Dog lovers know their pets can smile with delight, whether with teeth or tails. Such was the case when Kurt Schmidt and his 15-month-old dog, Maizy, entered the east end of Kelly Park, about 8:15 a.m., on Thursday, May 30, 2019. Maizy is a compact Miniature Australian Shepherd, a member of the Herding Group. She was born in February 2018.
Herding breeds exhibit high intelligence, stamina, and boundless energy. Bred especially for herding sheep, they can herd other creatures. In Florida, they are employed to herd messy wild geese away from business or public spaces. Some serve as search and rescue animals.
Miniature Australian Shepherds even will attempt to herd children.
Owners and dogs compete as a team in timed Agility Trials. Dogs navigate a course with a series of ramps, tunnels, gates, slalom runs, and fences.
When training, Schmidt incorporates hand and verbal signals. This adds a layer of complexity to the process. For example, he noted, a hand signal to “Come” can be used when Maizy is out of earshot. Here he physically signals that a treat is coming if she sits and waits for it.
The day was mild and bright, after a night of ever-present rain; it was ideal for walkers of two or four feet. Charla Olson escorted her friend Theresa Farrell’s Boxer, Cally. Clear water flowed under the bridge, indicating soggy turf off the paths.
Skirting the north loop of the walking path that morning was an adventitious pond. Maizy walked near Schmidt until they stopped to greet the Editor and her daughter, Hillary Blevins. The dog allowed pats and conversation, but she abruptly turned and charged into the shallow water. For a short time she virtually twirled with joy! Schmidt was nonchalant about this natural doggie behavior.
One of Schmidt’s amusing commands directs Maizy to “Play dead.” He gets her attention and begins with the hand signal. When Schmidt says, “Bang,” the dog drops and rolls over. “I taught her that in two tries,” he said.
Maizy pulled another familiar trick on her owner. She climbed to the top of the slide and peered at us. Kurt Schmidt took the closer view below, and Maizy is smiling.
