It's got me thinking ... my boys both have GSD and a bit of BC way back in their genes ... I wonder if I could train them to be guardians of the flock! Tai, I think not, he is a sheep chaser, but although Ben has never had the chance or the opportunity, he doesn't seem at all interested in chasing them, so who knows? Seriously, it would be a very interesting experiment. He could wear his muzzle just in case, but his recall is so good now ... Mike called him off chasing a deer the other day ... it should be quite safe for the sheep, or rather the tups. The ewes are pregnant in the village, so we would need to source a friendly farmer with some boys. Wouldn't that be amazing - a wolf cross shepherd dog!

Thanx again Moobli, and give the boy a big soppy hug and kiss from me xx

Great pics, clever boy.

It would certainly be an interesting experiment

Thanks Tazer The clever boy has been out for a long walk (in the fog!) this morning with his house mates and is currently snoozing by the fire More training for us this afternoon.

My motto is never say never. Ben is extremely intelligent, Tai less so. I would not attempt it with Tai, but Ben, it's a thought definitely worth thinking!

Watch this space!

Be interesting to see but I imagine its unlikely
The collies herding instinct seems to be fairly easy to loose - like I say my friends dogs came from really good workers but they dont have the drive

American collie people I know who rescue and work their dogs say usually in crosses the 1st thing to be lost is the eye
- although I do know a collie cross JRT with a LOT of eye

I know (found out the hard way) that Mia has some instinct to work sheep - but its on her own, she dosent work WITH people when doing it - she does what she thinks is her job - THEN turns to see what you are up to

Ben likes to make things run so cant see him doing it

Oh Moobli. That is incredible. What a lovely story, those beautiful pictures told. I am so impressed with the way he has taken to the sheep.. And them to him!!
He looks so beautiful. The self control is outstanding. How trusting they all are. congratulations, to you Both!!
Thanks so much for sharing. (Well done big fella...You did GOOD!) Great pics Moobli. Hugs for Zak, please.

He sure does, but he hasn't got the "killer" instinct (I don't mean literally!) that Tai has, if we were talking about Tai here, I would agree with you 100%. Being serious though, I don't think we have a cat in hell's chance of turning Ben into a BC - would be fun putting him through his paces though, he really is exceptionally intelligent although I say it myself. You never know what latent genes may be lying asleep in that beautiful head!!

It's incredible isn't it. I was literally blown away by those photos. He is a 1 in a million dog ...

He certainly is aspecial boy. I remember when he arrived, in the snow. October or november 15th last year. He stood there as though nothing would phase him. He adjusted so well. He was very lucky to find his home. I just love him to bits.
(Well done to mummy Moobli!)