Distinguishing Ourselves as Force-Free Professionals
Some time ago I engaged in an online conversation with a dozen or more force-free trainers and the subject of professional certification came up. Most of the trainers had CPDT-KA credentials and some were considering letting them lapse because they saw little value in it. Others were new to the business and planned on testing for certification. One very experienced trainer rejected the need for certification and declared dog owners did not care about credentials. In my experience only two or three owners ever asked basic questions to determine whether… Continued
Sheepherding, from the Lamb’s Perspective (Part Two)
Following my first interview with the lambs I was intrigued and felt even more determined to understand the experience of sheepherding from their perspective, so the next time Renee brought Chris and Rue to practice I went into covert “sheep mode” and joined the flock. Oh, I did not don a silly lamb outfit. It was much too hot for that. I maintained a low profile and did my best to blend among the lambs wearing a white t-shirt to match their fleece, and khaki shorts to match the sunburned… Continued
Sheepherding, from the Lamb’s Perspective (Part One)
Sheep herding is a wonderful way for a handler and a dog to work together as a team in a time-honored tradition going back hundreds of years. Herding is the process of moving livestock by using a dog, such as a border collie. It requires close coordination between the handler and dog, moving the sheep in an orderly and predictable manner to the desired location. I once read “sheep herding is a dialogue of instinct occurring between dog and sheep” but I suspect that was written by someone who was… Continued
« Previous 1 … 3 4 5
Barks
Topics
Archives
