Integrating with the flock

The main flock of sheep are now moved to their winter paddock and I am in the process of integrating Arie with them. She has now completely lost any fear of being head butted and a new challenge is put before me. With all the stimulus of 15 ewes moving about and running around makes her want to play and chase and bite and jump.

During the first trial run the boss ewes constantly butted her which only added to the problem. Arie didn't mind it in the least bit which gave her the green light to think, the game was on! Oh what fun! From that moment on she got it in her brain that the sheep were her own personal chew toys. And living ones at that!

So once again we have to take a step back. Over the past week I've been doing some obedience work with her while in the sheep corral. And a few times now, when I throw down some fresh hay to the sheep I take Arie in on a leash and we sit down in the midst of them while they eat. This keeps the bossy ones busy and being less of a temptation for Arie to want to play since they are eating hay rather than paying attention to her. This seems like it is helping. Like earlier tonight. We spent about a half an hour just sitting among the ewes while they ate. I kept Arie either sitting or laying down most of the time. So far this seems to be the thing that's working best.

During the night Arie stays with the Stanky the goat. Her and him have a good working relationship going. He keeps her in line with his horns. I even saw something the other day, they appeared to display affection towards one another. Which I was pleased to see. But, as well as they are doing if Stanky comes near her while she is eating, she lays into him something fierce, with fangs bared and teeth snapping. So once she is fully integrated with the main flock, I intend to have an enclosure which only she has access to, in order for her to eat in peace.

It was really neat tonight though, while I was sitting with Arie amongst the sheep, during the moments when she was calm and peaceful and being obedient, she looked like a real livestock guardian dog watching over her flock. It was a site to behold! I am confident that once she really gets bonded with them, that nothing stands a chance of harming them, not while she's around.