There's no 'I' in Team

Today was our day.

 Meaning, Jax and I. We've done quite a bit of work with our trainer, me watching her as we work on Jax's sides, flanking, driving. Today I was given the reins, so to speak. There are those moments when everything seems to stop and it's just you and your dog. Horse owners also know the feeling, when finally there is that Oprah-esque ah ha moment and it all just clicks and your animal and you work together. Today was my ah ha moment.

Up until now I've worked with our trainer, the two of us jumbled in sheep trying to keep away from the dog. They stick to your legs like glue as you work on moving across the field with a young dog in tow. We started out the three of us, getting the morning going on the right foot with the right amount of aid and instruction.

 Until she passed me the stock stick and said it was my turn and walked outside the fence. 

With our teacher waiting on the outside of the small round pen, Jax and I teamed up to work on flanking the sheep and moving them from one end to the other, back and forth across the small paddock. We'd get to one side, and Jax would then scoop them from behind me and across we'd walk to the other side of the paddock. 

It's not much use if your dog can't move the sheep forward and just circles them. This is a great training tool, using a small round pen. It keeps things from getting too out of control in a larger field. 

Round the back, lickity split. This dog is lightening speed with everything he does. 

Up to the fence and lie down. He is getting better every time, more willing to drop to the ground rather than consistently question my decision. 

'Come by' to lift the sheep off the fence so we can walk back across the paddock to the other side. Most border collies get nervous when the have to get up against the fence and move the ewes. Today Jax took the pressure without a problem. 

.... For the most part. This girl got a bit of a shave when Jax went in for a grip.

Eventually I'll replace the skinny blue stock stick with a crook. For now it's a great way for Jax to be directed, when he needs a reminder to keep back and move the sheep away from the fence and away. 

Positive encouragement from the sidelines as Jax lies down and stands the excitement of being so close to the sheep. He was quiet, patient, and obedient. When just a few weeks earlier 'lie down' still raised an eyebrow. 

I can't help but beam as my dog took huge strides. Or rather, we took huge strides working together. Not just teaching him the tools of a stock dog to use for someone later. Today I finally understood what it would feel like to have my dog working with me, when sheep dog trials become very real and very possible. 

This one's for you, Buppa.