Had to throw in a brag!  My 10 month old Leonhart's Viejas Darc passed both legs of the American Herding Breed Associations "Herding Capibility Test" yesterday under two different judges.  Though only entry level work ,he show better than average ability at doing the job the GSD was bred for.  He made me look good.  The main point that was emphasized by the judges, was control of the dog.  Due to the obedience that we have worked on in our Schutzhund training, he was under excellent control when in the pen with the livestock; being able to stop and come up on the stock when told to do so without repetitious commands.  The judges also emphasized building a good foundation in training so we don't have to spend time and resources in fixing problems that have occured in the dog's behavior due to trying to "cut corners" in training by pushing the dog forward without mastering the basics needed to logically progress.  To me, the most important part of the participation was that my dog and I strengthened our bond and communication by working as a team.   Everyone have a good week!

                                                                                                           Don

Congratulations!!! Your dog sounds like a good one.