01-02-10

Acton (slightly sunny, not freezing)

MO
Two runs; the first went in classic MO style, although she looked as if she had partied a little too hard yesterday (long hike in Canyon Back). She did minimal gripping (even thought the N lamb was in the ring) and even took them cleanly through two chutes. Bystanders and dogs on the side were getting to her today, but she’s getting really good at re-focusing back onto the “job at hand” when called.

The second run was a tired MO’s MO. She couldn’t break into a gallop after the initial outrun and we ended doing long “walk ups” by driving the sheep down the arena and then clockwise and counterclockwise around the cone. She definitely seemed ready for a second cup of coffee by the end. She sniffed at my hat where it was hanging on the side of the chute as if getting ready to call it a day.

Stevie
Two runs, all good. She got a little of her “stand” back, but it’s tenuous as she doesn’t exactly stand and stop moving, she just stays on her feet and doesn’t lay down. She was super excited for both runs, acting like what Janna calls a “My Way” kind of dog. To counter that we practiced having her stay in a “lie down” as the handler walks away (which she’s getting much better at) and “walking up,” to keep her in a straight line behind the sheep and not let her get to head (which needs some work). She had a little trouble “taking time” when putting the sheep through the chute, and knocked the handler on his butt once, but overall she’s sticking to her program and we’re sticking to ours.