I went to the Border Collie National's in 2001, and everyone told me that I should watch Robin work her dogs in herding.  I watched her and her dogs and was just amazed at the team work they did.  The dog knew what it's job was and Robin gave the dog information when he needed it.  I was very impressed with the way her and her dogs worked.  Then I found out that she had moved to my area (New Mexico) and decided that I would see if she could help me in herding.

I have always found herding very difficult to understand.  You have to read your dog and also you have to read the livestock. I  am from Obedience and Agility background and herding was very new to me.  I had always had other people show my dog's in herding for me.   My dogs love it but I just could not get the grip on it that I needed to.  I met with Robin, and before I knew it I was understanding herding.   I started to understand that pressure zone that everyone talks about.   I was understanding flanks, out runs, and making the dog work in the comfort zone of the sheep.  She taught me that there are no gray areas in herding just like obedience.  Today I feel that me and my dogs have come a long way in herding and are also working as a team - which I know I would have never accomplished without Robin's help.

Not only has Robin helped me in herding, but she bred my special boy for me. "On the Lamb Joe", (Little Joe) is my first smoothcoat Border Collie in my household.  He is a very special guy.  I am working him in Obedience (which I am sure he will become my next major competition dog in), he is flying around the agility field, running down the flyball lanes, and Robin says he will become a GREAT hearding dog. But even if he does not, he has already won my heart.

Thank You Robin for helping me understand the concept of herding and making me and my dogs better team players.