Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine - Issue 30, March 2025

The Australian

WORKING

STOCK DOG Magazine

Avenpart Kelpie Stud Feature

MARCH 2025

RRP $10.00 (incl. GST)

Issue 30

High Point Feature

Stockmans Profile: Scott Wilson

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Editors Thoughts It’s hard to believe 2025 is already flying by! As this issue reaches you, I’ll be in Canberra for the National Sheepdog Trial, before heading to Molong for the NSW State Championships. With trial calendars already filling up across the country, this year is shaping up to be another big one for working dogs and their handlers. It’s always great to see so many events bringing people together—whether you’re competing, lending a hand, or just enjoying the action from the sidelines.

This time of year is packed with opportunities, from trials and sales to training clinics and working dog schools. It’s fantastic to see more people getting involved in the sport, whether they’re seasoned handlers or just starting out.

Utility trials continue to grow in popularity, with plenty on the calendar in the coming months. If you’ve been thinking about giving it a go or simply want to understand the format better, our Beginner’s Guide to Utility Trials is a great place to start. These events test a dog’s versatility, combining elements of both yard and three-sheep trialing, making them a great challenge for handlers and dogs alike.

Looking ahead, there’s plenty of excitement around upcoming events. Queensland is set to host the 2025 National Kelpie Field Trial & Australian Yard Championships, bringing together some of the best handlers and dogs in the country. Another exciting addition to the calendar is the Castlereagh Challenge, a new series of events in New South Wales that will give competitors more opportunities to showcase their dogs over multiple

trials. It’s always great to see new initiatives that support the growth of trialing, encouraging more participation and skill development across the sport.

It’s also been fantastic to see the Letters to the Editor section doing so well! It’s always great to hear from readers and share different perspectives from across the working dog world. Whether it’s a story from the past, a question about training, or thoughts on the direction of the sport, I encourage everyone to keep sending them in. These conversations are what make our community strong, and they help keep us all learning and improving.

I hope you enjoy this edition, and as always, I encourage you to stay connected—whether it’s catching up at a trial, heading to a training day, or simply sharing a yarn with mates. Here’s to a great 2025!

a r u a L

The Australian

WORKING

STOCK DOG

Magazine

Publisher and Editor: Laura McKillop Email: laura@stockdogs.com.au Phone: Laura – 0459 031 729 Advertising Enquiries: Laura McKillop Advertising, Articles & Stories Email: laura@stockdogs.com.au Mail: PO BOX 3003, Grose Vale, NSW 2753 Front Cover Photograph:Avenpart Kelpie Pup Brooklyn Coverdale, Jeriderie NSW

Contributors:

Australian Working Stock Dog Auction, Elanco, Al Rose, Coverdale Media, Jeanel Dalgrin , Cobber Ridley, Wayne Wayte, Scott Amon, Catherine Kimmorley, Edward Yeh, Marion Whalan, Anna Hayward, Ali Davies, Ken Sykes, Scott & Kym Wilson, Deb Maxwell BVSc, Jon & Jackie Cantrall, Tully Williams, Lauren Vest, Barbara Lee, Commonwealth Championships Committee, Angie White Photography, JMC Photography

www.stockdogs.com.au

The Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine takes due care and diligence in the preparation of this magazine, but is not responsible or liable for any mistake, misprint or typographical error. Articles that appear in The Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine do not necessarily reflect the position or opinion of The Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine or its officers and employees. Nor does publication of said articles constitute an endorsement of views that they may express. Accuracy of all material

is the sole responsibility of the authors. Appearance of an advertisement in The Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement by The Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine or the goods or services offered therein. The Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine is not responsible for any unsolicited material of any kind. No Part of Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine may be reproduced by any means without the written consent of the Publishers.

Contents

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62

44

64

53

68

7 Letters to the Editor

40 Cerebellar Abiotraphy (CA)

10 Summer Australian Working

44 Jon Cantrall

Stock Dog Auction

50 All Cover, No Push

14 In the Training Pen with

53 Avenpart Kelpies - Ken & Mary

Ken Sykes - Instinct, Training

McCrabb

Conditioning

58 Beginners Guide to Utility Trials

16 Red & Blue

60 Colouring Competition

20 Stockman Profile - Scott Wilson

61 Kellys Kennel

26 - 35 2024 High Point Feature

62 - 78 Around The Grounds

• • • •

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Walcha Utility & Cattle Trial 2025 Australian Championships, Koroit 2025 Commonwealth Championships, Port Fairy QLD Plans the 2025 National Kelpie Field Trial & Australian Yard Championships Castlereagh Challenge

79 Mail Order Form

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Letters to the Editor To the Editor, The Australian Working Stock Dog Maggazine Dear Laura Over the last 12 months ,Scott Amon, Catherine Kimmorley and myself have compiled and written a series of five articles for your magazine. Showcasing and promoting the Maremma Guardian Dog. The farmers and graziers that have taken the time to select dogs with strong inherited traits and have bonded their pups correctly, whilst guiding their training through to maturity, are starting to see the many advantages and are achieving spectacular results.

We are extremely grateful for the opportunity , to have published in your magazine, information to a wider audience about the benefits of the maremma livestock guardian dog to the farming communities of Australia. Through these articles, information has reached government agencies and plans are being drawn up to promote and educate the public, nationally, about the benefits of Livestock Guarding Dogs(LGD).

We hope your readers enjoyed reading our articles as much as we did delivering them.

Regards Wayne Wayte, Scott Amon, Catherine Kimmorley.

Have Your Say! Join Our ‘Letter to the Editor’ Section We recently sent out an email inviting our readers to be part of the brand-new ‘Letter to the Editor’ section in the Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine. A big thank you to those who’ve already shared their thoughts—your passion for working dogs truly inspires us!

How it works: • What to write: Share your opinions, feedback, or stories related to working dogs, trials, or training. Got a suggestion or a reaction to an article?

We want to hear it!

Edward Yeh, Sydney NSW Since my retirement I’ve had the opportunity to observe a variety of working dog competitions. Overall they seem to be divided into two groups. One, a very practically orientated trial involving routine farm work as the basis; the other, being set piece obstacle events, testing obedience and character.

Lots of trials take place around the country and there are obviously many very good dogs who perform consistently well. In this regard I wish to raise the standing of working dogs to be more then just economic units of production.

These dogs should be rewarded or given the opportunity to be recognised as the legitimate top dog. In turn their achievement reflects on the training skill and breeding skill of the handler/ breeder.

With this in mind I’ve established two titles. The first is The Australian Working Dog of the YearTM (AWDY), the second is The Australian Stock Dog of the YearTM (ASDY). The AWDY is awarded to the dog displaying exceptional physical fitness and athleticism while the ASDY is awarded to the dog displaying exceptional practical utilitarian livestock skills. Both awards are made under the auspices of Canine Merit Associates and Tallowwood Braford Stud.

Kellie Savage, Marketing Manager of Cobber Dog Foods has given undivided support in allowing us to focus on her competitions viz. the Cobber Dog Challenge and the Cobber Supreme Stock Dog Challenge.

Recipients to date for AWDY have been: - 2023 Kelpie Dog Earl owned by Alex Johns - 2024 Kelpie Dog Brooklea Bear owned by Tom Perkins Recent recipients for ASDY have been: - 2023 Kelpie dog Harewood X owned by Justin Tombs - 2024 Kelpie dog Whisper Snip owned by Aiodh Doyle.

• Add a photo: Send a picture of yourself or you with your dog—we’d love to include it alongside your letter.

• How to send: Email your letters to laura@stockdogs.com.au with the subject line ‘Letter to the Editor’. Don’t forget to include your name and location.

Let’s keep the conversation going!

We look forward to featuring your voices and celebrating the unique perspectives of our incredible working dog community.

Everybody feels down sometimes, and it ain’t weak to speak – Sometimes we need more than man’s best friend to talk things out with.

If you are struggling with anything, please check out some of the links below.

The beyondblue Support Service is available by phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 1300 22 4636. Webchat and email options are also available via www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support.

Trained mental health professionals can provide free and confidential short-term counselling and offer referrals to local support services.

Lifeline: 13 11 14 Aussie Helpers: Virtual psychologist - call 1300 665 234, text 0488 807 266 or visit https://aussiehelpers.org.au/aussie-helpers-virtual-psychologistfor-drought-affected-farm-ers/ Donations

www.aussiehelpers.org.au Rural Financial Counsellor Service: 1800 686 175 (for advice about locating counsellors in your area)

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LOT 326: Anvilon Shelby sold for $5,900 to Cranbourne South, VIC. Vendor & Breeder - Andrew Jensen & Kathy Wolgast, Anvilon Working Dogs, Comet QLD

2024 SUMMER Australian Working Stock Dog Auction The third online Australian Working Stock Dog Auction was run in December 2024, and once again results were solid.

The catalogue jumped again in numbers to include 59 working stock dogs, pups and frozen semen. Ranging from three months of age, right up to mature dogs, fully trained. There were dogs to suit cattle, sheep and goats. This also included five lots of frozen semen from Australia and overseas!

Average price improved across Adult, Yearling and Pup categories, with a new high average achieved for the Adult dog category of $5,354.

A new Top Price record was also achieved of $20,000! Huge congratulations to the vendor, Guy Morgan, and the successful purchaser. We really appreciate the opportunity to market top quality working dogs such as Morgans Girly!

We would like to sincerely THANK all our vendors, buyers, under bidders, and anyone else that contributed to the sale in any way!

The next AUTUMN sale is 7th-12th March 2025. Head over to the website for details, and be sure to sign up to the email list for more information. www.workingstockdogauction.com.au Article & Photos Provided by Australian Working Stock Dog Auction

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OVERALL RESULTS 46/59 lots sold for 78% clearance Average price $3,389 Top price LOT 101 Morgans Girly $20,000 Sold to Cranbourne South, VIC Vendor and breeder - Guy Morgan, Morgys, Locksley VIC ADULT DOGS (2 YEARS & OLDER) 12/16 lots sold for 75% clearance Lot 101: Morgans Girly sold for $20,000 to Cranbourne South, VIC. Vendor & Breeder: Guy Morgan, Morgys, Locksley VIC

Average price $5,354 Top price LOT 101 Morgans Girly $20,000 Sold to Cranbourne South, VIC Vendor and breeder - Guy Morgan, Morgys, Locksley VIC YEARLING DOGS (1-2 YEARS) 11/12 lots sold for 92% clearance Average price $4,077 Top price LOT 211 Francisco’s Flick $10,100 Sold to Booyal QLD Vendor – Samuel & Elise Osborne, S1E Working Dogs and Contracting, Dulacca QLD

LOT 211: Francisco’s Flick sold for $10,100 to Booyal, QLD Vendor - Samuel & Elise Osborne, S1E Working Dogs and Contracting, Dulacca QLD

PUPS (12 MONTHS & UNDER) 19/26 lots sold for 73% clearance Average price $2,247 Top price LOT 326 Anvilon Shelby $5,900 Sold to Cranbourne South VIC Vendor & Breeder - Andrew Jansen & Kathy Wolgast, Anvilon Working Dogs, Comet QLD FROZEN SEMEN 4/5 lots sold for 80% clearance Average price $1,025

LOT 403: Pat Byrne’s Moss (Ireland) sold for $1,300 to Coulson, QLD Vendor - Ian Cox, Inverell, NSW

Top price LOT 403 Pat Byrne’s Moss (Ireland) $1,300 Sold to Coulson QLD Vendor - Ian Cox, Inverell NSW

Shady Acres

Harry

Riverside

BUTCH CASSIDY

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The Training Pen with Ken Sykes Instinct, Training, Conditioning KEN SYKES

Ken Sykes has been working with sheepdogs most of his life. A successful competitor at sheepdog trials, Ken has now retired from running training days for livestock producers and giving working dog demonstrations. He is a feature writer and speaker.

His expertise draws on a broad range of research as well as practical expertise.

There are as many methods of starting working dogs as there are working dog trainers. The general rule of thumb is: what works best for you and your dog is best for you and your dog.

One such method is Instinct Training Conditioning, which seeks to enhance a dog’s inbuilt herding behaviours. In training, this means letting the dog move first, then giving the associated command, as well as identifying the best working environment for the particular dog.

