Merry Christmas!!

Ron and I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas..from our house to yours!

Balance..What's in it for Ewe..

Balance in life is a must..Balance on sheep is a must..so how do we create it.

First off I think the number 1 mistake in thinking we have balance is dog broke sheep. The falsify the whole concept from start to finish.

If dog broke sheep are always wandering around with their nose in our pocket we cannot achieve this.. we achieve a nice ability to follow. (not gonna cut it if you work wool sheep)

Balance is the ability to bring sheep straight...BUT where is the dog?? The dog is where it needs to be to achieve this goal. At the last trial the lambs leaned hard on the dogs..the dogs that followed and never reached for balance were offline. The dogs that through themselves into the point of balance on the pressure succeeded at the fetch.

In starting many young dogs these days (and days past) I have dogs that balance better on the left or the right..you see them reach over to correct the sheep and stay there until the heads turn, then they go back to the point of balance on the other side...Some reach good one way and some come up short the other way..leaving the sheep "not quite covered". I will make sure that this is fixed before going on with training.

I will take large groups of wool sheep out and just wander around and make sure the pups are reaching. When I think they are even on both sides of balance, I change the sheep! I go from not so dogged yearling wool sheep (20) or so to 7 undogged wool sheep...(they don't come to me, the pups have to balance well to bring them!)

Today was that day..(now obviously I wouldn't take an out of control pup to the pasture on this type of sheep) These pups I speak of are yearlings that have had farm flock experience. They are getting "command" ready, so I though I would check their "Balance". I so often see people just rushing through the training process, getting command on, whipping grip out, instead of working grip out, and stopping the dog constantly never letting them get a feel for the sheep. I am just the opposite. I like a natural dog (almost to a fault) I admire good work, and I am not controlling (enough maybe for some) I like free moving..but anyway..that's me.

So what happened on the 7 wild woolies?? Both pups littermates did a great job (keeping the sheep on the field) both pups developed better flanks (they had to open otherwise the sheep felt they were being chased) One reaches great comebye and 1 reaches great away. What I mean by reach is if I am backing around a corner did they turn nicely and hit that balance or did they drop a shoulder and flush the sheep passed me...both had a shoulder drop on opposite sides!. I wandered and worked it for 15 minutes, not saying much just cruising around the field! So the lesson did 2 things...help them understand balance and help them open their flanks naturally.

It is ideal if you can keep a few unbroke sheep because it is always nice to get a young dog on real sheep that have to be told where to go and see if they have what it takes!! (These sheep do not fight, I wouldn't use fighting sheep) but nice light fresh (non-cheater ) sheep!! Afterall when the dogs get into the big leagues we cannot tell them where to be at 600-700 yards when the sheep are hassling them.

In conclusion don't forget the remedial importance of the beginning stages of the young pups career! Lay off the command sometimes and just wander it's quite enjoyable!

Happy Herding..

Do ewe believe in ghosts?

Ron and I got a laugh out of this picture we took at the trial field one night when we were sitting around the campfire!

Very few were camped; we had ample space to ourselves!




Nice area to walk dogs however it was covered in goat heads.. The smart dogs stayed on the road and in the alfalfa.. The "others" acted as if though they had just stepped in a mine field! Daddy to the rescue!

The field was stunning




A 420 yard outrun nice and straight forward.. Only to meet up with the fine wool lambs that took a look at the pesky k9 and said "who me?" You want to go? Naaa I think we will have a staring contest!

The lambs were tricky, fun, and even! Haven't been to a trial that was this fun in a long time!




Ron ran his first open! Made a great job of it on sheep he had never worked before! His comment was "I like open!"

The young dogs had their go at the sheep Sunday! Suede ran a good run for 2nd I was beaming as we have worked on anger management, and he never once lost his temper! The sheep really liked him!

Poncho's lack of experience showed but at 2 that's fine! He had a nice bite at the drive gate, but it frazzled him and he took a few wrong flanks on the cross drive so I went out and helped him.. Retired.

