We have 3 Aussies, and we keep meaning to go and do this...So Much Fun! I used to spin for a woman who had a little flock of Corriedales, way way back when there was only one Aussie, and he loved to just sit in my truck and watch them Ever So Intently... It's amazing to see them in their element!

very cool! looks like fun. i have been wanting to do this with my ACD.

My husband's grandparents have a sheep dog, but it herds chickens. I wish they had sheep because they live right across the street. My dog likes to scare the chickens (all in fun, would never harm them). It looks like you guys had a lot of fun. Probably not so much fun for the sheep though :)

Sachi -

You should definitely try. The trainers won't allow your dog to harm the sheep. They "test" every dog to decide if they are suitable to learn, and then they supervise you the whole time. It's not just something you can jump in and do - you take lessons. As for dimness, although some dogs are dim, it's possible that yours just hasn't been in an arena where she can shine. Maybe sheep herding is the thing!

xox, J

I seriously want my baby to do this but she's a little on the dim side. I'm afraid that training won't take very quickly and I'd hate for her to hurt the sheepies. :-\ Still, I'd love to find her some sheep to herd. The cats just don't cooperate with her.

That is so freaking cool!

OMG- ha! Go, Z! (Oh, and Best in Show is one of my all time favorite movies.)

these are amazing action photos! and good portraits too.

i'm really glad to see you blogging again. your Lucetta looks fantastic and your yarn reviews and substitution suggestions are helpful. thank you.

Haha! Wow, are those your dogs? I love your photo series, really captures the experience.

awesome! Of course I'm partial to hanging out with sheep and herders and am now wondering why I've never taken our australian shepherd mix out to do that. He needs a hobby.

Hey Cora - Unless we could put them on the deck (where there would be very poor grazing!), there's no place to put them in LA - so no worries! I have considered asking our herding trainer what they do with the fleeces, though!
xox, J

Wow. What amazingly wonderful fun for the pup. Congratulations on the fun! Hope this doesn't mean you'll be buying sheep sometime soon! :)

best in show is our absolute favorite movie.....where is her busy bee!!!!!

Who's laughing? I think it's a great thing. Looks like so much fun!

Oh my goodness. That looks like a blast. I think Panda would be a natural. She loves livestock and is a pretty fast learner. Thea might try to get the sheep to play. Could be funny. hehe

Now I want to pack the girls up in the car and come down and go sheep herding with you.

Oh cool!

My father, when he was "hobby farming," raised sheep for awhile, and our shepherd *loved* doing his work. It was so fascinating to watch. Now, when he moves cattle from pasture to pasture, our family dogs all get involved, and it really is amazing.

Thanks for sharing-- :)