With Instinct Training Conditioning, the principle is to control, modify and develop the dog’s instinctive

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behaviour, rather than teaching a new skill. Because we are working with inherited natural traits, every dog will be different.

To begin training, I usually start in the round yard with the young dog holding the prey (sheep) to me, the pack leader. As I move clockwise and anti-clockwise, the young dog starts mirroring my movements. After a few runs, I start to work on controlling this instinctive behaviour by giving a command as the dog initiates an action. For example, “back”, when the pup is moving

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Signed Copies of Ken’s book are available by contacting Ken at - kwsykes@bigpond.com 27/9/19 4:30 pm

add.indd 1 Think like a Canine

anti-clockwise, “here” when the dog is moving clockwise, and “stop” when I see the pup is about to stop. Commands are a single, clear, distinct word, interspersed with plenty of softly spoken affirmations such as “good boy”.

After a few runs, I will build on the control by adding body language and a drafting cane to enforce the command. Once the young dog is responding well, I will move to the paddock to further develop control and start to work on modifying the instinctive behaviour. Modifying this behaviour includes working on pace and distance, and well as working off-balance, coming behind, and coming off stock when called. Driving is only introduced much later in training.

I am a firm believer that the best way of developing the young dog’s natural instincts is steady work on big mobs in big paddocks. This practice starts once the pup is working to an acceptable standard in yards. Unfortunately, this is often not possible for the weekend warrior or retirees such as myself.

Working a small mob of sheep along fence lines and in random patterns around the paddock allows us to work on improving our communication with the dog, as well as improving positioning, distance, angle and timing for both handler and dog. Since every dog is different, no cookie-cutter model will work equally

for all dogs. We need to be able to adapt and modify our behaviour to match the needs and inherited abilities of the individual dog.

Instinct Training Conditioning is an ongoing process throughout the dog’s training. Developing instinctive behaviour may include use of a race or bridge with a gate to teach the dog to walk up and force, or back off. I always try to set the dog up for the type of work best suited to its inheritance. For example, a dog bred from yard or truck dogs will seldom make a top paddock dog. Its early training will include paddock work, but more emphasis will be placed on developing its inherited instincts for the work the dog will be required to do. Likewise, trial and paddock-bred dogs will be trained in a manner to optimise their natural inherited abilities.

Instinct Training Conditioning polishes a dog’s natural herding instincts. It allows handlers to understand how their canines are inclined to ‘think’ and build upon those tendencies. Using this method has allowed me to train dogs with minimal stress, and to achieve success in sheep-dog trialling.

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Callum 0488 776 047

STOCKMAN PROFILE Scott Wilson

Article by AWSDM | Photos Provided by Kym & Scott Wilson

Scott Wilson’s journey is one of dedication, adaptability, and a deep-seated love for life on the land. Growing up in the small town of Bollon, Queensland, Scott’s roots were firmly planted in agriculture. With a family legacy steeped in livestock management, it was almost inevitable that he would follow the same path—though it took some exploration to fully embrace it.

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“I tried a few different jobs after school,” Scott shared.

“Machinery operation, truck driving—none of it quite stuck. But the land always drew me back.” Eventually, he returned to his passion, working for Rob and Sally Hemming in a management role that honed his skills and ambition. Now, he oversees livestock operations for the Willis family across several properties spanning Queensland and New South Wales.

Scott’s management philosophy blends old-school practices with modern techniques. While he prefers mustering cattle on horseback, a nod to his traditional upbringing, he acknowledges the efficiency of motorbikes in today’s fast-paced agricultural world.

“Horses connect you to the land and stock in a way that machinery can’t,” he explained. “You move at the cattle’s pace, and the dogs seem to work better too.” His shift from Merino sheep to Dorper sheep also reflects a pragmatic approach to evolving industry challenges, such as labour shortages in shearing. “Dorpers are just easier to handle. They’re less maintenance and more suited to the resources we have.”

Central to Scott’s success are his dogs. With a strong preference for Border Collies, he has built a team that embodies his philosophy of respect and precision in livestock handling. “I like dogs with natural ability— ones that know when to push and when to hold back,” Scott said. “Trip, one of my standout dogs, really taught me the value of putting in the time to bring out the best in them.” He emphasizes the importance of bonding with pups early, and his children, Gracie and Beau, play an integral role in raising the next generation of working dogs. “The kids love it. They’re learning life lessons from the dogs and the farm that you just can’t get from a book.”

Although relatively new to cattle dog trials, Scott has embraced the experience wholeheartedly. His success at

the Wallumbilla trials, where he won the Bush Handler event with his dog Lace, sparked a desire to do more.

Since that first trial, Scott and Lace have gone from strength to strength, culminating in their victory at the 2024 NSW State Cattle Dog Championships. The win was a testament to the natural ability of his dogs and the years of stock handling experience that have shaped his approach to training. To prepare his dogs for trials, Scott

“When people notice the quality of your cattle or want to buy pups from your dogs, it’s another level of pride.” doesn’t stray too far from their natural instincts, using simple techniques like sharpening sides and the reverse spiral method to ensure they are responsive and balanced under pressure.

Scott’s passion for organising the St. George Cattle trials was born out of necessity. “There aren’t many trials down this way,” he explained. “In Queensland, you often have to travel five or six hours just to attend one. So, I wanted to bring one closer to home.” The St. George community

embraced the idea, providing overwhelming support and generous sponsorship for the event. In 2025, Scott and his wife, Kym have decided to take a year off from organising the trial to help with the local Breast Cancer Foundation fundraiser. The girls who run the fundraiser also manage the bar and canteen at the trial every year, creating a strong bond between the two events.

For Scott, being allowed to work on the land with cattle and dogs is rewarding in itself. “Knowing that people trust me to do what I love is a big reward,” he said.

“When people notice the quality of your cattle or want to buy pups from your dogs, it’s another level of pride.” His cattle operation, which has seen significant improvement under his management, stands as a testament to his dedication and hard work.

Scott’s passion for trials extends to organizing them.

He and his wife are spearheading the first-ever cattle dog trial in St. George, a testament to their commitment to the community and the sport. For Scott, the future lies in nurturing the next generation of farmers, stock handlers, and working dogs. He’s committed to sharing his knowledge and ensuring that the traditions of the land are not only preserved but also adapted for modern challenges.

“To anyone wanting to get into agriculture, I’d say don’t be afraid to have a go,” he said. “There’s a lot of support out there—you just have to reach out.” As he continues to balance his roles as a manager, dog handler, and family man, Scott’s story serves as a reminder of the enduring connection between people, animals, and the land.

“Knowing that people trust me to do what I love is a big reward,”

What is a Shepherd’s Crook and how should I use it?

A crook, staff or stick has traditionally been a shepherd’s multi-purpose tool since man first herded sheep. It is basically a long and sturdy stick with a hook at one end. It has been said that the only tools needed are a good whistle and a crook.

Years ago very few shepherds ever had money to buy a crook, so for many the only option was to make their own. In those days a shepherd’s crook was more than a tool of trade; it was a symbol of their status and made a statement about who they were.

Today there are various types available from the readily available plastic options, lightweight aluminium, right up to beautifully crafted, carved timber and horn masterpieces.

A crook has many uses - It’s a support for walking over rough country when mustering; a means of catching ewes and lambs around the neck or legs, a defence weapon against predators and today it is becoming a common training aid when used as an arm extension.

When being used as a training aide, it is important to note it is certainly not a weapon but instead an extension of the arm, used as a barrier or wall to transfer pressure for the dog to move off or not move into. The higher the crook is held the more pressure the dog feels, therefore it is important to hold the crook still and low when not in use.

Examples of training scenarios •

•

When training a young pup to walk beside or behind you a crook can be carried to be held or waved slowly in front of the dog, acting as a barrier or wall, encouraging the dog to slow down, and come back into the required position. This can be started with the dog on a lead and then with time as the dog masters being in the required position the lead removed.

Teaching a young dog to balance in a small yard or round yard a crook can be used as a barrier/pressure together with correct body positioning to change direction or if the crook is pointed toward the rib of the dog, this pressure is enough to create an arc and move the dog out wider from the sheep. We often see a plastic rake used in this scenario.

•

When training a dog to follow/drive its sheep and stay within the required ‘V’ like area, the handler can walk backwards in front of the sheep holding a crook in each hand. If the dog tries to leave the ‘V’ the crook can be held out, acting as a barrier putting pressure on the dog to return to the required position.

•

When encouraging the dog to keep some distance off sheep a crook can be tossed into the air to grab the dog’s attention. Not thrown at the dog, but instead into the air in front of the dog. Often the dog will stop or at least slow to look up at the crook, giving relief and distance off the sheep. Reward the dog and encourage him to remain in the position he has just been shown.

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2024 High Point Awards Thank you to all the associations and volunteers who took the time to contact and organise their High Point Award winners write ups.

Amy Redmond - NSW Sheep Dog Workers Inc. Rookie of the Year I have owned working dogs since I was young but I first become interested in trialing when my Husband Ryann started in 2023. My first trail was in March 2024 My major achievements this year is being consistent enough to win the Rookie title with 1 dog and Buttons making her way through encourage novice and is now an improver dog hopefully we can get further next year.

I have been fortunate enough to have a lot of help with my dog. Going from having farm dogs to trialing was a big adjustment I attended a Dan Mathews school in 2023 which give me a good foundation from then on Kevin Bell has played a major roll in helping buttons and I get to where we are now. As well as at trails Pip and Mick Hudson have been very helpful and welcoming to the sport and of course Ryann and his endless support. I think Buttons ability to cover and hold livestock has been a great attribute to our trialling.

Mick Hudson & MGH Rabbit - NSW Sheep Dog Workers Inc. Dog of the Year & Handler of the Year MGH Rabbit, now nine years old, has been a standout performer, winning NSW Dog of the Year for the third consecutive year. Sired by Mocara Ed and out of Romlee Leila, she has been an exceptional trial dog, representing Australia twice in two winning test sides and earning top-scoring dog honors in both series. Her list of achievements includes victories at the National, Supreme Australian, Commonwealth, NSW, and QLD Championships, as well as Australian Dog of the Year and numerous Open trials. Although she is beginning to show signs of age, Mick believes she still has a couple of strong years ahead. The Dog of the Year trophy, donated by Norm MacDonald in 1999, reflects the sport’s elite competitors, with Greg Prince winning eight times, Mick Hudson six, John Perry five, and Jeff Ritchie, Bill Davidson, Tony Elliott, Craig Coggan, Pip Hudson, and Laurie Slater each securing the title once.

Mick has won the 2024 Handler of the Year, an award based on accumulated points in Open affiliated trials for NSW residents and members. A look at the Perpetual Trophy, donated by Geoff Gibson in 1999, reveals Mick’s dominance in the sport, securing the title nine times, followed by Greg Prince (8), Laurie Slater (5), John Perry (3), and Tony Elliott (1). Mick acknowledges the outstanding dogs that have contributed to his success, including Wondara Snap, MGH Boy, MGH Meg, Perangery Marge, Ritchies Finn, Echo Park Mel, and MGH Rabbit.

Dick Champman & Moores Creek Lucky - NSW Working Stock Dog Ass. Handler of the Year & Dog of the Year

I have been trialling for about 35 years with both Kelpies and Border Collies. I don’t have a preference between the breeds A good dog is a good dog. I accumulated points for the dogs I worked this year by competing in the NSWWSDA cattle dog trial arena. Some of the dogs are quite young as well as a couple of veterans. Highlights of my trialling career have been representing NSW 22 times in state of origin and meeting lots of people who have become friends all over Australia.

Moores Creek Lucky is a bitch I have been training and trialling for several years. She is sired by Floyd Farthings Jack out of a bitch called Bielsdown Bree. Lucky is a half-sister to IPC Cash who are both sired

by Floyd Farthings Jack. Cash was the 2021-2022 dog of the year. Lucky has competed in State of origin and also came 2nd this year at the NSW Championship in Casino. Lucky is a beautiful biddable bitch who loves to please. Lucky broke status from Novice to open at Wiangaree trial in September.

