Category: Sheep
Information on sheep behaviour, characteristics and facts.
Sheep are very interesting animals. Many people see them as calm by nature, fluffy and irrational, but they can be very clever at times. Especially when they are under threat.
They also have particular behaviour patterns which make it possible to herd them with dogs.
This collection of sheep behaviour facts and information, includes items with strong sheep interest. From their characteristics when used for sheepdog training, to the strange things which sheep do from time to time.
To train a dog to work sheep, you need to know about sheep behaviour. That’s why one of our sheepdog training videos is dedicated to sheep.
We have a result – and it’s printable
My older sisters used to tell me, “To the pure, all is pure” and our latest competition really proved it. Where some people see a (to me) surprisingly relaxed sheep undergoing an extensive pedicure, other people could only see a groin. When it came to picking a winner I was very tempted by Chris Bradley’s “I’m not sleeping, just resting my eyes,” because both the photo and the… Read more.
TOO LATE – for the free caption competition!
Win a great DVD prize in our FREE CAPTION COMPETITION All you need to do is think of a great caption for this picture of a sheep awaiting a pedicure. The person whose caption we judge to be the best for this picture will be invited to choose one of our fabulous DVDs (see below). Our December Caption Competition was very popular, so we’ve been… Read more.
Why do some sheep run away from dogs and others don’t? (FAQ)
QUESTION: Why do some sheep run away as the dog approaches, while others stand their ground? ANSWER: There are many reasons for sheep to run away from dogs but, primarily, sheep instinctively see dogs as predators. Dogs are descended from wolves and, let’s be honest, there’s an awful lot of sheep worrying these days to demonstrate that the instinct is still valid. When they herd… Read more.
100 Percent Wool – Dry-flat!
These sheep look very wet, but their coats keep them dry. Sometimes, we feel really sorry for our sheep, and today is one of those days. The poor creatures have withstood an enormous amount of rain over the past few weeks, and now they look really sorry for themselves. I mentioned in yesterday’s blog, that we are working the sheep as little as possible at… Read more.
A welcome touch of frost but we urgently need rain (in England)
It’s great to see the landscape covered with frost again, but what we really need is a good steady downpour of rain lasting for several days, if not weeks. England is traditionally associated with a high annual rainfall but last summer and autumn were exceptionally dry, especially in the western midlands. I’ve mentioned before that the drought last year was the reason we had to… Read more.
Some things are easier said than done
On our Sheepdog Training DVD I explain that you must keep young puppies away from sheep. There’s a very good reason for this – if the sheep should frighten the pup, that fear could stay with the pup for many years, if not for all its life. Fortunately, our sheep (Welsh Mules) are very placid and rarely do more than stamp their feet when they’re… Read more.
Puppies keep us waiting…and awake
It’s been a week of new additions, though not the new additions (border collie puppies) we were expecting. Mum’s relaxed! The litter of puppies that was due last Friday has yet to put in an appearance. The mother, who’s usually a stickler for due dates, is looking very relaxed about it all though. It’s OK for her; she knows what’s going on! For the rest… Read more.
DROUGHT in Worcestershire?
I wish we could have some rain! Drought is threatening sheepdog training here. If we don’t get rain soon, it will restrict our activity. Although our training ground is heavy clay, the grass is brown and burned off. The sheep are eating what amounts to wisps of hay stuck in the ground (but I must admit they seem to be doing well on it). No… Read more.
Sheep Shearing By Numbers.
A late start to a sheep shearing career! I invested in Hauptner electric shears with the intention of doing our own shearing in 2010. As you can imagine, sheep which are kept primarily to be chased by dogs need to be well looked after and are certainly more comfortable in warm weather if they’re sheared. I wanted to be able to shear the sheep when… Read more.