Vizsla Herding

It's so much fun to walk in the park each morning, especially now since the trees are in bloom, the air is warm, and Laika's herding instincts are in full effect. Belgian Tervuren were bred to herd and protect flocks of sheep, and have even earned a place in history during World War I as messenger carriers.

Laika, being a very well bred Belgian Tervuren has herding instincts, as well. She's now about 9 months old (approaching double digits) those instincts are kicking in!

There is only one problem.

In Riverside Drive Park there are no flocks of sheep just yet, so she herds the next best thing: Vizslas!

And since I am the only Vizsla she knows, she herds her flock of a single Vizsla. Each morning, as I graze on sticks, dirt and other organic matter, she stands guard, ever alert for an approaching threat be it man, machine or fowl (those pecking pigeons really can be a bother!).

Mom and Ms. Jane think it's "cute" and "funny" as Laika follows me, but sometimes I get annoyed. Since I am older, and therefore more patient, I do try to humor her but when she gets rammy - WATCH OUT! We can get into a scuffle. I bet real sheep don't fight back!