Kip the Shetland Cowdog

[Elei]

Kip is really not sure he is a sheepdog. He thinks sheep are scary, although he is slowly gaining confidence around them.

But he might be a cow dog I let Kip follow me around the farm as I do my chores, as long as it is safe for him. When he was younger, he was terrified of cows, but in the last few weeks he has taken great interest in helping move the cows. We have 4 calves, between the ages of 2 weeks & 2 months. Everyday I bring them into the barn, then take them back out to pasture. As I drive the calves, Kip trots along, behind, beside, or just ahead of me. He keeps his eyes on the calves, and is clearly very focused. He's very business like - no barking or snapping. If one of the calves tries to run off, I move to head the calf off, and Kip goes with me. He pays attention to my body language, and its easy for me to direct him one way or the other.

Its so fun to watch & I'm very impressed! He seems to really enjoy it, and I praise him a lot as we go along. Kip has also started doing the same thing with the adult milk cows - much scarier than the calves!

I'll try to get a video sometime, but since I also have to focus on the cows, its hard.

 

[Calliesmom]

that is cool- it's awesome when they can do their natural thing

 

[Hanne]

Elei - oh yes a video please

Imagine being a Sheltie and being allowed
to use his natural instincts -together with you. fantastic

Kip thinks:
Now, I am a big boy.
and mom wants me to play
with teddy bears and puppy stuff

 

[jomuir]

It sounds like Kip is a smart boy. Would love to see video of him helping move the cows. He must be in his element.

 

[Sharon7]

We did instinct testing on our Sheltie angels Asta and Ally and Brooke. Asta (as I suspected) just absolutely had a lightbulb moment the minute she got in with the sheep. It was awesome to see. Little Pipsqueak Ally did OK too, and much to my surprise, show dog and couch queen Brooke also definitely had the instinct. It was amazing to watch.

Pretty cool that Kip has a chance to herd the cows. Just hope he doesn't get kicked.

 

[ghggp]

Oh yes, please, a video of Kip the cow herding dog!

 

[Elei]

Pretty cool that Kip has a chance to herd the cows. Just hope he doesn't get kicked.

I'm careful about this, and am always ready to step in if a cow gets too close. He does not work close to the cows. He's not at all like the Australian Cattle Dogs or Border Collies that dive in and nip the cows' heels!

 

[Elei]

I've considered buying a small duck flock, to give Kip something small and easy to herd. He would love it I know. I wish there was someone here who teaches herding classes, but the only trainer I know of uses harsh methods that I consider unacceptable. I just think its really neat that Kip is doing this on his own, and is enjoying it.

 

[Chris]

that's remarkable! I can't wait to see. He'll transfer that instinct to sheep for sure!

 

[Calliesmom]

I've considered buying a small duck flock, to give Kip something small and easy to herd. He would love it I know. I wish there was someone here who teaches herding classes, but the only trainer I know of uses harsh methods that I consider unacceptable. I just think its really neat that Kip is doing this on his own, and is enjoying it.

Destin loved the ducks- he moved them all over the field. it's very hard to find a herding trainer that is more positive than not.... but if you just want to let him do herding stuff, you can just let him do his thing.
When we tried to teach flanks and other commands to Destin, he thought it wasn't fun enough to put rules on moving the ducks around.
Cran actually got a leg in started A sheep. His vision became an issue for continuing- if the field was too big and the sheep weren't moving, he had trouble finding them so he retired from that. I know he'd still love to go to the trainer's place and play in her smaller fields but it's a little far to go just for that.