It is simple to underestimate the instincts and capabilities of small dogs, but it is also a mistake, I’m learning. I always assumed that Gus, a small dog, still a puppy (he will get bigger by about half) would want nothing to do with the sheep, and that they would want nothing to do with him.
It is a mistake to stereotype living things, people or animal. Gus is evolving. He is no longer afraid of the sheep, although he is quite alert around them, quick to get out of their way. He is studying the border collies closely, especially Red, and he is beginning to move with Red when he moves the sheep.
He is also getting comfortable sitting near the sheep. Twice, he has stepped in front of them to challenge them, holding his ground, even stopping them. Usually he steps out of the way when they lower their heads to warn him off. This morning, he stood quite still while they ran at full speed right round him.
It is becoming clear that he is studying the other dogs, running with them, watching them closely. I don’t know how far he will take this, or how far he can. We are leaving him to figure out by himself what he wants to do and what he can do. He loves Red and Fate he loves to hang out with them and I believe he is toying with working with the sheep.
I want to leave this alone. It may go no farther, it might go farther from time to time. Gus is not a herding dog, he does not posess those innate instincts, but he is a confident dog, he is sometimes cautious but very rarely afraid. The first time a helicopter came over, he was anxious, the second time he ignored it.
This will be fun to watch. I have no fears for Gus’s safety, he can take care of himself, and I have no interest or ego in pushing this farther than it will naturally go. Today Gus took off with Red when he went to round up the sheep, and Gus seemed pleased with himself when the two of them moved the sheep out of the barn. I don’t know if he had a hand in that, I couldn’t tell.
He certainly has a fine teacher in Red if he wants to learn something about sheep. He watches Red intently.
It will be interesting to see how far Gus wants to go, I have never encouraged this behavior or offered him any training direction or reinforcement. He’s fine just the way he is. I do love seeing where dogs take themselves when humans stay out of it.
It is so cool the way dogs can learn from each other. As you are doing at appropriate times … it can be better if we humans just get out of the way.
Love this! I will be very interested in continue to follow the adventures of little Gus. Thank you for sharing.
LOVE this picture! Is this with your new lens? It looks so dreamy and with the softness of the sheep Gus really stands out.
This is so cool. It’s easy to ‘humanize’ it by saying imitation is the most sincere sort of flattery, which was my 1st thought. But dogs & other creatures certainly seem to learn by watching the actions of others of their kind, and I think this must be what is happening with Gus. he sees Red & Fate move the stock, probably hears you say ‘good job’ or ruffle their ears in approval, and assumes this is what he is supposed to do. So much fun reading his adventures. You could likely write an amazing children book based on them.