Nathan Brown & Buckol Megan- NSW Working Stock Dog Ass. Open Dog I have been competing in Cattle Dog Trials since I was 11 years old and have been trialing with Megan for the past three and a half years.

Together, we have achieved some significant milestones, including representing NSW in the State of Origin event for two consecutive years and securing the North Coast Overall Highest Point Score in NSW competition two years in a row. I purchased Megan from Andrew McIntyre of Buckol Working Dogs, and she has proven to be an exceptional dog, particularly due to her ability to read stock and her strong willingness to please. Throughout my journey, I have been fortunate to receive guidance from many experienced individuals, including Dick Chapman, Jennifer Burrell, and my dad, Phil Brown.

Adding to her achievements, Megan had her first litter of pups in November 2023.

Clinton Hall & Trapline Pretty - QLD Working Sheepdog Ass. Handler of the Year & Novice Dog of the Year I am relatively new to the sheepdog trialing scene having been trialing for 4 years. I was fortunate enough for Peter Brown to sell me Serrano Rooster, Serrano Jill, and Serrano Lilly. Rooster and Lilly produced my great bitch Trapline Pretty.

Trapline Pretty won Novice Dog of the Year in Queensland for 2024. In the last trial of the season in Cunnamulla she won the Improver, and her kennel mate Trapline Bear came second which secured me winning Open Handler of the Year. Pretty’s athleticism and ability to capture stock is second to none.

She processes a never say die attitude and a natural ability to work any type of stock which puts her ahead of the pack.

I am lucky to have had a number of people help me in learning the art of sheepdog trialing which I am extremely grateful for, with a big thanks especially going out to Damian Bougoure and Roy Potticary.

The combination of smart dogs, fierce competitors and ever-changing sheep at trials has also given me many. I have made a lot of mistakes over the last four years. It’s a sport that can get messy before it gets pretty. It’s definitely a privilege to own Trapline Pretty. She has taught me to trust my dogs more and to help them find the answers.

I look forward to doing it all over again in 2025.

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Bailey Knight - QLD Working Sheepdog Ass. Open Dog of the Year (Knights Ron), QLD Sire of the Year (Melnunni Duncan), QLD Champion (Melnunni Duncan) 2024 has been another successful year for Knights Ron winning numerous open trials to get him QLD Dog of The Year for a second year in a row. He also won the Qld Rep Run-off representing Qld in Geelong finishing as Australian reserve.

Melnunni Duncan came away with the inaugural Qld sire of the year a trophy donated by Dale and Sue Formosa.

A similar points system to dog of the year. Each dog that makes finals in Queensland goes towards the sire of that particular dog. Open points are 12 for a win down to 2.

Improver/Novice 6-1. Duncan’s progeny was the most successful getting 122.5 points over the year.

Duncan himself in 2024 won the Qld Championship as well a couple of other trials.

Rhonda O’Connell & Camara Wangaratta - QLD Working Sheepdog Ass. Novice Dog of the Year Camara Wangaratta is a six-year-old homebred kelpie bitch by Elwanvale Anzac out of Camara London. Her best trial achievement has been winning the Queensland Championship Maiden Utility Trial at Inglewood in 2024. She is a consistent 3 sheep trialer and makes a lot of finals hence the Colykade Improver Dog of the year trophy.

Troy Simpson - QLD Working Sheepdog Ass. Encourage Handler of the Year

I have been competing in dogs for two trialing seasons now, mainly in three sheep trialling but I have competed in a few yard & utility trials as well. I have had two encourage three sheep wins with my now three-year-old kelpie Walkabout Sophie along with multiple placings in both encourage and novice throughout her two seasons competing. Other dogs in my team have also helped in gaining points to get encourage handler of the year by placing in some finals. Whites Boof, Walkabout Cove (has now moved on) and Kaison’s AL (home bred).

I’m only still an encourage handler so my big achievement isn’t a pinnacle defining moment but rather one close to my heart which would be scoring an 89 with Kaison’s AL in the encourage at the 2024 QLD supreme and making the final. Given that AL is a dog that my wife and I bred from, linking back to my first two dogs who were never intended to be trialing dogs but rather pets; to close the gate for his first pen and make the final knowing we bred him was a special feeling. Another achievement would be my first win with Walkabout Sophie at the 2024 Dalby three sheep trial. She ran a 97 to make the final and that run with her was one to remember for me personally.

Over my years in the sport, I have had a lot of help from many different handlers, but two very influential ones, and who introduced me to three sheep trialling are Adam Miller and Dale Formosa. The knowledge that I have acquired from them along with all the other great handlers I have met, I am very grateful for.

To win this award for me personally was more than just about my dogs and trialling, that’s why I personally dedicated this award in remembrance to my baby son Shiloh who passed away after birth on the 28th of June 2024.

Angus Armstrong NSW Yard Dog Ass. Junior Handler of the Year I have been competing for just over 12 months, primarily with Lloyd. In that time, we won the Maiden at Oberon and competed in both the Maiden and Novice finals at the Gundagai Championships, going up against Aoidh Doyle and Dean Incher.

Lloyd was bred out of a Braeside bitch my dad bred, and he has been a standout from the start. I’ve had a few key influences along the way—my dad, of course, as well as Pete Crowe and Chris Stapleton.

What makes Lloyd exceptional in my eyes is his biddable, eager-to-please nature. He works with strength and calmness across all classes of livestock, which makes him a reliable partner in any situation.

Emelia Stokehill - NSW Yard Dog Ass. Female Handler of the Year I’m Emelia Stokehill and I’ve been competing in trials for over 10 years. Having a background of horses and a love of stock I thought I’d have a crack at working dogs. Applying a similar method to horses I’ve learnt from mistakes, but has helped shape how I train and work my own dogs to this day.

Eveready Roy II has been my most influential dog at work and is also reflected through his trialling career.

To this date has won multiple open trials with his biggest achievement winning the NSW Yard Dog Championship in 2020. He was given as an 8 week old pup from Nathan Cayfe. Together Roy and I have grown a very special bond. He has had a major influence in my breeding program with my current team all carrying his genes.

Jake Varena - NSW Yard Dog Ass. Rookie of the Year I grew up around trialing, competing in a few junior trials when my dad was still actively trialing. However, my focus shifted to polocrosse for many years before returning to trialing three years ago. Since then, I’ve been committed to the sport and have put in the work to develop my team of dogs.

The dog that helped me secure the Rookie Handler of the Year award was Bud. I’ve been trialing him for the past three years, though he had a couple of runs before that when I was just entering the occasional local trial. My first major achievement with him was winning my first trial, where he took out both the Maiden and Novice on the same day. From there, he won another Novice trial, which moved him into Improver/ Open status. A standout moment for us was making the top 25 in the 2024 Victorian Yard Dog Championships, competing against a field of over 80 dogs.

Bud is particularly special because he was the last pup bred from my father’s original bloodline, which goes back close to 40 years. My other trial dogs—Axel, Gus, Supa, and Clancy—were all purchased. As a third-generation handler, both my father and grandfather have had a significant influence on my training, with my grandfather excelling in three-sheep trialing and my dad being a highly successful yard trialer.

What sets Bud apart is his versatility—he’s the kind of dog you can rely on for any job, and when the tough yard work needs doing, he’s always ready to step up and get it done.

Charlie Brummell & CB Sam - QLD Working Cattle Dog Ass. 2024 QLD Futurity Winner I started doing a few dog trials in 2018, I gave CB Sam 4 starts before the Futurity. My biggest achievements in dog trialling would have to be making the Qld State of Origin team two years in a row with CB Dodge with a great team of people both times. CB Sam is homebred she is by CB Dodge out of Bunyah Sue that I bought. Chris Donohue and David Kirkbrides played a big part in my dog training but everyone in the dog trialling world have helped me along the way. CB Sam has a very good nature and is a nice dog to be around.

Martin Waddingham & Waterlea Ace - TAS Working Sheepdog Ass. High Point Dog of the Year

I have been trialling for about 15 years but have been involved with dogs all my life with a background in obedience and agility. Trialling is the ultimate challenge, and I still have a long way to go. I enjoy the competition but mostly enjoy the challenge of training the dogs to a high level. I believe your get out of it what you put into it.

I was successful in Port Fairy in 2019 with Waterlea Meg a bitch I bred from my first litter.

My team had a very good trialling year in 2023 – 2024 winning the Tasmania Championship with Waterlea Ace and the Tas Utility Championships with Nolans Digga. Both dogs then featured in the Tasmanian Consistency award with Waterlea Ace first and Nolans Digga, second.

I have represented Tasmania in the Ted Gaby and see that as the next challenge, to go that one step further.

I prefer to breed my own dogs to suit myself as I enjoy yard trialling and utility trialling as well. However, I will often purchase a dog whose line I like or that offers me some difference to what I already have. A team of dogs needs versatility.

Waterlea Ace is a 4y old male Border Collie I bred from Waterlea Meg and MGH Boots. Ace is very consistent and an easy dog to work.

He is responsive and strong when needed. Large natural cast sets him up for a good solid start.

Paul Wroe & Natel Cheekey - QLD Working Cattle Dog Ass. Novice Dog of the Year Natel Cheekey is out of Jacksons Silver and by Shadowvale Ned. Cheekey’s mother Silver has won the Australian & QLD Open Dog of the year title numerous times. Cheekey is a lovely natured dog that has been consistent in her trailing career.

Carrascott Spot - QLD Open Dog of the Year & Australian Open Dog of the Year Carrascott Spot is the 2023/2024 Australian and QLD open dog of the year winner. Spot has won this title previously, he is a very consistent member of the team. I purchased spot out of the Tamworth sale as a young dog & wanted to take him back for their Futurity event the following year, Spot then went on to win the Tamworth Futurity and has continued to place and win many open trials.

Stefan Cross & Echo Park Uno - SA Working Sheepdog Ass. 2024 State Champion I have been competing at sheepdog trials for 28 years and this is my fourth State Championship win, the third in the last four years.

Echo Park Uno was bred by me and is a 7 year old bitch. She is out of Echo Park Sandy by Bellview Rex. Prior to winning the State Championship, Uno has previously won two Open trials and placed at many other trials.

My aim with breeding is to breed a dog with plenty of strength, grip and desire to work, that are suitable for work in both paddock and yard. We trial for fun.

I have been fortunate to represent South Australia on 14 occassions and Australia 7 times during my 28 years trialing. I have also judged a Supreme Championship. Sheepdog trialing has taken me to every State in Australia and overseas to New Zealand. A highlight for me is the friendships made along the way, the sharing of knowledge and breeding opportunities. I have worked against and alongside some of the best in the trialing game including Malcolm Taylor, Doug Connop and Greg Prince.

Anthony Ireland & Oakdowns Byn - SA Working Sheepdog Ass. Dog of the Year

Anthony has been trialing since 1989 and has made the Australian test team twice, won the Australian Supreme Championship once, won 8 SA State titles, and has won 8 SA dog of the year titles, twice with the current winner Oakdowns Byn. Anthony got his first dog from Reg Michael and she was a great first dog to own winning three SA State titles. Though-out Anthonys trialing he was given tips and advice from some of the best in trialing. These included Lew Noble, Byn Dinning and George Noble, their guidance was invaluable.

Anthony had a ten-year break from trialing, from 2004 to 2014, when he was offered Byn from his breeders, Neil and Lyn Sambell. He was bred from Byn Dinning’s blood lines and his work was exceptionally good, which persuaded Anthony to return to sheepdog trialing.

Byn is now ten years old and is rated as one of the best dogs that Anthony has owned, not only in his working abilities but also in his temperament. This is the second Dog of the Year win for Anthony and Oakdowns Byn. Byn also qualified for the Australian team in 2019, but due to covid they were unable to compete.

Mark Wheeler - VIC Yard Dog Utility Farm Dog Ass. High Point Masters My name is Mark Wheeler, I’m originally from the UK. My wife Anne, son Ben and myself came to Australia in April 2008 to take up the position of Professional Huntsman at the Oakland’s Hunt Club in Victoria. I had been in Hunt Service since 1980 plus a stint as a Livestock Inspector with the Meat and Livestock Commission.

