Sheep 403 



dog-laws, dog-proof wire fences, sheep-bells, and the keeping 

 of more sheep. Stringent dog-laws rigidly enforced will aid 

 much toward the solution of the problem. In England, where 

 such laws are in force, skeep-killing by dogs is much less common 

 than in America. A yard inclosed by a dog-proof fence into 

 which the sheep are driven at night is an effective aid in pro- 

 tecting the animals. Sheep-bells serve as a warning where 

 the flock is disturbed and thus it is a good plan to have several 

 in each flock. The raising of more sheep in any community, 

 especially in one in which not many farmers have sheep, will 

 aid in solving the cur-dog problem, because the farmers will 

 then be more active in promoting dog laws. 



204. Catching, holding, and leading of sheep. Unless one 

 is accustomed to handling sheep, one is likely to have difficulty 

 in catching, holding, and leading them. A practical method 

 of handling sheep when scoring, judging, or otherwise examining 

 them is as follows : Step up quietly behind the sheep and grasp 

 its hind leg just above the hock with the right hand. Sheep 

 do not struggle much when caught by the leg in this manner. 

 Never jump on the back of a sheep and try to hold it by the 

 wool, as one is almost sure to frighten the animal and to loosen 

 or pull out wool. Sheep to be scored or judged should be held 

 by the head. To change position, when holding the sheep by the 

 hind leg, step back and a little to the left of the animal, reach 

 forward with the left hand and pass it under the neck from the 

 left side, release hold of the hind leg, step forward, and place 

 the right hand on the top of the neck, slide the left hand under 

 the jaw, then pass the right hand over the forehead. With the 

 hands in this position one can usually hold the sheep quietly, 

 even if it is a rather stubborn animal, and if it is a quiet one, 

 it can be held with one hand placed under the jaw. 



A sheep is a stubborn animal to lead. To make it go for- 

 ward, assume the position described above, leave one hand 

 under the jaw, step back and grasp the root of the tail or the 

 dock with the other hand and squeeze it. The sheep will 



