Training with goats, in the woods and around obstacles in fields, prepared this dog to control a flock of sheep from a distance. The goal for the dog was to keep the sheep with the handler. Too much pressure would cause the sheep to pass the handler and run away. Their raised heads indicate the dog is on contact and walking the fine line of control.

This dog is acquiring confidence in her driving skills. The handler is drifting off to the side, gradually leaving control of the flock to the dog. Even though the dog is learning new skills, her educated presence and self accountability are acknowledged by the sheep, leaving them at ease.

A small stream flows at the bottom of the hill. The dog is putting pressure on the sheep to move them across yet allowing them time to do it safely. Slow steady work has provided this dog opportunities to read livestock and develop skills of judgement. Working in a natural environment, dogs relax and instincts flow.

Flighty sheep pose a challenge for this dog's judgement and self control. The dog must rate the sheep by adjusting its pace, distance and level of energy in all actions. Given time, dogs will acquire and fine tune abilities to anticipate livestock movement.

Working together, two dogs are moving sheep down a lane. The point dog is lying down, blocking a path to the left where the sheep should not go. His job is to cover the lead, block paths, stop and hold the herd, rate speed and prevent runaways. In this situation the dog used his judgment to lie down. He has staked his ground yet has taken pressure off the sheep, letting them know they are allowed to safely pass to the right.

Leary sheep are indicated by shoulder to shoulder contact and high heads. The dog in control has not harassed or challenged them so they remain willing to take direction as she drives them through a course. She is holding just enough pressure to keep them together, much more and the sheep will scatter. The handler knows when and where to direct the dog by reading the movement and body language of the livestock.