I got into dog trialling in 2018 with my bitch Barru Becky. I had spent a few months in 2017 just going to Trials as a spectator. I was told as a young fella “ the best way to learn is to keep your ears and eyes open and your mouth shut”. Most people that know me know I struggle with the last bit, but I met people, watched handlers and dogs and was getting an idea of how I’d like to go about it. Everybody you ever see work a dog teaches you something, either good or bad. I had a lot of help from a lot of Triallers when I started which is a good testament to the support there is in the sport.

This has been the first year for the Masters Series in the VYUFDA and it’s been a good start.

It evolved from a few of us just having a laugh and joke at the Alexandra Trial in 2023. It’s for the over 60’s who aren’t travelling all around the state chasing points, trying to be the best in the world but still love trialling our dogs, love the camaraderie and a good craic.

It’s more about the banter it generates than who wins or loses.

I’d like to pass on my congratulations to Keren Collin’s for her win and I hope the Masters carries on in the vein for which it was intended.

Laine Eade - VIC Yard Dog Utility Farm Dog Ass. Encourage Handler of the Year I’ve only been competing in trials for 12 months, with my first trial in November 2023. As a newcomer to trialling , I still have a lot to learn, but my greatest achievement to date has been winning the Encourage and Novice event at the Hamilton Farm Dog Championship. I also placed in the top 10 in the Open and top 6 in the Championship with the same dog I bred, an 8-year-old bitch who is my reliable go to dog to get any job done.

Jindi Groot & Adam James - VIC Yard Dog Utility Farm Dog Ass. Dog of the Year

Keren Collins - VIC Yard Dog Utility Farm Dog Ass. High Point Masters 32

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Whisper Snip & Aoidh Doyle - VIC Yard Dog Utility Farm Dog Ass. Bitch of the Year

Rex Hocking & Washpool Minnie II SA Yard Dog Ass. Novice Dog of the Year Rex has been involved with trialling for 40 years, achieving significant success throughout his career. He has won the Australian Yard Dog Championship and has been a finalist multiple times, representing South Australia on several occasions. Among his many accomplishments, he also claimed victory in the Victorian Farm Dog Championship at Sheepvention in Hamilton. Rex began his training with Neil and Helen McDonald and has worked alongside other high-profile educators to refine his skills. All of the trial and work dogs at The Washpool have been bred by Rex and Kay, and they are honored to have once again won the Eulooka Breeders Trophy. One standout from their breeding program is Washpool Minnie II, who won the Seldominn Novice Dog of the Year. Known for her calm, easy-to-handle nature and strong work ethic, she has successfully progressed through the ranks and is now competing at the open class level.

Darren Jenke & GameOn Cheeky SA Yard Dog Ass. Bitch 0f the Year & Dog of the Year I have been competing for 8 years, GameOn Cheeky was bred by ourselves.

GameOn Cheeky is a quick footed bitch with good cover, she is always keen to please with a never say die attitude.

Loves yard work. Cheeky’s major achievement would be winning the Open that runs as the qualifying round of the Australian Yard Dog Championships in Mobrup WA this year, she also finished 7th in the Championship.

GameOn Cheeky is very affectionate, always coming up for some attention and if she doesn’t get a pat straight away she will lean in on my leg and if that doesn’t work she will put her foot on top of my boot to get my attention until she gets a pat.

Wayne Gelven - SA Yard Dog Ass. I’ve been competing for about 35 years, achieving several significant milestones with my dogs. Some of my major accomplishments include finishing as runner-up in a state championship with Glenavon Spiro many years ago, receiving the top price at the Lucindale Working Dog Auction in 2022, and winning the 2024 SAYDA State Championship with Yanven Kenny 2nd—a dog I bred myself. One of the biggest influences on my training was attending a Greg Prince school hosted by Neil and Helen McDonald years ago, which shaped much of my approach to working dogs.

Kenny is an exceptional dog with a big cast both ways, a reliable back and bark when asked, and a natural ability to balance sheep to his handler. However, where he truly excels is in his ability to cover and hold sheep at a given point, demonstrating an outstanding balance of force and feel.

Looking at joining one of these associations?

New South Wales

NSW Yard Dog Association E: yarddogsnsw@gmail.com Secretary: Hannah Parker - 0418 361 111

NSW Sheep Dog Workers Inc. E: nswsheepdogworkers@gmail.com Secretary: Ms Kyleigh Victory - 0402 143 878 NSW Working Stock Dog Association E: president@nswworkingstockdogs.org.au Secretary: Janelle Mclennan - 0407 943 913

Victoria

VIC Yard Utility Farm Dog Association E: secretary@vyufda.com.au Secretary: Naomi White - 0410 460 231 VIC Yard Utility Farm Dog Association E: louise.rielly@outlook.com Secretary: Louise Rielly - 0409 170 964

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South Australia SA Yard Dog Association E: dbkellock@activ8.net.au Secretary: Bev Kellock - 0427 973 247 SA Working Sheep Dog Association Secretary: Joanne Flavel – 08 8575 0045

Tasmania TAS Working Sheep Dog Association Inc. E: admin@tasdogs.com Secretary: Kerry Smith - 03 6272 9443 TAS Yard Dog Association Inc. E: admin@tasdogs.com Secretary: Kerry Smith - 03 6272 9443

Queensland QLD Working Cattle Dog Association E: kratzmanncassie@outlook.com Secretary: Cassie Kratzmann - 0439 461 629 QLD Working Sheep Dog Association Inc. E: julieandgaryspry@bigpond.com Secretary: Julie Spry - 0402 436 477 QLD Yard & Utility Trial Association Inc. E: secretary@qyuta.com Secretary: Penny Downey - 0404 196 754

‘Gold Standard’ Tick Protection

Article written and supplied by Elanco

There are two deadly ticks to dogs in Australia. There is the paralysis tick, where a single tick can kill a dog by injecting a dangerous neurotoxin; and there is the brown dog tick, where a single brown dog tick bite can transmit the deadly dog disease Ehrlichiosis.

In parts of Australia where there is high paralysis tick pressure, veterinarians recommend double protection, or so-called ‘gold standard’ tick protection. This involves using two different tick protection products with different modes of action to elevate the tick protection provided to your dog. A systemically acting product, which can be a spot on, injection or an oral product like Credelio™ PLUS, protects your dog from the inside. These types of products are highly effective at controlling ticks; however, they rely on the tick ingesting the dog’s blood to be killed.

Adding a Seresto™ collar, which repels ticks and kills them on contact, provides a first line of defence. As well as protecting against paralysis tick, Seresto is the only product that provides effective protection from Ehrlichiosis because brown dog ticks are killed without biting the dog – this is important as it has been shown that an infected brown dog tick can transmit this deadly disease within just a few hours of biting.1 To learn more about Ehrlichiosis, please visit Ehrlichiosis: how to protect your dog from this deadly disease (elanco.com) Seresto collars start to work once you fit them to your dog. When applied, the active ingredients leave the collar and move into the oily layer on the surface of the dog skin and hair coat. This is where the active ingredients remain. The Seresto collar contains two active ingredients, one particularly for fleas and one to repel and kill ticks.

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The technology of the collar constantly releases the actives so there are consistent levels of active ingredients on the surface of the dog, providing long lasting protection against paralysis ticks for 8 months and brown dog ticks for 4 months. This means Seresto collars also reduce the transmission of Ehrlichiosis for 4 months.

Because the actives stay on the skin surface of the pet, it is safe to combine Seresto collars with other products, including systemic-acting tick preventative treatments.

The Seresto collar doesn’t need to be removed for swimming or for shampooing. It’s best just to leave the Seresto collar on for the full protection period. For more information on Seresto collars, please visit Seresto™: Safe and Long-Lasting Tick & Flea Collar (elanco.com) When travelling with your dog, it is recommended that you talk to your vet about your destination. Most of Australia now has brown dog ticks and certain regions have paralysis ticks. Remember also to check your dog regularly for ticks, especially after walks in bushy areas.

Applying a Seresto collar to complement systemic protection provides your dog with ‘gold standard’ tick protection and provides you with extra peace of mind.

For more information, please contact Elanco product support 1800 995 709 or Product Support AU productsupportau@elancoah.com Always read and follow the label directions.

1. Fourie J.J . Veterinary Parasitology 2013 595 Credelio™, Seresto ™, Elanco and the diagonal bar logo are trademarks of Elanco or its affiliates. ©2024 Elanco or its affiliates.

PM-AU-24-0503

STOCKMANS

KELPIES COLLARS and

Bill and Marg Scott North East Victoria 0428662728 stockmans5@bigpond.com www.stockmans.com.au Stockmans Kelpies - Stockmans Collars

Cerebellar Abiotrophy (CA) — Kelpie Ataxias Article by Deb Maxwell BVSc With tests now available for CA, the number of CA affected pups being born can be greatly reduced.

In every mating, for each CA type, one parent must be clear.

Cerebellar Abiotrophy (CA) in Kelpies causes ataxia and other difficulties with movement. There are three or more genetic causes, and while DNA tests have been developed, there are still unknowns. This article presents the knowledge to date, but continuing research and the data from wider commercial testing will build on this knowledge and may result in changes to tests and future recommendations.

Nevertheless, the current tests can greatly reduce the number of potentially affected pups.

The same disease variants may also affect ANKC Kelpies, Border Collies and Koolies, as well as crosses of these breeds, due to their common ancestors and occasional cross-breeding. Tests run by the researchers on about 200 Border Collies (mainly ANKC) did not show CA markers. Since the research, the Late- and Early-onset CA has been confirmed through commercial tests in some Border Collies; CA affected Koolies require testing to confirm these.

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Cerebellar Abiotrophies (CA) are incurable, inherited diseases in Kelpies with the majority identified by three known and unrelated genetic markers.

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Signs include ataxia, high stepping [hypermetria], wide stance, incoordination, falling over, difficulty jumping onto objects, fine tremors, a nodding head, difficulty eating or drinking from a bowl, and, occasionally, seizures.

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The disease is not common, with the level of CA markers in the population remaining low, but two carriers may be chosen as mates and produce affected pups, and linebreeding/inbreeding can increase the chance of this occurring.

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Some affected dogs studied were not explained by these three markers; potentially there may be one or more other genes causing CA in Kelpies or there are other genes that affect whether the disease is fully expressed, or other markers may be better indicators, in particular, with the Earlyonset variant.

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Dogs with a pair of CA markers are positive or “affected” and most will have signs of ataxia.

Carriers only have one copy of any CA marker and will not be affected.

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The extent of signs in affected dogs varies and is not yet able to be predicted; some dogs can live a relatively normal life; others will need to be euthanised.

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Signs in affected dogs vary in time of onset according to the CA variant: Early-onset from 4–8 weeks, Late-onset from 3–8 months (but sometimes later); the German type CA from 4–8 weeks.

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DNA tests are available to identify whether a dog has any of the markers for the three known CA disease variants, indicating clear, carrier or affected status.

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The tests vary in their ability to identify affected and carrier dogs: o

For Late-onset CA, the test is believed to identify all affected and carrier dogs.

o

For Early-onset CA, the current test misses some dogs; any dogs that the current test identifies as carriers or affected, are carriers or affected, however some affected dogs with Early-onset CA used in the research were not identified by this marker.

DNA tested with the current marker contributes to CA but may not be the direct cause. An alternative marker that appears to have higher predictive power is being studied.

o

For the German type CA, very few dogs were in the study. Also, two dogs had tests indicating they were affected, but whether signs of CA appeared in them could not be confirmed. Currently, this test is only recommended for dogs related to the family identified by this marker in the research.

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The DNA tests are currently only available through one Australian testing company: Dog Breeding Science, but this may change in the future.

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Tests can be used to greatly reduce the number of CA affected pups being born by including a clear result for every test, in every mating, every time.

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Carrier dogs with superior working ability do not need to be removed from the breeding pool, simply ensure that their mate is clear for the CA marker they carry.

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Carrier dogs do not show signs of disease; buyers of working dogs not intending to breed them should have no concern about their health.

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Dogs with negative or “clear” test results should not be represented as CA-free because there may yet be an unidentified CA variant, and the Early-onset and German CA tests may not be fully expressed or predict all affected dogs.

