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CGCs, Hiking and Sheepies, OH MY!
We are pleased to share the news that both our Shiloh boys have passed their AKC Canine Good Citizenship [CGC] tests this past October. It was part of our family "doggie" camping vacation in Virginia. Hamish has already passed and received his certification of temperament testing via the ATTS in March of 2006. Personally, I like the testing variations and differences of a CGC type testing which shows nerves and basic training on your dog, as well as the nerve/stress threshold test of a temperament test. I look forward to having Gareth also take the ATTS, when I can find a test date and location convenient for us here at Mac Shilohs.
We also were able to introduce the boys to some sheep as they took a beginner lesson at Keepstone Farm in Berryville, VA. Keepstone is where many of the Fab Five Shilohs trained in their pursuit of getting AHBA recognition for the Shiloh Shepherd in 2004. I've read about Shilohs herding, always wanted to see how the boys would react, but we've never had an opportunity or facility near us to try it. So when we knew we were going to VA on vacation, that HAD to be on the list. Our good friend Marti at Nottingham Shilohs set it us and also took the boys in for their lesson and introduction to sheep.
Gareth was a bit tentative but as soon as the sheep started moving and Gareth looked over and got permission from Dad, he was off and it was great to watch. Marti was in the ring with him, as was the trainer Susan, and they just let him do what comes naturally to see if there is instinct there. We were told there is and that he hangs back and is respectful of the sheep. Then it was Hamish's turn, he just blossomed in that ring, I have NEVER seen him so happy in my life doing something. He was wide eyed and grinning from ear to ear -- with a willingness to work and listen and take corrections, yes he did try to take a bite out of the back of a woolie! He came back for more even after a pretty harsh correction, but he shrugged it off and it was just so wonderful for me to see him running, trotting and letting instinct take over. To watch the natural instinct kick in was a joy to watch. We were told we HAD to keep working them because they showed the instinct and the willingness. Still, I'm sorry to say that his own flock of sheep will not make it onto his holiday wish list, another trip to VA sometime maybe, but not his own flock. We also had the pleasure of watching one of the original Fab Five, Nottingham's Friar Tuck, do some training for his next herding level as well as watch Marti work with Nico, Abba's Nicodemous of Zion. Our boys watched Nico intently in the ring — almost studying his every move if not jealous that he was still in the ring!
Another day we took a walk on the Appalachian Trail and Gareth can proudly say he pooped on the Appalachian Trail and James can say he picked it up. LOL! We managed to get down to the rivers edge of the Shenandoah River in Harpers Ferry WV, even in a low water condition it's simply breathtaking. it is really pretty country down there.
We attended our first ISSDC SE Picnic and had a good time. We had the chance to meet and/or re-meet a decent amount of Shiloh folks and their owners. There were some fun and funny games that I hope to share pictures of soon, food and just a nice time socializing folks and Shilohs. Lori and Gary from Braveheart Shilohs made the trip down and Lori put her stamp on the doggie relay games, and I haven't laughed so hard in a long, long time.
Gareth also showed in the Rarities Virginia Classic II show for one day and we're proud to say he came home with a Reserve Winner's Dog thanks to Gary Runyon of Stardust Shilohs taking him into the ring. It was nice to see Catoctin's Peaceable Luke do so well with two Winners Dog wins, SMOOTHIE'S UNITE!
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