Damummis'- Auf wiedersehen

[Damummis]

I love cattle dogs! They can be odd however. How old is yours?

Spike is about 5.

 

[savingdogs]

So probably set in his ways. Have you had him long?

I like the breed alot but I have seen many with weird fears. One of the nicest dogs I ever knew was a cattle dog named Cowboy, gosh I shoulda kept him instead of finding him a home. Course I see rescued dogs that someone threw away, yours could be a different story.

Usually the way to get a dog less fearful is positive reward during the time that they are scared of whatever it is. What does the dog love? treats? praise? If you know what it loves, start to give that to it when it sees/is around the livestock you want it to be comfortable around. Make sure none hurt or terrify him. Is he new to livestock or is this an old problem? If a dog has a bad experience as a pup with something it can cause a permanent fear that is very hard to overcome. I'd try to build his confidence because it takes gumption to "control" another animal.

Before it can start to herd for you it must know basic commands, has it learned that? Sit, down, stay, come, drop it? If it already knows those commands, I'd start working on "take it" and "get it" regarding things and people, make it a game so it is fun for you too. OFG has her dogs doing a lot of herding for her, you might ask her the techniques she used as she has her dogs doing a lot of herding of specific animals and types of animals, I suggest asking her about that. But I'd get basic commands down first so your dog knows what you are saying when you are trying to direct it. And make it a fun time and practice before you work with the livestock. I know when you are trying to move livestock around the dogs can be really exasperating and I tend to lose it sometimes and just tell them to "get the heck outta there" and do it myself, but I don't have any dogs that are the right type except one who is real old.

I'm thinking these creatures might be new to the dog? You might need to just give him some time. Gimme more details if you want me to try to help you sort it out.

I hope that helps!

 

[Damummis]

We have had Spike since 8 weeks old. He is a great dog. He would scare the snot out of you if you saw him comming "flying sausage" at ya. But when he gets to you, ears go back, head down and wagging starts. Whole body wagging. He loves people. He is great at rounding up the chickens. He is just afraid of the goats and sheep. I even used the commands I use to get him to round up the chickens. He started but the ewes charged him and he ran. Goats charge him too. Most of the time he is too busy eating poo to realize he is going to get rammed. I am afraid he is going to get hurt. 70lb dog who doesn't know his own scariness.

 

[savingdogs]

Oh my gosh he is adorable! I love him!

If he rounds up your chickens, just give him time. Teach him the words for your livestock and he will feel more bold with them later. I have five dogs and they had different reactions to the goats when they were new. All were scared at first except the Bear dog. The other four are no longer scared at all, in fact, two of them will wrastle with the goats for fun. But the first time they saw them, they ran!

We laughed hysterically because at that point our goats were all small! But once they figured out that the goats don't have teeth, everyone is doing fine. I think if you just give it some time your heeler will be doing the job for you.

If he is friendly with people and you got him at 8 weeks, that means you are a great dog owner and socialized your dog well. Good for you!

Do your goats have horns?

 

[Damummis]

The new look.

A dusting of DE for the bugs....

The girls want to say "hi" too

 

[Damummis]

What so you make for dinner when you only have goat milk and eggs in the fridge?





























How about rosemary focaccia bread and goat milk ricotta raviolis.

 

[ohiofarmgirl]

whoooooot!

i was gonna say pudding
;-)

that pic of spike in the pillows is hilarious! yay dogs!

 

[Wifezilla]

Mmmmmmmm

 

[Damummis]

Meet Esther....

I noticed Ma acting funny while I was brushing my teeth. Pawing the ground, walking in circles. I went out and there was a bubble hanging. Esther came out a little later. YAY!!!

 

[Denim Deb]

She's so cute! She looks like a toy in that first pic!