Well, I was approached the other day by someone who offered to take my Lucy in for training. I have taken a few lessons with this person, and she has some good insight as to what makes my girl tick. We have back slid a bit- very little time on sheep, and Lucy showed it yesterday at a trial. We had a very nice outrun and lift- she downed at the top, walked up nicely to the sheep- then they bolted, and I refused to let it become a foot race, so I left the post. Lucy was AMPED. At one point they tried for the exhaust, and Lucy zipped around and let out some yips . We got around the course- yeah you could say that- when I asked for a down she would stand. I would take that, but then she well, she was el nutso. I quit before time was up. An exercise in futility. She did have one of the best outruns and lifts for our class, but that ain't going to cut it. Anyway, we chatted for a long time, and I believe this will be best. I am sad because it will be a long committment- like 6-8 weeks, and Lucy is my bed buddy. But, there simply is no way I can get her on sheep, whistles and solid flanks under pressure myself- with no sheep. It will be for the best. I don't know if I will be able to go up and see her much- not in the beginning. So, I am happy, and sad, all at the same time.

That's rough for you. I have some mixed feelings about sending Havana off for training. She LOVES our instructor and he really likes her and she loves being a farm dog. He's done a board and train with her when I was out of town and she did really well, but I'm debating sending her to him in January or February when I have my baby, just so she gets a chance to work since I know she needs it so much. On the one hand I know she'd love it, but on the other, I'd really, really miss my Girlie-Girl! Plus I like working my dog and I don't really want to miss out on that when someone else works her.

So, I know kind of how you feel. Lucy will love it and it will be good for her. It's just you getting through it all! Good luck.

If you can afford to send her, it sounds like a great idea! You'll miss her but the end result will be worth it. Who is she going to?

I don't know what sheep they were using this year, but the sheep at that trial are generally tough and the field is tough too. I went a couple of years ago when both of my dogs were in NN but haven't been back since and that one year I did go, it was not so pretty. If I were you I'd be pretty happy with a good outrun and lift and a down when you asked for it! Something to build on.

Hi agile bcs- what's your name?
They were using Barb Armata's Scotties and Montadales- plus some of Denise Leonard's lambs- though novice classes didn't get any of those... Scotties can be a tough nut to crack handling wise- because they are always thinking- of how to beat the dog. Some dogs walked right into them, and they were right nose to nose, before they turned. Not with Lucy though- run for cover they say !