Photo by Laura McKillop

“I focus on adaptability, eagerness, and the right balance of drive and control.”

Jon Cantrall

Article by AWSDM | Photos Provided by Jon & Jackie Cantrall

Jon Cantrall, the dedicated owner of Wongaburra Border Collies, has a passion for working dogs and sheepdog trialing that is as steadfast as his 28-year career as a firefighter. Balancing his professional life with his love for dogs, Jon’s journey from the suburbs of Sydney to running a small farm on the outskirts of Dubbo is nothing short of inspiring.

Growing up in Cowan, just north of Hornsby, Jon always had a dog by his side. His first was Dolly, a Silky Terrier older than Jon himself, which sparked a lifelong connection with dogs. Over the years, this passion evolved, eventually leading to Rex, his first sheepdog, marking the start of a new chapter. “Rex turned out to be a terrific dog,” Jon fondly recalls. With Rex by his side, Jon ventured into the world of yard trials and three sheep

trialing, discovering a sport that perfectly combines skill, patience, and stockmanship of both handler and dog.

Jon’s journey into sheepdog trialing was not a straightforward path. A full-time firefighter for nearly three decades, Jon originally thought his career might take him into the Australian Defence Force. Instead, after exploring various paths, he found himself drawn to the fire brigade, a career that offered both structure and flexibility. His shifts allowed him the time to train his dogs, refine his skills, and participate in trials. He quickly learned to balance the demands of his job with the joys of life on his 100-acre property just outside Dubbo.

It was during this time that Jon met Jackie, his wife, who shares his passion for working dogs. The two

quickly bonded over their mutual love for animals, and their property became home to a thriving team of Border Collies. Each afternoon, Jon and Jackie can often be found on the verandah overlooking their training paddock, discussing their dogs, sharing tips, and watching each other train. “Jackie and I spend many afternoons on the verandah talking dogs,” Jon says, adding that their partnership enhances both their training efforts and their love for the sport.

Jon and Jackie have worked hard to establish Wongaburra Border Collies as a breeding and training hub, producing dogs that excel in both trials and real-world work. Some of their team includes: Princes Dawn, Wongaburra Boots, Princes Lexie, Wirchilleba Oakey and Wongaburra Puma, plus the next generation of Wongaburra pups hit the ground on the 25th of January. Despite their varied personalities, Jon has cultivated a team that reflects his training philosophy: a focus on adaptability, eagerness, and the right balance of drive and control.

Rex, Jon’s first working dog, set a high bar for the dogs that followed. Known for his versatility, Rex excelled in yard trials and proved himself a competent three sheep trial dog as well. “He clearly loved the close interaction with sheep,” Jon remembers. This high standard pushed Jon to continuously refine his training techniques, always seeking to bring out the best in each dog. His efforts have recently paid off in spectacular fashion with Wongaburra Puma, a homebred Border Collie who achieved remarkable success at the 2024 Supreme Australian Championships, taking home wins in both the Novice and Improver sections. Just two months later, Puma demonstrated her exceptional skill again by winning the Open with a perfect score of 100 at the Bredbo Sheep Dog Trial. These achievements highlight not just Puma’s natural ability but also Jon’s dedication to developing world-class working dogs. Further to Jon’s success, Jackie also had an outstanding result at the Supreme Championships last year, finishing fourth in the Novice final.

Jon’s success isn’t limited to the trialing field. He is also a passionate advocate for the working dog community.

Recognising the challenges faced by aging working dogs, Jon co-founded the “Retired Working Dogs Australia” initiative with Jackie. This program connects retiring working dogs with families who can provide them with loving homes in their twilight years. The initiative has already seen numerous success stories, with dogs transitioning from active work to fulfilling roles as cherished companions. “It’s amazing to see how adaptable these dogs are,” Jon says. “They adjust to their new lives beautifully, and it’s rewarding to know they’re well cared for in their older years.”

Beyond his work with retired dogs, Jon is deeply invested in promoting sheepdog trialing and fostering a sense of community among handlers. He often participates in organising local trials and shares his expertise with newcomers to the sport. His approach to training emphasizes patience, understanding, and a willingness to adapt based on each dog’s unique personality. “I’ve learned that it’s about letting the dog figure things out

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while giving them the guidance they need,” Jon explains. “Pushing too hard or too fast can shut a dog down, and I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to find the right balance.”

Jon’s dedication to sheepdogs extends beyond his own team. He draws inspiration from other talented handlers and their dogs, often reflecting on impressive performances he’s witnessed over the years. One memory that stands out is of a dog at a rainy trial in Orange, where challenging conditions highlighted the incredible intelligence and adaptability of the animals. “Watching that dog work through the mud, untangling sheep in a force gate, was awe-inspiring,” Jon recalls.

For Jon Cantrall, working with sheepdogs is more than a hobby; it’s a way of life. It blends his love for animals, his commitment to excellence, and his desire to share the joys and challenges of sheepdog trialing with others. With Wongaburra’s next generation of working

dogs already showing promise, Jon looks forward to continuing his journey, helping shape the future of sheepdog trialing, and inspiring a new wave of handlers to discover the magic of working with these incredible animals.

FLEAS & TICKS SUCK

The longest lasting protection against fleas and ticks* *In a high-tech collar. Read product leaflet for full instructions. ©2024 Elanco or its affiliates. Elanco Australasia Pty Ltd (ABN 64 076 745 198), Level 3, 7 Eden Park Drive, Macquarie Park NSW 2113. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. For further information contact: 1800 995 709 from anywhere in Australia Monday to Friday or email productsupport@elancoah.com. ELAN0590. PM-AU-24-0384

Have you listened to DogTorque Yet? DogTorque offers Fortnightly Live Q & A’s with some of the best competitors, trainers and breeders worldwide! It is also then transformed into a podcast that you can listen to on your favourite podcasting app such as Apple Podcast or Spotify!

At DogTorque our vision is to ensure that the knowledge and experience shared within the working dog community is not lost, can be made easily accessed and is retained for future generations.

Whilst we are passionate about working dogs of all breeds, to suit all jobs and we support discussion involving anything farming or animal related that may be able to help or just be of interest to our community.

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By Tully Williams (Campaspe Working Dogs)

There is a common saying, and one I have used myself on various occasions, that such-and-such a dog is “all cover and no push”. And what this basically means is that the dog in question has enough holding ability but lacks in the forcing department. In other words, it can control stock, but can’t shift them, particularly when the stock are reluctant to move.

Many dogs do indeed fit this description, to varying degrees. And equally as commonly we also see the opposite – dogs that have plenty of force but lack much holding ability.

And, quite often, there is a belief that these two opposites – holding ability and force – are mutually exclusive, or at the very least that they are inversely related. In other words, the more holding ability a dog has, the less force it will have, and vice versa. And there is certainly some truth to this, and in some bloodlines more so than in others. Which traits are linked to others, and how strongly they are linked, can vary from bloodline to bloodline.

So why is there this common view that “hold” and “force” are mutually conclusive – that dogs can have “cover” or “push”, but can’t have both? As I said earlier, there is certainly some truth in this. It is much easier, indeed vastly easier, to breed dogs that do one or the other, or to buy dogs that are good at one or the other. But it is certainly possible to have dogs with a high degree of both - not common, but it is possible.

The answer, I think, lies to a large extent with a misunderstanding of the interplay between force and some of the other instincts.

When we say, “all cover and no push”, we basically mean a dog that always moves around stock, but rarely moves directly towards them to shift them.

Some dogs do this simply because they are weak (afraid) to varying degrees. But you can also have very strong dogs, unafraid of stock, that still can’t move stubborn sheep.

Why is that? In those cases, it is generally some other instinct that is causing the problem, or a lack of some other instinct.

The problem, in my view, is that this idea that high levels of cover and force can’t exist side by side, can become something of a limiting belief amongst breeders (and judges, and buyers). After all, if you believe that it simply isn’t possible to have a dog that has both a high degree of force, and a high degree of holding ability, then that will influence your selection and breeding aims.

For example, some dogs simply have way too much eye – in which case it doesn’t matter how strong and unafraid they are, they are not going to effectively move stock (and particularly larger numbers). Other dogs are just very steady to the point of being “doughy” (picture the way dough, or perhaps thick honey, moves) in which case again they are not going to effectively move stock.

If you ask breeders what they consider to be most important in a working dog, some will say “force”.

Other’s will say “holding ability”. I say that neither is much value without the other, and certainly not if you are looking for top quality, all-round dogs. To me, the two most important aspects of a working dog are holding ability AND force. If a dog can both hold livestock, and move them, then you are a big part of the way towards having a good dog.

But when it comes to cover, and where I believe the problem lies when talking about “all cover and no push”, is that cover is not the problem. Unlike eye, you cannot have too much cover. Cover does not work against force.

In fact, cover is a vital ingredient of good force. The best forcing dogs are strong dogs with exceptional cover and footwork – these dogs make the best forcing dogs by far, whether in the paddock, yards, shed, or truck.

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So, the problem is never too much cover. The problem is often related to excessive heading instinct (which is very different to cover), and often to the lack of the opposing traits to counter-balance that heading instinct, such as “drive” or “balance” (the instinct to follow stock, or work them from behind and guide them in the desired direction).

So, no matter how strong or forceful the dog might be, they tend to negate that force by blocking the stock, because they keep getting too far around to the head, and actually prevent the stock from moving, or at least make it more difficult. And quite often, they also force too far around towards the head, and don’t like applying force on the tail or the point of balance. In such cases, many people think they need dogs with more force, or less cover. Actually, they what they need are dogs that force in the right place, and that give the stock somewhere to go, and that then back off (and thereby reward the stock) when the stock moves off (this comes from having “distance”). The dog’s position has as much to do with moving stock effectively as simply how much force it has.

So, in order to have dogs that move stock most effectively, some of the other traits are vital. The best forcing dogs: Force in the correct place (this requires “drive” and “balance”), covering as they do so. The movement that comes from cover, combined with force, moves stock far more effectively than less movement or less cover, provided it is applied in the correct place.

They give their stock somewhere to go when they force (which also involves having sufficient “drive” and “balance”).

They then back off or ease the pressure when the stock responds to the force, and so train the stock to respond to the force in the right way.

In this manner, the stock will become good to handle whether on the farm, or even in the short time available in a sheepdog trial. The best forcing dogs are not dogs that are “all brawn and no brain”. The best forcing dogs are those with high-quality instincts that tell them how and when and where to use that force most effectively.

So in my view, when breeding we should always aim for a high degree of both holding ability and force, and make sure we pay attention to the other instincts that enable that force to be used at the right time, and in the right place, and in the right way. Either hold, or force, without the other, is of little value.

(Note: For more information on the many instincts that make up the top-quality working dog, and the complex interplay between them, the first section of “Working Sheep Dogs – A practical guide to breeding, training and handling”, and the DVD “Natural Ability – The instincts of the high-calibre working dog”, deal with this subject in detail. Visit www.campaspeworkingdogs.com and www.workingsheepdogtraining.com.)

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STOCK DOG TRAINING CLINICS and Obedience Lessons • Over 45 years experience training stock dogs and breeding border collies.

• Compe�ng very successfully in working catle dog trials since 1981.

• Running regular clinics for beginners through to experienced handlers.

• Clinics run at my place or yours, one-on-one or group sessions available • Anyone with a herding dog wishing to prac�ce herding or learn more can be catered for.

• Pups and trained/started dogs o�en available.

HUSANLEY JEFF & HUSANLEY JAGG both available standing at stud.

Avenpark Kelpies Ken & Mary McCrabb

Article & Photos by Coverdale Media

Avenpart Kelpies is a household name in working dog circles, and for good reason. Mary and Ken McCrabb have been breeding and training Kelpies for over 60 years, as well as being heavily involved in both three sheep and yard trialling.

Mary’s affinity with dogs started in England, she was born with a birth defect that was not rectified until the age of four years old. Dogs became her best friends with an unspoken language like no other. Mary lived in England until she was 25, always spending time at the stables with the horses and the dogs in the community.

