Waiting for Red. Your life is going to get interesting, Tess.

I spoke at the Stony Creek Library in the Adirondacks tonight and had a great group asking great questions. Many of them were about Red, who seems to have captured people’s imaginations in a powerful way. I am getting a ton of messages and questions about him.

He is coming Sunday night, checking in with vet Monday. I’ll bring him out to the sheep Monday morning.

Among the questions I’m getting:

Will I use the whistle for Red, as Karen has? No. That takes a lot of training, and isn’t necessary for my work, as Red will not be moving sheep great distances from me.

Will I used the same word commands that Karen uses in her video? Yes, absolutely. Much easier for Red and for me.

How long will it take me to housebreak Red? I don’t know, it will evolve naturally I suspect. I think crates are essential for good training and the well-being of many dogs. When Red is not working, he will be in a crate inside the farmhouse. He’ll get walks, rides in cars, trips to places, people to meet. But until he goes outside of of his own accord he’ll be in the crate when he is inside. I bet it doesn’t take a week.

What work do I have for Red? Sheep in two places, behind the farmhouse and across the road. Bringing them into the barn. Gathering them for inspection, health care, shearing, trimming and handling. Bringing them inside in bad weather. Getting them into trailers for moving. Maria wants to sell the wool, so the sheep need to be kept clean.

Do I see Red as being a therapy dog? No, but I will let him show me where he wants to go and what he likes to do. I don’t know him yet.

What about Frieda? She is not an aggressive dog. I’ll let them see and get used to each other. She has accepted other dogs into the house and she listens to me very well now.

Do I see a book in Red? Yes, possibly, but I have to get to know  him. I’ve often written than you get the dog you need, and I think I need Red. I love border collies and on a farm, they are not only fun, but invaluable. They always open me up, take me places I don’t know I want to go or am going. I can’t wait to see where he takes me.

Will I show videos? Eventually, but not for awhile. I don’t want to be distracted from watching him, giving him clear and focused commands. I’ll take videos when he’s settled. I will take still photos.

Will I let him jump up on me or other people? No.