Anne Gunn
Beka - 2010
‘Trust your dog’ and ‘watch the sheep’ are the phrases that we hear all the time during training and which I thought I was doing. And then during 2010, I really started to trust Beka (Finnshavn Willow Flats Tuktu) and I not only watched the sheep, I made the leap forward of using the information from watching them to work effectively with Beka.
Above: Beka, Cardigan Welsh Corgi, 2010
The 2010 highlights were the Downriver Pepsi prize for stockmanship as well as finishing CKC Stockdog Started with a High in Trial and our CKC Arena Intermediate title. With a lot of help from patient instructors and long-suffering friends, we not only qualified but competed in the 1st national all-breed herding championship in Ontario at the Intermediate level.
Above: Beka, Cardigan Corgi, Herding Cattle
Despite nervous jitters, it was a memorable and fun experience. We met some great people and Beka finished her 3rd run in style, finishing with 1st place! I was proud & thrilled!
Above: Beka, Cardigan Corgi, Herding Sheep in Take Pen
Jake - 2010
Jake (Welgem's Black Opal) and I continue to work on basic skills and are edging toward working together with a common purpose.
Above: Jake, Cardigan Corgi Herding Sheep, Holding Sheep
I took him to herding clinics so he had the experience of other people and their dogs while we worked more on a solid base of skills and experience rather than trials during 2010.
Above: Jake, Cardigan Welsh Corgi, 2010
Beka - 2009
The Downriver clinics, lessons and practice paid off dividends in 2009 for Beka the versatile herding Cardigan. With a handler who finally caught up with what to do and how to let Beka work, we had both fun and success this year. Lynn had tried so hard to find different ways to teach me and Beka and finally we clicked as a team.
Above: Beka on Cows!
Now I just have to remember to keep quiet on one hand and on the other, not to stand lost in admiration of her working! Beka won more than three times her body weight in dog food (thanks to Petcurean’s generous sponsorship) and as well a handsomely embroidered dog bed for being the High Scoring Cardigan (thanks to Star Barks sponsorship).
Above: Beka on Sheep!
We had a blast at the ASCA trials at Downriver – six runs and six qualifying scores for started titles on ducks, sheep and cattle. Then we took the lessons learnt to Williams Lake, Cobble Hill and Chilliwack. Beka showed versatility and adaptability to very different sheep including AHBA large flock and large fields not to mention coping with some remarkably inexplicable handling errors. So a great year and lots of fun thanks to the endless support of Lynn and the Downriver ‘crowd’.
Above: Beka Wins!
Jake - 2009
And meanwhile Lynn and I cope with the teenage boy Cardigan Jake who, while full of enthusiasm, is one determined little guy. He is making progress and lessons and practice will continue next year as, hopefully, he matures.
Above: Jake
Anne Gunn—2008
What counts to me is not the qualifying runs (they were nice) but feeling the progress of the dogs despite a few hic cups along the way. No wonder I am smiling.”
The biggest success for 2008 was my feeling of putting it together and seeing the results in how the two Cardigans were working. They looked more confident and were easier on stock which must reflect my progress. And best of all, I loved the clinics and had such fun while slowly, so slowly, understanding more and more.
At Downriver in 2008, Beka (Finnshavn Willow Flats Tuktu CGN ) was overall first in Rookie Class (Handy Ranch Dog); completed HT and first leg HS and the High Scoring Cardigan in the National Herding Specialty (CKC arena trials); Most Promising Started Other Breed at ASCA trial July 2008. The foundations gained at Downriver helped Beka through Junior Herding Dog (AHBA) at Williams Lake and a High Score in HRDI at Chilliwack.
Also at Downriver in 2008, Katie (Finnshavn Tuktu Kishiani ) was overall 4th in Rookie Class (Handy Ranch Dog); completed HT and first leg HS (CKC arena trials); and Katie passed Junior Herding Dog (AHBA) at Williams Lake.
And just as exciting was watching Jake (Welgem's Black Opal)make such a great start on his herding career.
