Jackie Passed her Herding Instinct Test!!!

[Fluffypants]

Jackie had her Herding Instinct Test this past Saturday, and she passed!!!! The tester said she was a natural (insert proud-mommy grin here ). It was SO AMAZING to be in that pen with her, watching her move sheep. She has never seen a sheep before, and has no type of training in herding, and she knew exactly what to do!!! It was truly a beautiful sight. You can read all about it from Jackie's point of view on her dogster page (link below).

Once we figure out how to get the video out of the camera and onto the computer, I will post the video to her dogster page, and I have a few pics to get developed/post as well (not as many as I would like, given that I was in the pen, and had to participate in the test, and try not to get trampled by the sheep!!). If anyone is interested, I can also scan the test report and email it to you so you can see the criteria/comments and get a feel for what's involved in the test. If you can find a place within a reasonable driving distance (this one was 2 hours from us), I highly recommend doing it. It's worth saing again - what an amazing experience.

But now I have a dilemma . . . the tester highly recommended training Jackie in herding, given her natural ability . . . AND I REALLY WANT TO!!! Hubby is resistant, given the distance required to travel. And I am not thrilled about the distance either. But she showed so much talent and enjoyment. Wouldn't that be like having a child with a natural talent for art, and refusing to buy them some paints????

[Jespah]

YAY for Jackie!!!! Good for her and you! It must have been a great experience to see her do something that's pure instinct.

I'm sure she won't suffer if she doesn't get to be a herder - not like Van Gogh would have if he couldn't paint, but it would be nice to do. Perhaps you could think about it for a while - Jackie's still fairly young isn't she?

[disraeli]

Wow! Congrats to Jackie!

I understand your problem...driving such a long distance is tiring, time-consuming, and expensive. But you know, if Jackie is a natural...what do you do?

You will have to keep us posted on what you decide. Can't wait to see video of Fluffypants in action! I know Rhys will like it.

And wear that "proud mommy grin" proudly.

[Fluffypants]

Thanks ladies! Jackie is only 15 months old right now, I know there is plenty of time. But I liked it too, so I want to go back!!!

[corgimom]

Originally Posted by Fluffypants

Jackie had her Herding Instinct Test this past Saturday, and she passed!!!! The tester said she was a natural (insert proud-mommy grin here ). It was SO AMAZING to be in that pen with her, watching her move sheep. She has never seen a sheep before, and has no type of training in herding, and she knew exactly what to do!!! It was truly a beautiful sight. You can read all about it from Jackie's point of view on her dogster page (link below).

Once we figure out how to get the video out of the camera and onto the computer, I will post the video to her dogster page, and I have a few pics to get developed/post as well (not as many as I would like, given that I was in the pen, and had to participate in the test, and try not to get trampled by the sheep!!). If anyone is interested, I can also scan the test report and email it to you so you can see the criteria/comments and get a feel for what's involved in the test. If you can find a place within a reasonable driving distance (this one was 2 hours from us), I highly recommend doing it. It's worth saing again - what an amazing experience.

But now I have a dilemma . . . the tester highly recommended training Jackie in herding, given her natural ability . . . AND I REALLY WANT TO!!! Hubby is resistant, given the distance required to travel. And I am not thrilled about the distance either. But she showed so much talent and enjoyment. Wouldn't that be like having a child with a natural talent for art, and refusing to buy them some paints????

Congratulations Jackie for passing and I can't wait to see the pictures and video.

Actually for you guys, it would be much easier now, than if and when you would ever become a mom - you would be tied down so much more. So if you are willling, as you say you are, and can convince Hubby to give it a try, I would go for it. I mean, if you try it and it turns out to be too much with distance and time, you can always stop then; and of course, you can always wait a bit more to decide. I guess tough decision on your end.

Would these trips be made on the weekdays or weekends? and is hubby a bit concerned because it is going to be winter time soon also.

[sweetlychee]

You are indeed a proud mama, Jessica! Please put a video up if you have the chance. I want to see Jackie's skills. She is definitely a natural! Even though the distance is far, convince your hubby that the experience is worthwhile and the price of gas has really dropped!! =)

She has the talents so the encouragement and opportunities will be great. The artist needs the pain!

[Dillydoodle]

Jessica-
CONGRATS TO JACKIE!!!!!!!!!! Dillon is so proud of his cousin! I told him and he cocked his head and waggled his fanny! We are going to do a herding instinct test on him next month...I wonder if he will do well too? hmmm. I think you should go for it. Where do you have to go to do it? is it in NY or CT? I think it would be fun, even if you dont go super regularly ( like instead of weekly, go only twice a month or even once a month for fun and practice. After all, your girl is a natural (I am beaming with pride FOR you !) Just tell your husband that you wouldn't want her to waste her GOD given talent? LOL he will go for it! I am amazed how a corgi who never has seen a sheep knows exactaly what to do...she didnt go for the poop? see that is my fear with dillon, that he will think the poop is more fun than the sheep! LOL!
Emilie

[Michael Romanos]

Good on Jackie.
I want to put Taylor in tracking but in NZ it is only part of a sport called trialling, And to do tracking I would have to travel distances and it is just too expensive. So I'm waiting until tracking becomes available as a sport all on its own and is more conveniently accessible for training and competing. In the meantime, Taylor does his tracking for dinner routine around my property and in the nieghbourhood.

[dcole]

Hooray for Jackie!!

BTW - that was an awesome write-up on Dogster!

-Debi

[LuvMyFluffy]

Congrats to Jackie! I bet she just loved it! I'll have to check out the dogster page. I wonder if the test info was the same as Gizmo's?
Judy & Giz

[Chip's Mom]

Congrats to Jackie and her proud mama. Keep us posted on what you decide. I would love to see the video too. How do you find out when these trials are held and where? I would love to try Chip just for the fun of it.

[corgimom]

http://www.pwcca.org/pherding.html

Here is some info regarding herding off the main PWCCA link; if you scroll down, it talks about the different levels