Herding at Ewe-topia

We got a recommendation from Lisa at Friendly Grove (our kennel) to take Bitz to Ewe-topia for herding lessons.  Herding? Yes herding. Where the dog moves livestock around all the while under command. We figured the she would be quite good at it since Bitz is obsessed with herding toys, people, children and Spencer. Plus, it is a good way to build confidence in your dog. Bitz suffers from lack of confidence which is why she sometimes turns into the devil when we meet other dogs. It is getting a lot better, but she still has these moments where she transforms into an evil little creature.

So cute.

I just can't get enough of her little face!

Ewetopia is in Roy, about 45 minutes away from our house so it is a bit of a drive.Initially you just want the dog to get really interested in the sheep. The goal is to get the dog super motivated to go after (but not hurt) the sheep so that you can, at some point, start to control them around the livestock. The theory is (I'm told) that if you can control your dog around livestock, you can control them anywhere. Plus, it gives then a job and requires them to think about moving the livestock to different places. Thinking is good - especially for Bitz.

The two times I've herded with Bitz, she has been very shy with the sheep. I've had to get into the pen with her and essentially show her how to go after the sheep. Yes, I've chased sheep. I've grabbed their butts. I've growled at them. All in the name of showing this little dog how to herd. Let me tell you, it has been quite the experience for me. I have no shame when it comes to little Bitz.

Yesterday Brian and Spencer went with us to Ewe-topia. I really wanted him to come along to see her progress. Also I wanted him to take video of us herding because I knew it would be funny.

 Here is the first video. Bitz was very distracted at first. Spencer was outside the pen and she just couldn't focus on the sheep. She wanted to be with Spencer. It does have some good clips of me chasing and grabbing sheep though. The video was taken on my iphone and it isn't the best quality on a computer. I wouldn't view it in full screen. Hopefully you can still follow it though.

Since she was so distracted, the trainer decided to bring Spencer into the pen with her. Spencer was REALLY excited to see all the sheep. Bitz's whole demeanor changed after Spencer was with her. I think Spencer may have a future in herding too!

Slowly but surely she is gaining confidence. And, Spencer has found a new passion now that he is almost 13!