We are on the last 99 miles of a 1500 mile round trip! Every mile was worth it! We had a great time and we are still enjoying




Plan B!

A must do for ewe!

This trial is a must do, maybe because the people are so nice, the sheep are so tricky, the weather was perfect, and the field stunning!!!!
If the opportunity arises, we will be back! Thank you Utah stockdog club for such a great trial!
Onto young dogs tomorrow! Yahoo!
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Location:Spanish fork Utah

Ewers day 1 wrap

A chilly 28 started us off warming up to a perfect 65!! Sheep were squirrels this morning but settled well into it! We are running yearling range ewes that are not dogged!
Sly ran early had a good feel for the sheep but a little slow. Timed out in shed ring. I was happy with her go!
Soot ran mid morning with a nice run and finish but owner blindness I missed the cross drive panel high!
Ron and Jesse had a great start however Jesse lost patience with staring and eating sheep.. Grip.. Called off!
Results:
Libby neider Darby
Jennifer Ewers soot
Shauna Gourley mercy
Candy Kennedy Kobe
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Upon arrival

So far so good, trial field is gorgeous. Camping is good! Dogs finally got excercise!


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Travelers tails of whoa

First off Happy thanksgiving! We have never traveled on thanksgiving it seems weird. We were eager to get Plan B back out so this seemed like the place to go! Utah trials are always a good test of dog and handler; so we shall see!

Traveling with 13 dogs seems normal to us.. To others not so much!

We headed out from campo figuring on Vegas (it's exactly half way) we set our sights on the hitching post Rv park.. Of course we called in advance and of course we said we had 13 dogs!



How could we go wrong staying on this street? A few things we learned.. If you can't find the Rv park entrance.. It's a NO. If the clerk is indifferent about multiple dogs its a NO.. If you hear 50 chihuahuas barking before you unload dogs it's a NO. So feeling claustrophobic about staying in the ever so permanent trailer park in "crack-ville" we opted to head north. Mesquite Nevada would welcome us!

We found mesquite to also be not so border collie-ish. An asphalt parking lot was the best we were gonna do! A strip of lawn would have to be their resting ace for the afternoon!




I got lucky in my exploration and found "just beyond the stucco" was an abandoned hotel, luxurious grassy knolls would be the dog walkers delight! We made do!

Every passing car in the park had to stop and count




Yes 13.. I met up with a few other dog walkers that happened upon the abandoned gem next door; they seemed to think all the dogs were just laying there.. (They of course were chained to the ground) but I let him carry on and left him thinking I was the Jesus Christ of the dog world!

Today our travels take us to like folks at the dog trial!! We are having a good time we always laugh!

And remember life is all about


PLAN B !!!!!!

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Rollin

Yep life is tough riding passenger in Plan B!




Sweep at 11 yrs old has earned his spot in Plan B!




Of course everyone
knows the DIVA Jesse has earned her spot, or well let's say has chosen her spot!




Lets not forget about our adorable pilot!

Josie

Isn't she adorable!!







Not everyone thinks so




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Be Thankful..

I know "Leo" is THANKFUL ..he was on the lamb (so to speak) or chased off shall we say 2 months ago. He is a pet he is not dinner! He is a pain, but we missed him! We heard rumors about a male turkey hanging on a street corner about a mile from the house...so off we went knocking on doors!! An elderly lady said she has seen him a lot and he was friendly, and "he didn't seem to hang around the wild turkeys". We left a number, and sure enough the next day she called..we sprang into action, we got down there we saw him, jumped of of the truck yelled "LEO" and he just surrendered himself!! Ron and I picked him up and Ron held him in the back of the truck on the way home! We put him back in his barnyard, he was so happy and so hungry! As of now Leo is back guarding the sheep, and making sure everything is in place..as he is the "lord of the barnyard".

Ron and I are heading to a dog trial for Thanksgiving. (First time ever not being at home for turkey day!) We are off to Utah. We would like to wish everyone a...

Happy Thanksgiving...

The Ewers

Damn'd if you do..or don't...

