Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine - Issue 25, December 2023

The Australian

WORKING

STOCK DOG Magazine

Australian Supreme Championship RRP $10.00 (incl. GST)

December 2023

872003 772205 9

ISSN 2205-8729

25

Issue 25

Stockman’s Profile Georgie Currie-Norris

A DOGS LIFE:

Myamba Moss

PLAY HARD. WORK HARDER. Nothing feels more satisfying than putting in a hard day’s work – all working dogs know that better than anyone. They get up and work day in, day out, pushing themselves and never giving up until the job is done.

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Editors Thoughts As another year quickly approaches the end, I start to look back on what an amazing, dog filled year it has been.

The year started with a trip to Mansfield, Victoria for the Australian Stock Dog Spectacular which included the National Kelpie Field Trial, Australian Yard Championship and the Supreme Stock Dog Challenge. Soon after, saw the Ultimate Stock Dog at Cowra, New South Wales and later this year in September saw a big trip across to South Australia for the Australian Supreme Working Sheep Dog Championships.

Home for a few weeks before heading to the Queensland State Yard Dog Championship all with the AWSDM. Unfortunately, I was not able to get to the Australian Utility Championships in Nyngan, NSW or the Australian Cattle Dog Championship that was held at the marvellous White Park in Scone, NSW. I think myself very lucky to have been able to travel and compete in all kinds of trialling in four states this year. Whilst on the road I have had the privilege of meeting so many of our readers, competitors, farmers and working dog community and I must say, what a great bunch of people you all are. I have had a blast!

DogTorque has also had another great year with us reaching our 100th episode. I personally still cannot believe where it has gone and how many different countries we are reaching..! With a total of over 100,000 all time listens, over 800 Spotify followers and an average of just over 1,000 listens per episode, I must say thank you and please continue listening.

to you each year and I am forever grateful for their assistance and friendship. We are always on the lookout for people to join us, so if you have an idea or would like to write for us, please get in touch.

In 2024, I as always, would like to include more articles and stories about the people within our working dog community and will be looking for help to uncover some of these characters who are not always in the limelight or seen in competition. I again encourage people to call or email me with suggestions and thoughts to help keep the magazine alive, enjoyable and relevant.

I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Stay Safe and all the best for a wonderful 2024.

a r u a L

I want to thank all of our contributors, advertisers and the people who help me out time after time with the magazine. Without this continued support I would not be able to bring four quality issues

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: Megan Rutherford Photography

Contributors:

Cobber Ridley, Megan Rutherford Photography, Logan Whistles, Catherine Atkinson, Katy Cropper, Jamie Sturrock - WorkingDogTraining.Online, Ben McFarlane ACME Whistles,Lauren Bird, Jess King, Megan Williams Photography, Peter Brown, Sharne Haskins - Rant, Ken Sykes, Wayne Hate, Scott Amon, Angie White, Angie Snell, V. Cunningham, Rosemary Gibson, Tony Jackson, KellCo Rural Agencies, Leigh Foster, Laura McKillop, Margo Hogan, Simone Cross, Shadow’s Farm Photography, Merv Simmonds, Shelly Burns, Jane McMenamin, Georgie Crossley, Callum Storey

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

08

48

26

68

44

76 •

KellCo Rural Agencies Inaugural Working Dog Auction Charlie’s Angels Where to this time?

RMA Working Dog Auction Supreme Australian Working SHeep Dog Championship Queensland State Yard Dog Championship Wayleggo Cup & the Australian Test Team

08 Cobber Challenge - Winner Takes

36 The Training Pen

Earl

40 The Maremma - a Livestock

10 Rural Photography Calendar

Guardian, Part I

12 Training with a Whistle

44 A Dogs Life - Myamba Moss

16 Katy Cropper

48 Stockmans Profile - Georgie

20 Round Yard Checklist, Part II -

Currie-Norris

•

Balance

52 Kellys Kennel

•

24 Recall Training with a Whistle

53 Brownie Christmas Trees

26 Jess King

54 Coming Events

80 Business Directory

32 Good Enough to Breed, Good

58 - 76 Around The Grounds • River Run

81 Breeders Directory

Enough to Feed

• • • •

AWSDM

5

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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WINNER TAKES EARL: Cobber crowns Australia and New Zealand’s hardest working Article by Cobber Ridley dog for 2023

After a gruelling 21 day competition that saw working dogs battle it out on farms across Australia and New Zealand, the winner of the 2023 Cobber Challenge has officially been crowned.

Former Cobber Challenge Champion, Brad McDonald, was working on the same farm as Alex when he took out the title and says he’s proud to see another winner from Tasmania.

This year’s Cobber cohort covered more than 6,000 kilometres across sprawling mountain ranges, lush green paddocks and reddirt desert but there can only be one champion.

“When I won the Cobber Challenge in 2017 with my dog Flo, Alex was working alongside us so to see him and Earl bring it home this year, it’s a really special moment,” said Mr McDonald.

Taking out the coveted title is Tasmanian farmer Alex Johns and his 3-year-old Kelpie Earl who covered a total distance of 1,343 kilometres in 21 days, reclaiming the title for the Island state.

“Alex has done a great job with Earl and it’s a credit to him. Earl is a great working dog and he got some great numbers this year.”

The 2023 Cobber Challenge honours the unsung heroes who keep Australia and New Zealand’s $100 billion agricultural sector moving: the paws-itive champions of the industry - the working dog.

A shortlist of 11 of the fastest and fiercest mustering champions were assessed on speed, duration and distance covered over the competition period. This year’s cohort saw multiple records smashed, including a new record for the fastest dog.

Alex and Earl were also the speediest duo in the competition, hitting an average top speed of 14.1 kilometres an hour, making Earl the fastest ever Cobber Challenge competitor.

But it wasn’t enough to keep up with Alex and Earl’s consistency.

The duo outclassed the field to take home the title, the trophy, a $3000 cash prize, 12 bags of Cobber Working Dog feed and for the first time in the competition’s history - a brand-new puppy apprentice for Earl, courtesy of Pandara Kelpies.

Alex Johns says he’s rapt to take home the win and he couldn’t be prouder of his best mate Earl.

“I knew we were in with a chance because we’ve had a seriously busy few months down here with a new shearing crew coming on board, so and Earl has been working harder than ever,” said Mr Johns.

“It’s an even bigger achievement for Earl because he’s blind in one eye but that doesn’t stop him on the farm. His quality of work is top notch.”

“I’m so proud to see him come out on top and I couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome another addition to my working dog team.”

“Farm work especially with sheep and cattle would cease to exist without working dogs,” said Mr McDonald, “They’re the only worker on a farm who does more than 50 kilometres on their feet every day and they do it all for a pat at the end of the day and a scoop of biscuits, Cobber of course!”

Cobber Marketing Manager Kellie Savage says she was blown away by the speed and tenacity of this year’s competitors.

“In the eight years the challenge has been running, I’ve not seen a field of competitors this impressive. These dogs are lightning fast,” said Ms Savage. “All of our competitors reached average top speeds of around 60 kilometres an hour.”

“We are constantly in awe of these dogs. Some of our 2023 Cobber competitors covered more than 80 kilometres in a single day.”

“They are the backbone of working farms everywhere. It’s hard to imagine what agriculture in Australia and New Zealand would be like without them.”

Taking out second place was Dan and Jack from Victoria who covered a total distance of 1,263.4km, The Victorian duo have won a cash prize of $1,000 and six bags of Cobber Working Dog feed.

Third place went Jackson and Rose from the Northern Territory, who covered 822 kilometres. They have won $500 and three bags of feed.