At the age of 25 her father suggested she visit Australia, Mary suspects this is because he didn’t like her boyfriend at the time. She did, taking her to Melbourne and then to Deniliquin to work as a jillaroo.

Mary and Ken met at a hunt club and soon married.

It was only after Ken bought Mary an Australian Kelpie for her birthday that the love for the breed blossomed.

Avenpart Kelpie Stud was formed in 1962. Mary and Ken chose the Australian kelpie because of their great instincts and their ability to work independently. The dogs have a large role in the day to day sheep and cattle operation and they needed the dogs to be responsible and be able to be trusted to do a job on their own. They aimed to produce dogs with natural casting and searching ability, along with strong barking and backing skills in the yard Alongside the Kelpie stud, Mary and Ken also founded the Avenel Quarter Horse Stud and in 1974 registered their quality Merinos and formed the very successful Avenel Merino Stud. The pair also breed Shorthorn cattle, further expanding their agricultural enterprise and keeping them very busy.

During the 60’s and 70’s, Mary had great success with her Kelpies in three sheep trialling. In 1968, Mary and Ken sold their very first Kelpie overseas to the USA. Since then, Avenpart Kelpie Stud has had kelpies go worldwide, to 23 countries including: South Korea, Mexico, Argentina ,Holland, Saudi Arabia,, Russia, England,and Sweden.

When asked if any sire’s from the last 63 years that stood out, Mary pointed to an image proudly displayed in her dining room. ‘Avenpart Zondo’ is still a very prolific sire with many dogs today being able to be traced back to him. The last of his semen is the result of one of the stud’s main bitches now ‘Avenpart Ilka’, the semen at the time was 31 years old.

Mary and Ken were some of the first to export semen to Scotland, they found the rabies quarantine process was stressful on the dogs so instead opted to sending semen in 1996.

The bitch that stands out for Mary is ‘Jan’, she bred extremely well but Mary remembers with a smile that she never won a trial, she would consistently come in second place. She was always the bitch that Mary would work first at a trial so they could get a feel of how the sheep would work for the other dogs she was competing with.

Mary says ‘Jan’ got the stud on the right track with the dogs they were breeding.

By 1978, Avenpart had expanded significantly, and the family hosted its first On-Property Sale, which became an instant success. The sale included eight Quarter Horses, 12 Kelpies, and 50 Merino Rams. To the surprise of many, the Kelpies topped the sale. This solidified the stud as one of the top names in working dogs.

A highlight of exporting dogs and semen for Mary and Ken was getting to visit the Sami people in the Arctic while they mustered their herd of 7,000 reindeer for calf marking. This became an ongoing friendship, with one family coming to stay with Mary and Ken soon after to see how the kelpies were bred and trained in Australia.

When asked about some of her highlights over the years, Mary remembers fondly training the dogs and dingos for the movie “Dusty” in 1982. The Kelpies were bred by Avenpart and the Collies by Geoff Jolly but they were trained by Mary.

“The Dingos came out of the wild and were really hard to deal with,” Mary recalls with a laugh.

Another highlight for the stud was winning the Victorian Utility Trial Championships with dog ‘Halsteds Rex’ in 2000.

Avenpart Kelpie Stud takes pride in matching pups to their owner, many of the litters have a strong waitlist and the stud gets a lot of repeat purchases. The pups are bred with the goal of station work in mind, conformation and temperament are of uppermost importance. For a bitch or dog to be selected to breed, they must have first proved themselves in the practical day to day work, they are not bred just for their lines. Mary and Ken have certain traits they look for, they like a dog to break out when it casts, be able to work in both the paddock and the yards, have a natural stop and balance.

Avenpart Stud has always been a family operation, and the legacy is now carried forward by Ken and Mary’s sons, Colin and Peter and their families, who work with Avenpart dogs on their own properties. The family’s dedication to breeding working dogs of the highest standard continues to this day, and Avenpart remains committed to maintaining the quality and reputation they have built over the past 60 years.

th

Ken buying Mary a Kelpie for her birthday started it all

“Avenpart Zondo, one of heir standout sires, still has an influence today—even after using 31-year-old semen to produce pups!”

AUSTRALIAN WORKING STOCK DOG AUCTION

What is the Australian Working Stock Dog Auction?

Who is behind the Australian Working Stock Dog Auction?

The Australian Working Stock Dog Auction is an independent, online auction platform, designed and dedicated specifically for the Australian working stock dog industry. We host online auctions for all ages and breeds of working dogs and pups, from all over Australia, every three months.

The Australian Working Stock Dog Auction is founded and operated by Jamie Sturrock and Isaac Hotz.

We are stockmen and graziers from Queensland and have spent our entire careers working cattle, sheep, and goats. We became great mates through a shared passion for working dogs and livestock. We have both lived and breathed working dogs for more than twenty years now. Breeding, training, working, buying, selling, trialling and teaching others. We have worked together in the past, and there wouldn’t be many weeks go by over the years, that we haven’t caught up to talk all things working dogs and livestock.

We have decades of experience buying and selling working stock dogs, both privately and at auction.

What makes the Australian Working Stock Dog Auction different?

National exposure!

Online only..

There is no doubt that there is demand in Australia for well-bred, well-trained working stock dogs. Quite often, the challenge in sourcing a quality working dog or pup, is not as much about price, as it is about knowing what is out there, and finding the right article! It has always been a bit of a lottery, trying to source the ideal working dog, from the right person, at the right time.

A significant percentage of dogs at physical working stock dog auctions are selling online already. Many dogs are purchased sight unseen, by bidders from all over Australia.

There are some outstanding working dogs, as well as rare and special genetics, hidden out there in the Australian bush. Some buyers would ‘give an arm and a leg’ to have the chance to acquire these lots, if they knew they existed in the first place!

These types of transactions are beneficial to the seller AND the buyer, so our goal is to bring the two together.

We are looking to bring some transparency to the industry by providing a platform to showcase the best working dogs and genetics from all over the country, and give willing buyers the opportunity to get their hands on them.

Consistency!

Most working dog auctions in Australia are run annually. If a vendor wants to sell at their local auction, they need to be committed to that date, regardless of the age or level of their dog.

We are providing vendors the opportunity to sell their dog when the dog is ready, instead of being based around an annual event at a set date. Quarterly sales means that if a young dog isn’t quite ready for one sale, the seller knows that there is another sale right around the corner. There is no pressure to sell a dog that isn’t prepared or presented to their best potential.

We have rarely seen a working dog or pup add much value for the seller or the buyer, in a three-minute demonstration, at a country showground, on a few head of livestock.

Lockdowns in previous years have proved to us that the industry is ready! Physical location is no longer a limitation.

Timed, simultaneous auctions..

This platform is about finding the right dog at a budget that suits.

Our timed auctions are run over six days. This gives buyers the chance to bid on multiple lots with plenty of time, and no pressure!

Simultaneous bidding means that if a buyer ‘blows their budget’ on a lot later in the sale, they can go back and bid on an earlier lot that may still suit their price range. Again, this is beneficial to sellers AND buyers. The earlier lot gets a few extra bids they wouldn’t have otherwise, and the buyer doesn’t miss out on a suitable dog because they held out for a lot later in the sale.

There is no advantage or disadvantage based on a lot’s position in the sale.

How will you ensure that the dogs are advertised accurately and honestly?

We are adamant about building a national network of genuine, honest, reputable, REPEAT buyers and sellers!

From a buyer’s perspective, if they can’t find what they need at one sale, there is no need to panic and buy an unsuitable dog or spend too much money. They can ‘shop’ with confidence, knowing that there will be another quality selection of working dogs and pups available in just a few months’ time.

Sellers are strongly encouraged to provide as much detail as possible in their videos, photos and descriptions to accurately represent their dogs. It is also a requirement that sellers make their dogs available for inspections and demonstrations by appointment.

This consistency of dates on a trusted, familiar platform allows everyone to plan ahead and be flexible. This is beneficial for sellers, buyers, AND the dogs!

Buyers are strongly encouraged to contact the seller directly, and inspect the dogs in person where possible.

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The success of this platform relies on genuine, honest, transparent sellers, and savvy buyers that do their due diligence.

We would rather you didn’t buy a dog, than buy a dog that you aren’t happy with!

A centralised, consistent, buying and selling platform for the Australian working stock dog industry NATIONAL COVERAGE ONLINE ONLY

QUARTERLY SALES AUTUMN, WINTER, SPRING & SUMMER

NO BUYERS PREMIUM!!

Phone: 0408 784 031 Email: admin@workingstockdogauction.com.au

www.workingstockdogauction.com.au ARTWORK BY SHOW HORSE DESIGN

Beginners Guide to Utility Trials

Article & Photos by Lauren Vest

What is a Utility Trial?

Utility trials include a combination of elements from both yard trialling and three sheep trialling, with the aim to test the all-round ability of dogs working sheep in both the yards and the paddock as you might need on a station.

Sheep are worked both out in the paddock through obstacles that resemble a three sheep course, as well as through a simple yard course usually including a drench race and a draft. Generally, three or five sheep are worked outside in the paddock and a larger number of sheep are worked through the yard section. Utility trials require a dog to be able to settle and steer smaller numbers of sheep well enough to guide them through obstacles and around the course, as well as be forceful enough to push sheep through the tighter confines of the yard section.

This contributes to smaller entry numbers at utility trials when compared to the other trialling disciplines, as dogs need to have a broader range of skills to complete a utility course successfully.

sheep into the yard mob or put them in a separate yard to be taken back outside once you complete the yard section.

The yard section is usually a simple version of a yard trial course, including a drench race that may require backing to fill or unload, and a draft section. Higher levels may include a trailer to load and unload. Usually, the yard sheep will stay in the yards for several runs being recycled, before they are swapped out. You will either draft the correct number of sheep out to take back outside or recover your original sheep from where they were placed, as you go on to complete the last paddock section of the course. The final paddock section usually resembles a three sheep course with obstacles that may include a gap or a race, corridors to keep your sheep within while moving between obstacles and a pen to finish the course.

Each trial may add novel elements as they choose but these are the most common. Points are lost for sheep leaving the corridors, getting too far ahead or behind the handler or the sheep going around an obstacle rather The first part of a utility course is the cast, which is than through. The handler will lose points if they do not usually as long as is practical within the grounds being walk a straight line between obstacles, leave the assigned used (often a country show arena/ring). As in a three sheep trial, the handler stands at a post and casts their dog point to stand at obstacles before the sheep are through or influence the sheep. The dog will lose points for tail in the direction of their choice around the sheep at the turning, unwarranted biting or toileting on the course. The other end. The dog must lift the sheep calmly and bring them in as straight a line as possible to the handler. Points dog crossing between the sheep and the handler usually results in disqualification out in the paddock section and a are lost for the sheep moving off course (away from the points loss inside the yard section (though this is at each straight line between the starting point and the handlers judge’s discretion). The trial is complete when the gate post). There is a marked area around the handlers post is closed on the pen with the sheep inside. The course is called the delivery area and the sheep must be brought timed, which varies between trials but is usually around within this area before you can leave the post. Some 15-20 minutes a run. If you run out of time before you utility trials differ in order from this point; however, complete the course, you will lose a set number of points most proceed into the yards from here. Generally, there for each obstacle left incomplete. Points start from 100 at are sheep already within the yard section waiting to be the beginning of your run and are deducted for any errors worked through, and you will either box your outside as you proceed through the course.

What do my dog and I need to be able to do, before we enter a trial?

Your dog should be well under control and experienced working sheep up close as well as at a fair distance from you, as both will be necessary to complete the course. You will need to be able to cast your dog up to a few hundred metres to find a small number of sheep and bring them to you calmly. A good stop command is essential as well as a steady or keep out command if needed, as small numbers of sheep can be very flighty and may need to be worked from quite a distance until they relax. The bulk of a utility trial is worked on balance but if sheep go off course you will often need to send or pull your dog off balance to correct it, so side commands are useful. In the yards you will usually need your dog to back the sheep, as well as be comfortable working in close pens without biting or crashing sheep about. A bark on command can be especially useful for the yard section.

What are the levels?

