Dogs demonstrate sheepherding skills at Naper Settlement

Before Spot, the young canine star of the sheepherding show, took center stage in an improvised, outdoor pen at Naper Settlement Sunday, his mother, father and half-brother showed the crowd a thing or two about the art of getting sheep to go when and where you want them to go.

The sheepherding demonstration was done by John Seraphine, a retired Glen Ellyn minister who now tends a flock of sheep at Heatherhope Farm near Sycamore with his wife, Connie. They showed visitors how they use their Border Collies to convince sheep to stay, go or even splinter into small groups.

Seraphine said he's been sheepherding for about 10 years, and this is their second trip to Naper Settlement.

"It was such a hit two years ago that we had to have him come back," said Nancy Smith, the settlement's education manager.

Settlement marketing coordinator Donna DeFalco added that sheepherding was a commonly held pursuit by Naperville area residents back in the 19th century.

"On a farm, the basic idea is to move the sheep as efficiently as possible without stressing them out," said Seraphine.

Seraphine explained that while lots of shepherding dogs will move back and forth to guide the sheep, Border Collies also rely on their ability to send a strong signal with a steely eye.

"Border Collies get up behind them and just stare," he said. "It moves the sheep by staring at the sheep."

Yelling "walk," "away," "come back" and "lie down," Seraphine showed how he communicates with the dogs through a series of voice commands. He also uses different sounds made with a whistle to make his point.

As Cap, Spot's 7-year-old father, obeyed Seraphine's command to round up the sheep at one end of the pen, one of the sheep turned and challenged Cap. Cap didn't back down.

"(Cap) stands his ground," said Seraphine. "He's getting really good at that."

Jock, a two-year-old dog and Spot's half-brother, dutifully moved the sheep from spot to spot, all the while never making so much as a yip, while his fellow canines barked on the sidelines.

"Jock doesn't bark when he's herding the sheep. They work quietly," said Seraphine.

At three years old, Abbie, Spot's mother, exhibited great spunk, approaching the sheep quickly with a fixed gaze.

Finally, it was Spot's turn. At first kept on the end of a long leash called a long line, the pup was enthusiastic, if not as polished as his elders.

"The sheep know who this is," said Connie Seraphine. "They try to get as far away as they can when Spot comes out."