A few things **WE** have learned this (last) month...(and this folks is why we like dogs not people)

If you are honest and don't rip people off ..they get pissed.

People twist conversations into what they "think" they heard.

Adults are experts at being passive /aggressive.

People lie to make themselves feel better

Often times people don't ask for clarity, they just make assumptions.


The nicer you are to people..the more you get screwed.

**We** will continue to run our business the way we always have. Those who appreciate the candor and the honesty will continue to strive. Those that can't handle the truth, will continue to make their own truth, which in reality are manifested lies. 

People never cease to amaze **US**.. Really makes me want to say fuck em all...but there are still a few good ones left...I have to remind myself of this..

Let's hope November is drama free..

RE-V-EWE

My Babe and I!

We want to take the time to thank our clients. Without you our Saturdays would be oh so quiet !!!!! Good job this year too!!! We are so proud of each and every one of you!!

Well from here on out...it's trial time. Our trial time..Snowbirds must get under way pretty soon in order to be ready. I will give a quick review of what's happened this past year!

We trialed and trained for National Finals points...Had plenty of them. Although the performance less desirable than we hoped for..we were glad to have been a part of the big dog trial. The Nationals as always was a grand event on many levels. Lots of friends to visit from near and far. Beautiful tricky field to run on, well organized by the friendliest of folks. The only downfall is I thought the sheep were UN-even..wouldn't have made a difference for me as sheep were not my problem, however, I thought the UN-eveness at times kept some of the best dogs out. (not complaining) (just observing)..Ron and I truly enjoyed ourselves and stayed the whole time to watch! We thank everyone that put this grand event on..it was nothing less than first class!

Canines N Ewe had plenty of students prepared for the big event.

Jennifer Moening - Cody (Nursery)
Jeff Blackstone - Dusk (Open)
Tricia Guidry - Tipper (Open)
Sara Goodman - Rob (Open)

Everyone gave great effort in preparation Tricia Guidry advanced but lost out in the Semi Final.
 I think nerves got to some, and course work to others. All in all Ron and I say WELL DONE team...you all prepared and ran your own dogs..and gave it a hell of a run!! Good job and lots of good stuff coming to you in the future!!

My dogs Sly, Soot and Lane were prepared..but had some bad luck.

Sly and I

Sly was injured all summer, which left her more UN-fit physically than I had hoped. She ran hard, but was dog tired in the end. Soot ran during a funky hour of the day where the acoustics just didn't seem to carry. She handled the sheep with grace and patience..but a big mistake on the drive cost us dearly.

Soot

Lane (3rd. trial ever) nursery dog has his own cinderella story. He was a dog returned at a year old as the original owner was no longer a fit home. Lane went from never seeing a sheep to being trained and qualified in 8 months. he is a hell of a dog, and will make a great asset to our team. Lane had a great go around the nursery field; but no pen. the sheep loved him and decided well they would rather sleep than go in the pen. Lane is a young 2 and has a bright future as a nursery dog for next year!

Lane

Ron and I had car trouble..so we instilled plan B..yep we are in love! With a 10 foot garage in the rear for the dogs, might I say YES we are comfortable.

PLAN B

Things we've lost this year...They are gone but not forgotten ..

RIP Zippo

Old age

RIP Payton

Accident

RIP Leo

Left home while we were in Klamath..

Now back to the grind,  summer flew by BUT the temps soared.

Ha!

We are now getting the up-coming young dogs ready to start their careers! Chip and Plaid are underway and enjoying their time in the spotlight..

So for now...
 Signing off and wishing everyone a happy and cool crisp Fall season and may your pumpkins glow bright!

Here comes goodbye..

ZIPPO

The days of his prime have since passed. At 15 years of age I can still proudly say this is one of the best working dogs I have ever come across.I whelped him with my own 2 hands and  I had the privilege of training and trialing this dog. Sadly he was the prodigy of my ignorance. He was the first dog I trained to open level (15 years ago) did I know what I was doing...kinda..but not really. I had bought his mother (Maime) who was burned out and didn't want to work..but she liked me enough to work for me. Maime was a good bitch who had been treated unfairly, and ruined in the shedding ring..she would never shed again...but pro-novice was easy for her! I bred her to a dog that John Doyle had named "Bru" (he had his own troubled past) but was a hell of a dog! Zippo was my pick of the litter. When I trained Zippo I remember him having this natural sheep sense and ability to do everything. 

