Skipper is my
"velcro" companion. He is an English Shadow and
likes to stay by my side but extremely biddable when
not. I appreciate his devotion and reliability.
Skip is the
'backbone' of this farm in that he is the bravest
and will move in when more grit is needed to move
stock. He never stand down to threatening behavior
from the bucks.
He will corner
and kill predators or stay at the bottom of a tree
barking and holding it there until we respond or
call him off.
Skip likes
kids but allows Clementine to nurture them,
preferring to stay by my side. He is trustworthy
around children and will readily follow them around
outside keeping a watch out for them for danger when
not at my side.
While it is
true that Skip is protective and territorial, he
carries this trait into the stable and places
himself at the gate inside the pen of the newborn
goats. Mama goats permit him to clean them as well
as their babies. He is devoted and will keep other
animals and stock away from the newborns only
permitting entrance to those who we designate he
allow in.
Skip provides
barking and shouldering when moving stock and will
grip with his teeth when needed. His first choice
though is to 'punch' stubborn stock with his snout
to get them to move where we want them.
Skip is a
great watchdog. He will not permit strangers out of
their car unless we are there to call him off. He is
more hesitant to accept new people, however, once
introduced he is friendly and enjoys attention from
them.
Off property
in a public setting, Skip will walk on a leash and
not bark or intimidate people. He will wag his tail
in this case and greet them in a friendly manner.
Same thing goes when visiting others in their
private homes or businesses.
