Z-Best Haylie
UKC P420-830
Photograph used with permission of Bill Woods.
Having goats, a horse, cattle, and free-range chickens, ducks, and turkeys, I began to think a canine farm hand would be a wonderful asset. My Standard Poodles didn’t quite have what it takes, so I started looking for a good, all-around farm dog. I wanted a dog that would provide some predator protection, rodent control, and herding help, as well as being a sensible house dog. I also wanted a dog that could be trusted to be outside with the animals without supervision. After doing a lot of research, I decided an English Shepherd would fit the bill nicely.
Haylie came here from Judy Hughes at Z-Best Farm in Texas, and in true English Shepherd fashion, she set to work trying to help me with whatever I was doing. At nine months old, she was sweet and kind, gentle enough to gather chicks, feisty enough to drive a protective, barking sow away from her piglet-stealing owners, and fast enough to take out a marauding raccoon, sustaining only a small scratch herself. Haylie is always on the job, always concerned that she is doing the right thing. Sweet and sensitive, she is a best friend and helper. She is a joy to work with and a delightful addition to our household. Still, she can sometimes be a bit too courteous with the female goats, so last year I decided to get her some backup.
I’ve had the good fortune to do temperament testing on three litters of English Shepherd puppies from Woods' English Shepherds. I evaluated one litter in June of 2006, shortly after I’d decided to get another English Shepherd, and there was one male puppy who stood out from the rest, demonstrating all of the characteristics I was seeking. This puppy was bold, laid back, personable, tenacious, resilient and demonstrated a strong desire to work with people. Bill was kind enough to allow me to purchase the puppy of my choice, and at eight weeks of age, Tanner came to live with us. Since the day he arrived, this boy has been pure sunshine. He is cheerful and loving, and completely devoted to me. He is a very enthusiastic worker, providing that extra push with the more challenging animals when Haylie can be a bit too polite.
In July, we began formal herding training, and both dogs earned compliments from the trainer and the spectators. We started with the sheep in a small pen our first time out, and when it was time for the second run of the day, the trainer told me that while my dogs were ready for a larger pen, I was not. As it turns out, in this herding team, I am the handicap! Well, hopefully, I’ll catch on soon.
Glimmercroft Tanner
UKC P489-605
Haylie and Tanner, waiting for further instructions.