Sean the Sheepman

“What?! . . .”

Sure! This is silly homework, not regular homework, so relax! You need some downtime, so try watching a sheepherder at work.

Meet Sean and His Talented Border Collies

This wonderful guy from Scotland has his own YouTube channel (doesn’t everyone?). His channel is about his daily life as a professional sheepherder and—more importantly—about his two gorgeous, loving, incredibly talented border collies.

They’re named Storm and Echo. If after watching them herd sheep, you don’t feel better, you’re not alive. (Call the doctor!)

Deciphering Sheepherding Commands

This video is a demonstration of a typical sheepherding task. Sean’s commands to the dogs sound unique to this American. What exactly does “come by” mean? Does “that’ll do” mean stop? “Lie down” seems simple enough; “walk on” is kind of obvious and kind of not?

By the time you’re done parsing out what exactly he’s saying, you’ll have forgotten all your troubles, at least for the moment. All his commands are delivered in Sean’s enchanting, Scottish brogue—it sounds like music to the ears! The dogs absolutely leap to action and can’t wait to do everything he says. Everything happens outside, which is relaxing for the eye and the spirit. The cute-as-buttons sheep run around like a flock of large ducks ahead of the talented dogs. Gosh! Who knew earning a living could be so much fun?

Sit back, relax, and enjoy!

Bonus!

Ready for more? Here’s 5 minutes of dogs running. Enjoy!