Kleinen Wiese German Shepherds

Posted By Sandy Wilson on July 2, 2010

DELTA VON DER KLEINEN WIESE  – “D” Litter

(Arla von der Kleinen Wiese  X  Hawk vom Eichenluft, SchH3)

Delta is a great granddaughter to “Nicky” Alf v. Fafnerhaus, one of the finest herding dogs I have ever known and seen work for so many years.  I am so pleased to see these genetics being passed down through the generations and seeing how they have that same attraction to sheep and williness to work.  These genetics are very strong in this line and I hope we can continue to keep this line alive.

Delta has shown that same strong attraction to sheep and has started her formal herding training for boundary work and she is learning her commands very well.  Right now while she is just starting, she gets very excited at her lessons.  Much has to do with maturity, conditioning, and also the fact that she doesn’t get to see 200 sheep everyday – and of course with lots of lambs running around just adds to the excitement of the whole training experience.  Sheep and lambs in close proximity are extremely stimulating for a dog who is attracted to sheep!   I am seeing steady progress though and that is what we are working for – a reliable dog!  Training your dog for herding is a long process and taking short cuts has consequences later that may be hard to fix, so it is better to take your time with a young dog and shape the behavior properly, then you don’t have to go back and correct problems, you avoid them.  She already has the instinct to work the sheep and the attraction, but she just needs to learn to control her urges and learn how to use that instinct.

On her first exposure to the large flock, she was behind an electranet at about 7 months old just to see if she had the interest and yes, she definitely had the interest, an overwhelming desire to work but a bit full of herself.  Alot of what her early training will be is to keep her calm and have her focus and concentrate – we want her little head to have it together!  She is a very confident pup in nature, but just a bit much prey drive and unharnessed energy.

Delta’s first exposure to the large flock!

Delta’s beginning training was sporadic due to difficult weather conditions and Spring’s lambing season, but now we have had some regular training sessions and we are making progress.  She picks up on the boundary without a problem and knows some of her commands and responds very nicely to my voice.  She is also able to take a correction and come right back to work without a grudge or too much sensitivity, but she does get the point!   Her little brain is really working!  One thing I have a difficult time with is making my voice flatter – I tend to bring my voice up higher and this only excites her and gives her the wrong message, so I have to also be very aware of what I am doing and how I affect the behavior of my dog.  We are always learning!   I certainly don’t need my voice to encourage and motivate her, she has all the motivation and drive she needs all by herself.  If anything, I will need to bring her emotional state down some.

Another thing I have learned that really helps my dogs is not praising them so much, but to praise at the appropriate time.  I do tend to talk, pet, and coddle my dogs a bit too much (as I love them so) and this is something I don’t want to do with Delta – she doesn’t need it and I don’t want to baby her.  I want her to respond to me, but also want her to be able to work independently and as she matures and gains confidence, to be able to work a good distance from me.  Some dogs need the praise and build up, but Delta is one that doesn’t, so I have to keep that in mind at all times.

Delta always seems to have a ball in her mouth – its the first thing she looks for when going outside!

These dogs are so smart and they want to truly please.  I am enjoying training this little gal, but she is full of energy and enthusiasm and I know it will be  a matter of time to let her settle into focused work.  I am in no hurry with training her quickly, as she is so young and just a year old now.  I think it is important to think about the mind and the body of the dog and realize the maturity level of the dog and how you can progress with them to maximize their training, but also prevent injury with too much work when they are young.  Every dog is different and I think when you realize that, you can tailor your training to fit them and their abilities.  Certainly each dog has it’s issues to deal with and as a handler, that is the true challenge of sheep herding.  There are so many variables to consider.

Aiko and Delta just posing for a photo!

At Delta’s last lesson, she was much calmer and worked nicely on a loose lead after she settled.  She has very high prey drive and is an intense dog, but she is showing me more and more focus on me and considering me part of the picture now.  As far as commands, she knows them and anticipates what to do and where to be which is great.   I am quite pleased with her steady improvement and understanding each week at her lessons  – that is my goal – steady progress!  Love this little pup!  My goal is to have her solid each step of the way as she is going to be a challenge just because she has so much drive!  I am enjoying the process of teaching and learning with this gal.

I am learning so much myself about what I should be doing or not doing.  I never realized how much you need to know in order to be a good dog handler and that each dog is sooooo different in how you must tailor their training. Also, unlike other training with dogs, there is always the other element of handling your stock at the time your training your dog – so lots to consider.   Delta needs minimal encouragement and very little praise, so I have to make sure I only praise when she needs it and I have to start carrying this into our everyday play or she is going to wrap me around her little paw!  I must be strong!

Right now she is working on one border with me keeping a short distance away into the flock and so far I am pleased at how well she is doing!   It is all new to her, but each step of the way she is learning and getting better – that is all I could ask of her!  I also have a wonderful teacher too!  Thank you Geary for your understanding and teaching my dog as well as me!  I think you really have to give trainers a lot of credit for they are teaching two students – the dog and the handler!  It’s definitely a challenge.

