1. Stopping your dog - what do you prefer? On their feet? On their belly? Some combination?
It depends, I do both. I like a down most in the beginning and then a stand as the dog gains control. Definitely a stand on cattle.
2. At what point do you start teaching this?
I teach my dogs their down first, as early as 6 weeks or so. Savvy's last litter only had two and I taught them both to down before 8 weeks. Stand is something that I start teaching when we're learning baby driving in the control pen. I have them walk up and stop on their feet and use the line to reinforce it as I say "Stand".
3. Do you have a favorite dog? I won't tell.
Anyone who has seen me with Savvy will tell you what I'm about to admit... it's all about Savvy. I love working Hoss during chores because I don't have to say anything to him and he knows what to do. But Savvy is me in a little blue dog coat. We get each other. She's my girl.
4. What is the #1 thing a dog can do to push your buttons?
Be obnoxious. Whining, barking, not thinking... just being a boob. See: Nash.
5. Brrrrr... it's winter. What is your favorite soup recipe?
Baked Potato Soup
2/3 c. butter
2/3 c. flour
7 c. milk
4 large baked potatoes, peeled and mashed
4 green onions, chopped
1 1/4 c. shredded cheddar cheese
1 c. sour cream
1 t. salt (or to taste)
1 t. pepper
Make roux with butter and flour over medium heat. Gradually whisk in milk. Stir in potatoes and onions. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes. Mix in cheese, sour cream, salt, and pepper.
Oh yeah, the being a boob thing gets me too. Whining (or squeaking... I hate squeaking) makes me really crazy.
ReplyDeleteInteresting (interesting good) to me that you say definitely a stand on cattle. My Nick dog *really* prefers to stand on cattle, to the point that I figured he must know something about it that I don't (and admittedly I know precious little about the way cattle think). What is your thought process on this?
That soup looks AWESOME. Thanks for playing!
I think the dog needs to hold more pressure on the cattle by standing and it helps them to hold their ground. If a dog is told to lie down, especially when they're facing off with a cow, the cow will run over the top of the dog. Now, that being said, I do down a dog on cattle if they are behind the cow and need the control. (Savvy had a LOT of that in the last year... she's a nut on cattle.) I teach the dog to hit a heel, then down immediately and let the cow leave, so they don't want to flip to the head and start spinning cattle.
DeleteGreat comments on the down/stand perspective. Helped me.The soup looks scrumptious - will have to try it! Have a great week!
ReplyDelete