The final standings for the 2023 Cobber Challenge are included in the leaderboard below. Visit the Cobber Challenge website for more information on our 2023 Champions: www. cobberchallenge.com.au

COBBER CHALLENGE - FINAL LEADERBOARD Participant

Working dog

Location

Total distance (km)

Average speed (km/hr)

1. Alex

Earl

TAS

1,343.3

14.1

2. Dan

Jack

VIC

1,263.4

11.5

3. Jackson

Rose

NT

822.1

9.2

4. Cloe

Jazz

VIC

585.2

10.5

5. Declan

Pip

SA

406.9

9.1

6. Kelsie

Sass

NZ

400.8

9.7

7. Katie

Scooter

NSW

393.5

9.2

8. Dean

Dot

NZ

348.7

8.2

9. Ashton

Fern

NZ

321.8

10.4

10. Renee

Bat

NSW

140.2

12.9

11. Holly

Dallas

QLD

80

12.7

Due to unforeseen circumstances our competitors from WA, Demi and Gray, had to withdraw from the challenge

Cobber provides the fuel for thousands of working dogs in Australia and New Zealand. For almost 40 years Cobber has worked side-by-side with those that work, live and love the land. During that time, we have learnt that farming in Australia and New Zealand is unlike farming anywhere else in the world. It has its unique opportunities and challenges and requires a toughness and resilience from both the farmer and their dogs. At Cobber we’re about celebrating the dogs that keep the agricultural sector moving and fuelling their spirit for years to come.

January 2024

February 2024

March 2024

RURAL PHOTOGRAPHY CALENDAR 2024

Megan Rutherford

August 2024

November 2024

July 2024

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Decmember 2024

September 2024

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BUY YOUR COPY NOW - $32.50 with FREE POSTAGE https://www.meganrutherfordphotography.com/online-store

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W

Train with Whis

histle commands are widely relied on by handlers of working dogs, the sound signals they create carrying further and being so much less ambiguous and confusing than voice commands.Working dog handlers therefore take their whistles very seriously – seeking out an instrument whose tone their dog respects and responds well to.

None more so than sheepdog handlers whose Border Collies are often working out of sight, sometimes more than a mile away, in all kinds of weather.

Back in the 1960s my father, Harford Logan, was fashioning his own little whistles as a way to ‘talk’ to his dogs. The basic half-moon folded lip whistle had been around for a very long time; but that wasn’t enough for Dad – so he set about creating the first ‘Logan Whistles’ with which he has since had so much sheepdog trialling success.

These sheepdog whistles had a serious day job, making sure the full team, my dad and all his Border Collies, could work together with a succinct and clear language – one that got its meaning across quickly and easily, often over very great distance.

But there was also glory as his own special whistles were something of a secret weapon at the many sheepdog trials he attended. Sheep dog trial fields are in all sorts of places and the crucial whistle commands needed to help win the day are often required to compete with all kinds of weather too - rain, fog, blistering heat but most usually just a swirling wind, sometimes bouncing back off trees, at other times uninterrupted for miles, blowing across wide flat open ground.

USING A LOGAN WHISTLE TO CREATE WHISTLE COMMAND SOUNDS Logan Whistles are capable of the full musical scale and have been relied on for years to train dogs to respond to whistle sounds, each of which has been assigned a clear meaning.

Their pure clear tones can be used in a very subtle way to communicate with a dog, keeping it focussed, and alerting it to any corrections needed in a simple and calm way – a much better alternative to shouting, or full volume single tone whistle blasts.

‘STOP’ AND ‘RECALL’ WHISTLE COMMANDS

Even if you are training what will become the next world champion sheepdog, you still have to begin by teaching it to respond correctly to a Stop and Call-Off or Recall whistle command, commonly the voice command “That’ll Do” for sheepdogs. These two commands are for working dogs generally as well as non-working dogs of any breed.

The Stop command whistle sound for sheepdogs is usually just one straight whistle tone and is one of the few commands that is consistent across handlers.

The Recall or Call-Off whistle command can vary enormously between handlers but is often a mix of up and down tones. Select sounds you can produce and repeat consistently and instinctively.

HOW TO CREATE A ‘SET OF DOG WHISTLE COMMANDS’?

For those who want to train the dog on more tasks, then you will need to select and practise a ‘set of commands’.

What makes the Logan Whistle special is that it can easily create a range of tones or pitch patterns to form a set of distinct whistle sounds.

A dog hears and acts on the very first part of the sound it has been trained to respond to, so if it is a voice command then it will react just to the first syllable.

A ‘set’ of whistle commands therefore needs to be a distinct set of tones or sound patterns that replace voice commands for trained responses. The very first part of each whistle command should be sufficiently different for the dog to understand what each sound means quickly and easily. So, for example it is important that the voice and the whistle command for ‘go right’ (‘Away’ in sheepdog parlance) is very different from the commands for ‘go left’ (Come Bye).

Typically, the sheepdog would learn the following basic commands – although not all working dogs, nor pets, need to have this level of whistle knowledge!

When creating a whistle command with a Logan Whistle you can use •

A single steady tone or note which can be repeated or elongated for emphasis

One of the first things we did when we began to offer Logan Whistles outside the ‘sheepdog world’ was record some of the standard farm dog or sheepdog trial whistle commands and share those with anyone interested in those sounds - and you can find some whistle command sound clips on our web-site.

•

A Rising tone or repetition of that tone

•

A Falling tone or repetition of that tone

•

And often used is a combination of rising and falling tones

But we always knew there was more we could do to help people understand these sheepdog whistle commands and then select their own whistle sounds to use in training other working dogs or simply as an effective recall whistle for their pets.

Dogs can hear the difference in these sound ‘shapes’ – steady tones, rising and falling tones. So, to create two sound commands that can be distinguished easily one from the other by your dog use different sounds at the start – for example, a ‘go right’ or

ning ha stle

Article by Logan Whistles

‘Away’ command may begin with a falling tone and a ‘go left’ or ‘Come Bye’ command begin with a rising tone.

An example of different sounding commands would be: •

Away Whistle Command (go right)

•

Come Bye Whistle Command (go left)

You can then add expression to your commands, heightening or softening the normal tones – using repetition, speeding them up or slowing them down, softening or sharpening the tones. We’d always suggest using the Logan Whistle as softly as possible so the dog can just hear it whatever distance they are from you.

How you use the whistle can ‘ask’ the dog to complete a certain action, or if necessary ‘tell’, then ‘insist’ on a given action. Elongating the sounds and softening out tones can suggest a wider or gentler action or can be used to calm the dog. While rapid repetition and sharpness suggests urgency and is therefore asking the dog to speed up.

The online Logan Whistle Command Sound Guide To help illustrate the whistle sounds commonly used in sheepdog training, we have created a much more comprehensive Logan Whistle Command Sound Guide.

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This online Guide contains the recorded whistle commands of four separate handlers for you to compare, with accompanying visual illustrations to help you see the shape of the sounds. It also describes •

how to use your Logan Whistle

•

how to begin to train a dog on whistle commands

•

the relevance of frequency, pitch, tone and timbre for whistle commands

•

sound clips and visual guidance on building a ‘set’ of commands

•

how to work two or more dogs together using the same whistle

•

advice on selecting a Logan Whistle for your own needs

Whatever breed your dog, or level of training you intend to perfect, a Logan Whistle offers a special way to communicate and build a bond with your dog. We hope you’ll find this Guide helpful and enjoy using your Logan Whistle.

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14

AWSDM

Photo: Laura McKillop

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.

G

Katy Cropper

rowing up as a young woman in the UK, Katy was a household name for many of us under the age of 40 as being one of the most influential female sheepdog handlers the UK has seen so far. To hear Katy speak so passionately about finding her way through a male dominated industry, and how female handlers face many different obstacles to overcome, was one of the most refreshing and inspiring interviews I have done to date. I’m sure Katy’s experiences will draw similarities with other female handlers’ experiences across the globe, regardless of what breed of dog they are working, training, or trialling. Within a few minutes of speaking to Katy, I could tell that she is an absolute force of nature. Katy deserves recognition for all she has done to pave the way for and inspire new female handlers to come up through the trialling ranks.

There are many well-known female handlers in the UK who name Katy as their main inspiration for their ambitions and success.

Growing up in Cheshire, in Northwest England, Katy is not from a farming background. When she was four her father founded and was headmaster of St David’s College in Llandudno, Wales.

Like many of us, Katy describes how she wasn’t suited to an academic schooling environment, partly because of dyslexia.

Essentially, this is how she fell into shepherding as she could not find her feet with anything academic and knew she needed something more practical. For the last fifteen years, Katy has resided near Shap, Penrith, with her only daughter, Henrietta.

Shap is in Cumbria, the most North Westerly County in England.

The majority of Cumbria is mountainous, and home to many of the famous ‘sheep gathers’ in the North of England. Many exceptional hill dogs have been bred and trained in this area.