I wish I had some pictures of her working at her lessons, but right now my hands are full and I have to keep my attention on my dog.  Hopefully later, I can get a few photos of her training.

Delta as a puppy with her mother Arla – following in mom’s footsteps – herding and also strong ball attraction!

Category: Herding | No Comments »
Tags: D-Litter, Delta, Herding, Sheep Herding

Posted By Sandy Wilson on June 19, 2010

Blueface Leicester’s arrive by truck!

A friend of mine needed to find a home for her Blueface Leicester sheep since they are relocating to TX, so we we decided to give them a home at our farm.  They are mainly a pet/fiber flock, so hopefully they will fit in nicely with my flock of Border Leicesters  that are pets too.  We already have one Blueface Leicester wether here, so he should make them feel welcome.  Fooler is our Blueface Leicester that was raised by the same gal who raised these  BFL’s.   Fooler is going to be very happy to see a few of his own breed in the barn.

Fooler – Our Blueface Leicester Boy!

The new sheep will have to get used to our dogs on the farm that will be assisting us in taking them out to pasture, so there will be some change for them, but hopefully they will make the transition just fine since they are coming in a group.  It is so much easier for them to fit in when you bring in several sheep to a new flock as they have friends to hang out with.    I am hoping this year by adding these Blueface Leicester ewes that we’ll have some wonderful crosses come next year with beautiful spinning fleeces.  I look forward to seeing what we get with the Border Leicester/Blueface Leicester cross – hopefully some very nice wool.  I love the  fineness and crimp of the Blueface Leicester as it is so soft and spins like “butter”, but I also love the long stable and beautiful luster of the Border Leicester wool, so this combination should be wonderful.

Here are the new gals – you can’t see their fleeces as they have been shorn just a short time ago, but when their fleeces grow in, I can’t wait to see how nice they will be.  My flock is mainly purebred Border Leicesters, but having these sheep will be fun too!

The new group consists of 6 ewes, Andora, Sofia, Gitana, and Virginia with her ewe lambs Lilly and Maggie.

This little fiber flock was used to only eating hay, now they will be living on pasture and after being here just two days, they are already taking to the grass.  They seem to be fitting in quite well with the other sheep.  My husband actually had our male shepherd, Aiko, meet them yesterday in the barn.  They had never seen the dogs before and so when Aiko went in the barn, they all gathered in front on him and Aiko gave them a lick on the nose.  What a nice welcome!   Today he took the whole flock across the road to graze and used Aiko to move them and the new sheep just kept up and followed the rest of the group.  They did quite well and they grazed nicely without too much worry from Aiko as he stays on the border and is very reliable.  The sheep soon spread out as they didn’t quite know what to expect, but soon when they tried to make a break for another pasture, Aiko put them back in place.  They took it well and now have learned, the dog is the living fence and you don’t cross the dog!

Category: Border Leicester Sheep | No Comments »
Tags:

Posted By Sandy Wilson on June 6, 2010

Caden von der Kleinen Wiese – Rewarded with the TUG!

One of our puppies from our “C” litter, Caden, is turning out to be a wonderful working dog and I am happy that Donna Brinkworth of Red Deer, Canada, is doing so much with him.  These dogs were bred for working – they absolutely need the mental stimulation and they have such great work ethic.  The love to play, but work is something they cherish and need, whether it be herding, schutzhund, obedience, agility or just a very active home life!

Just a Wee Babe!

CADEN as a pup!   (Hera v. Fafnerhaus X Diesel v. Schulmeister, SchHI, AD)

Donna Brinkworth is pursuing schutzhund training with Caden and he undoubtedly loves the work.  He has been tracking since he was 9 weeks old and is doing well.  He has alot of drive and gives his all.  Currently he is working on his obedience, as well as some protection work and he absolutely loves it!  No surprise there!  Donna is working along with and under the direction of Dan Waters of the Calgary Schutzhund Club and some other wonderful experienced handlers of that club.  Dan Waters is an accomplished handler who owns and trained Ali vom Daechsel, SchHIII who was the #5 dog at the Canadian Nationals in 2009.  We want to thank you Dan for being such a great teacher for Donna and taking her under your wing!

Donna Brinkworth and Dan Waters tracking with Caden in Red Deer, Canada.

We expect to see great things from this boy, as he has so much potential.  I’ll be making a trip out to see Donna this Summer and will get to meet some of her mentors and friends.  I am very much looking forward to the opportunity to meet the members of the Calgary Schutzhund Club and hopefully see Caden doing some obedience and protection work.  I can’t wait.  I’ll be sure to have an update on that trip!

Caden tracking at a seminar as a demo dog.

Best of Luck to Donna and Caden!

We wish both Donna and Caden lots of luck in their training!  Donna tells me she is learning so much with this dog.  We are so proud of you both!  See more on Donna and Caden’s adventures on her blog – “Spiritdance Dog Tracking and Sheep Herding” – on right blogroll.

