Sheepherding isn’t always pretty or easy for the dogs, especially a  young border collie, a puppy. Susie has been giving Fate a rough time, charging at her, knocking her down, trying to butt her. Fate needs to learn to handle it, she keeps her distance, is vigilant and moves quickly. I like that she is beginning to turn and stand and show some teeth, and Susie is beginning to back up and get careful.

You do not want a puppy to get traumatized and fearful, but a herding dog also has to know when to show some teeth and give the sheep a nip. This will come, in the meantime, Fate is learning to stay out and Susie is about to get a punch in the nose. Here, Fate turns, stands her ground and shows a few teeth.