It’s also home to many of the UK’s most challenging sheep dog trials. Listening to Katy speak about the area with such love, really shows how settled, safe and at home she feels in the Northern fells. Previously, Katy has shepherded across the UK from Wensleydale in the Yorkshire Dales, to Thetford, Norfolk.

Additionally, she used to shepherd on a fell pony and perform displays at agricultural shows on them. Katy also has experience of hunting on horseback in Ireland. Laughing, however, she confesses she doesn’t really like horses as she thinks they’re generally just a little bit spoilt.

Henry is Katy’s number one in life. She’s 21 and studying to be a surgeon and has a love for dogs just like her mum. Followed closely by Henry, Katy’s two other loves in life are Border Collies (namely her dog, Gin) and her Scottish Blackface sheep.

It’s quite clear when you speak to Katy how proud she is of her sheep, and their breeding. Scottish Blackfaces can be incredibly challenging for a dog, because as well as being incredibly flighty and reactive to pressure they will also ferociously fight their ground and stand the dog. All gimmers are kept back each year for breeding and wethers to train dogs on. Katy describes how she likes the breed for dog training because they are so testing. She says they are a good type of sheep, so you need a good type of dog, and you very quickly get a handle on the dogs’

Article by Catherine Atkinson | Photos Provided by Katy Cropper

capabilities with them. She purchases new bloodlines from Lurg Blackies each year.

As well as farming her Blackies, Katy breaks in and trains working sheepdogs for herself and others. Three-day sheepdog training courses are offered to owners and their working dogs.

She also offers obedience training, where people travel all over the country to visit her for 1 to 1 training and advice with nonworking dogs. More information about what Katy offers can be found on her website at www.katycropper.co.uk At the age of 19, Katy got her first working sheepdog. He wasn’t a pure border collie, but Katy recalls that she got him going well and went on to sheepdog trial with him. Eric Halsall, who presented One Man and His Dog, was at one of the trials, and Katy requested whether she could go on as a young handler. He said yes but said she’d have to improve as at one of the trials Katy’s sheep landed in the beer tent… However, it was a dog called Lad which Katy attributes all her success to. She met Lad’s owner (at the time), Jim Cropper at a trial in Bala, Wales.

Katy recalls how she watched Jim win the trial and was inspired at how quietly he handled Lad. She asked Jim if he would help her with her training, and she fondly recalls how he replied, “You’ll have to come and stay with me, lass”. And so, she did.

Jim was based in Rossendale in Lancashire. Sadly, Lad was found hanging on a fence and had to have one leg amputated.

Jim kindly gave Katy Lad because of this. Katy says that Lad has taught her more than any other dog or human. He was a dog with an incredible brain, stamina and feel for sheep. After learning how to whistle, Katy took Lad to a trial, and he ran so well the judge didn’t even know he was on three legs. At the time, Katy remembers how men didn’t particularly like being beaten by a woman and a dog on three legs.

It’s obvious when chatting with Katy, that over the years she has had many fantastic dogs. Out of all her dogs, Tsavo is one of the most special to her. What Katy believes made Tsavo so special, is that she was very clever, had lots of stamina and a good feel for sheep. Katy says the one thing you need to have in a dog is stamina. She would never take a dog to trial if it couldn’t do the work, as this is their primary role. Following stamina, she says temperament is the next most important thing. A good young dog Katy has coming on currently is Roy, and he’s one to look out for in this year’s nursery trials.

Achievements are something Katy is incredibly humble about.

Warmly, she says her greatest achievement in life is Henrietta, and nothing sheepdog related. When I ask her which titles she has won, she struggles to recall the full names. Katy made history in 1990 when she was the first woman to win One Man and his Dog, a televised competition. She was also the first woman to win the English National Brace Championship in 2012, with Tsavo and Scrum. In 2014 Katy judged One Man and his Dog. Enjoyment is the main aim of Katy’s these days at trials, she mainly does it to relax with her dogs and has no interest in whether she wins anymore. As well as trialling, Katy

has judged and held many clinics abroad. She’s got an array of experience ranging from doing displays at the Royal International Horseshow in Dubai to training a pair of sheepdogs for the Royal Family in the United Arab Emirates.

Breeding sheepdogs makes up another part of Katy’s life, having one litter annually. She also breeds working Labradors, and trains gun dogs too, which she says are a lot easier to train than sheepdogs.

Talking about pairing dogs together as breeding matches, Katy admits its not an easy thing to do. She says you can breed from the best bitch, and it’s no guarantee she will breed on. The most important thing she looks for when breeding is temperament; the dog needs to have no malice. Usually, Katy will keep at least one pup from each litter. A pup with dark eyes, a good face and a black roof of the mouth is the one she would pick.

Sex isn’t a preference.

Katy has three eight-month-old youngsters currently, who she is going to run on and train. In the past she has sold the wrong pup, and they’ve gone on to do very well, so with these younger dogs she’s going to wait and see how they alter, so she’s more equipped to make the right choice.

When introducing young pups to sheep it is vital it’s done in a safe environment, says Katy. It’s important that they have a very good upbringing to five months, at which point she will introduce them to sheep quietly. The last thing Katy wants is for sheep to be sent off all over the place. Crucially, the first time the pup sees sheep they need to do the ‘right’ thing.

Ideally, Katy would like them to balance and will not let the pup hold stock to a fence line or chase them. Pups will be put out on quiet, dogged Hebridean sheep. It’s important to her that the pups are physically and mentally mature enough to see stock. If the pup cannot get around the stock, then Katy will not show them. Generally, Katy finds all her pups will start and show this way the first time on stock.

There have been many handlers Katy has valued throughout her career, including Jim Cropper, Glynn Jones, James McClaughlin, Eamon McConnell and Aled Owen. Elaborating, Katy says that James is always open and full of advice. Katy’s main bitch, Gin, was sired by James’ old dog, Ben. She also has a grandson to Ben now. When asked about Aled, Katy explains that she finds him a brilliant teacher with no arrogance, despite his wealth of experience and achievements.

Callum 0488 776 047

Mick Hudson

WORKING DOG TRAINING PROGRAM Out of the dry dusty conditions of the Australian outback we introduce third generation stockman and working dog trainer Mick Hudson. Mick with his working dogs musters sheep, cattle and goats on his station in Western, NSW and competes the same team of dogs at competitions throughout Australia. There is no better man, more qualified to earn from than Mick Hudson.

In three sheep trials, Mick is currently one of the men to beat in Australia. Having won everything there is to win, leading to this, his training program which demonstrates Mick’s knowledge and years of experience dating back through generations of the Hudson family.

Scan to Start learning

This course is a culmination of years of hard work and knowledge packaged together and made available to you so that you can learn at your own pace, from the master himself.

They say if you want to be the best, you need to learn from the best. That’s why Mick’s training program is accessible to people world wide and from every walk of life.

Module one

Module Two

Module Three

Module Four

Selecting a Pup Bond Reward Repetition Discipline Controlling Emotions

Training Aids & Finishing Command Puppy Obedience Training & Tips Reading Livestock Starting a Pup Creating Desire

Stop, Wait, Recall Timing Balance Distance

Sides Walk up/Force Cast

WWW.MICKHUDSON.COM.AU

SUCCESS COMES WITH KNOWLEDGE & TRAINING

THE ‘ROUND’ YARD CHECKLIST part ii Balance

Jamie Sturrock is a career stockman, with experience in cattle, sheep and goats. He has bred, trained and used working stock dogs for his entire career. Jamie manages a commercial cattle breeding and backgrounding operation, and uses his dogs daily. On weekends he conducts working dog training schools, and has an online training program called – workingdogtraining.online. Jamie enjoys competing in cattle and sheep dog trials, with the same dogs he takes to work every day. He has won many stock dog competitions, including Australian, QLD and NSW Cattle Dog Championships, and is a two-time winner of the Australian Working Cattle Dog of the Year.

In the last issue, we began to break down what I call the ‘Round’ Yard Checklist. For those of you who may have forgotten, here is the ‘checklist’ again.

1.

Instinct

2.

Addiction

3.

Balance

4.

Even on both sides

5.

Hold them on the fence

6.

‘Dig’ them off the fence

7.

Stop (lie down)

1.

Their name (come here)

8.

Walk up

2.

Leading on both sides

9.