Category: Puppies, Schutzhund | No Comments »
Tags: C-Litter, Caden, German Shepherd, Schutzhund, Tracking

Posted By Sandy Wilson on June 1, 2010

Atla-Pete Jet TD, UTD – on Lake Superior

Here is Jet, the amazing border collie, lying down proudly with her new Blue Ribbon and glove between her paws.  What a proud little gal she is and quite a worker.  I just wanted to congratulate Donna Brinkworth of  Spiritdance  who resides in Red Deer, Canada.  Donna is a tracking instructor and also owns one of my pups, Caden von der Kleinen Wiese.  Donna has been very kind in sharing her experience and training knowledge with us and has been a big inspiration to us to track with our dogs.  We wish her the best!  I know Donna puts her heart and soul into her tracking for it is truly a passion of hers and she has been working hard tracking all Winter and Spring and it finally paid off.  Hurray for JET & Donna!!!!

I would like to add too, that Jet is not only a tracking dog, but quite an accomplished herding dog too.  She is from top notch herding lines.  Right now she is not herding as there are not many sheep in Red Deer, but Donna is hoping to get her own sheep soon so she can continue Jet’s career in herding sheep -  Jet’s true love!

JET in action!

If you want to see more of what Donna does with her dogs, just go to the Blog Roll on the right side of the screen and click on  Donna’s Spiritdance Tracking and Herding Dogs.  You’ll find some wonderful information on tracking, herding and her new love, schutzhund – which she is pursuing with Caden.

Category: Herding, Tracking | No Comments »
Tags:

Posted By Sandy Wilson on May 24, 2010

DELTA VON DER KLEINEN WIESE (Arla vd Kleinen Wise X Hawk v. Eichenluft, SchH3)

This weekend we decided to start tracking again; the weather was nice and there was plenty of moisture in the ground to hold a scent.  Delta is now 11 months old and hasn’t tracked the whole Winter, but now it’s time to start tracking again since she is a little more mature.  I set up a single straight track with one zig-zag to see how she would take a few turns and she did very well.  She is a very intense dog and really enjoys tracking, but she is still very young and immature.  She wants to blow through the track and she doesn’t even pick up some of the bait because she is too quick, so will have to work on slowing her down and possibly having her be more hungry to want to eat every piece of food on the track.

Delta above here really working and pulling hard on the track.  In hindsight, I should have picked a day with less wind, as the cross wind may  have made it a little more difficult for her tracking.   There were several parts on the track where she lifted her head and circled and so I want to make it much easier for her and build her confidence first.  I know she can do the work, but I don’t want her to get frustrated.  She loves to work and never quits.   Love this little gal!  She is one very, very active dog – always wanting to do some type of activity.  This is the type of dog that needs alot of mental stimulation.

Delta is a dog that loves to play and have something to do at all times.  Tracking, fetching the ball and doing little tricks, and herding the sheep are just a few of her favorite things to do.  This is a busy puppy!

AIKO VON DER KLEINEN WIESE (Hera v Fafnerhaus X Diesel v Schulmeister, SchH1)

Aiko (4 years old) is older than Delta and a much more mature dog who is methodical in his tracking and a real thinking dog.  He is a pleasure to take out and track with.  He has a very deep nose and great work ethic.  He keeps going and when you finish the track, he is looking for more.  Above is Aiko just starting his track; it was an  “L” shaped track with one turn and then a final turn that was short to find the Jackpot at the end of the track.  He had a great start to his track, and like with Delta’s track, there was some cross wind that made the track a bit more challenging.  Aiko lifted his head once or twice to catch the wind, but then found his turn and did a really nice track.  Again, checking the wind direction before the tracks are laid are so important when tracking with beginner dogs.  Aiko, even though older, started tracking only about 1 1/2 years ago, but he loved it and naturally did well.  He is confident in nature and a thinking dog.  He is the kind of dog that you don’t want to correct harshly, but needs just verbal correction and he fixes himself.  He is a sensitive dog that needs very little direction, and a dog who truly wants to please.  He puts so much effort into his work and you can tell he wants to do a good job.

Bill with Aiko well into the first leg.  Aiko is a natural nose down dog who will work for very little food.  He just loves the work and moves at a nice steady pace too.    The plan for Aiko is more practice and experience for him tracking.  I think also letting the dog problem solve is a big one!  You have to be willing to let the dog figure things out and then praise, praise, to  let him know he is doing the right thing.   I think also taking Aiko to more locations so he can get used to distractions and other surroundings will be a big plus for him to gain experience.

Aiko working with his nose deep into the higher grass.   Next time I take him out, I think we’ll try a different location and more treats to make it a positive experience.  As soon as we get the long line out for tracking, he just gets so excited.  Anytime there is a job to do – he is up for it.  It’s another story when he is going to do sheep chores, he is bouncing and jumping all over the place in excitement, but with tracking he sets himself right in the mind set of sniffing the track.  That’s my boy!

Category: Tracking | No Comments »
Tags: Aiko, Aiko vd. Kleinen Wiese, D-Litter, Delta, Tracking