Learning to herd sheep 'Tending Style' with Caden

When I was on vacation in BC last month, I visited with CKC herding judge Shelley Fritzke for a day. Shelley was the person who gave me the lead on Caden's breeder Sandy Wilson in Pennsylvania, as I wanted a GSD from herding lines. Shelley's GSDs have been the top herding GSDs in Canada. You can read all about them on her website. She knew I was coming so had a very nice, definite border set up for Caden to learn when he was on the right side of the border, or furrow, when he was trotting alongside the flock of sheep. She did a demonstration for me with her beautiful dog Dangi. He is so big and powerful, it was interesting to see how much he contained his drive to do his job. As you can see above, the sheep are calm in his presence, feeling no threat. If one strayed too near the border, he would leap in with his front feet to push it back. It was as natural to watch as seeing a Border Collie do a big outrun to gather the sheep.

We had Caden on a long line and had to gently tell him "no" when he crossed over the border. Those of you who see the flying trot of the GSD can see from this style of herding how a GSD needed to maintain that gait over long stretches where flocks grazed, to act as a "living fence." Caden did some things very naturally - it was nice when Shelley was able to watch and evaluate. He watched the whole flock, and did not single out any particular sheep. He also swiveled when he reached the end of the line of sheep to change directions. However, he was very excited! As you can see, the sheep are a bit further away than they are above with Dangi.

If a ewe looked straight at him, or looked like she might come too close to the border, Caden lunged in with gusto. Of course, this would need to be tempered with training and experience. He did not like it at all if a ewe looked right at him...the typical GSD need to be in control.

In Germany, the dogs that competed for their HGH title also had to demonstrate their obedience and protection, doing Schutzhund as well. They were truly an all 'round dog. I can see in Caden's drive to work and high energy some glimpses of what the true GSD of earlier German days must have been like - a very intelligent and imposing dog. You can read a lot more about this on Ellen Nickelsberg's website about GSD Herding. She bred Caden's dam, Hera. Caden's grandsire Nicky was bred by Manfred Heyne who was one of the top herding trainers and competitors in Germany in his day. I understand he is now in his 80s. Sometimes I wish I could tell him how much I love my boy, and thank him!
PS, Caden's breeder has a new litter with one or two pups looking for special working homes!