[Jacob-list] Border Collies & Jacobs

[Neal and Louise Grose]

My brother borrowed a group of Jacob wethers to use to train his young 
Border Collies and found that the sheep were too smart for the dogs. He had 
to go back and get a group of "dog trained sheep" to start with. Those sheep 
trained the dogs. I think you are on the right track to start with something 
else, and use the Jacobs for a more advanced degree.

Neal Grose

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Cathy Robinson" <perfectspot at blueridge.net>
To: "jacob-list" <jacob-list at jacobsheep.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2005 8:29 AM
Subject: [Jacob-list] Border Collies & Jacobs


>I have had a person with a potential interest in Jacob sheep contact me 
>recently on their use in training border collies.
> I always like to leave the "door open" for anyone with a potential 
> interest in this wonderful breed, but I am also very careful about trying 
> to lay the groundwork for a successful potential purchase rather than one 
> where the buyer becomes disgruntled with the sheep and they are suddenly 
> looking for a new home because they aren't exactly what the buyer 
> expected.  Only one of those to date, that I know of, and it just happened 
> to be another "dog situation" where the dog was of higher interest / 
> importance than the sheep.  Long story on that one!
>
> I know that the descriptions of the Jacob breed describe a loose flocking 
> instinct, but I also know that some of you have and use Border Collies on 
> your farms. Since I have been asked the question, I would be interested in 
> hearing from those of you that do have these dogs on your farm and with 
> your sheep.  What are your personal experiences, recommendations, 
> precautions, etc.?
>
> This person already has a small group of wethers of another suitable breed 
> that he is using with his dogs.  While I would like to suggest that he 
> maintain two groups...those for training purposes, and then the really 
> fun, interesting ones :-) ...I realize that probably won't work for many 
> people.  He seems to have an interest in the breed so just wondering what 
> those of you with experiences can relate.  Thanks in advance.
>
> Still waiting for lambs here at Perfect Spot Farm...should not be long 
> now!
>
> Cathy
>
>
>
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