First day with Red. Got up at 5 a.m., let him out of his crate. He slept well and quietly through the night, downstairs in his crate. He was happy to see me, and we figured out the first meal. For Red, everything is new and strange, and I have become a fixed point, so he keeps a close eye on me and follows me around. He is anxious and confused. So I have to be clear and patient.

We went out to work with the sheep and once again, he had trouble starting off of my commands, but then picked it up once I started moving and the sheep started moving. Herding is all about movement – the human, the dog, the sheep. He loves to work and is very intense. Balks at lying down, slowing down. Very confident, very strong out in the pasture.

He is very comfortable around the other dogs. Both Frieda and Lenore have tried to get him to play, but no luck so far. They spend time out in the back fence, the front yard. He likes the rattan couch on the front porch if Maria and I are out there, but he won’t stay there without us. He ate well. He’s going to the vet this afternoon at 4 to check in. At 8 a.m., Darryl Kuehne, our farmer friend is coming to pick up some sheep and we will give Red his first real work. I think it will go well, although moving stock is almost always a bit chaotic.

My training challenge is: Be patient, be patient, be patient. Be clear and consistent. Give him time to adjust to his new world. So far, so good. Very good.