Call off (that’ll do)

3.

How to tie up

4.

Stop (lie down)

We went into detail on the first two stages, which are instinct and addiction. I believe these are the two most important traits in a working dog, you simply can’t achieve anything without both.

It doesn’t matter how skilled you are as a trainer or stockman, if your working dog lacks instinct and/or addiction, they will let you down at some point.

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I like to show my pups to livestock a minimum of twice, before starting their obedience training. I discussed in PART 1 why I think it is so important to get a pup signed onto livestock before we interfere with them too much. The main reason I like to show a pup to livestock at least a couple of times before starting their obedience, is to ‘double check’ that they are addicted! Some pups you can tell immediately that they are committed for life, some pups need a couple of sessions. It is amazing to watch young pups going to work on sheep for only the second and third times, knowing full well they have found their calling in life!

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Once I am confident that a pup is addicted, I don’t go back to stock until after I have taught them what I call their ‘Obedience Fundamentals.’

This is separate to the ‘Round’ Yard Checklist, and maybe a topic for another article, another day. But it usually only takes a couple of weeks to achieve a decent handle on a pup’s obedience.

It is also crucial to work on developing a bond with your pup in this time, and into the future. That too is a topic for more detail another time.

As far as going back to stock in the round yard, by now you might have a pup that is somewhere around 5-6 months old.

They are well socialised, you like each other (meaning you have a bond,) they are addicted to sheep, they know their name, and they can lead, tie up, and stop (lie down.) Your pup is ready to progress.

When you do go back to livestock with your pup, you will need a couple of tools – a long lead rope, and an arm extension. I use a long, light cord about 5 metres long. The cord should be light enough that even a little pup can drag it around without being a big deal, but strong enough that it will last you a long time.

Personally, I use 4mm Tracer Rope from Bunnings. It is perfect for the job. You can by a 10-metre pack, cut in half and make two long leads with a simple swivel snap hook on the end. The purpose of this long lead is to keep things under control at the beginning and the end of the session. This is the same lead that we have used to teach the dog their name, to come when called, to lead on both sides, and to stop (lie down.)

or block a pup with the rake if necessary. It is light weight and has some ‘give’. It is difficult to hurt a pup with a rake if you have bad timing or are inclined to lose your cool at any point.

I don’t have any problem with other types of arm extensions.

The important thing is that they are just that – an extension of our arm. I have had success with this method and helped hundreds of others with similar results. If my explanation isn’t enough to convince you, I work on the theory that if it is good enough for Greg Prince, it is good enough for me!

Moving on. I like to leave the rake on the ground in the middle of the yard when I begin. I start every session from now on, doing at least a couple of laps each way around the sheep with my pup on the loose lead. By that I mean, I like to see that no matter how keen and addicted my pup is, I want to be sure I have the pup’s attention and respect, and that their brain is engaged at least a little bit. Once I am satisfied that I am ‘in the picture,’ I will pick up my arm extension ready to begin.

As for the arm extension, I like to use a regular sized, plastic garden rake. The humble arm extension is a topic of debate in the world of social media, in particular, the rake. Some swear by it, some think training a dog with a rake is a ridiculous concept and think it should be left in the garden! What I can say is that I have tried multiple different arm extensions over many years, and many different dogs. This includes no arm extension. I have come back to, and settled on the rake for my early, round yard training, as I think it is superior.

I will take the pup towards the sheep with the lead rope in one hand and my arm extension in the other. If the pup is keen (I should hope so by this stage,) it will be trying to get at the sheep.

If you can get your pup in a position that it is likely to run around the sheep (instead of into them or through them,) drop the lead rope and let them go. Use your arm extension as required to keep the pup on the outside of the sheep as best you can. We will work towards a more ‘formal’ start once our pup has a solid ‘stop’ in the presence of livestock, but this method is fine for now.

The beauty of the rake is that it is large and visual. It is easy for a young pup to see in front of them. You can also physically push

Depending on the genetics and temperament of your pup, this first few seconds can be a bit hectic for a beginner, but basically the goal is – the sheep in the middle, you on one side, and the dog on the other. This is a concept widely referred to as ‘balance.’

3. Balance We discussed in the last article that it is widely accepted in the working stock dog world, that our herding breeds have evolved from wolves and/or wild dogs. They are predatory animals that hunt their prey in a pack. The way I understand it, and I have no sophisticated proof to back this up, is that I (the handler) am the pack leader, so I am the one to make the ‘kill.’ My dog or dogs are my pack, and we work together to hunt and kill our prey.

The prey in our training example, is quite obviously, the sheep!

Most well-bred Border Collies and Kelpies have been bred with these instincts as a priority. The key selection criteria over many years, focused on animals that have a natural inclination to get themselves to the other side of the ‘prey,’ and ‘herd’ them back to the pack leader. This instinctive ability is the foundation for the concept of balance.

To bring things back into perspective as far as working livestock is concerned, the ideal working dog needs to be able get themselves to the other side of scattered livestock, gather them together, keep them together, and ideally, bring them back to the handler (pack leader.)

For a practical example, picture yourself riding into a paddock, and casting your dog out some distance around some livestock.

The dog puts those stock together and brings them back to you.

You ride away in the lead, and that dog brings those stock to you at a nice, steady pace. If you change direction, the dog changes direction, all the while holding or bringing the stock to you wherever you go. Ideally, all this is happening with minimal to no command from you. This behaviour is instinctive to most well-bred herding dogs and can be achieved based on the concept of balance.

Working back from this end goal, the first thing we need to enhance or ‘teach’ our pups, is to get them on the opposite side of the livestock to us, and at a minimum, try and keep the stock together without killing or injuring anything. This should hopefully come somewhat naturally to most well-bred Border Collies or Kelpies. Imagine your training yard is a small paddock, your handful of sheep is a small mob or flock, and you are riding in the lead with your dog on the tail. This is just a simulation of a small, future stock job.

In a perfect world, your pup will glide around to the other side of the stock, take a position on the opposite ‘balance point,’ showing just the right amount of eye and footwork! You move one way, the dog moves the other, you walk away, the dog brings the sheep to you, but not over the top of you. For most of you, myself included, it won’t go this well! You may likely find when your young pup begins, they are somewhat aggressive towards the livestock, and want to be in the middle of them.

pressure if necessary. These are all techniques that may or may not be necessary. If your pup gets on the other side of the stock, and holds them together naturally, good for you. If it doesn’t, which may be likely, this list of options is for the bolder pups that require a little more convincing to be kind to the livestock.

As always, it is about making the right thing easy, and the wrong thing difficult. Do it as easy as possible, but as firm as necessary.

Once you have your pup on the other side of the livestock, the next step is to see if you can get it travelling around the livestock in both directions. You will use your body positioning, and your trusty arm extension to achieve this.

This is where your arm extension comes in. You can use it to encourage your pup to stay on the outside of the livestock.

Generally, the physical presence of the rake is enough to do so, remembering that instinct and addiction are our number one and two priorities at this stage, and we don’t want to hurt or scare our pup.

It is very important to point out at this stage, that these sessions need to be short. Around 5-10 minutes is plenty. Remember, our most important priorities are instinct and feeding that addiction!

If you notice your pup running out of energy or enthusiasm at any stage, find a positive note to finish the session. Hopefully by now, you can call your pup to you by getting yourself in a good position, softening your body language, and calling your pup off the stock. If not, remember your dog should be dragging the 5-metre long lead. If you need to, you can step on the long lead to help catch your pup and finish on a positive note, avoiding a game of ‘you can’t catch me!’

If your pup is super keen, and ignoring you, you can up the level of pressure with the rake in several different ways. You can physically push or block the pup with your rake. You can raise the rake in the air to create some pressure towards undesirable behaviour. You can also slap the rake on the ground as a form of

A crucial component of balance is the dog being able to comfortably travel around the stock, both directions with no ‘one sidedness.’ You would be amazed how many dogs favour one side over the other. We will expand on this next issue, in PART 3 of the ‘Round’ Yard Checklist.

Want to learn more from jamie or head onto part 3 early? learn best from videos?

