Mr. and Mrs. Dog

Donald McCaig chronicles his experiences training and competing with his border collies in sheep herding trials. His main focus is on two dogs, Luke and June, as they prepare for the World Sheepdog Trials in Wales. The book details the techniques, challenges, and relationships involved in working with herding dogs at an elite level. McCaig examines both the practical aspects of training and the deeper dynamics between handlers and their dogs. Beyond competition, the narrative explores the centuries-old partnership between humans and working dogs, particularly in the context of farming and livestock management. The story moves between McCaig's Virginia farm, various trial locations, and the shepherding traditions of Scotland and Wales. The book serves as both a meditation on human-animal bonds and an examination of how ancient working relationships adapt to modern competitive contexts.

Readers appreciate McCaig's personal storytelling about his experiences training and trialing border collies. Many note his honest portrayal of both successes and failures in competitive sheepdog trials. Dog trainers value his insights on reading canine body language and building working relationships with dogs. Readers point out the book's limited scope - focusing mainly on border collies and sheepherding rather than broader dog training. Some find the writing style meandering and the competition details too technical for casual readers. A few reviewers mention the book could benefit from more practical training tips. Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (43 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (31 reviews) Sample review quotes: "Shows the real work that goes into developing a partnership with working dogs" - Amazon reviewer "Too much emphasis on trial competitions rather than training methods" - Goodreads reviewer "McCaig's self-deprecating humor makes his training journey relatable" - Barnes & Noble reviewer

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🐕 Author Donald McCaig was primarily a sheep farmer in Virginia who trained and competed with border collies for over 25 years before writing this book. 🦮 The book was inspired by McCaig's experiences training his border collie Luke for the World Sheepdog Trials in Wales, considered the Olympics of sheepherding. 🐑 McCaig delves into the fascinating science of how dogs process information differently than humans, processing multiple sensory inputs simultaneously rather than sequentially. 🌟 Before becoming a shepherd and dog trainer, McCaig worked as an advertising executive in New York City before leaving it all behind for a more rural life in 1971. 🏆 The author wrote several other acclaimed books about dogs, including "Nop's Trials," and was chosen by Margaret Mitchell's estate to write an authorized sequel to "Gone with the Wind."