Handlers start at encourage level, until they win a certain number of encourage classes (often two or three) or one higher class trial. Dogs begin at maiden level, and as they win trials, move up to novice, improver and then open. Some utility trials run a nursery class as opposed to an encourage or maiden, which is also for dogs and/or handlers who have not won a trial. Double check eligibility with the organiser if you are not sure.

How do I enter my first trial?

Utility trials are usually run under the state yard or farm trial association as there are no utility trial specific associations. Events may be advertised on these state association websites or through relevant Facebook groups – If you are unsure where to start, I suggest calling a committee member of your state yard trialling association

and they should be able to point you in the right direction.

You will usually need to be a full or day member of the association to compete. Keep in mind that there are far less utility trials held compared to the other disciplines. Your dog does not need to be registered to enter a utility trial.

Entry forms include contact details for trial organisers – do not hesitate to give them a call if you have questions about the levels, the rules or anything else.

When you arrive at a trial, make sure your dog is always under control and does not go near the ring when someone else is working or near other people’s dogs when exercising. There will usually be a scorer’s tent or shed and this is where the draw will be posted, and questions can be asked. At the start of each class there will usually be a judge’s talk – this is where the judge will walk the competitors through the course and explain how they want you to work the course and any special instructions. This is also the time to ask the judge any questions you have, so do not miss the judge’s talk! Check things like where to stand at obstacles, where the corridors are, where the delivery area is, what the draft is and anything else you can think of.

This is also a great time to introduce yourself to the judge and let them know you are a newcomer. They will usually be happy to help you while you are having your run if you get lost!

All that is left do to now is watch a few runs to get a feel for the course and then go out and have your go. Make sure you have emptied your dog out well before your run, as going to the toilet on course will lose you points. Try to relax and enjoy the experience – and prepare to get hooked!! *This article is written from the perspective of someone who trials mostly in NSW – rules can differ slightly between states and trials, so make sure you clarify things you aren’t sure of with the judge or committee at the trial.

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Name Contact Number & Email

Colouring Competition - March 2025 Area & State

Age

Anyone under the age of 13 years old are welcome to colour in the picture and send it in before 1st May 2025 for the chance to win a prize and be featured in Kelly’s Kennel! There is no need to damage your magazine, you can print this picture from www.stockdogs.com.au/pages/kellys-kennel Submit your entry to Colouring Competition, AWSDM, PO BOX 3003, Grose Vale NSW 2753 or email - laura@stockdogs.com.au

Kelly’s Kennel December Colouring Competition Thank you to all the entries int our December 2024 Colouring Competition

Congratulations to the Winner, Lachlan Boardman from New South Wales!

Lachlan Boardm an (8) Gerogery, NS W

Bunny Biscuits

• • • • •

250g packet milk arrowroot biscuits 150g CADBURY Baking Milk Chocolate, melted (see note) 150g CADBURY Baking White Chocolate, melted (see note) 1/3 cup bright strands sprinkles 1/2 x 300g packet Cadbury Clinkers, halved

1. Line 2 baking trays with baking paper. Place biscuits on prepared trays. Spread biscuits with either melted milk or white chocolate.

Scatter with sprinkles.

2. Dip ends of Clinkers halves into matching melted chocolate.

Stick 2 Clinkers onto each biscuit to form ears. Refrigerate for AWSDM 61 15 minutes or until chocolate is set. Serve.

Walcha Utility & Cattle Trial

Photos by Barbara Lee

AROUND THE GROUNDS

RESULTS Novice Utility Trial 1. Daniel Camilleri & Moe 2. Tony Overton & Zeva 3. Matt Czapracki & Brick 4. Angus Laurie & Pink U/P. Katie Simpson & Freddy Nursery Utility Trial 1. Kim Lewis & Melken Beanie 2. Ben Marsden & Gypsy 3. Clayton Thomas & Max 4. Tom Smith & Moose Open Utility Trial 1. Michael Clark & Walter 2. Angus Laurie & Clancy =3. Grace Halsted & Karana Emma =3. Zac Ede & Coomba Bay Billie U/P. Will Nicholls & Bruce Maiden Cattle Dog Trial 1. Tony Overton & Zeva 2. Riley Opalnink & Tex 3. Katie Simpson & Freddy 4. Katie Simpson & Stella 5. Tye Eason & Nil-Rain Ella 6. Kerryanne Thompson & Steele Novice Cattle Dog Trial 1. Graham Langham & Bud 2. Ian Cox & Lass 3. Tony Overton & Zeva 4. Riley Opalnink & Tex 5. Graham Langham & Gem 6. Tye Eason & Nil-Rain Ella Open Cattle Dog Trial 1. Geoff McLennan & Biddy 2. Phil Brown & Nil-rain Music =3. Ross Fletcher & Pirate =3. Grace Halsted & Bagnells Shy 5. Andrew McIntyre & Shaundar Benji 6. Braxton Ryan & Smokey

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Barry Knight & Fiesta Henry, winners of the 2025 Australian Sheepdog Championships

2025 Australian Sheepdog Championships February 11 - 16, Victoria Park, Koroit, Victoria

Article by Marion Whalan | Photos by Anna Hayward and Ali Davies

The 2025 Australian Sheepdog Champion - winner of the Ross Dodge Open, is Barry Knight working Fiesta Henry from Queensland.

This victory is a back to back win for the Queenslander, having taken out the title in 2024 with Larner’s Mavis.

“It is such an honour to win this Australian title. When you look at the history of this perpetual trophy and the triallers/dogs that have one, I have to pinch myself that my name is now on the trophy twice. This win is even more special, with Bailey coming second.” Barry said in his acceptance speech.

Just one point separated the father and son in the Ross Dodge Open after three rounds of competition over three days of the championship.

Bailey Knight did not go away unrewarded. For the first time in 2025, the Australian Championship included a Trans Tasman Trial, and Bailey with Knight’s Ron took out the top placing.

Bailey and Ron also won the inaugural Trans Tasman Perpetual Trophy sponsored by Richard and Ali Davies of Celtic Kelpies. The trophy is awarded to the combination that obtains the highest aggregate score across two competitions - scores are used from the qualifying rounds of the Commonwealth Sheepdog Championship Trans Tasman Trial held in Port Fairy and the qualifying rounds of the Australian Sheepdog Championship Trans Tasman Trial to determine the winner. Bailey and Knight’s Ron scored 92 at Port Fairy and 89.5 at the ASC in Koroit for a lead score of 181.5.

AROUND THE GROUNDS Sponsors of the award - Rich and Ali Davies - said they believe that the Trans Tasman course reflects very well the skills and qualities of the dogs, as well as the stockmanship of the handler.

“We ourselves know that working as a team with our dogs on a daily basis ensures the welfare of our stock, as well as making stock management activities quicker and easier to perform. We both love the Trans Tasman course, and that is why last year we proposed this trophy to be judged across the two premier trials in our region.”

The trip across the Nullabor proved very worthwhile for Western Australian Simon Leaning, of Marionvale Working Dogs. Simon walked away the winner of the Tony Whitehead Novice working Marionvale Peter - 74+61=135. He also won the Vet Group Improver working Marionvale Woody - 83+84=167.

Trial Coordinator, Conor McConnell, said the 2025 trial was a great success attracting large entries from all over Australia, including QLD, WA and Tasmania, also attracting good spectator attendance throughout the 6 days of the event.

“I am grateful to our judges, volunteers, sponsors and competitors who have made this trial memorable and friendly.”

The sheep were supplied by HALT Farm once again, and the crossbred hoggets proved to be a solid test of the dogs in all competitions. In true Victorian style, the weather ranged from hot and windy to cold and windy, with sleet and rain in the latter part of the week. The varying conditions were an added challenge for all competitors.

Simon Leaning with Marionvale Peter (Winner of the Tony Whitehead Novice) and Marionvale Woody (Winner of the Vet Group Improver)

HISTORY of the ASC The Australian Sheepdog Championship (ASC) was first run in Nyngan in 1956, making it one of the oldest trials held in Australia.

The ASC moved to Mudgee in 1979, then to Hawkesbury in 1995 and then Cobar where the ASC ran annually until 2012.

The trial was revived in 2020 with a relocation to Koroit, Victoria, where it has been held for the past five years.

Peter Oxley happy after his run

Pip & Daphne Hudson

Martin Waddingham & NolansDigga

GROVERS AUSTRALIA EST. 2013

www.groverscountryclothing.com

45th Commonwealth Championship Sheep Dog Trials, Port Fairy Article by Commonwealth Championship Committee | Photo’s by Angie White, White’s Kelpie Stud

The 45th Commonwealth Championship Sheepdog Trials were held in the first week in February at the Gardens Oval in the picturesque town of Port Fairy, Victoria.

447 runs were held over 9 days with 57 competitors competing, with Border Collies being the majority of dogs with a growing number of Kelpies competing each year.

The trial started with the Farmers section followed by the Novice, Improver and Open. The Trans Tasman section was held under lights at night as an added attraction.

The much coveted The Bill Paton Australian Dog of the Year is the pinnicale of the trial with an invitation being sent to each states highest scoring dog of the year to compete.

The official opening and the finals were live streamed with many viewers commenting how much they enjoyed

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this and it made them feel like they were actually at the trial.

Winners of the sections were: Farmers Evette Jefferies (Vic) Novice Paul Darmody (NSW) Improver Bailey Knight (Q’Land) Open and Trans Tasman Mick Hudson (NSW) The Bill Paton Australian Dog of the Year was also won

by Mick Hudson who in his acceptance speech stated “that this is the most prestigious trophy that you can win as it involves the six best dogs in Australia and would like to see it continue forever” A very high number of spectators book sites a year in advance around the oval to get the best view of the trial.

Trailers’ also ask for the next years dates of the trial so they can book their site before they leave.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Macdonald & Co. Woolbrokers Castlereagh Area Challenge Central West Yard Dog Trial Organisers Combine The organisers of seven Central West yard dog trials have banded together to create the Macdonald & Co. Woolbrokers Castlereagh Area Challenge. The idea of the Challenge is to help promote each show’s dog trials and showcase the steadily improving quality of the district’s trials. It was only pre-Covid that the area’s yard dog trial competitions were struggling to get participants to enter.

Spokesman for the Castlereagh group, Mr. Brendan Butler from Tooraweenah said, “By being able to share each other’s knowledge, experience, and mobile yard facilities, we hope to be able to give triallers a more enjoyable trialling experience. The Castlereagh Area Challenge will hopefully add an extra incentive to come

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and have a crack at the enticing prize money and enjoy the friendly, easy-going atmosphere of the area’s dog trial competitions. A huge thank you to the sponsors who are supporting the Challenge. Hopefully they will get bang for their buck with the Challenge running over a period of eight months”.

Gold sponsor, Mr Don Macdonald, has been an avid supporter of the sheep/wool industry, and being from western New South Wales, is well aware of the necessity for good work dogs and the savings in labour and cost that a well-trained working dog brings to a livestock enterprise. Don is excited to be part of the challenge.

Silver sponsors, Dane and Nikki West from DNW Livestock Services, Dubbo, would not be able to get

AROUND THE GROUNDS through their huge workload of sheep dipping, without the stamina and efficiency of their exceptional team of dogs. They are happy to help showcase their four-legged workmates. After a hard day of working dogs and stock, there’s not a better way of washing the dust away, than by dropping into the Mountain View Hotel, Tooraweenah, (also silver sponsors) for a cold frosty beer. Bronze sponsors, Milling Stuart, agents based in Dunedoo, can take care of all stock and station needs, from livestock to real estate.

The Challenge will consist of Open, Novice, Maiden and Junior Handler classes as well as a top scoring Open dog class. The Open Handler class has a worthy cash prize of $1000, sponsored by Macdonald & Co. Woolbrokers.

Separate Novice and Maiden classes, each with cash prizes of $500, are sponsored by DNW Livestock Services and The Mountain View Hotel, Tooraweenah.

The Junior class prize of $200 is sponsored jointly by the Fenwick family of Coonabarabran in honour of the late Bob Fenwick; and Castlereagh Auto Coonamble. Milling Stuart, Dunedoo have generously sponsored $300 for the highest scoring Open Dog. Binnaway will start proceedings in February, followed

by Coonabarabran, Baradine and Dunedoo in March, Mendooran early April, Gulargambone in June and finally Tooraweenah in October. Keep an eye out for dates on the NSW Yard Dog website calendar for dates, https://yarddogsnsw.com/calendar/ .

