Posted By Sandy Wilson on December 17, 2010
Aiko von der Kleinen Wiese
All I want for Christmas . . .
(Delta under the snow!)
Posted By Bill Wilson on December 13, 2010
The late Fall is a good time to graze in an orchard. The trees help protect the grass from frost and early snows and in addition, the sheep are able to munch on the fallen apples.
Aiko and I had a nice training session with Geary this weekend. We were grazing the sheep in the orchard for the first time this season, so it was a nice change of pace and a challenge for Aiko. Even with the leaves off the trees, visibility is greatly reduced by all the branches and obstacles. It’s important to keep an eye on the boundary, as the flock can easily leave the graze. Aiko had his work cut out for him watching over the flock and also having a different environment in which to work the sheep.
Working in the trees also triggers prey drive. It’s very similar to stalking prey in the wild, so you have to keep the dog from getting too excited and keep them focused on their work.
Geary’s new Dorper ram (pictured in the center with the black head).
On the way out to the orchard, I spotted this young bear up in a tree.
Posted By Sandy Wilson on July 14, 2010
Aiko von der Kleinen Wiese working a flock of over 300 sheep in New York.
Over the 4th of July weekend, we traveled from Pennsylvania to New York to do some sheep herding with our dogs. The Catskills of NY are just devine and the sights from the mountainside are breathtaking indeed. It really is a small piece of heaven just looking off into the beautiful mountainside with the sunset as a backdrop.
Of course of all weekends to go on vacation and work our dogs, there happened to be a heatwave, but that didn’t prevent us from taking the sheep out to graze. This was really a momentous time, as we were spending time with very special friends and also working our dogs in the place of their birth. Our foundation bitch, Hera v. Fafnerhaus, is a daughter to Nicky “Alf v. Fafnerhaus”, one of the best herding dogs I have ever seen in my lifetime, but who has sadly passed away. Nicky was the last dog bred from Manfred Heyne’s original genetics.
Alf v. Fafnerhaus – also known as Nicky! Working in his prime in the Catskills of New York at Nickelsberg Farm.
Hera von Fafnerhaus – Nicky Daughter working at Little Meadow Sheep Farm in Pennsylvania
We were uniting three special dogs to work together, Dux v. Fafnerhaus, HGH, also known as Luki, who was Manfred Heyne’s last working dog and also a Nicky son. Along with Luki working the sheep was our own Aiko v.d. Kleinen Wiese, who is a Nicky grandson and Emma v. Fafnerhaus who is a Nicky granddaughter. I can’t tell you how neat it was to work these dogs together and how well they all worked in harmony covering the boundaries to contain the sheep. I always find it truly amazing how they all work in sync without the direction of our commands. Luki, who was the veteran of the group didn’t need any direction. while Aiko and Emma worked in cooperation with each other. It was the first time I have seen three dogs work sheep collectively and what a fine sight it was to see. They all worked, but I must admit, they all had a little fun too!
Emma v. Fafnerhaus – looks just like grandfather Nicky!
Above is a Emma v. Fafnerhaus, who is in the beginning stages of training on the boundary and doing great! She is a very confident dog and very strong on the border. She has that same intense interest as her grandfather did and it was so nice to see her working – she has so much potential. It was good to have Aiko helping Emma too as she could watch him work and she could see him be steady on the boundary. It is so nice to see so many of Nicky’s offspring have these strong genetics come through!
For four days straight, we worked all three of these dogs morning and evening. It was absolutely an awesome sight to see and to witness these three dogs all working on the boundary simultaneously. I think what tore at my heart the most while watching these dogs was to see Luki still tending to the sheep while past his prime, teaching his niece and nephew some of the tricks of the trade so to speak. I could see the pride in this dog, even at 12 years of age, Luki worked with such joy and compassion for his work – it is what he was bred for.
Luki – Dux v. Fafnerhaus, HGH – still taking his job seriously on the border – what a boy!
Several times during the course of our sheep herding I watched Luki closely and I saw a dog that was taking these younger dogs under his wings – they really can teach each other things. At one point our Aiko was coming up the border and Luki was ahead of him and he saw some lambs too close to the border and Luki trotted over to the lambs and pushed them back, then he stepped away and let Aiko finish the pass. Luki just stood there and watched as if watching a son taking over a job for him. It made me all warm and fuzzy inside when I saw this. Luki was teaching Aiko and it was very apparent as we watched. I don’t think you could ever appreciate this sight unless you witnessed it for yourself, but if you have ever seen dogs communicate and work together the way these dogs do, it is a sight you’ll never forget and you’ll always treasure as long as you may live – I know I will. These dogs are truly special!
“Luki” Dux v. Fafnerhaus and Aiko von der Kleinen Wiese working the boundary together as partners.
Luki working as the sun was rising, as he once worked for Manfred. This dog has so much heart even at 12 years of age. You could just feel inside how happy he was to be part of this “family” gathering. Truly amazing and a sight I shall not soon forget!
As I look at this picture above of Luki working, it just brings tears of joy to my heart. Luki is an amazing dog – Manfred loved this dog so much. He still has so much pride and presence as he moved along the boundary. I know Manfred is smiling even now watching his boy! Luki is the last of the real HGH dogs from his genetics to show what real work ethic is all about and his genetic obedience is something you just don’t find often. These dogs possess qualities unlike any I have seen and I feel very gifted to have dogs from these genetics!
