Just have to brag on my nephew's soon to be year old blue Cardi boy and his first herding experience. July 4th I took Munchee to be tested on ducks. Besides being licked occasionally by the neighbor's Texas Longhorns, he's never had any formal exposure to stock or to herding. I take that back, when the dogs get chasing each other around our pump house to the well; he stops, waits, and then turns them to chase in the opposited direction.
Anyway, he was introduced the duck; the duck was released and Munchee took off. The instructor first called out to the observers - "We've got a heeler!" A few minutes later she called out - "He's got a good eye!" And then, "He's doing head work!" I was popping buttons!
Since I was in the pen with them, I didn't get pictures.
He moved the ducks around like he was supposed to. IF one broke off, he stopped and stayed with it and then when given the cue moved it in with the others.
Right now Munchee's in somewhat of an awkward stage of not always being confident in new situations. When we arrived, he was in that mode, but after a run with the ducks - he was ready to meet the world. He got to do two runs and thoroughly enjoyed himself. Once the trainer gets settled in from her move, his next try will be with sheep.
He really impressed everyone and I'm just chuffed over our little natural.
Debbie