There is NO COST to enter the Challenge. Competitors will nominate their dogs for each location’s trial as normal and at the end of the day their best score from each class will be recorded and brought forward to the next trial. For example, if a handler enters three maiden dogs at one event and they score 60,70, and 80, then 80 is the handler’s recorded score for that grade on that day. Scores will be updated on the NSW Yard Dog and Tooraweenah PA&H Facebook pages. At the end of the season the handler with the highest aggregate in each grade will be the winner.

Winners will be announced and presented following the last trial at Tooraweenah in October. The more trials a competitor enters, and the more dogs they nominate, the more chance they have of getting a good score in each class on the day and eventually increase their chances of winning the prize money.

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Queensland Plans the Australian Yard Championships and National Kelpie Field Trial for August, 2025

Article & Photos Jeanel Dalgrin

AROUND THE GROUNDS The Dirranbandi Pastoral and Agriculture Association Inc. is honoured to be welcoming competitors and spectators to Dirranbandi for the National Kelpie Field Trial in 2025. This event will be run alongside the Australian Yard Dog Championships ensuring for 4 action packed days of watching the best dogs in Australia.

Dirranbandi was historically a grazing community that focused on sheep and wool production. Although the district has diversified into different agriculture industries over the years, sheep and wool and consequently working dogs are still very prominent.

Preparations are well underway for the Australian Yard Dog Trial & National Kelpie Field Trial, both events to be held in the Dirranbandi Showgrounds. We anticipate to start the Yard Dog trial on Wednesday 6th August at noon, and the Kelpie Field Trial 7am on 7th August, with a full program of four (4) days and nights to Finals on Sunday 10th.

The Dirranbandi showgrounds are ideal to cope with four (4) eventing yards and the expected arrival of caravans, campers and dogs, with powered sites available around the showgrounds.

Event organisers for National Kelpie Field Trial (NKFT) are Dirranbandi Pastoral & Agricultural Association Inc. and with their team of Ed Gray and Lauren Young, who with the Dirranbandi Show Society are organising a fully catered event. Bar facilities and a coffee van will be operating for the duration. I hope you will find time to look around the region. Maybe take a look at Lightning Ridge, St George, Nindigully and Balonne, all very close and lots more.

Errol Gill and Jeanel Dalgrin and members of the Queensland Yard and Utility Trial Association Team (QYUTA), have been hard at work (or is it play?) with a number of fundraisers. To date they have held an online auction – raising $5,400.00, a BBQ at the local Bunnings, and 3 Fun d raising days of Training. All of these funds are being directed at the Australian Yard Dog Trial operational costs.

We have secured a whole of event Sponsor – ENDURO, who will also be the Australian Yard Championship Sponsor. Our Sheep are being supplied by Fletchers International and for the Novice Yard, we have The Boonah Working Stock Dog Inc, who are keen to inspire their members in the trialling arena. We have Alkira Kelpies Maiden yard and Riverdale Beef Encourage Yard.

Whilst you are preparing what to bring for the event, why not keep an eye out for a ‘Loud Shirt’, a ‘Daggy Hat’ and something ‘Pink’ to wear along, to our themed days. We can’t have it only about the dogs having all the fun.

The Dirranbandi Pastoral & Agricultural Association Inc team, are also excited to be hosting a sheep producers field day on Friday 8th August for the dog trialing community and the Dirranbandi district to enjoy.

We look forward to welcoming you to Dirranbandi on Wednesday 6th August.

Entry forms will be available 1 May 2025. Camping booking will be available for both teams, after the 1st May – with your entry form.

Would you like to be involved?

Sponsors and merchandising enquiries should be emailed to: 2025aydc@gmail.com

Article by Cobber Ridley | Photos JMC Photography

THE POWER OF POSTBIOTICS: FUELLING WORKING DOGS FOR A LIFETIME OF PERFORMANCE A strong, capable working dog is an essential part of any Australian farm, but behind every great dog is the right nutrition. While protein, fat, and carbohydrates are well-known necessities, emerging research highlights the importance of postbiotics—the next frontier in canine nutrition.

optimal energy levels.

What Are Postbiotics and Why Do They Matter?

Enhanced energy conversion – Food is transformed into usable fuel more effectively, maintaining stamina for long days in the paddock without premature fatigue.

Postbiotics are the beneficial compounds produced during the fermentation of probiotics. Unlike probiotics, which require live bacteria to function, postbiotics are stable and immediately ready to support gut health. This makes them an efficient and reliable way to improve digestion, strengthen immunity, and enhance overall well-being. For working dogs, this means: Improved digestion – Essential nutrients are absorbed more efficiently, fuelling the body properly and ensuring

Stronger immunity – A robust gut microbiome supports the body’s ability to fight off illness and stress, which is crucial for dogs that work in varied and sometimes harsh environments.

Reduced gastrointestinal issues – Consistent digestive health means fewer episodes of bloating, diarrhea, or discomfort, which can sideline a hard working dog.

Better recovery times – After a hard day’s work, a dog’s ability to recover quickly is essential. Postbiotics support better nutrient absorption, leading to faster muscle repair and replenishment of energy stores.

Life-Stage Nutrition: The Right Fuel for Every Phase Puppyhood: Laying the Foundation for a Strong Future A dog’s future success starts from the very first meal. The early months of life are crucial for muscle development, bone strength, cognitive growth, and immune function.

Puppies that do not receive adequate nutrition during this stage may struggle to develop the stamina and resilience required for a working life. Ben Coster of Wandabar Stockdogs in Yass, NSW testifies to this, “I’ve been feeding my pups Cobber Puppy for years, and it’s made a real difference. They grow bigger, stronger, and are more robust than other litters I’ve seen. Giving them the right nutrition from the start sets them up for a lifetime of hard work, and with Cobber’s postbiotic formula, they’re thriving from day one.”

The digestive system of a young pup is still developing, making it particularly vulnerable to imbalances. This is where postbiotics come into play. By fostering a healthy gut microbiome early on, postbiotics ensure optimal digestion and absorption of vital nutrients such as protein, calcium, and essential fatty acids. This leads to: Stronger bones and joints – Ensuring proper skeletal development for a lifetime of physical exertion.

Muscle development – A lean, well-built frame is crucial for speed, agility, and endurance.

Brain and cognitive function – Learning commands, problem-solving, and reacting quickly to stock movements all require a sharp mind, supported by proper nutrition.

Robust immune system – Young dogs are exposed to a variety of new environments, pathogens, and stressors; a strong immune system helps them adapt and stay healthy.

Feeding a growing working pup a diet rich in postbiotics ensures they build a strong digestive system from the start, setting them up for peak performance in adulthood.

Ben Coster of Wandabar Stock Dogs

Adulthood: Maintaining Strength for Daily Work Once a working dog reaches full maturity, the focus shifts to maintaining their strength, endurance, and overall condition. These dogs are not just pets; they are laborers, enduring long hours of physically demanding work in all weather conditions. Their food must provide: Sustained energy release – A precise balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to ensure steady stamina throughout the day.

Joint and muscle support – Glucosamine, chondroitin, and essential fatty acids to protect against wear and tear.

Efficient digestion and gut stability – A well-functioning digestive system means fewer issues such as bloating, diarrhea, or discomfort, ensuring the dog remains ready to work each day.

Increased hydration retention – Working in hot and dry conditions means dehydration can become a risk. A healthy gut microbiome improves water absorption and retention, keeping dogs properly hydrated even in extreme environments.

Postbiotics play a critical role in adult dogs by maximizing the efficiency of nutrient absorption, ensuring they get the most out of every meal. This means better endurance, fewer injuries, and an overall healthier dog that can work harder for longer.

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Peak Performance: Fuelling High-Demand Dogs

Cobber: Science-Backed Nutrition for Working Dogs

Some working dogs go beyond standard mustering and property management, taking on high-intensity workloads, trials, or competition events. These elite working dogs require even more targeted nutrition, as their energy demands are significantly greater.

Cobber Dog Food understands that Australian working dogs need more than just calories—they need functional nutrition that supports them from puppyhood through to peak performance. That’s why the entire Cobber range is formulated around Cobber’s proprietary Inner Goodness – the unique combination of postbiotics, functional fibres and vitamins & minerals to enhance gut health, maximise nutrient absorption, and fuel every stage of a working dog’s life.

During peak workload times, such as lambing or calving seasons, a working dog’s energy output can skyrocket.

Without proper nutrition, these dogs risk burning out, losing condition, or becoming more susceptible to illness and injury.

For these times when working dogs have higher than usual energy requirement, postbiotics offer distinct advantages: Rapid muscle recovery – Intense work means higher muscle breakdown; postbiotics help ensure efficient nutrient utilisation for faster repair.

Heightened energy conversion – Maximizing the digestibility of fats and proteins means dogs get more energy per bite, crucial for sustaining high activity levels.

Stronger stress resilience – Performance dogs often face additional pressures, whether from competition stress or prolonged periods of intense work. A healthy gut microbiome helps mitigate stress-related issues, keeping dogs focused and ready to perform.

A diet that includes postbiotics during high-intensity periods ensures that dogs remain strong, fast, and mentally sharp when they are needed most.

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Cobber Puppy ensures young working dogs develop strong foundations, with the right balance of protein, calcium, and postbiotics to support growth and immune function.

Cobber Working Dog is designed for adult working dogs, offering sustained energy, muscle recovery support, and optimal digestive health to keep them going day after day.

Cobber Performance Dog is crafted for those with the highest energy demands, ensuring maximum endurance, rapid recovery, and peak physical condition during the busiest times of the year.

Farmers and breeders across Australia trust Cobber because it’s formulated with real working dogs in mind— backed by science and proven in the field. If you want your dogs to develop strong foundations, sustain daily performance, and excel during high-intensity periods, make sure their nutrition is up to the challenge.

Find Cobber Puppy, Cobber Working Dog, and Cobber Performance Dog at your local rural store and give your working dogs the gut health advantage they deserve. And if it’s not in store, ask them to get it in for you!

Phone and mail orders also available Call 0459 031 729 or use the mail order form on the opposite page.

WWW.STOCKDOGS.COM.AU 90

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www.stockdogs.com.au

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ŚĞƋƵĞ ŵĂĚĞ ƉĂLJĂďůĞ ƚŽ – ƵƐƚƌĂůŝĂŶ tŽƌŬŝŶŐ ^ƚŽĐŬ ŽŐ DĂŐĂnjŝŶĞ ZĞƚƵƌŶ ƚŚŝƐ ĨŽƌŵ ƚŽ͗ ƵƐƚƌĂůŝĂŶ tŽƌŬŝŶŐ ^ƚŽĐŬ ŽŐ DĂŐĂnjŝŶĞ WK Ky ϯϬϬϯ͕ 'ƌŽƐĞ sĂůĞ E^t Ϯϳϱϯ tĞ ĐĂŶ ĂůƐŽ ƉƌŽĐĞƐƐ ĐƌĞĚŝƚ ĐĂƌĚ ƉĂLJŵĞŶƚƐ ŽǀĞƌ ƚŚĞ ƉŚŽŶĞ – Ăůů >ĂƵƌĂ ŽŶ Ϭϰϱϵ Ϭϯϭ ϳϮϵ

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Business Directory

QUALITY AUSTRALIAN MADE WORKING DOG COLLARS

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angus barrett saddlery & leather goods www.angusbarrett.com.au

If you’re into outback life, this book has it all. Horse breaking, shearing, scrubbers, brumbies, a picnic race day, horse shows, working dogs, a little romance, and a whole lot more. While the characters are fictional,all the horses and working dogs are based on actual animals.

$30.00 including postage Think Like a Canine

A concise and down-to-earth guide to training working and livestock guarding dogs.

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Reasonable Force Crime in the Outback A novella or short novel inspired by the author’s experience in the Police Force in the 1970s

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Available From Ken Sykes kwsykes@bigpond.com

Breeders Directory

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A comprehensive online resource, dedicated to the training and use of working stock dogs..

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