We have a heeler and it took a very long time and lots of beatings before she would quit herding when she wasn't supposed to be. She's a great dog now.
Heh I have to laugh at your choices in dogs... beating a labrador because it kills birds, and a heeler because it herds.... You like to fight nature!
Tuffy, have you seen any of the western paintings by Robert Summers? I saw a river crossing at of all places DQ. I really liked it and just looked it up on line. I can get a print for just 175 dollars!!!! Evidently he's from Glen Rose and there is a museum there and in Kerrville. I would like to go see. What caught my attention were the riders feet though. Becky had mentioned once that she takes her feet out and I was looking and his guys have them up high beside the horse. I was wondering if that was just the artists prerogative or if his subjects really rode that way. Is it legal to copy if I can?