fjordfolk

[fjordfolk]

thats just a sparty

[fjordfolk]

ever see a (custom) harness fit and think: i can see that you do this on purpose - but why

[fjordfolk]

this is how i imagine every single dog show critique reads to non-dog people.

[fjordfolk]

old bulldog standard:

me, a sheltie owner:

[fjordfolk]

"Next time, you're checking the weather forecast before we go."

[fjordfolk]

schnø!

[fjordfolk]

The most important part of the Trojkit is a constant need for affection

The most important parts of the build-a-Spart kit is a satellite dish and four toothpicks

[fjordfolk]

The most important parts of the build-a-Spart kit is a satellite dish and four toothpicks

[fjordfolk]

Succumbing at last

Its late so she's sleepy but we're also in the final days of me working as many hours as I can physically bear, so enjoy:

Acutely understimulated Spart

[fjordfolk]

Its late so she's sleepy but we're also in the final days of me working as many hours as I can physically bear, so enjoy:

Acutely understimulated Spart

[fjordfolk]

Slowly being pushed to the edge of the bed by my 10lb dog.

[fjordfolk]

AND NOW TO PET YOUR TROJ

YOUR SPART IS HERE TO REMIND YOU: IT IS TIME TO FEED YOUR SPART. YOUR SPART HAS NOT BEEN FED.

[fjordfolk]

YOUR SPART IS HERE TO REMIND YOU: IT IS TIME TO FEED YOUR SPART. YOUR SPART HAS NOT BEEN FED.

[fjordfolk]

if i liked dogs more, one of my goals in life would be to get one of those ~challenging working breeds~ and then. idk. keep it like a sheltie

[fjordfolk]

the first mistake people make when discussing shelties as herding dogs is the assumption that any sheepdogs' primary purpose is *bringing* the sheep. meanwhile the main use of the original shetland sheep-dog was keeping those fuckers away

[fjordfolk]

some people would see my border collie, who loves to lounge and snuggle and not get her princess paws wet or dirty in any way, and demand to know why im not letting her to herd sheep. something she so clearly would rather be doing lol. im forcing her to lay on my lap and snooze instead of following her instincts to boss around farm animals.

Honestly people do so want to desperately believe that all of their ‘working breed’ dogs by default have amazing working skills, when in reality it’s genetics just like literally everything else. It can pop up in some random cases stronger, like any throwback genetic, but 99% of the time if your herding breed is not related to dogs that do some sort of herding (work or sport)… it’s probably not going to herd. My instagram is plagued with dogs that are just chasing sheep around while the owner goes “🥰😍 he’s fulfilling his natural purpose😍🥰”. Like I’m going to steal those sheep. And maybe also your dog. I appreciate that people want to fulfil the needs of dogs but herding is not only an instinct sport but also an art.

Some dogs would be happier adoring their people 24/7 and making sure the humans know that the herdy animal is there to help wether they want it to or not

[fjordfolk]

My small town (~5k people) has two professional dog trainers. Both do mostly puppy and basics classes. One is ex-military and used to breed german shepherds for IGP, the other is from a strain of private course niche trainers.

One of them says no method is perfect for every dog but the tool most useful for most dogs is a package of sausages, the other strung and dragged a ~5mo golden retriver puppy by the collar across the ring to get it into proper heel position.

Guess which 😅