Check out workingdogtraining.online

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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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How to recall train your dog using a whistle

Article by Ben McFarlane, ACME Whistles

Owning a dog comes with a high level of responsibility whether you have a miniature breed or a giant. From an early age, every dog needs to undergo a socialisation process to get them used to the sights, sounds and smells of everyday life and to help them learn how to become good citizens. There are some commands that are seen as vital for every dog to know, such as sit, stay, and down. One of the most important but often overlooked skills that a dog needs to learn is recall.

Even if you never intend to allow your dog free reign off-lead, there is always a chance that your dog may one day slip their lead or otherwise get away from you, and you will need to know that you can reliably get them back if this happens. This is where strong recall conditioning is vital. One of the best ways to instil good recall in your dog is to use a dog training whistle as a tool for communication.

It is entirely possible that you can train recall using your voice, but there are proven benefits to using a whistle for dog training instead. Firstly, dog whistles are perfectly pitched to get your dog’s attention, even in less than perfect conditions.

They cut through the background noise to give you a clear line of communication with your pooch making them perfect for working outdoors over long distances.

Secondly, a dog that is learning recall isn’t always going to get things right and frustration can creep into your vocal commands which can stress your dog. Using a whistle instead means that every command will sound exactly the same, whatever you are feeling at the time. As such, using a whistle is a good way to make sure training is more fun and more effective for both of you.

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Training the recall command with a dog whistle You can start training recall with very young puppies and adult dogs of any age, just keep your sessions short at first to prevent boredom. First things first, you will need to find something that really motivates your dog, such as a favourite toy or treat. Start by calling their name to get their attention. Show them you have their treat or toy and reward them with it if they come to you.

Once they start coming to get their treat reliably, you can start pairing their name with a specific whistle sound.

Use the same sound every time, and start by calling your pet’s name then making the whistle sound. Reward them every time they come to you after you have made your vocal command and sounded the whistle. To keep things simple, use the dog training whistle to teach recall somewhere that is free from distractions at first, such as inside the house. As the dog’s skills grow, move your whistle command training to progressively more distracting locations such as your garden.

With time you should be able to completely replace your vocal command with the call of the dog training whistle, and you’ll be able to progress from whistle recall training in the calm of your back garden to having your dog successfully recall at exciting and distracting locations like the local dog park. To avoid confusing your dog, we would suggest that you choose one of our dog whistle models and try to stick with it. This way your whistle calls will always sound the same and your dog will know that when they hear that specific sound, they need to return to you. Browse our range of beautifully crafted whistles for dogs online and start your recall training today.

Jess King

Article by Lauren Bird | Photos by Jess King and Megan Williams Photography First published in the International Sheepdog Magazine July/August 2023 Vol 21 No 4 Jess King lives with her partner Ashley Cradock in Wiltshire. their true purpose. I for one was rather skeptical when I first met She started helping her neighbor Rosemary Ward, at the age Tully, a hansom example of the breed. On occasion Jess and I of 12 with her goats and Hampshire Down sheep. She credits worked together, and I remember on one particular day my own Rosemary with “all my passion and want to work with animals.” collies had easily gathered the ewe lambs for their vaccinations Alongside being home-schooled she worked part-time for but we had met with a stalemate at the entrance to the pens. I had Rosemary and acquired her first dog when she was 15, Laddie a made an error of judgement on not bringing my younger dog to rather bad tempered but talented Border Collie x Scotch Collie. assist with the task and my two older girls where a little stuck and rather tired. Tully (and Jess) arrived just in the nick of time Together they learnt what was required of them. and with his fresh legs, deep bark and no nonsense attitude we With no formal education or qualifications Jess decided to do had them in through the pens and vaccinated in a flash. A great her National Diploma in Agriculture and turned her own flock all round worker he helps Jess in the pens, driving sheep and of 6 sheep into 150 by the time she had finished the course. also catching sheep when required where he lies on them until Progressing on to do a Degree in Agriculture and Farm Business Jess arrives to treat them.

Management she also worked as a contract shepherd and relief milker before taking on some full-time roles managing large Tully displays some at times near human intelligence. During the ‘Beast from the East’ some Ewe Lambs Jess was shepherding hid outdoor lambing flocks and finishing lambs on Forage. from the snow in some woodland on a steep bank. They became Whilst at University but with her work load increasing, Tully fastened in brambles on the steep and slippy bank making it very a 5 month old Scotch Collie pup bred by Angela Harvey from difficult for Jess to get to them safely to free them. Tully used Yorkshire arrived, his father imported from Switzerland. A little his sturdier four legs to clamber the bank and pulled each sheep bit of a gamble with no working relatives, but descendants of from the brambles and snow and watching each one slide down working lines. The gamble paid off and from 6 months old he the bank before moving to the next. Aged ten he still does the worked anything. odd days work and is still pulling sheep from brambles and even out of ditches.

The old traditional Rough Coated Scottish Collie is now rarely seen as a true working dog with very few being used today for Sam joined the team, a big Black and White dog by Emma

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Grays Roy out of a Scrimgeour bred bitch. From the Longton camp, he had failed as a brace dog but made an excellent work dog, “he gave me his heart and soul.” A change in circumstances and job role meant Jess briefly worked with mainly cattle and Sam was not interested, he was sold to a sheep farm, which Jess came to regret later upon her return to working with sheep full time. Sam certainly influenced what Jess looks for in a dog today.

Westgrove Brock 00/367903 (or Broccoli as he is affectionately known), a hansom blue merle dog

by Lignum Brin (ROM 00/367903) out of Meg (00/344304), boasting Kevin Evans Jimmy, Serge van der Zweep’s Gary and Jim Cropper’s Sid in his pedigree. He joined the kennel as a puppy and by 9 months old was helping with his first lambing, and mainly learnt on the job. At a year old he went to Beth Watts for some polishing and “at 18 months old he was my right hand dog”. Seeing his potential Jess sought some further training and advice from Ricky Hutchinson, before entering him in his first ever trial in 2021, the Pink Ribbon Charity Trial (for Beginner, Young and Novice Handlers), held in Cumbria.

Broccoli went straight from a busy working week to the trial, which combined with Jess’ extreme nerves led to “a very quick disqualification.”

Perhaps a bit downhearted, but not one to be put off, the pair had a second attempt and attended a beginner’s trial held by the ‘Comebye and Away Sheepdog Trialing Club’. This time things went more to plan and Jess was bit by the bug. Together the competed in last year’s nursery season (2022/3) successfully and were runner up for the Nursery Driving Points Shield and second highest point score for the season for the Come Bye & Away club. As a work dog Broccoli has matured into a stylish dog with cool and calm strength; not afraid to walk onto a sheep nose to nose, nor deliver a swift nose bite if required.

Feeling that it would be more worthwhile to attend trials with more than one dog, Jess purchased Elin (Ella) from Mišena Dubeňová at Oak Sheepdogs in 2021. They entered some nursery trials that winter and over the season got some 1st placings, Jess credits Elin with “teaching her to trial”.

On the hunt for another dog for work and trials Jess went to see Frank Richards and he showed her a little bitch called Lloyd Loraine (00/356982) or Zu in her work clothes. By Tony Rofe’s Tom (00/328273) out of Frank Richards own Lola (00/344413) and now the current English National Champion (2022). She boasts some impressive ancestors including Kevin Evans Spot (272008), Kemi Ross (00/330505), Ross Games Roy (00/309624), Serge van der Sweep’s Gary (00/308277), Bobby Dalziel’s Joe (272330) and Angie Driscoll’s Meg (282283) in the first 3 generations alone. “He literally showed me her doing everything” but despite being very impressed and coming home, she took a little while to change hands successfully.

She even attempted to run away back to Cornwall twice and took two months before she would set off around sheep.

“Zu has got me out of so many sticky situations and is the type of dog you can take anywhere and say, “Go Look” and she’ll bring them all back to you”. Although she has been a fantastic work dog for Jess, they didn’t work well together on the trial field until now. Only yesterday, as I write this article, they have successfully managed to complete their first trial together. One of

Zu’s sons to Preseli Jock (346215) looks very promising and will hopefully compete in this year’s nurseries.

Jess had her first dog sale success with homebred Fynbos Juno in Skiptons March online sale for £4,100 to the Republic of Ireland where she’ll be working on a mountain farm near Galway on Irish Blackface sheep. Juno was by Emma Grays Telf Joff (345555) out of Zu. Jess currently has 3 exciting youngsters in her kennels. Bacon, a stud pup from her own Broccoli out of Dan Pownall’s Pip, already showing a calm head at just 7 months he will be started over the summer.

