Patches, Meg, Shelby & Smut
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A Border Collie is a type of herding dog
developed by sheep farmers during the last hundred years or so in the
border country between England and Scotland. It is known by its ability to
move sheep in a controlled manner, an intelligent and independent dog with
lots of stamina.
Shepherds bred from the most efficient dogs, those that would
stand up to difficult ewes and those with lots of "power" as
well as those that could cover great distance.
The working collie was bred for one purpose in those
days -- for work. |
| The work shaped the dog. It was bred
exclusively for its herding abilities never for conformation. And because
of that, there are many different variations in the breed today. Their
coats may vary from smooth coat to rough coat and anywhere in between.
Color as well as coat varies. Most typically, the colored dog will have a
white collar, a white chest, a white blaze on the face white on the feet
and a white tip on the tail. An all black dog is considered to make the
sheep too nervous, and the all white dog is said to not have enough power
to earn the sheep's respect. Drive and heart matter more than a particular
shape, coat type, color or ear set for a good herding dog.
It is not just the breeding that has gone awry today, lots of good dogs
are in the hands of people that don't need a working dog. Border Collies
need lots of hard work. People see these beautiful dogs and want one
because of how intelligent they are. Never mind the amount of energy
required for one. Whether helping out on the farm or keeping track of
hobby pets, a Border Collie is a busy dog. It is too late, and usually
after the cute puppy phase when the fate of the poor Border Collie becomes
evident as the owner realizes how energetic and demanding they are.
In the mid 1800's dog show and working trials became popular.
The first recorded sheepdog trials took place in 1873 at Bala, Wales.
The winner was a tricolor Scottish bred dog named Tweed, owned by William
Thomson. The compact built Tweed also took the beauty prize. The modern
heritage began in 1894 with the birth of Old Hemp. The breed as we know it
today descends from one dog, Old Hemp, bred by Adam Telfer, a Northumbrian
farmer. Hemp was the combination of breeding hard, rough, powerful but
difficult to control dogs with the milder natured working collies. Hemp is
considered the father of the breed.
Other influential early sires were Isacc Herdman's Tommy, Thomas
Armstrong's Sweep, J.M. Wilson's Craig and Wartime Cap also owned by
Wilson. One of the major influences on the breed in the mid 20th Century
was John Richardon's Wiston Cap. If Old Hemp was the father of the breed,
Cap is the modern father of the breed. There are few Border Collies today
that do not have lines that go back to him. Cap was the most popular stud
dog in the breed's history, was the 1965 International Champion and lived
to be 15 years old. He is portrayed on the ISDS badge in the classic
Border Collie herding pose (a crouch).
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A Few Tips
REMEMBER:
Any time your emotions take over -- your dog training ends.
The dog is in control of the stock I'm in control of the
dog.
An important part of training that new handlers seem to
either forget, or are so involved, that they don't realize is, that a
flank is NOT working the stock or moving the stock.
The biggest mistake even skilled handlers make is: Not
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When the dog and stock aren't making any progress,
(after trying different positions and flanks). Walk up and help your dog a
little at first then more as needed for the dog to win. Quit while your
dog is ahead don't wait till they're tired and weak and get butted by
the stock.
A worried dog can't think. Do whatever it
takes to get the dog to do the work. Walk with them if you need to. This
will help build confidence.
To say a dog is weak, simply means it doesn't have
the ability to think.
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Tab by Jack George
The Six Commandments of Stockdog Training
As taught by Bob Vest
Interest ?b> First you must have interest in the dog.
Recall -- The dog must also be able to walk around sheep without working
the stock.
Stop or down
Left and Right flanks
Walk up/In
Out or Back
Everything else is:
- Handler’s position
- Refinement
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Bob Vest once said: "Time, patience, and
belief in your dog will make your goals happen".
And if it takes 3 months or 3
years, what difference does it make if your goal is accomplished?
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