Ive heard the expression bc “eye” and “crouch.” What do they mean?
The bc “eye”‘ can be seen when a dog locks it’s gaze upon something and stares at it. It’s a penetrating look used to “intimidate” the stock to move away from the dog. That’s the primary way a bc will herd. At the same time, the dog crouches down like it’s going to jump on the stock. This, too, is meant to intimidate the stock into moving away from the dog. Dogs that don’t work stock will often do the “eye and crouch” on people, cats, other dogs, toys or any substitute they can find. Often it is used mostly on moving objects, like thrown toys, people or children. It is hard wired in border collies but some have a stronger herding drive than others. Many bcs don’t have any interest in herding at all.
