Along with speed, sheepdogs rely on obedience and smarts

Driving a sheepdog -- even though they are considered brainiacs in the dog world -- can get a little complicated. To steer the dogs, usually border collies, to the right, handlers in the dusty arena say, "Away to me." "Come by" turns them back to the left. "Stand or stop" puts on the brakes. You can park the dog on the ground, walk him (with "walk up") and slow him down with "steady." Finally, "that'll do" means the dog will return to you and she's off the clock. Then there are the whistle commands. High and low whistles communicate the same turns and stops, with no two handlers' pursed-lip warbles sounding quite alike...read more