Red and Fate went ahead of me to collect the sheep and when I got around to the pasture I saw that class was in session.  Red was holding the sheep to back up Fate and so she could practice her eye on the still belligerent ewes and wethers.

Red is a wonderful teacher, patient and calm and supportive. He never yells at Fate, unlike me, or loses patience with her. I loved the way she ran in front of him and glowered at the sheep, he is giving her the space to find herself and grow her confidence. If he was not there, most, if not all of the sheep would be trying to butt her or back her off. In a few months, she will be strong enough to back them off.

Red is a generous soul, I know many border collies – Rose comes to mind – who would never tolerate another dog with their sheep. With a teacher like this, I have little doubt she will be a great working dog.