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Rick..... ...BOTH you and yer dog need training for herding. I've heard many times and believe it to be true, you'll ruin yer best and first herding dog you have because of inexperience. I want 2-unconditional things from my dog; "come" when I call, and a "down" when running full speed that fills his mouth with gravel. (even iff'n he's doin' sumptin "wrong", NEVER PUNISH him) Iff'n you establish yerself as the "Alpha-dog", all dogs will want to please the #1-dog (you). One of the neat things about the internet, there are special web-sites that cater to herding aficionados for various herding breeds, do a search. And there are numerious books and VIDEOS about herding. When I got my first Australian Shepherd dog to help me move cattle thru my irrigated pasture rotation scheme in 1972, there were NO books or videos. Just me and a long-line on an eager puppy. The cattle changed pasture paddocks like magic. She was a "boss" cowdog, just walking into a pasture and all the cows were heads-upp. She also thought sheep were silly and ducks were dumb. I miss her still, 25yrs later. I've buried 8 dogs on my RockyRidge SheepStation and bawled over everyone of them. Its a pain even 6-fingers of Burbon won't take away. As I suggested, gittta "rescue-dog". An older "retired" dog that will be pre-trained to some degree and let him help train you. There are MANY BREED specific "rescue" groups that will "screen-you" for suitablility and match you with a very greatfull dog, that is already potty trained. So what iff'n he's 10yo, we all slowdown and gitt more "love-able" with age (grin)..... ....68yo Dell, head shepherd RockyRidge SheepStation, 15 awesome acres of starvation grass at the foot of 14k Mt Rainier, Wash
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