HGH training video clips - Page 5

<<Are there differences in the sexes? >>

All things being equal, yes. Males are a little harder than females. However, all things are rarely equal. The differences between blood lines is far bigger than between sexes.

<<I am sure Galaxy would still greet you like an old friend if he were to see you today. I think your kids have made him so trustworthy around children. >>

Only dogs that are clear headed are trustworthy around children. They are either born with it or they are not. Certainly, dogs may not be used to children like Brix who shied away from them first and in the end of training sought them when they approached. Yet, no clear headed dog would ever bite them even if he is not used to it.

<<By the way, some of the showline folk told me, that I made a big mistake that all the "work" would ruin my dog and make him not so pretty. I think Galaxy looked his best when he came home to me so many years ago after his HGH title. >>

Yeah, them show line folks make at times statements that don’t hold much water. Herding gives the dog an incredible work out and the muscles are well developed. It is hard to copy that in the show ring. How would they know? On the other hand, I am sure he never got this dirty again as he did at times at my place.

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All things being equal, yes. Males are a little harder than females. However, all things are rarely equal. The differences between blood lines is far bigger than between sexes.

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Only dogs that are clear headed are trustworthy around children. They are either born with it or they are not. Certainly, dogs may not be used to children like Brix who shied away from them first and in the end of training sought them when they approached. Yet, no clear headed dog would ever bite them even if he is not used to it.

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Yeah, them show line folks make at times statements that don’t hold much water. Herding gives the dog an incredible work out and the muscles are well developed. It is hard to copy that in the show ring. How would they know? On the other hand, I am sure he never got this dirty again as he did at times at my place.

 How is aggression defined in your work, Ulf?

Galaxy was a good dog on the field in protection.  He had a very good reputation until I stopped working him.  He was tested to see if he could be run off the field.  This was not the case.

Is this type of courage a requirement for the HGH.  How do you require the trait in herding?

By the way, this guy still likes to roll in the mud.  We have had a wet Winter and I don't know if it compares to living on a sheep farm but he gets in lots of trouble, especially just when I am planning on leaving the house for work.  

Courage in herding is not correlated to biting like in protection work. The herding dog needs to have confidence/courage to handle pressure from sheep and/or the outside world while working at a distance over a long time without constant reassurance coming from the handler. Sometimes the dog’s courage gets tested in ways that some defensive behavior is appropriate. When the dog gets hit by sheep with new-born lambs the dog is not only entitled, he is required to turn around and bite. If he doesn’t, the sheep will gang up and chase him off the field. They are very good in sensing the weakness of a dog. I hope it answers that since I was not totally sure what your question means.

Funny story about your dog liking mud: When he came he had the tendency to go around puddles. I figured that has to change since a farm isn’t a board walk. So, I had him work in mud and water. Seems I did him a favor with it….

Ulf

That's interesting about the sheep ganging up and chasing a dog off the field, I never knew for sure that could happen.  But if I take my 14 yr old mix dog to the field with me, they do press forward toward the fence, stomp their feet, etc. and he turns away from them.   He is a very soft sweet old dog.   When I take my three year old gsd to the field,  when they see her get out of the car they turn around and all wander over to our practice border and get inside the lines and wait for us.   The sheep are very obedient when she is with me.  When I've brought other dogs, the do behave quite differently depending on the dog.

When I first got my sheep and they had not seen gsds or been "tended" I had to leave  my dog home if I wanted to be able to do anything with them,  at some point after a couple months that changed.   Suddenly if I wanted them to behave orderly and not give me a problem, I brought her with me.  I figured that was an encouraging sign?

Heather

Heather, very good observation. You looked at this from the perspective of a shepherd and not from the perspective of a dog trainer. The first key to success! Your old dog showed weakness, your young GSD may have shown natural authority. The sheep knew that right away. Ulf

This is a great thread, Ulf.  I've never herded sheep.  I've had GSDs that would bring dairy cattle into the barn from the pasture but that is more a gathering and driving of stock than making sure livestock honor an open border. My only experience with sheep was a couple of AKC HIC tests in a rather chaotic environment with border collies and other dogs barking and running around outside the pen. I like the way your approach is so laid back and quiet. Well, except for the wind. I think you have more of it than we in the Rocky Mountains have.

Currently, there are many discussion lists for GSDs or for herding but none for HGH herding with GSDs. Thus, the idea was born that I, Ulf Kintzel, run such list myself with the help of other HGH enthusiasts. If I can generate enough interest I would attempt to run such discussion board. It would be for HGH herding and any tending as far as it relates to HGH herding in some broader sense i.e. Course C if it used for HGH preparation. It will be for GSDs and breeds suitable for tending sheep such as Belgian Sheepdogs (all varieties), Briards, and Beaucerons to name a few.

Here is what it is not going to be: a platform for AKC herding, a platform for herding breeds other than tending breeds. Of course, any herding discussion that gives historical perspective or is used for reasons of comparison or discussion relating to the organizations that offer HGH (SV, UScA, WDA) or bloodlines suitable for herding will be encouraged even if it has nothing directly to do with HGH herding. Opposing views are welcome. However, rules regarding personal conduct will be strict. People who are interested in participating or joining will need to do so with their real name.

A group of HGH herding enthusiast and I have taken the first steps towards such list. So, if you think that is a good idea please e-mail me privately and we will take it from there.

Ulf

I have a GSD I would love to do herding with, I know nothing about it. But would eventually like to use him to move goats around the farm and bring them in for the night. How do they do with goats? I'm also in the Southern part of the US if you know anybody that teaches down here.

We have our HGH Herding discussion list up and running. Take a moment and look what it is all about http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/HGH-Herding-In-America/ . Join us if you are a herding enthusiast who wants to see HGH herding advance in America.

Ulf

PS: If you have previously inquired to be on that list but you have not yet received an invitation to join please try to join via the above link or e-mail me again. I may have overlooked your e-mail address since there were so many.

PPS: Permission to forward granted.