Post by Audrey on Aug 20, 2011 14:54:00 GMT -5
We just got a puppy!!! Well, two weeks ago anyway. He is so precious! An 8 week old tri-colored Aussie with blue eyes - and a little ol' trouble maker already. Into everything - the waste paper basket, the cat food, mom's shoes. But he's so much fun! Even though our first dog, Ginger, is an Australian Shepherd too, we're seeing a definite difference between her and Riley, the new puppy. Even as a puppy Ginger didn't play. It took her months to even bark. It could be too much in-breeding, but we could just as well have traumatized her when we brought her home in a crate. But Riley is just full of it! Very playful, inquisitive, bold. That's why we named him Riley - it's Irish Gaelic and means valiant. I thought for sure he would be a bit shy of Daisy - not having seen a cow before - but he walked right up to her, sat down, and stared. And Daisy was the one that freaked out! Here's this tiny puppy and my cow, usually unconcerned when Ginger is around, goes into the attack stance. It was very funny! No one got hurt. We were on one side of the fence and Daisy on the other.
Riley's the whole family's dog but I want to encourage/train his herding instincts. Aussie's were originally bred, contrary to what their name implies, out West to help herd cattle, etc. but over the years they've become more of a pet than a working dog. Has anyone trained their dog to herd and can you give your experiences, tips? We're planning on taking classes if we can find some. We never did anything with Ginger so we really want to do more for this dog.
Oh and here's some pics! He is so soft and fuzzy you just want to squeeze him! But he won't let ya!
Riley exploring
Aren't I cute?
Breakfast - warm milk! Mmmm!
Riley's the whole family's dog but I want to encourage/train his herding instincts. Aussie's were originally bred, contrary to what their name implies, out West to help herd cattle, etc. but over the years they've become more of a pet than a working dog. Has anyone trained their dog to herd and can you give your experiences, tips? We're planning on taking classes if we can find some. We never did anything with Ginger so we really want to do more for this dog.
Oh and here's some pics! He is so soft and fuzzy you just want to squeeze him! But he won't let ya!
Riley exploring
Aren't I cute?
Breakfast - warm milk! Mmmm!