Although Jess did not keep Elin, she jumped at the chance of Meg, her daughter by Derwen Doug bred by Mišena Dubeňová at Oak Sheepdogs. She is a very stylish bitch and will hopefully nursery this winter.

Another one to watch will be Risemoor Buck bred by Rosie Hetherington, he is by Telf Joff out of Rosie’s extremely capable work bitch Risemoor Immy (Preseli Jock x Saphy). Immy is a strong bitch on both cattle and sheep, and I will be watching this litters progress with great interest.

With Tully ageing fast, Nugget again bred by Angela Harvey is another working line Scotch Collie cross Welsh Collie. At just 5 months old she is showing a keen interest already on sheep, displaying her natural instincts as a “driving dog”.

Alongside her partner Ashley, Jess will be Emigrating to Western Australia in 2024 to work on a station. At approximately 11,000 acres, running approximately 1/3 crop and 2/3 sheep it will be an exciting opportunity for them both. Ash enjoys tractors and cropping and previously worked on the same station for 5 years, and the ever-expanding sheep flock will provide endless opportunities for Jess and the dogs that she takes with her from her current kennels. Their progress can be followed on Jess’ social media accounts @jessheepdog.

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Good enough to breed, good enough to feed Article by Peter Brown, Serrano Border Collies

There is not a single correct method for breeding and rearing pups, but there are plenty of poor decisions that can be made that will affect the end result. It stands to reason that proper rearing and nutrition are the keys to giving those young dogs every opportunity to reach their genetic potential, both mentally and physically.

This is my method of breeding and rearing pups up to 12 weeks of age.

Mating and Gestation Once the decision has been made for a particular joining, make sure both the bitch and sire are healthy and free of any disease or infection. There have been some horror stories about sires rendered infertile or having a lowered fertility after picking up a problem from an unclean bitch. Consequently, an infection or transmittable reproductive disease can have a major effect on the success of a joining. Consult a Veterinarian for guidance and testing of dogs prior to mating.

Artificial insemination with either stored or freshly collected semen from a clean sire goes a long way toward avoiding disease transmitted at joining. If AI is the chosen method of fertilization, then a progesterone testing program carried out by

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a Veterinarian should be undertaken. This allows semen to be delivered at the peak time for fertilization.

If the bitch is working particularly hard as she is approaches cycling and joining, cut back on the workload and have her on a rising plane of nutrition. Make sure that vaccinations and worming are up to date. Prior to and after joining to the selected sire, keep the bitch securely housed and away from other male dogs until her heat cycle has been completed.

Cease all stock work 3-4 weeks prior to the whelping date as this is the start of the third trimester, a time puppy growth and development is at its peak. Worm the bitch with a good broad spectrum wormer 1-2 weeks prior to whelping as this will reduce the opportunity for round worms to pass to the pups through the milk. Allow the bitch to become familiar with the whelping box or secure compartment in which you want her to whelp. Provide a suitable bedding material as bitches like to nest in preparation for the birth of the pups. Good quality soft straw or newspaper torn into strips make good nesting material. Avoid bedding that can be inhaled by puppies or can impede their movement by entanglement. Try to have a safe environment for the pups, one where they can’t suffocate or be rolled on by the bitch. A rail on the inside of the whelping box prevents a lot of these incidents and gives the pups a safe place to sleep.

Whelping Try to be present, or at least regularly checking the whelping bitch. Early decisions are the best response particularly if the bitch is struggling to whelp and a Veterinarian needs to be consulted. Once the bitch has cleaned and fed the pups, I like to handle them. Pups are born blind and deaf so rely on smell and touch. This is an opportunity to start the bonding process.

Reassure the bitch while handling the pups as some bitches, particularly maiden bitches can become distressed and anxious.

Bitches need to be well fed when pregnant, particularly in the last trimester and while suckling pups. Protein is the building block for growth and development and should be balanced with good quantities of energy, vitamins and trace elements including minerals. Feed her twice a day as this will maximize milk production and optimum growth in the pups.

Rearing the litter Hygiene is important as it is the first defense against disease and infection.

If there are pups that have rear dew claws, remove them within the first few days after birth. At this time, they are not connected by bone or cartilage and it is a simple procedure. Remove and replace soiled nesting material and clean food bowls regularly.

Weigh pups every 2 weeks and worm with a puppy worming suspension according to the direction on the label. Weighing helps identify any pup that is not growing at a similar rate to its siblings.

Offer food to the pups at about 3.5 weeks of age. It should be of a soft, warm and slightly runny consistency. Weetbix and warm milk seems to be a good mix and is fed twice a day. Once the pups are eating well start to introduce a pinch of seaweed meal (high in minerals) and some mashed sardines or good quality fine beef mince. The volume of added protein (sardines or beef mince) in the mix is dependent on the pup’s weights and food consumption. As the bitch’s milk supply begins to decrease offer the pups three meals per day as weaning is not far away.

From about 5 weeks of age start to introduce some soaked good quality puppy kibble to the mix and after several days slowly decrease the volume of weetbix until it is out of the mix. Puppy kibble, milk, seaweed meal and good quality protein will be their food up until 12 weeks. Bones that they can’t swallow or pieces of raw meat they must chew are a good substitute for one of their meals now and then.

First vaccination is administered at 6 weeks and I always use C6 which is a more comprehensive vaccine. It covers all the standard diseases plus some that are transmittable to humans. C6 controls Canine Distemper, Parvovirus, Hepatitis, Adenovirus Type 2 (respiratory disease) Parainfluenza Virus and Bacteria, and two forms of Leptospirosis (Canicola and Haemorrhagiae) .

Weaning takes place at 6 weeks of age as it is about this time that the bitch has stopped cleaning up after the pups and is losing interest in feeding them.

Weaning should be a much simpler process now as the pups have been educated to feeding and feeding times and are now well handled, confident, socialized little dogs. Leave the pups in the familiar surrounds of the bitch box and the kennel to which they have become accustomed. Interact with the pups regularly to allow the have complete confidence in a human.

Encourage them to explore areas away from the kennels and experience the outside world under your guidance. Continue to weigh and worm the pups with a suspension wormer until they are 12 weeks old or are 10kg. At 10kg they can move onto a good quality worming pill suitable for a dog of their weight. The second vaccination is given at twelve weeks of age which gives immunity to diseases covered by the vaccine for 12 months. The pups are now ready for their new homes, fully vaccinated, well socialized with people and other dogs, have some experience with the world at large, and are responding to simple commands.

It is reasonably difficult to avoid a hook worm issue in our warm wet climate during autumn and early winter as conditions are perfect for their proliferation. Normally bitches are bred to avoid this time of year as summer litters don’t seem to be challenged as much by Hook Worm but moderating their body temperature becomes an issue.

DEHYDRATION AND ELECTROLYTES for Working Dogs

Article Provided by Sharne Haskins - Animal Nutritionist for

A technical note from the Team at Ranvet We all know how good a glass of water is after hard work, and the same goes for our canine companions! However, unlike humans who can sweat, dogs thermoregulate through panting. This action involves moisture loss through the tongue and mouth, at a volume that increases with the length and difficulty of their exercise or working activities.

Especially in working dogs, the risk of developing dehydration is increased, due to the nature of their exercise. In the below article we highlight diagnostics of dehydration and how electrolyte supplementation can be an effective tool in preventing its development.

Dehydration in Dogs

Signs of Dehydration

Dehydration occurs when body fluid loss is greater than fluid intake. It consequently shifts the balance of Sodium (causing Hypernatremia), Potassium (causing Hypokalemia) and Chloride. Body fluid loss is natural and occurs daily. Dehydration however can most commonly occur as a result of 3 activities:

Preliminary signs of dehydration may be behavioural, such as a decrease in general alertness and lethargic actions. Both urination frequency and colour can be used as a hydration observation. In a healthy, hydrated dog, urine should be a clear, light to medium yellow colour, and frequency should be regular throughout the day. In a dehydrated dog, this colour darkens, shifting toward brown shades, and frequency is significantly reduced.

•

Panting

•

Diarrhea

•

Vomiting

An excessive degree of a single or combination of these activities can onset dehydration, with physical diagnostic signs visible from the stage of 5% body water loss.

