Slight Detour: Ben and Liam's Excellent Adventure

I've gotta quit hanging out with Dorothy Arthurs.

But then I'm having too DOG gone much fun, thanks to my friend who owns a couple of Border Collies.

Hot off from an experience where Ben and Liam had been classmates learning agility, Dorothy arranged for our two pups to have a herding lesson yesterday at a well-populated Border Collie Nation, located at Black Rock south of Coeur d'Alene.

Norm and Vickie Close, owners of Handhills Border Collies http://www.handhills.com/ are trainers and Border Collie lovers who have made a name for themselves with their dogs and dog products.

In fact, we were lucky to get a lesson in this week because the couple had just returned from a competition and will soon be going to another---the Sheepdog National Finals next week where Norm will be judging.

From the Sheepdog National Finals website: http://usbcha.net/events/sheep/finals.html

Norm Close

Norm Close is an accomplished Judge that has earned the reputation of being professional, fair, and accurate. He has Judged numerous trials in the U.S. and Canada including the 2011 USBCHA National Finals, the Big Willow Double Lift twice, Old Chatham, North Carolina State Championships, Hilltop, Phantom Ridge Classic, Sterling Acres and more.

Norman is also accomplished on the trial field, winning many open trials, including the Canadian National finals. He is a successful clinician and travels throughout the US and Canada, teaching and training. Norman was raised on a mixed farm in Lancashire, England and has been working with livestock all his life.

In 1980, he immigrated to Alberta, Canada to work as a herdsman and now resides in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, with his wife Vickie, together they have a very reputable breeding and training program, Handhills Border Collies.

Norman's commitment is to run and breed strong dogs that work well on farms, ranches and also make successful trial dogs.

So, of course, I could not wait to load Liam up in the car and go, even if it was raining and even if it was pretty cold. Any time you get to go see a Border Collie operation and have your dog meet a nationally known trainer, the weather doesn't get in the way.

Just after we arrived, while Ben was having his lesson, Dorothy's hubby Dr. Jim Arthurs introduced me to Vickie who was about to let her dogs out. That's when I learned that Handhills Border Collies is a "his-hers" operation.

The dogs stay in the barn where Norm has his side, and Vickie has hers. The next few minutes---even with just half the Handhills herd running loose---was pure joy as Border Collies often are.

In this case, one by one, they launched off across a big field, racing, playing, doing their business and just plain being beautiful Border Collies.

To say I was in awe is an understatement.

Liam wasn't too concerned about the other Border Collies, but he greeted them in between pulling me toward those sheep pens.

Vickie said Liam looked like a handful.

Later, Norm said Liam looked like a handful.

Then, Norm said he'd take him out there and see if he was "keen" on those sheep.

Yes, Liam was, probably a bit too keen.

Later, Norm noted the distinct contrast in how the sheep reacted during Liam's entrance and Ben's.

Much calmer for Ben, but wondering what the heck kinda monster is this when they saw "eager" Liam.

After a while, though, Liam kinda settled down and started learning how to conserve his energy by attaining a "balance," tracking behind the sheep rather than huge circles.

I learned while watching too, commenting that, for me, this was just like someone coming and watching a horse show for the first time. Where the novice sees horses just going in circles at different speeds, a trained eye sees the extensive discipline and training needed for a good ride.

Same with sheep dogs.

At one time, Norm actually used the term "sheep dog" in reference to Liam, cautiously though. Liam has a ways to go if he's ever gonna get serious about being a sheep dog.

Norm said Liam had stamina, and I'm guessing that could be good.

All in all, it was a great experience. I know Dorothy was pleased with Ben, and I was just thrilled with the whole visit, especially the part where Norm, the Brit, asked if we'd like to come in an have a cup of tea.

I haven't laughed that much in a long time. Tea time is truly fun with Norm and Vickie.

My only regret about yesterday was that Bill couldn't go because of another commitment, but then that has a good side: Liam will just have to take another lesson so Bill can see him in action.

And, knowing Dorothy, I'm sure that can be arranged. Thanks to all for a memorable and fun day at the Handhills Border Collies.

Happy Friday. Hope you don't mind ALL the photos of these black and white wonderFUL dogs!