Draft Dog Seminar a great success!  Last weekend the Cowley Hall was the site for our Draft Dog seminar which was very successful. We had four instructors on hand so all participants were given individual attention. 
We began with an explanation of what draft work is and how to obtain the coveted CKC Draft Dog Title.
We moved on with prep work that can be done with pups and novice adult dogs to ready them for cart work.  We had several kinds of carts available for scrutiny and practice and both kinds of harnesses as well.  Having the first ever DD and DDX German shepherds in North America, we are always excited to see some of the capable but non-draft breeds in attendance at our seminars.  Two Danes, a boxer, and a malemute made up the 'other' breed members and did a good job. Tig, the malemute, took everything in stride and was not only able to be hooked into the cart but easily mastered the turns as well. Proud owner, Tammy, did a very capable job of handling this young dog, who was the 'star' of the seminar.
We were very fortunate to have two dogs available to demonstrate the three exercises that make up the DD test. Their practices gave the two 'judges' the opportunity to do some coaching which will improve the performance of both dogs.  
Both Tubby Miller and Judith Snowdon had their dogs on site and both explained how they prepared their dogs for the DD and DDX titles.  This gave participants some choices as to how to go about training their dogs. 
The key..... small steps and planned practice to produce the proficiency that will be required in the Draft Dog Test.  


Anyone wanting coaching or lessons in Draft Dog work can contact Judith Snowdon, Shadowbar Shepherds.  Professional training...Proven Performance.

                                                         Nicole & Bailey 

                                                           Nicole and Sophie 

Barb and her great Dane

Moose at 6 months old & Judi 

Watch for this talented youngster and his owner, Richard, as they

progress with their Draft Dog work. 

Dogs trained at Shadowbar...... ready to work. 

Strength, beauty, and intelligence. 

Fun in the sun

Mother Nature is doing the 'springtime in the Rockies' spring fling with flurries, and rain, and sun and flurries,  so that it's a crap shoot as to whether or not outdoor sports can happen. So we take advantage of every minute.  Shar, Louanne, Mike and I spent some time Saturday out at the Bruder Ranch, helping with panels and fencing so that the sheep herding facility can get off the ground soon.  It is going to be excellent. As Lore says, "I'm the last kid on the block to build so I have learned from those who have gone before."
The best thing about it all is that one person can move sheep from pen to pen without a hassle.  All the gates open or block other pens.  Lovely plan.  We put up some obstacles, too.
Now we are waiting for the outer fencing to be done.  Not long.
Hope to add our four sheep (on order from Louann Twa) to Lore's and begin herding soon.
Exciting stuff.

Ever seen a shiba inu herd?  You will.

Judi

Draft Dog Workshop Planned

On April 29th at Shadowbar Shepherds, SAWHDA is hosting a draft dog workshop.
Judges Tubby Miller and Judith Snowdon will be on hand to talk about proper training of dogs for DD and DDX titles.
This is a day filled with activity for all the dogs and even young pups are welcome to attend. Lunch is provided.
Please check the SAWHDA.blogspot.com site for entry forms.
In looking through our information on draft work, I came across some photos of dogs from days gone by and thought I'd share them with you.  They bring back fond memories.

A Moose at Shadowbar

For the past two weeks, we have had a Moose at Shadowbar.  Right in the kennel area.
We would like to share some pics of it with you.


This is Moose.  A 6 mo. old Newfoundland puppy. Is this cute or is this cute?  And smart, too.

As his training progresses, we'll share some footage with you.  Today, we went for a walk
with one of our GSD's, Token.  Moose had a rough time ignoring her as she heeled alongside of us, but he did a good job and ended up focusing on me most of the time.


Moose knows how to sit straight in front of me, and also at heel.  He knows the signals for sit, stand, and down.  He can maintain a sit/walk around and a down/walk around and will do focused heeling for two minutes at a time, with food rewards.  He does not yet fetch but is sudden death on an exercise ball.  And he is learning a trick which he probably will not do when he is an adult unless his handler has a 46" inseam. LOL.

 Here's hoping you enjoy our escapades.

Judi