Herding Lessons: Light vs. Heavy Sheep

When I call our sheep light, it has nothing to do with their weight or hair color. Some of our sheep -- especially The Virgins, the yearling ewes who spent the year growing instead of having babies -- are carrying a few extra pounds. While some are light-colored, several sport red, brown, tan and spotted coats. When it comes to herding, though, they are light -- very reactive to dogs and people. Because of this, Caeli, our Border collie, has to work them from a greater distance than she would a heavy sheep -- usually the wool breeds. So when she brings the sheep to me, she must slow to a walk and stay about thirty yards from them. If she gets closer or goes faster, they will bolt. And, they, hundreds of pounds of flesh and hooves and limbs, will not seem light as they're coming toward me.

[Taking photos of herding practice proves to be a challenge -- especially when I'm trying to keep an eye on the dog and the sheep and the camera. But here are a few attempts. Trick the Cat often joins in the fun. He likes to pounce Caeli. She, being a true working dog, treats him like the flies -- and ignores him. In her world, it's just her, me, and the sheep.]