March Sheep Herding Class With Youngster Rook

My youngest "Crew" member "Rook" was out for another herding session on sheep. Our instructor

Louanne Twa  is located south of Calgary in the Okotocks at Phantom Ridge - she has a beautiful farm and great sheep to work for a youngster in training. Today, we worked again on pace and widening Rook's distance. He also decided to slip out of his collar and long training lead as soon as he entered the training pen. The good news was that he was more respectful of the stock and realized that he did not have to grip to bring back a stray. However - he did do one shoulder bump on one ewe:-) I did enjoy seeing his progression on widening his distance from the sheep when moving them. He was one tired pup after the session - We now just have to keep up his exposure and practise!

Below are some pics of today's class. Special thanks to my friend Donna for the photo shoot! She had her Border collies out for their lessons - you can see her BCs at work on her blog at:  http://blackthornworkingdogs.blogspot.ca/2012/03/ben-come-bye-kid-and-his-mama-jet-doing.html

 We could not have asked for better weather!

A nice calm pace - and yes, it was warm enough to take off my coat!

better distance and control

getting a little wider

A steadier pace and wider distance

Louanne working with Rook - a more wider distance - good boy!

nice distance, steady and focussed

"That'll do" Rook until next class 

To view "Rook's" February class visit his blog post at: http://albertacanaandogcrew.blogspot.ca/2012/02/sheep-herding-with-youngster-rook.html

Is the Canaan Dog facing extinction?

A young Springtime "Maccabee"

The Ancient Biblical Dog of Israel

It is with sadness to read the news that the "Canaan Dog", also known as "Kelev K'naani", may be in fear of fading “into history”. This breed is already very rare in numbers, and those that have been fortunate to have one of these extraordinary dogs in their lives may now be facing a reality that we hope does not come to pass.

Here is a link to an article of interest for owners and supporters of the breed, and those that are researching about the ancient “biblical dog” that still inhabits the Negev desert, but is becoming even smaller in numbers.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/in-israel-a-battle-to-save-the-ancient-canaan-dog/2012/03/21/gIQA1IQEfS_story.html

Our Maccabee keeps watch over the herd as the sun sets

Some Interesting facts about the breed

Canaan Dogs are “un-manufactured” by man. They have natural dog characteristics that have allowed them to survive for over 4,000 years. The Canaan Dog has a rich and unique history. Unlike such breeds as the Golden Retriever or the Wheaton Terrier the Canaan Dog was not bred for a specific job. They evolved in the wilderness and developed their characteristics and instincts over 4000 years - which includes their sharp eyes, their acute hearing, and their keen sense of smell - and most importantly, their strong desire for self-preservation as key to their survival .They have worked with Man as guardian animals for villages and flocks. After the Roman conquest of Israel they drifted back to the Sinai desert to live. Occasionally they would be caught and used as protection for Bedouin tribes. But a true effort to domesticate them didn’t happen until the 1930s when the Menzels emigrated to Palestine. Their programme was so successful that the Canaan Dog became a working dog for the Haganah and later the IDF (Israel Defense Force). And despite this unique path that has brought them to become companion animals they are at heart dogs.

"Maccabee" my "Muse"

"Macc" watching over the herd

Here are a few links to read more about the history and traits of the Canaan Dog:

http://sufatsheleg.jimdo.com/the-menzels/

http://sufatsheleg.jimdo.com/canaan-dog-traits/

And a link to a great educational video about the breed:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MF8xl9FVvow

I can not imagine a better breed for me! My desert crew continues to fill my life with companionship, adventure, and fulfills a role in a working capacity. I know that this post will resonate with those who cherish and work with their breed of choice. Below are just a few favourite pics of my crew doing what comes naturally!

Me and two of my Canaan Crew members "Cybelle" & "Maccabee" after  some cattle ranch chores.

"Ash" watching over her land during a windy July storm

Miss "Ash" after a stormy day on her land but continues to stay poised in the classic "regal and alert" position common to Canaan Dogs when in the watchdog mode. No wonder these guys were used as sentries guarding the camps back in their homeland. 

Master "Macc" in his sentry pose  - he always wanted to keep watch over the land even when the sun started to set

Youngster "Rook" learning to drive free-ranging cattle to their next rotational graze zone in a respectful manner with crew member "Ash" as backup.

Some of the crew working cattle chores from spring to fall on the range

Crew members young "Rook" & Miss "Ash" watching over their kingdom on a summer day

"Ash" X Macc 2010 litter - Ash with her four beautiful babes "Tempest, Ziva, Jasper and Cammie 

Miss Ash at home watching over her range

We hope that this remarkable breed "never fades from history", so on a more positive note, please visit our  news about “Tracking” with the crew.