I remember thinking well this dog isn't half bad..I trained him to Open level, and competed in Open  for the first time in 2001  with Zippo! Zippo always flew under the radar rarely did people think to worry..but he was always in the top 5 maybe not a blue ribbon winner, but a sneaky point earner. 

 I can remember thinking at the time...who needs to know how to sort "that's professional handler stuff" until years later making the finals and needing a sort! (well I went home promptly and trained him for that!) He HATED IT! for 6 years he had held sheep closely together... and now work in between 2 groups? NO...not happening..he would do it but not with pleasure!

Zippo's first love was not trialing...although he was good at it..(went to USBCHA National Finals numerous times) his true love was ranching. He was an "old style" dog rough coat, lots of eye, pace and style. (They just don't make them like this anymore) There was no task that couldn't be done. he was a shearing partner, lesson giver, back up dog, take down a single dog and hold it (without hurting or making a mark on it dog). This dog couldn't be beat. I never had to speak to him "he just knew". There were certain students "HE KNEW" would lose the sheep, he always insisted on going with them on the field...yes he was right... and always brought their sheep back.

Zippo would NEVER lose a sheep..trialing the highland games (the last time ever for me) the sheep cheat and break up around and the dogs cannot get there to cover them, it's a game to the sheep, but wasn't a game to Zippo. When the sheep bolted he took the route up through the forest to cut them off, he quickly returned to the infield and fell over..he had hit a tree and shattered his shoulder. That Monday following he would be in surgery a major repair, that would inhibit his ability to run. He needed a biceps tendon transplant, along with other major invasive surgery..Would he work again was the question. Orthopedic surgeon said take it slow, he will trip and fall, and be unsteady until he realizes how to move that new bionic leg. Zippo did trip and fall, made my heart stop on numerous occasions...but HE WAS DETERMINED to work. I went on to continue trialing him a year later, with a tad bit of a hitch in his get along. We should all have his strength and determination in life, it's inspiring.

Zippo had the funniest personality..When a dog did a bad outrun in class...he would turn his back and not watch. When backing up a young one or a loose eyed one if I said that'll do to the dog and they didn't stop, he would gently tackle them...

I could set my own sheep with him 600 yards away lay him down...and send my dog(a different dog) on the outrun..he would turn and walk off after the lift. I could go on and on about this dog. Numerous people tried to buy him..Ron used to say "well you can ask her BUT I DOUBT IT!" Zippo is one of a kind. I am already missing his sense of humor.

Zippo sharing his bed with Pearl, who is waiting for him in heaven.

Not only one of a kind on the field but with the other dogs. He has always been quietly in charge...and a great patient baby sitter.Zippo's daily life consists of going for a stroll (leaving bed above) walking promptly back around the house to the sliding door, opening it and letting himself back in the house. He is a great house dog and he is free to do what he wishes..even if it is opening the door 400 times and just looking out. "ZIPPO IN OR OUT" we still say..as he quietly turns around and goes back to bed..(stupid annoying humans..)

Zippo at 14 years old.

