BALANCE
Balance is the dog's ability to move the stock. Balance is based
on the movement of the sheep and the dog's reaction to the movement.
The dog must place himself properly in relation to the sheep and
handle, behind the sheep and facing the handler. It is the proper
position that best prevents the escape of the sheep in relation
to the handler. The dog's instintive will permit him to reach
a balance point that results in stopping all movement of the stock
PRESSURE
Pressure
is the force that is felt by the dog and is generated by the movement
of the stock. the dog's responses are governed by reactions to
pressure.. Pressure and balance are relative.
a) Movement of the stock or handler creations an action
b) Action generates pressure to which th edog reacts
c) the dog reacts in a way to re-establish balance
d) When all pressures are equal, the dog has reached the balance
point.
The equalization of pressures or creating balance, is the result
of herding instinct and ability.
WEARING
The instinct of the dog to keep the sheep all together in a group
and to bring them to the handler.
OUTRUN
The dog is at your side and the sheep somewhere
in front of you. The purpose of an outrun is to get the dog to
the opposite side of the sheep without crossing sides or disturbing
them. Similiar to a pear in shape. You need a good outrun in order
to have a good run.
A good tip for the Novice handlers: walk to the post keeping the
dog on the side you want to send, with sheep straight in front
of you. If you approach at an angle, walk behind the post and
then turn and walk straight towards the
post. This helps to convey
to the dog where the sheep will be located.
LIFT
Lift is basically a dogs first initial contact with the sheep.
The sheep may have seen the dog on the outrun but haven't quite
felt him. A lot of information is conveyed with this first impression.
If the dog treats the sheep with firm respect your run will go
much smoother.
FETCH
Immediately
follows the lift, the simple definition would be "the dog
is bringing the sheep to the handler in a direct straight line".
In a trial situation it is more precise. Imagine a line from the
sheep to the handler and any variance the sheep take from this
line would mean points lost.
DRIVING
Driving: The movement of the stock away from the
handler--taking the sheep away. Anytime the sheep's heads are
not pointing towards you, the handler, "technically"
you are driving and the dog is not "in blanace"
Driving away:When you see sheep's rumps
Cross drive:when
sheep's sides are in view
On the cross-drive if you see heads or rumps you can safely take
points off.
PEN
Watch the heads the bodies will follow! If the dog goes left or
right (WEARING) but is coming in tighter every step he takes ...
after you have given 3 or 4 flanks he will be on top of the sheep.
SHED
The dog comes through the middle of sheep with a clean flank,
holding the chosen sheep (without teeth) by being in the correct
position. This should be last on your training list.
PACE
When the dog and the sheep are in contact going at the correct
speed with just the right amount of pressure you won't need to
stop the dog until you are in the shedding ring or the pen. Pace
allows a run to flow and also makes the run more enjoyable to
watch.
COME BYE & AWAY TO ME
It's a pressure point around the sheep but in the simplest form.
Come bye: is clockwise
Away to me:
is counterclockwise
LIE DOWN
When a Open handler says lie down he may have 3 different commands
just by changing the tone of his voice. For a Novice handler you
need the words and actions to match, don't rely on a change of
tone at this stage. Lie down means "STOP"
WALK
UP
Dog
walks straight to stock.
HERE:
Come toward me
LOOK
BACK Cues dog to turn head and look
for sheep out of sight.
GO
BACK: Direct the dog t go straight away
from the handler
STEADY ON - WALK ON
Steady On/ Walk On usually means to continue on the course you're
on steady sometimes depending on how it's given means go more
slowly.
GET UP
Get Up can mean "get to your feet" if dogs lying down
or may be used as a more forceful walk on. If
the dog is stalled and not moving many handlers say "Come
on Get-up, Get -up"!
TAKE TIME/EASY
Get Up in reverse. Conveys to the dog that he is moving too fast.use
the word Ues when a dog is pushing to hard. When you give this
command make sure the dog gears down. If the command is given
and the dog does not slow
1st Say the dogs name (2nd) Call "Time or Easy"(3rd)
say "Stand" and if all this doesn't slow the dog then(4th)
say "lie down" and MAKE HIM. Then le tthe dog to his
feet and start all over again. The reasoning: eventually the dogs
will hear its name (or take time) start to slow down anticipating
the next exercise will be stand and finally the "dreaded"
lie down.
LISTEN (or sometimes calling the
dogs name)
When the dog is getting "wound up" and starting to ignore
the handler. This reminds him/her this is a TEAM sport and listening
is in his best interest.
GET BACK
Get Back is utilized in training flanks and outruns. This is pretty
self-explanitory: you are too close to your sheep "get back".
On the outrun it's often used in conjunction with lying the dog
down and walking up the field, saying "get back" and
pushing the dog off his sheep.
GET OUT OF THAT
Get Out Of That means the dog is too close to the sheep given
when the dog is thinking about getting in the middle of his sheep.
WHAT ARE YOU DOING
What Are You Doing or more direct words "what are you thinking"
To let hte dog know he is out of line with his actions.
