Our Inda X Jill litter are now rising 8mths old so it's time to start training them for stock.

I thought it might be nice to follow their progress on the forum. They are all being started with an older dog to begin with then as dual puppies for the 1st week to build confidence & I've found they back each other up when it's needed esp. on a stubborn sheep.

We'll start with Wyatt. Here he is taken yesterday on his first real session in the yard.

Wyatt is a mix of head & heel instinct, he has done a little in the paddock just mucking around & he has an even balance of wanting to bring & drive sheep. He has bark & seems to have a lot of talent for the paddock & less confidence in the yard. He I'm hoping will be good on our cattle as he is more bark than force which is best suited for our cattle.

I'll add pics/info for the rest over the weekend...

Wyatt has grown up into a nice looking boy and sounds like he is going to be handy

I love his coat, what colour would that be? He looks like he is having a ball out there. Looking forward to the progress reports.

I call him a fawn, he's a dilute...don't know if thats 100% correct but he's actually practically identical colour to a ghost grey Weimarana (sp?)

more pics coming today

Here's the rest.

COCO (pic 2nd day on sheep)

Coco is my pick of the lot at this stage with her style & natural talent. She is a leggy athletic pup that works smoothly & calmly off the sheep yet will come in & apply pressure & force when required & really commands over the sheep just on presence unlike the sheeps' reactions to the other pups where they try to dominate. I think she will be something special but I am bias.

ALI

Little pocket rocket, wee tiny little thing that was timid & scared of the sheep on day one but by the end of the session launched into action & despite not being very confident yet she is nice to watch as she is quick, nimble & not affraid at times to get in the face of a stubborn sheep & hold her ground.

TALI 1st day

Tali is the most confident of all, he hasn't got as nice of natural style to Coco but he's a very assertive pup that isn't affraid to nip & is onfident & keen in the paddock as well.

BELLA 1st day

Bella didn't surprise me by not having a go at the sheep, I've always thought she would take longer as she's a lot like her mum who wouldn't even consider working until one day she just lept into action & has been quite strong on sheep since. Bella just poked about the outside of the yard showing a bit of interest but I think she may find more confidence in the paddock as a tag along for the 1st few days.

very nice even Bella it looks like she is doing a lot of watching and thinking by those pic's and could end up being your best dog after all

They look like they are all doing well. Bella may be just assessing and watching, she may be the thinker of the litter. I do have to agree, Coco does look a natural out there. They look great, wonderful colours. I cannot wait till April for the Qld workshop to see how Ceejay is with sheep. I am a bit worried as she is 2.5 years old and has never seen one, I am afraid she will freak.

They look like they do enjoy it don't they.