Unfortunately this past year  Zippo was struck with "the old dog disease" he just simply woke up that way on a Monday morning. He was falling over, and apparently couldn't walk. He was dizzy, anxious and scared. We were told to give him the meclazine which we did. He quit eating..the walking started coming back after 4 days...however he is still dazed and so confused. He is not acting like he used to. He popped out from under the stock trailer while I was loading the sheep, sure he was gonna do the job. (he retired himself 2 years ago). He no longer lays on the porch on his bed..he lays under the car. Huh? All weekend every time a motor vehicle moved he was trotting along behind...what? Since that episode 6 months ago Zippo's condition has deteriorated on a daily basis. Strokes come and go more frequently, and they also come with lots of anxiety and paralysis  in some instances.  It's important for me to keep that quality of life up, and it seems we are unable to do that now.  This is a regal dog, and he will die with dignity.  I love this dog. This dog has been so good to me..this dog  taught me so much...I'm still trying to figure out what he is trying to tell me now...I think he's tired, it's just that simple. Zippo will be laid to rest tomorrow afternoon at the ranch. He will be with Ron and I as he passes. I will continue to try and have crazy courage...so easy to talk oneself out of this. For him I cannot..but it certainly doesn't make things any easier.

 That'll Do Zippo That'll do. Ron and I  will miss him terribly, it's a rare occasion that one get's to touch the sun (as a friend quoted to me)..Thanks to this dog, I have.

What makes a good dog..and trainer..

We often ask ourselves..

People like their own breeding..they seem to suit..we know their holes, weaknesses and strengths.

I have the opportunity to have my hands on a lot of youngsters; for clients and for myself.

I can asses them pretty quickly..

There is cast and no cast...In my opinion I NEED CAST...I don't want to much, or even big...flanks can be tight, but flanking is a must..I want a dog to move around the sheep freely.

I don't want triangles, I want circles..the dog that won't give me this is a NO for me. The border collie should be PRE-PROGRAMMED with this trait.

I don't want a "driver" at 1 year old..I want a flanker..Outruns in the future that are GOOD are a must..I can teach one to drive.

I want balance.. I want self control..I like confident and brave..I don't mind grip, but I do mind malicious..

I think as breeders we need to understand "every dog won't make it". We all love our dogs...but not all dogs are created equal. It doesn't matter "what the litter mates do"  these are all individuals.

It's hard for people to understand this..just because they like sheep doesn't make them a trial dog.

Why do breeders get so offended when he dogs don't make grade?? (don't do the breeding again..) simple solution..some breeding's work out and some do not. It's probably not the end of the world..It's not embarrassing..it is what it is..the problem perpetuates when these breeding's are repeated so why breed again before the "first batch" is tried out..this I cannot answer..

If you have a good trainer...that has a god reputation, that has good dogs consistently, and they say to you "this dog won't make it" why question that? There is no secret solution..there is a limit to how much pressure a good trainer is willing to apply..to make the dog preform, so why do people want more pressure applied?

Sometimes you need to trust who you work with, or find another trainer. Why would a trainer turn down money?? I would be glad that trainer wasn't willing to just rip you off...

Anyway just some food for thought..would love to hear everyone speak on this..How much pressure are you willing to apply to make a dog "decent"...

"Like a band of gypsy's we go down the highway"..."We're the best of friends".............

It's a long road to the Dry Lake trial...1700 miles round trip for a weekend out with the sheepdogs...we make the best of the long drive if we have time to do so!

Our route takes us  up Hwy 395...A lot of gold in dem hills...a lot of history too! Our first stop on the road is Bridgeport Reservoir..we met up with an old retired "mule packer" last year who didn't seem to mind the dogs taking over his rv park..this year was no exception.

Bridgeport Reservoir

Bout time we got here..Let's play!

As you can see the "Canines" are really bummed to be here!

So we stay 1 night in Bridgeport (debated 2 nights) but decided we best hit the road for Oregon in the morning!! Next destination Bonanza, Oregon to good friends Shane Harley and Molly Belding's place! We will stay over one night and work dogs in the morning before we set out sights on Dry Lake!

A little "shack" we happened upon traveling through the Valley in Bonanza Oregon..

Shane and Molly were great hosts to us and the 12 dogs on board! They have beautiful barns and covered arena to keep all the pesky canines from wreaking havoc on the ranch! There were beautiful pastures all around..and a great steak dinner cooked by none other than Mr. Ron Ewers that night! We finished off a superb night with country music and S'mores...Gosh why leave?! We worked dogs in the AM and decided we best hit the road! A few small errands on the way to the trial would save us from having to leave once we arrived! 

