THIS is what happy Border Collies look like... Calvin Jones Clinic pics and slideshow
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| THIS is what a happy Border Collie looks like. Jet, working sheep, at the Calvin Jones Clinic - photo thanks to Nancy Thornton |
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| And Happy Happy Ted too, photo by Nancy Thornton |
And here is me with my Ted Dog, out in the field by the road
Thanks to Wendy for taking this picture! It is on her blog - Aspatria Kennels - linked to mine
Along with a ton of other pictures
Today, I went for a Judging Clinic and had the most amazing day learning about the judge's perspective, and how runs are scored. It really helps as a trialer to have this insight. And Calvin Jones did a great job of educating us plus we all 'scored' runs done by Wendy Schmalz and Chris Jobe - Open and Pro-Novice, to see how our scores compare to what Calvin saw. Wendy and Chris threw in some tricky bits to test our powers of observation.
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| Ted working sheep at the clinic. He is such a nice dog to work. I adore him! Photo by Nancy Thornton |
As a Tracking Judge (new) I couldn't help but think about tracking too. So much of it applied - and I think it would be a fantastic idea to have this kind of clinic for both trialers and judges - and prospective judges. It's one thing to train and compete, and another entirely to have the eagle eyes, the power to make decisions that affect if a run qualifies or not - and having the knowledge, integrity and determination to make that decision - and stick with it. It is not an easy job but if you have a passion for the sport, you will have a passion for GOOD, fair courses and good, fair, consistent judging.
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| Jet at work - photo by Nancy Thornton |
There is nothing like spending a weekend with like-minded enthusiasts - even if we endured heat (I have a sunburn), hail, and wind in the space of 3 days. I go back tomorrow for private lessons with Calvin - then hope to get out and practice somewhere with Jet and Ted, and actually enter a trial.
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| Jet lie down - Nancy Thornton photo |
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| Ted lie down - Nancy Thornton photo |
I admit to getting a little teary-eyed looking at these and thinking about the weekend. I felt I was well on my way a few years ago when some major life changes happened. It's taken a bit to get my feet under me and this clinic marks a return to my journey with the Border Collies. It felt so wonderful. I am sad about the years that have passed, but still very proud of them both and at ages 5 (Jet) and 6 (Ted) they have a lot of go for trialing and I can learn a lot with them... until the new puppy comes along (already named, but have no idea when it will be here - it's just a dream for now).
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| Jet - I promise you more of this... |
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| Me and Jet with Calvin Jones Private lessons tomorrow - then - finding a place to practice and finding me a trial to enter... |
Category Article Alberta herding, Border collie, Jet, Sheepdog training, Ted
