So in 2002, I got a little border collie to keep Bear company. I was told that I should really try her on stock, as most border collies have some basic herding instinct. Well, not my little girl - she wanted nothing to do with the sheep. But we figured we might as well try Bear, since he is part aussie.
Well! Talk about finding the meaning of life! While he started at the relatively advanced age of 5, he is keenly interested in working those woolies.
Bear's style of herding is more 'shock and awe' than controlled power, but he sure has a good time. He has entered a ranch-style fun trial (where mercifully, no lives were lost) and he may try some more arena trials this winter.
Even though we'll never step to the post with the Big Hats, Bear looks forward very much to Sheep Saturday, where fence running, tub soaking, and general mayhem rule the day.
The BC Stockdog Association
The Canadian Border Collie Association
Little Hats - Great resource for beginners
The International Sheepdog Society (ISDS)
The United States Border Collie Handlers Association