First solo job

Rip and I undertook our first solo mission last week We were to gather a flock of around 30 blackfaced hoggs and move them from the fields in which they were grazing over two minor roads and up to the hill where they are to spend the summer.

I was nervous but also excited Rip didn't let me down, he gathered all the hoggs perfectly and brought them to me. He has a slight problem in that he wants to head the sheep all the time and I was hoping to get him to drive the sheep, so I just commanded him to take half flanks and before too long he got the hang of driving.

For those of you who don't know, Rip is a 2 year old part-trained sheepdog that I bought a couple of months ago. He has been trained well to hand and knows his left/right and down commands as well as the "that'll do" command to bring him away from the sheep, however over the past few weeks it has become clear that he has never driven sheep before and it is unlikely he has yet been trained to the whistle - so that will be one of my summer jobs

We made the hill without any stress or fuss and here is a pic of us in action



I think this kind of practical work is what we are both needing much more of (and Moss too) and hopefully we will come on in leaps and bounds once we get stuck in over the summer

the picture is great,well done both of you,the days are nice for working the sheep now xxx

Well done to you and Rip - lovely pic - really shows the moment off !

Bet you can't wait to do more of the same with Rip getting better and better no doubt!

Great photo. Bet you can't wait for the summer

Absolutely fab, round of applause for you two!
Becky

Brilliant stuff, and how enjoyable for you too and sooo rewarding when it all goes right!

wow, you are so clever to be able to train him to do all that, You look totally in control and not a bit nervous

Thanks everyone

WEl done Moobli, looks brilliant fun!

Well done Rip and you too Moobli, sounds like you are all in for an enjoyable summer