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Phew! It’s So Hot!

Was May supposed to be this hot?

jackdaws drinking at a water tank
Hot weather brings the jackdaws to the water trough for a wash and brush-up as well as a drink

We just ‘enjoyed’ a few days of exceptionally hot weather for the time of year. May is normally one of my favourite months but the past week has been seriously hot and I have to admit, I’m not good in hot weather. The dogs and sheep don’t relish it either, so training has been limited to the cooler times of the day over the hot spell.

It makes you wonder how dogs and sheep cope in hot climates. I can only assume they get used to it.

Today seems to be much cooler (more like the normal May weather) and it’s very welcome too!

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by

Andy
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Comments

2 responses to “Phew! It’s So Hot!”

  1. Ben Page avatar
    Ben Page

    Being a breeder, trainer and stockman of Kelpies and Border Collies, I wish you luck with “Red”.
    I note that Red is now over 3 months old and in Australia we would now have a Kelpie of this age balancing sheep in a round yard. We start them much younger and show them that they don’t have to attack or rush in from a young age.
    We tend not to use commands at this age but only show them where we want them to be in relation to their sheep. Imprinting them with the perfect distance right from a young age shows them that they don’t need to be close to work effectively.
    Having said that…at about 2 years when they have a perfect stop, full side commands, casting, barking on command etc. it is very easy to teach them to back sheep. Kelpies never lose the ability to be comfortable working close to their sheep, whether on their backs, underneath or forcing in the yards.
    Just thought I’d drop in my pennies worth. You never know, it may help a little.
    All the best,
    Ben.

    Reply
    1. Working Sheepdog avatar
      Working Sheepdog

      Thanks Ben,
      That pretty much backs up my own observation . . .
      When I put Red in the hurdle enclosure, he was very aggressive with the sheep (but quickly got tired). A few days later, I had a feeling he might be more relaxed in the open and sure enough, he went off on an outrun and brought the sheep back to me. He was pretty dominant with them but not nearly as aggressive.
      From what I’ve seen of him (and read elsewhere) I’m sure you’re right – he’s bright enough to work most things out for himself.
      Best wishes,
      Andy

      Reply

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