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As a dog owner, you can check for dehydration using two quick and practicable methods.

1. GUM TEST A gum test uses the capillary refill time as a tool for measuring hydration. It is performed by gently placing pressure with your thumb or forefinger, onto the dog’s gum.

The area with pressure will turn pale. Upon release, the colour should return to a bright pink within 2 seconds, indicating a well-hydrated animal. When making observations in the mouth, you can also observe the texture of the gums and tongue. A dry or sticky feel can indicate a lack of moisture, and consequently a potential of developing dehydration. It is important however to note that performing this observation immediately after strenuous work may provide a misleading result, as a natural moisture decline occurs as a result of exertion.

2. SKIN TEST For young to middle-aged dogs, the skin has a strong, natural elasticity. This can be used to observe hydration via a pinch test. Using your thumb and forefinger, gently pinch and lift a section of skin, at the back of the neck or along the back, creating a tent. Upon release, the skin should return flat immediately for a wellhydrated dog. If the skin remains pinched or takes several seconds to return flat, the dogs’ moisture levels are low, and a degree of dehydration may be present. Completing a test when you know your dog is well hydrated, can provide you with a baseline measurement.

Consequences of Dehydration

In less severe cases, a loss of appetite and muscle fatigue can occur. Depending on the degree of severity, consequences can be short term or long term in nature, exemplifying the importance of responding quickly to the early signs.

Electrolytes and Dehydration Prevention The first and foremost way to reduce the chances of developing dehydration is by providing cool, clean water, ad libitum. Allowing dogs to drink frequently will help re-moisten their nose and mouth, particularly after panting.

Providing an oral electrolyte has also been shown to reduce the risk of dehydration cases by encouraging increased fluid intake and replenishing lost nutrients. Research has shown that fluid consumption in working police and military search dogs, was significantly influenced by the hydration strategy. The provision of electrolytes showed to more than double water consumption when compared to dogs provided only with plain water. A premium grade electrolyte will also provide replenishment of key vitamins and minerals, including Sodium, Potassium, Chloride and B Group Vitamins, which are lost via excretion of body fluids. Each of these nutrients play vital roles in cell, nerve and body function, making their supplementation beneficial to the overall health of the dog, reducing muscle fatigue and encouraging peak performance.

Failure to recognise and treat dehydration, particularly in severe cases, can induce further health issues including seizures and loss of consciousness. A decrease in blood pressure, reducing the ability of blood to carry oxygen, has been reported to occur in severe dehydration cases, and can further worsen into life-threatening shock.

Ranvet’s Salka-Lite is a premium grade

electrolyte and B Group Vitamin replacer which

can help maintain nerve and muscle function, and an optimum body fluid balance. Supplementation provides essential body salts, Potassium,

Magnesium, Sodium and Chloride, along with potent antioxidants to aid performance and

recovery. Salka-Lite can be provided as a feed or water additive daily, after intense work, or when travelling.

Avaliable in both 1kg & 4kg Find your local stockist at www.ranvet.com.au/stockist

The Training Pen with Ken Sykes The Dog - Not a Wolf in Sheeps Clothing 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.

With a shared non-verbal language, a considerable amount of shared instinctive behaviour, and very similar DNA it is easy to accept the common belief that the dog was domesticated from the wild wolf ten to fourteen thousand years ago at the time modern man was moving toward more intensive agriculture and the domestication of sheep, cattle, goats and horses. What I refer to as the “Hollywood” model accepted by many novelists involves a hunter gatherer bringing a wolf cub back to the camp where it is subsequently tamed and used in the hunt. According to this version the wolf subsequently becomes domesticated and over many generations evolves into the dogs of today.

An alternate view, strongly championed by researcher and author Toby Paxton, is that the dog was never in fact domesticated but in fact became habituated to humans many thousands of years earlier and in effect co-evolved with modern humans. To attempt to resolve this issue I have looked at the domestication process and the findings of archaeologists and scientists over recent years.

I have come across one rather disastrous attempt to domesticate the wolf in China and extensive literature on wolves and wolf dog crossbreds in North America. Apparently the keeping of a wolf or a wolf dog crossbred is considered a status symbol

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in some sections of US culture. DNA testing of many of the supposed wolf dog crossbreds has shown many are in fact crossbred of Husky, Malamute, and/ or German Shepherd. There are quite a few genuine wolves and wolf dog crossbred kept as pets or guard dogs with increasing concern regarding the danger this represents to humans and livestock.

Wolf cubs raised with people from a young age can often be tamed and in some instances trained. The term trained has no clear definition and means different things to different people.

The response to training is reported as inconsistent with the wolf at times responding well and at other times ignoring the handler.

One recent study in the USA reported that around 98% of wolves and wolf dog crossbreds kept as pets are euthanised, usually due to temperament problems. Even after several generations of mating together of tamed wolves the progeny still reacts similarly to first generation wolves and could not be considered as domesticated. US researchers consider that the likelihood of current varieties of wolf being domesticated is slight.

The domestication of the fox in Russia is a very interesting study into the domestication process. The project is variably described as an attempt to improve the breeding of foxes for furs or alternatively show the process that would have been used to domesticate the wolf. In my opinion this research project clearly shows that the idea of a hunter gatherer bringing wolf cubs back to the camp and breeding them to eventually produce the modern dog is extremely unlikely.

The Russian experiment was conducted by highly qualified geneticists under very controlled conditions. In the late 1950s the most docile foxes were selected from fur farms throughout Russia. These foxes were then bred together, and the cubs evaluated for signs of fear or aggression.

The most docile were then bred together. After 6 generations physical differences were starting to emerge, such as changes in coat colour, and changes in head and ear conformation. The cull rate was still extremely high with only 18% being classed as domesticated after 10 generations.

After 20 generations the success rate moved to 35%. Currently 70% to 80% show similar behaviour to domestic dogs. Up to 30% still do not make the grade.

If the wolf cannot be domesticated, how and when did the modern dog develop? The oldest known dog skull was discovered in Belgium in the 1860s and has been dated at 31,700 years ago. This is clearly a dog, not a wolf skull, showing the dog was clearly developed at this time. Analysis of mitochondrial DNA shows that wolves, jackals, and coyotes began to diverge around 1 million years ago. The divergence of dogs from wolves occurred much later at around 135,000 years ago. The relationship of current era dogs and wolves could better be described as cousins rather than siblings. They share a common ancestor but have followed different evolutionary journeys.

e right pup How to select th partnership g on str a and form

Genetic divergence commonly occurs as the result of climate change or the opening of some ecological niche that can be exploited. The period of divergence from wolves coincides with modern humans becoming established in Eurasia. It is hypothesised that the surrounds of human camps and caves provided waste that could be exploited by the dog’s ancestors similarly to the pariah dogs found in many third world villages today. DNA analysis indicates that this may have occurred independently in both east and west Eurasia. People and dogs may have become gradually habituated to each other over an extended period, perhaps even hundreds or thousands of years, before clear cooperation was established between the two species.

ctices combinedd with Age old training pra bine learn. dogswith practic how ing ove train riesesoncom oldntifi c disc dog nt scie how receAge ia s ries tral ove disc c pos e inonAus ntifiing tag scielud ent Rec inc .00 $30 learn oriaat tral auth theAus e in from le tag pos ilab ing ava ieslud inc cop ned.00 Sig$25 .com kwsykes@bigpond

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

Think like a Canine

add.indd 1

Over the extended period of close association, while the dog has retained its nonverbal language and some instinctive wolf behaviour patterns, many aspects of the wolfs’ inherited behaviours have been eliminated while other behaviour patterns have been strongly established. Most notably the dogs’ ability to bond with another species, its ability to read human body language, and the dogs ability to respond to training.

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BREEDING KELPIES WITH NATURAL INSTINCT

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The Maremma -

a livestock guardian PART I

Origin of the breed The Maremma, also known as the Maremmano-Abruzzese Sheepdog, is an ancient breed of livestock guardian dog originating in the Maremma region of Italy. Its ancestors can be traced back to the pastoral and agricultural customs of central Italy thousands of years ago. These large bodied dogs were bred to protect livestock, especially sheep, from predators like wolves and bears.

