This past weekend I attended a Herding Clinic that was put on as a fundraiser for Herding Dog Rescue. It was at Louanne's place, and was a great weekend!
Even though I get lessons all the time from Louanne, it was a little different this weekend- in that I got four (five! actually) lessons over two days. So things that we worked on once, we worked on again not that long after. I think somethings really stuck with me.
My dogs have made pretty great progress over the summer. They both have their strengths and weaknesses, and I want to always be sure to keep pushing and challenging them and me. We still have so much to learn.
Herding is a challenging sport for a newbie. There is SO MUCH TO KNOW. It is unbelievable really. I feel as though I have just scratched the surface.
This weekend the clinic was for all levels- so there were lots of brand new people. And not Border Collies. So it was really cool to watch them over the weekend- their excited newbie-isms. I remember being there! The feeling of not having a clue but just enamoured with the sheep, and the dog, and really just being scared shitless. lol.
It is nice to not feel that way anymore. I think I actually kind of get the basic gist of things now. lol. Like I said- I have much to learn to still. But I don't get that feeling in my gut anymore- wondering if I am doing the right thing, or not really understanding what I am supposed to do. It's nice. To not be the newbie anymore. ;)
It has been quite the trip so far! And as I get more and more into it I feel that it is something that is in my heart. My soul. And maybe the thing that I've been missing- and I didn't even know it.
Each time to the field is met with excitement, and confidence, and knowing that me and my dog are going to do the best we can. I am so proud of my dogs. And I know I am gushing. But really. Brit and Leo are just so perfect for me and for where I am at right now.
I am a lucky girl for sure!
*photo credit goes to Cindy! Thanks for taking it! I LOVE it. And I don't often say that when I'm in the photo. lol
2 comments:
Yay for you and your dogs! Am so happy you have herding in your life. Working with a dog, and seeing its natural tendencies and what it was born to do, teased out by you and the sheep, must be so rewarding. I loved seeing my own dogs doing what they were bred to do - a great feeling!
andi
so glad you had an awesome weekend !
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