Hello Doc, hope you had an enjoyable NY and didn't get trampled! As I say, K-D comes from a long line of championship working dogs and needs very little training. When the young dog arrives they spend their first 2-3 weeks tied up somewhere they can watch everything that is happening without being in danger from tractors, *** etc. They go round feeding up on a lead, begin to herd the hens, follow the senior dog around the sheep and then gradually find their way around the farm. After about the first year, they know what is going on and after 2-3 years, just do it, they know the seasons, the gates, the different fields, time of year and think for you. The only problem arises when you want to do something they hadn't planned for because they are the world's biggest control freaks and everything has to be done in the right order, at the right time and woe betide anyone who tries to deviate! Himself uses his whistle (teeth & tongue, not a mechanical aid) and gesticulation with hand & stick. K-D is equally happy working sheep, ***, milk cows (or was) hens, chicks or the Ginger Mog!
Having great trouble with this EV and very heavy hints would be most acceptable.
Happy New Year all EV'ers.