Herding is one of those dog fancy events that can be highly entertaining <G>!

Here in Ontario for many years we had Herding Trials and we actively participated in them.

These pictures on this page are of Islewind's Mystical Omen and his Herding Trial.

He Passed of course.

We cannot go into much more details on this because we have not found classes or the ability to learn more. But, when the opportunity presents itself, we do take our show dogs out and try them at herding.

Omen was a natural at herding. He instinctively knew exactly what to do. Including taking the sheep right to his friend Alesha. <G> Below. She ended up sitting on the sheep! <VBG>

With males we have found prior to 2 years of age is ideal. After that you may or may not have success with them doing the 'herding' thing. Examples are below of this.

Omen's Dad Simba though didn't herd the sheep or Ducks. He'd herd any ball you put in front of him, but, not animals. Simba tried this at 4 years of age, so obviously he was too old <g>.

Above and below is Wish - Simba's daughter. She like her 3/4 brother Omen had no trouble whatsoever doing the herding thing.

Herding instinct in my sable line is inherited and extremely strong. Lee Lee my current sable puppy herds my feet all over the house already. I've not had the same 'drive' as yet in my AOAC line, but, one day I hope to find out if its just a different 'drive' <g>.