This is part 1 of an excellent interview with Erin Eckert.  In this podcast episode, Jacque Tinker and Erin Eckhart delve into the intricacies of training and trialing Australian cattle dogs and Australian shepherds. They discuss the challenges of working with livestock, the importance of understanding dog behavior, and the impact of genetics on performance. They emphasize the need for resilience, continuous improvement, and the value of a supportive community. The conversation also touches on the importance of overcoming fear of mistakes, adapting to varying conditions, and the deep bond formed between handlers and their dogs through the process of training and trialing.