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The photo below is at 3 months. At 4 mths. Clemie attended one herding clinic with sheep. She exhibited excellent herding skills even at this young age.
Judi Bigham, a licensed UKC and AHBA Judge, worked with Clemie at her farm, has this to say about her-
"Hi, Cathy! CLEMENTINE demonstrated a lot of confidence for her tender, young age. She definitely has the desire to herd (i.e. control movement).Continue to develop a solidworkingrelationship (remember ----- you're the "boss"!).
CLEMENTINE's ability to herd, successfully, should continue to "bloom" as she matures, both psychologically & physically.
Good luck & have fun!
Judi B. at HADO-BAR FARMS in Nova, Ohio"
I am extremely impressed with Clem's ability to 'read' my needs and how fast she has learned obedience and rules here at home.
ES are known as the 'all around farm collie' and appreciated for their 'off switch'. When the work is done, they will rest comfortably at your feet.
These dogs are expected to make their own decisions and judgements concerning your stock, even if you are not present. Yet, they bond significantly and obey your demands-unless they happen to know more about a situation than you! One frequent rendition is that of a circumstance involving a sheep owner and the dog disobeying the owner's command to leave the pasture and come in with the herd. The owner finally relunctantly resigned to coming into the pasture to fetch the ES, only to find a newborn dropped and abandoned lamb.
ES have been used by farmers since the turn of the century for farm chores as well companions and to watch young children.
Clementine's 'jobs' will be to help with predators on our 5 acre farm in Appalachia-southern Ohio. She will also be helping gather and drive our chickens, turkeys, ducks and goats.
Pending Clemmie's PenHip and OFA scores, she will be bred after age two with another purebred ES of equal or better qualities and pedigree. We support ESCR standards and preservation of the ES.
Clem has mastered all commands, with continued work on the 'stay' command. She is now 8 mths. old. Somewhat larger than most ES females, she weighs almost 50 lbs. and is 23". She is a strong, solid little gal in excellent health.
Clementine's basic demeanor is independent but friendly. Initially suspicious of strangers, she is not aloof, however, she is not an affectionate dog/lap dog. She is a typical 'English Shadow', following me everywhere when inside. She shows strong instinctual herding behavior with our cat and other dog, but is easily re-directed. Clem herds with her body, and little use of her teeth with a soft bite. She knows 'easy' and does not put her teeth on us or our poultry.
She sleeps with us, either in our bed or on the floor, always facing the door. She also plays and sleeps with our 5 and 7 year olds.
On our 5 acres she stays close when one of us is with her. Alone, she respects our land boundaries, yet patrols the perimeters catching mice and moles, occasionally marking and bark-warning potential threats. We have coyote and bobcats, as well as coons, weasals, owls, hawks and other predators. If she is outside, she will not let the small herds of deer cross onto our land. She knows that our garden means food-not theirs!
Very biddable, Clemie comes immediately when called or when I blow my whistle. She is a
bossy dog, and does not stand-down to threats. At 8 mths. she will test or try to challenge authority. These dogs are smart and require an owner that will not back down or be 'soft' with them. Abuse gains no respect; we use mostly postive training methods ustilizing negative consequences when needed. Clem does not like time out or being tethered! ES want to be with you!
Clem is a Mommie!!! She whelped 10 big, healthy puppies on Skip's birthday (11/25/07 and 11/26/07)! She had six tri colors, two clear sable and two black and tans. :)
Cathy Stein
Email:
citysplitteryahoo.net
Blue Rock
0H
43720
USA
Ph:740-280-0201
