Learning to be a herding dog is not simple, border collie puppies are more often like wild raccoons than pets. Lots of border collies are bred for show and looks now, they are pretty but there are few opportunities, if any, for them to keep the ancient art of herding going.

Here at the farm, we are making deliberate but steady progress with Fate. She is learning to move the sheep around fairly well. Since she is not big enough or practiced enough to move them yet by herself, Red comes along and offers back-up and guidance.

The two of them work very well together, if I say “get the sheep,” the sheep will be got. it isn’t always pretty, but it gets things done. I was invited to bring the dogs to a herding trial, and I thought it would be great fun to show the two of them off, but I will be  honest about it, I don’t feel comfortable at  herding trials. People love to  see them, and it is great that the border collies get this work, but the ones I’ve been too have not been fun. The people seem grim, the dogs tense, the sheep are never happy.

I guess I respect it, but I don’t really get it. The farm work is different for me, it is pure joy, I could do it all  day. Me and these remarkable dogs, moving the sheep around, taking care of them, managing the farm. My favorite moments are stopping and watching the dog’s instincts kick in, or just stopping and watching the sheep graze. Fate is still very much a working dog in transition. She is still a puppy and I am not pushing it.

She is very keen, a smart, agile dog from a great working line (Wales) and tons of instinct. We are going slowly. Each day, she works on her directionals as she grows bigger and stronger. Each day working with her and Red is a gift.