Every morning, and sometimes in the afternoon, I work with Red. His training is amazing, his work remarkable. But there are things to work on. We are working to shorten his outrun. To slow him down a bit. I use the “there” command to turn him towards the sheep and the “steady” command to slow his pace. When he gets too close or zooms in too fast, I put him in a “lie down,” and he drops to the ground.

It is important to keep my own voice steady, soft and calm, something I sometimes forget to do. In the morning, we move the sheep into the larger pasture to be with Rocky, and we move the donkeys into the sheep pasture to be apart from Rocky. I am teaching Red a new command – “Get the sheep,” and I start  him with a “come bye” or “away” and then add “Get the sheep!”, so he is getting this command. He sails out through the gates, circles the big pasture and goes around the sheep and drives them to wherever I am standing. The sheep are getting this and a few seconds after I give this command, I open up the gates and the sheep either come in or go out, depending on the time of day.

Red is always by my side, when I walk, write, herd the sheep, feed the donkeys, go into town to shop or sign books. He is a joy and an unimaginable gift. Thanks again, Karen Thompson.

My goal is to work with him  at least once a day  except in absolutely unforgiving weather. We work well together, a beautiful and spiritual thing.