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I have only done a few herding clinics with my guys- but what a blast they had! I wish there were more local trials but it is mostly border collie folk in my area and they aren't all particularily fond of corgis....
anyway- I had started teaching her directionals prior to her first intro and boy did that come in handy. I also have a really good, fast lie down command for her which was really helpful. The first time I put Wicca on sheep was amazing! It gave me goosebumps. I had done a little herding with my shepherd but after her attempted maiming of sheep- that was kiboshed. Wicca was a natural. She right away went into herding mode- crouched, and moved low to the ground. She was intent on her goal and loving every minute of it. I wish I had gotten it on film.
I never dreamed she would be like that- it was like she had been doing it all her life. She is from working ranch dogs but I was still dumbfounded that she could just go out and do that. The herding instructor commented she had never seen a cardigan before and was pretty impressed. Like I said if there was more around here I would do more....There is going to be herding at the Cardigan Nationals this summer so I will def. be attending!
It is a thrill and if your boys like it I am sure you will love it! I think the key thing is to find an instructor who has expereince with non-border collies. BC's herd much different than a corgi...Also like I said it is helpful to have some directional training prior to being around sheep and also a good stop command !They don't neccesarily need to be lying down but they need to stop moving on your command- and when the adrenaline is going sometimes it is hard to get through to them so practice that lots!
Have fun and good luck!
-amanda
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