Ramulam Taj. He is a little over 2 years old, but I have not had him long and he has not done a great deal of work. He has a nice natural cast and is an easy dog to handle. This was a little more challenging, getting the sheep off the dam, but he had no issues.
Kumbark Pocket. She has had a few confidence issues with her casting, looking back at me too much. She is also short on her clockwise side; you can see she hangs on her preferred side. I have been trying to get her more comfortable on her bad side, but it will take longer. Even though she pulled up a couple of time I was happy she got around her sheep. I have done a fair bit of work getting her to respond to the over (clockwise) command to overrule her natural desire to want to stay on the comfortable side.
Kumbark Rumble. 18 months. I have been testing the young dogs on some bigger casts. Rumble is like his sire Merlin, a very strong casting dog. At this stage, I don't worry if he crosses, hits them a bit hard, or brings them down a little too quick. The most important thing is that he runs out strongly and picks up his sheep. Those other issues can be sorted a little further down the track. Most dogs tend to slow down as they age anyway. I want the dog to look for sheep and run out preferably without too many commands. People worry too much about things they do wrong and can interfere too much, and in so doing cause the dog to doubt himself. If a dog is not keen to run out this can be difficult to fix. So leave them alone as much as possible, until they get their confidence.
Ramulam Taj. ( By Kumbark Tonka. (Todd) out of Ramulam Judy) Two years old. He was an impulse buy from a fellow trialler, as he is a bit soft. (Thanks Rod) he is also a grandson of my lovely Rocket who I lost last year and the only one I have with those bloodlines now. Lovely biddable nature, he has had limited training. I have just started some yard work with him.
Kelpie Olympics have started at Kumbark. The sprint at the Kelpiedome did not go as well as planned.
Binnaburra Custard, shaping up nicely. She lacks strength and confidence, but this is improving. Ten months old.
Pot of gold at my place today. Lovely to see some green in the paddocks.
Pocket is showing some nice yard work. She is so small, but happy to get in amongst it. No sheep were harmed LOL
