This morning’s lesson was about calm and comfort. I let Fate in and she lay down next to the sheep. I want to make sure she doesn’t come to think of herding as a mad chase around a pasture. So far, so good. I also don’t want to force her into any confrontations with the sheep, who are aware of her but defiant around her. I don’t want her to start any confrontations that could result in her getting stomped and losing her confidence. So when the sheep cluster up and refuse to move I bring Red in, he makes her feel safe and gives her the confidence to approach the sheep and learn to use her eyes, not just her mouth.

Like Red, she is very appropriate around the sheep, no mouth on them or aggression of any kind. The two of them together are a sight. The sheep get the message and keep their eyes on Red, they back away from Fate, which boost her confidence in itself. Once they move, I take Red out of the pasture and let Fate figure out how to move around them, with as much help as I can offer to her. I loved the sight of these two herding compadres.