They arrived yesterday and got settled in. Rascal was a little bit timid and stressed when he got here but this afternoon, after going through his commands, he played a big game of chase with Ace and Maisy and now he is much calmer. Having a couple buddies here has been very good for him. Maisy makes herself at home anywhere and so she has been strutting around the farm like she owns the place. Unfortunately she has not barked much yet which is a big part of why she is here. I plan to take her into town a few times this week to practice walking around people without losing her mind barking at them.
This barking thing is very typical of her breed. Australian Shepherds move animals with their barks. It is their original function. We can curb this tendency but it will always be her first instinct.
Tomorrow we are working more on their obedience, cleaning up Down for Rascal and reinforcing Heel and Come for Maisy among other things. We are making the most of this good weather by spending a lot of time outside playing and hiking.