Early morning and late in the evening we worked the dogs for several hours. The flock is over 300 head of Texel/Dorset crosses who are totally grass fed by pasture. Luki’s job was to first gather the sheep in the fenced pasture and bring them out to the open, unfenced pastures for grazing. Luki was slow, deliberate and methodical in his actions and the sheep obeyed and responded to him as if he were like “Babe” talking to the sheep to line them up perfectly to follow the shepherd to his grazing area. I wish Manfred would have been here to see how his boy was still working and doing what he was bred to do and with such a smile on his face. You could tell by this dog’s attitude that it brought him such pleasure to being doing a job he loved.
Aiko working as the sun goes down into the evening hours.
At 12 years old, Luki is unable to run as a young dog can, but he has such power and authority in the way he moved around the sheep, he didn’t need the speed of a young dog. He just knew what to do and where to be. He was trained so perfectly by Manfred to calmly move the sheep in a way without causing the sheep to startle or to run. That Luki has so much style and grace! Bless his heart! It really gave us a “Picture” to remember how this type of herding is done with such a seasoned dog. Luki had done this work all his life in Germany for many years with Manfred Heyne and in competition.
“Luki” Dux v. Fafnerhaus, HGH – Luki as a young dog working a large flock.
Luki and Bill standing on the boundary while Aiko is tending to the sheep. WE LOVE YOU LUKI!
We really had a super time up in the Catskills of New York – what a beautiful part of the world to experience – doesn’t get any better when you can spend time with special friends and your family and dogs. I must say it was a treat to be able to bring all of my 5 German Shepherds with me on vacation and fit my children in our van too! LOL! Our dogs are family and vacation is just not the same without them. Can’t thank Ellen & Jost enough!
More on our Aiko herding in NY later!
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.
Posted By Sandy Wilson on May 9, 2010
Aiko von der Kleinen Wiese
Diesel v. Schulmeister, SchHI X Hera v. Fafnerhaus
Aiko is a grandson out of Alf v. Fafnerhaus “Nicky”, who was Ellen Nicklesburg’s main herding dog for many, many years. Nicky was one of the last males to be produced out of Manfred Heyne’s bloodlines. Margaret v. Fafnerhaus was bred to Manfred’s Nick von der Stammherde Ramholz, HGH, to produce Alf “Nicky” von Fafnerhaus. Nicky was bred to Ussa v. Kuchenthal, HGH, who was chosen by Manfred himself for breeding. Nicky and Ussa went on to produce many progeny with strong herding genetics.
This breeding combination produced our Hera v. Fafnerhaus. Hera is the foundation of our breeding program; she consistently passed down her strong herding genetics to so many of her pups. Aiko is living proof that these herding genetics are still very strong. We are so proud of him and we know Manfred would be too.
Today we had fun on Mother’s Day with the kids playing on the new trampoline. While they played, my husband and I took the sheep out to graze with our boy, Aiko! He is in seventh heaven when he is out with the sheep. Aiko is always so happy to work. It was really a cool day in May after all the hot weather we have had over the past several weeks; even though cool, a very nice day to take the sheep out mid-day!
Aiko tending to the flock at Little Meadow Sheep Farm.
Bill has been working with Aiko since last Fall taking herding lessons and Aiko is coming along very nicely. We are just thrilled with Aiko as he is such an honest dog – he is the kind of dog who is very handler sensitive and very wanting to please in every way. Aiko hates to make mistakes and seeks to please – just a super dog and we love him so!
Aiko watching the sheep as he moves along the mowed boundary.
Aiko worked all four sides of the boundary today and did very well. We cut the graze down a bit, so he had more work to do as our sheep numbers were down this year due to downsizing the flock last year. Soon we hope to add some Blueface Leicesters to the group, which will be a nice addition to our flock. I love the fleeces of the Border Leicester, but adding Blueface Leicesters is an extra treat for me since I love to spin – it’s truly like spinning butter – so smoooth! Next year we should double our flock size and also have a wonderful mix of purebred Border Leicesters, Blueface Leicesters and some crosses – I can’t wait. I am looking forward to seeing the fleeces we produce in the coming year. The dogs will also love having a larger flock to herd – more sheep – more work!
The sheep are happily grazing the lush grasses of the pasture and don’t mind Aiko as he patrols the boundary keeping the sheep inside his confines. He is a very smart worker, always counting his sheep and figuring out where best to be to keep the flock in order. I love to watch him work – he takes his work seriously and instinctively knows where to be along the border to keep his sheep contained. These dogs are a true asset to any shepherd.
After some herding, Aiko was ready for a nice game of fetch with his new stick! LOL! Aiko tries to always find fallen tree limbs to bring to us! Gosh, if I could only teach him to pick up all the fallen branches in the yard and put them in a nice neat pile!
That’s MY BOY!
Aiko with his mother, Hera v. Fafnerhaus. As you can see, he loves his gigle ball too! Always seems to have a stick or a ball in his mouth – the dogs just all love hanging out together!
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