The dogs get free run of the farm about twice a day, in small groups so I can keep track of who is off doing what. It never fails that at least some of the dogs head out to the cows. After all they are herding dog breeds. Two of the younger dogs are usually the best behaved around the stock and are easily called away. Charlie just turned 8 months old and is just starting to really show interest in stock. He can wiggle his way under the gate and up until the past few days has mostly spent that time nosing around and eating cow poo. The cows pretty much ignore that behavior. Trace has shown mild amusement at the other dogs and their various approaches to the cows. Most of the dogs have had exposure to livestock or are in herding lessons, and for the most part ignore the stinky things. And yes, for the record, when the wind is just right and especially in all the humidity, they stink. You get used to it, but they stink.
This early evening run brought surprises in the form of Charlie AND Trace picking out cows to stare down. Followed by going into the pen and backing the cows off and then into the other part of the yard. The cows for the most part just mosey on, but there are a couple of really crabby ones in there, an angus and a brown one (yea, I'm not up on my cow breeds). The brown one challenged Trace and he went after the cow's nose and when the cow turned he grabbed a leg. The cow took off and Trace seemed very pleased. I almost hyperventilated. I decided to praise him effusively instead of reprimanding him given that he called off once I said "here". I ran to get the video camera and found out the batteries were way LOW--dang it! I did manage to catch a couple of short clips, but missed the really good stuff.
Trace is headed back to herding lessons ASAP! Such a good little short dog!
Until next time...
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