Sheepdog News

featured blog: Shoofly Farm

From time to time, I'd like to be able to call everyone's attention to some of the many private blogs that are out there in the webiverse. (When I started blogging about my first trial dog Phyl seven years ago, blogs were new and cool--I was the lone voice in the working BC world for quite some time.  Now there are lots of blogs, many of which are far better than my PhylBlog ever was.)  One blog that I particularly enjoy is Robin French's stories about the trials and tribulations of Shoofly Farm.  Robin writes in a very clear, detailed, and interesting way about training her dogs and competing with them in trials; she tends to be very honest, and I always learn a lot.  Check it out for yourself!

Bluegrass 2009

It's just about time for the Bluegrass, and I for one can't wait to get on the road and face those scary, undogged sheep!  For those not lucky enough to be going, check out the Open, Nursery, Ranch, Pro-Novice, and Novice running orders!

Klamath Falls finals

I have to hand it to the folks in charge of the 2009 Klamath Falls finals--they're really on the ball and tech savvy.  First of all, they produced a really kick-ass promotional video that's already pretty popular on YouTube:

They also have a wonderful web site--make especially sure that you visit their blog to get all the latest news of the road to the event (Scott Glen and Patrick Shannahan have posted some terrific articles there).  Keep it up, guys!

Sonoma Wine Country Sheepdog Trial Results

The results for the 2009 Sonoma Country Sheepdog Trial results are up.  Makes sure to check out Amanda Milliken's wonderful photos of the event!

help a rescue dog

Amelia Smith is offering to donate half of the subscription price of The Real Time Canine for the next six month to Mid-Atlantic Border Collie Rescue.  If you've been thinking about subscribing, now's the time!

Facebook wanderings

I've recently become more and more addicted to Facebook, and much to my surprise (since I'm used to being in the forefront of sheepdog technology), lots of other sheepdoggers have put down stakes before me--the place is loaded with Open handlers, and plenty of amusing conversation.  If you haven't checked it out, I think you should: accounts are free (if you don't count selling your soul to advertisers), and it's a great way to waste time as we all wait for Spring to spring.

Jealousy, thy name is . . .

. . . Cap?  I'm not sure that I buy some new research claiming that dogs understand basic concepts of fairness and experience jealousy. I have a feeling that dogs have a very different relationship to tricks and basic commands on the one hand, and the genuine work of the working border collie on the other.  I'd like to see some research into that, to see whether a working border collie would cease working because the dog perceived another dog getting more praise or attention.  Somehow, I have my doubts!

The Real Time Canine

"The Real Time Canine" is Amelia Smith's new weekly blog featuring the trials and tribulations of raising her new pup, Kensmuir Star.  "The Real Time Canine" is available for a nominal subscription fee and appears to be a very interesting read.  Check it out for yourself here!

It's beginning to feel a little like Christmas . . .

What to get the trialing enthusiast who has everything?  Check out this neat trailer hitch guide and animated hitch covers from A. J. Prindle.  I particularly like the dog!

still more notes from the World Trial

Gene Sheninger had some trouble finding reliable Internet access in Wales, but he's back and has sent in more of his interesting journal of his experiences running his dogs at the World Trial.  Stay tuned for more, including his report of the double lift and some general observations about traveling to and from the U.K. with dogs!