A few things we learned on the road...(thus far)

1. There is NO Diesel between Susanville and Aiden

2. Eagle lake is a nice campground and even nicer when you are able to beg Diesel fuel off them in order to make it 20 more miles.

3. Aiden doesn't own the Diesel pumps, so you will have to turn back and look for the red barn..

4. Bonanza, Oregon is a VERY small town...

5. Our trailer is too tall for the Mini Mart gas station in Bonanza, Oregon...(New ladder needed, fascia and gutter repair needed)

6. Word travels fast in Bonanza, Oregon...(ie: (text from Shane) "How's the Mini Mart"?

That said after hitting the gas station canopy with our rig destroying our ladder on the roof, getting chewed on by the grumpy old lady inside the mini mart... we thought best to just GET OUT OF TOWN..errands will have to wait until further a doo! Back on the road, laughing...dry lake here we come! (Hope there are no canopy's)

Arrival.... You probably haven't been to this trial...It's just a dog trial, no frills, just a dog trial in the most beautiful setting nature has to offer...Geri Byrne and (friends) do a great job at this trial and if you haven't attended well you best get to it! 

View of the trial field from our camper

Our front yard..

The weather at this trial is at best NOT GOOD...but we don't go for the weather, we go for the sheep, the field, and the camping! The trial part was good, for the girls being ill-prepared they ran great. the sheep are set out at 625 yards on what looks to be a relatively flat field...WRONG..nothing flat about it! It's hard to see the sheep in a whiteout but we managed to get it done. 

A brief..recap of the runs..All the dogs were good..added points on all the open dogs...but really No one really cares about my dogs like I do so we will leave the details out!

It's always sad to leave dry lake trial, by the end of the trial the weather has changed to beautiful and you seem to forget about the first 3 miserable days that lie in the past!

The trek home is just as long (imagine that) ..we had to make it from Oregon to Diaz lake..a good jont.

We are taking backroads down 395 again...but beforehand..we had to endure these guys..

In the middle of the forest..no fence in site..these guys hang out in the road?

Okay another good laugh and onward to the red barn (the gas station that saved our ass on the way North..will now get us started on our way South!)

Onward Diaz Lake here we come.. After 11.5 hours on the road..and Ron being "over it" even went as far as honking at 2 pedestrians for walking too slow..Diaz lake "SEEMS" like the perfect spot for the night...there is no one around for miles, you slip your 20 bucks in and envelope and find a beach! Yippee the dogs are gonna get to run.

Diaz Lake

From our beach..no one around just perfect..Almost..

offloaded..head straight for the shoreline..before the big run..BUT

 Swooping in out of virtually nowhere..comes a jeep and it's flying..the dogs are running toward the jeep and he aint slowing down..this was a man on a mission..his mission to kick us out..(We've only been here for 10 minutes) the fucking leash law...oh yes, the fucking leash law...because you see this is 300 acres and we are the only one's in the park (a Tues. night after memorial day) but this rent- a - cop is bound to have us removed.. Ron handles these "types" of situations you see he is WAY MORE DIPLOMATIC than I..but then again that's why he's a cop and I am not! Ron cast his spell over the retired CHP and all is well in the neighborhood again..carry on.."have a great night"...."Ron" I say are we in or out? ..Ha ha ha We are ok!

Appropriate shirt for what just happened..

A few buzzing mosquito's..a few sudsy beers (suddenly the mosquito s become no problem) a big campfire, a bunch of loose dogs playing in the lake...ahhhh paradise..and only 450 more miles home!

On the road again..

As we cruised down 395 I read stories to Ron about all the history up and down the corridor. There are ghost towns everywhere, old mining camps, old mines...There was a Japanese imprisonment camp during the war..all of this history keeping it interesting!

The best sign all day..

By this time we have driven 1698 miles and NO FLAT TIRES...it's a record or a miracle..either way 2 miles and we are home free! 

At last home sweet home..not nearly as green, or as pretty..but there is NO PLACE LIKE HOME!! Until next year...