) and they act the same. But then - I have my Obi fence so there's that. That almost constant movement of the dog could be a security blanket of sort.

 

[Bruce]

Of course a video of them laying down and watching is like looking at a still photograph

No, it is like looking at a LGD at work during the day. Dead asleep on a rise, ears wide open

 

[Ridgetop]

The difference in the way the dogs work is incredible. Obi and Zo taking the sheep out to a field along a road, then keeping them there quietly grazing is the way it must have been when the shepherds stayed out with the flocks moving them continually in search of grazing.

The LGD is completely different. Where Obi's and Zo's constant movement calms the sheep, my Anatolians walk very slowly unless there is a predator. Fast movement startles the sheep and makes them run. My Anatolians when they see danger will run round the sheep to get their attention, then lead the sheep to a safe place and leave them there. The dogs then investigate and dispose of the threat. The sheep remain facing the way the dogs went and watch. When the dogs reappear, they go to the sheep and check them all (they look like they are counting that they are all there LOL). Then they lead the sheep back down to the grazing area and go lay down. They prefer to lay on something high. We are on a steep hill so that is where they like to lay - on the edge of the gully watching the sheep. My dogs will be very upset to go to Texas where there are no hills!

 

[Baymule]

@Ridgetop get your dogs a dump truck load of dirt!

 

[SageHill]

The difference in the way the dogs work is incredible. Obi and Zo taking the sheep out to a field along a road, then keeping them there quietly grazing is the way it must have been when the shepherds stayed out with the flocks moving them continually in search of grazing.

The LGD is completely different. Where Obi's and Zo's constant movement calms the sheep, my Anatolians walk very slowly unless there is a predator. Fast movement startles the sheep and makes them run. My Anatolians when they see danger will run round the sheep to get their attention, then lead the sheep to a safe place and leave them there. The dogs then investigate and dispose of the threat. The sheep remain facing the way the dogs went and watch. When the dogs reappear, they go to the sheep and check them all (they look like they are counting that they are all there LOL). Then they lead the sheep back down to the grazing area and go lay down. They prefer to lay on something high. We are on a steep hill so that is where they like to lay - on the edge of the gully watching the sheep. My dogs will be very upset to go to Texas where there are no hills!

It really is different, and I'm loving the learning and also learning about all of your LGDs. Totally different, and while mine ~may be able to guard some, it's definitely not something they do. Though, like the LGDs they also keep track of their sheep, who is where - and yeah like yours I swear they are counting them heck they probably are.
Then add in the BCs and you've go a whole 'nuther style of herding. While mine can do what they do (but not with the wow factor the BCs have) it definitely takes lots of extra training to get there.
LOL -- @Baymule 's got it - you need a few dump trucks of dirt for your guys.

 

[Ridgetop]

Not to mention my flock name - Ridgetop! Since our ranch in Texas is completely flat that name will have some good ol' boys scratching their heads and thinking "Stupid Californians"! LOL

 

[SageHill]

completely flat that name will have some good ol' boys scratching their heads and thinking "Stupid Californians"! LOL

OMG -- you should've issued a spew alert with that one!

 

[Baymule]

Not to mention my flock name - Ridgetop! Since our ranch in Texas is completely flat that name will have some good ol' boys scratching their heads and thinking "Stupid Californians"! LOL

Just don’t hang a sign out front, it’ll be ok. LOL

 

[Bruce]

You can change your name to Flattop

 

[farmerjan]

You can change your name to Flattop