The white sheepdogs of Northern Italy were mentioned by the Roman writer Varo in 100BC and it is thought that the Maremma is the result of a cross between two of these early types, the herder of the Abruzzes and the herder of the Maremma plains.

Descriptions of white flock guardian dogs were found in ancient Roman literature. Over time, breeders selected dogs with the best guardian instincts and temperament for breeding purposes.

In the late 20th century, there was a concerted effort to preserve and promote the breed. Organisations and breed clubs were established to ensure the Maremma’s continued existence and to maintain its traditional role as a livestock guardian. During the Second World War, the Maremma were almost eradicated by the German Army who, unable to compete with their ferocity as guard dogs, shot them on sight.

The first registration of the Maremma was of four dogs in 1898.

There were no further registrations until 1940 when there were

Article by Wayne Wayte 17 dogs registered. The first standard for the breed was drawn up in 1924 by Luigi Groppi and Giuseppe Solaro.

Originally, the Maremmano and the Abruzzese, were considered separate breeds. A breeder’s society for the Abruzzese was formed in 1950, and one for the Maremmano in 1953. In 1958 the breeds were unified by the national dog association of Italy.

The explanation was that a ‘natural fusion’ of the two types had occurred, as a result of seasonal movement of the dogs due to moving sheep flocks from one region to another. As sheep farming became an annual trek from the mountain grasslands of Abruzzo and Molise south to lower pastureland in Puglia, where sheep were wintered, the dogs played a central role in the centuries-old migration, an annual event to Abruzzese culture.

The traditional use of the Maremma is as a guardian for the protection of sheep flocks against wolves. Writings in the first century AD, recommends white dogs for this purpose, as the shepherd can easily distinguish them from the wolf, while others suggest that white dogs have a ‘lion-like aspect’ in the dark.

The dogs work in groups; three or four dogs are an adequate defence against wolves and stray dogs. Their function is mostly

one of dissuasion, actual physical combat with the predator being relatively rare. Nevertheless, working dogs may be fitted with a roccale, a spiked iron collar which protects the neck in combat.

Today, Maremma Sheepdogs are not only valued for their guardian abilities but also as loyal and protective family pets.

They are recognised by various kennel clubs and are kept as working dogs on farms and as companions in homes around the world. They can be calm and gentle in their demeanour with their own family but can be reserved with strangers. They require early socialisation and training to ensure they grow up to be well-adjusted dogs.

Physiology Maremmas are renowned for their large size, muscular build, distinctive long, thick white coat, large head, and black nose.

They are intelligent, independent, fiercely loyal to their flock and known for their courage and determination in the face of threats. According to the breed standard, males should weigh 35-45kg and stand 65-73cm at the shoulder, while females weigh 30-40kg and stand 60-68cm. Some dogs can be considerably larger than this.

Dogs used for flock protection are placed among the sheep as young puppies – between five and eight weeks old – so that they bond with them; human contact is kept to an absolute minimum. If there are already guardian dogs in the flock, the puppy imitates and learns from their behaviour. The traditional use of the Maremma is with sheep, but the dogs can form a similar bond with cattle, goats, chickens etc. and have been used to protect them.

Using Maremma to guard endangered species is rare, but Maremma along with other breeds of LGDs are valued by environmentalists because they make it possible for livestock to coexist with endangered predators such as wolves and coyotes, reducing their predation by 70-80% or more. National park authorities in Italy, the United States and Canada have promoted use of the Maremma Sheepdog, as well as other Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs) to minimise conflict between endangered predator species and farmers. A number have been used since 2006 in Australia on Middle Island, off Warrnambool in Victoria, to protect a small population of the Australian Little Penguin against invasive foxes.

The use of LGDs in Australia, particularly Maremmas, is continually increasing. Just like quality livestock shepherding/ working dogs, the right bloodlines and management is paramount to the effectiveness of a Maremma. In ensuing instalments in this magazine we will delve into the use of the Maremma in Australia, how to bond them to livestock and how to utilise them to their full benefit. We will also look at how they interact and operate with our working dogs.

Wayne & one of his Maremmmas.

Photo: Scott Amon

Can you spot him?

Photo: Scott Amon

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A Dog’s Life

Myamba Moss Article by AWSDM | Photos Provided by Adam James

Myamba Moss may have started out as a service fee pup, but he has grown into something much bigger. Moss was bred by Damien Clifford from Warrnambool, Victoria. He is out of Jones Gemma and by Adam’s dog, Tundabardi Buster. Gemma is an open yard and utility bitch, and Buster, needing no introduction for many, has won a National Kelpie Field Trial, multiple Victorian State Utility Championships, along with numerous other open trials.

Although Adam mainly held on to Moss due to him being the first pup by Buster, he still showed incredible ability. As a pup, Moss was extremely sharp and quick footed, he had natural outside work and was grippy on his stock. He backed well, but as he got older, and more work under his belt, he soon discovered it it wasn’t all fun and games and hence slowed up a bit. All in all, Moss’ alertness and quick reaction caught Adams attention, and urged him to take him further.

Moss first went to work at around 10-12 months old, with the help of the older dogs he soon found his way. At around 12-14months, Moss competed at his first trial in Nimmitabel where he finished the course but did not place. Since then, Moss has gone on to gain some incredible achievements. Adam’s most memorable achievements with Moss is winning the 2018 National Kelpie Trial, to which Buster was the reigning champion. Another one of Adam’s most memorable achievements with Moss is representing Victoria in Ted Gaby Interstate challenge that is held at the Australian Supreme Championship. This was memorable as it is neither of their specialties and as they are one of the very few kelpies to have ever represented Victoria at the event.

Some of Moss’ other great achievements would include having won the Australian Utility Championships in 2023 where they were also part of the winning Victorian team of the Interstate Challenge, 2022 Victorian Yard Dog of the Year, runner up 2020

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Australian Yard Dog Championships, 2017 and 2022 Victorian Utility Champion with Buster coming second in 2017, having won the event multiple times before. Moss has also been Runner Up in the National Kelpie field trial twice as well as the Victorian Yard Dog Championships.

In 2022, Adam ventured to Europe where he and Moss toured through schools across England, Scotland and Wales. Whilst over there, Adam and Moss competed in two ISDS trials, where they had no success but a ball of fun and an incredible achievement ticked off the bucket list and mentioned that “it was the most nervous he’d ever been”. Moss also served a few bitches whilst over there and people seem to be enjoying his pups on the ground.

Adam finds Moss’ strengths to be in his quick and short cover, how he gets close to the mob, and that his cover and hold is excellent. However, he finds he can be a bit weak in the mind, and when a sheep calls bluff, he can back away. He also finds he lacks some tools, like bark and natural strength. With all of this, Moss and Adam trial very similar on all kinds of sheep, yet they are still getting the results. Adam thinks his lack of strength is partly how he is but also partly due to him always working with strong, tough dogs throughout his life.

When it comes to the trial ring, Moss’ nature means he rarely loses points, which is the whole aim of the game. Moss likes to hold the sheep together and doesn’t have a dirty bite. When he attempts, he has a real attempt and doesn’t just play around.

Moss is very responsive to command meaning Adam can put him where he wants. Ultimately, when trialing Moss doesn’t waste energy nor points.

Moss is an incredible dog, with a bound of knowledge, he has done and can do almost every job possible in dogs life, from the likes of work, overseas entertainment and being an awesome mate.

Photo: Naomi White

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT auctions@trianglehorsesale.com 0408 380 322 TRIANGLEHORSESALE.COM

STOCKMAN PROFILE -

Georgie Currie-Norris Article and Photos by Angie White

Georgie Currey-Norris has always been around working dogs.

She is passionate about the land and loves the life living out bush creates. Currently living in the East Pilbara of Western Australia, she’s a long way from home, but her story is inspiring to all young women paving a way in the agricultural industry.

After attending primary school in Walgett, Georgie headed off to the big smoke to boarding school and a whole new kind of life than that on the farm.

“I grew up in the small rural community of Walgett, in North West NSW. I had a fantastic childhood on the family farm with my parents, brother and sister.”

“We loved going to school at Walgett with many cousins and we are still friends today with many of them working on local family farms. Boarding school was an amazing experience being exposed to a different kind of life in the city and seeing all the opportunities city life could bring was exciting.”

Growing up on her parent’s (Jimmy and Sue) mixed cropping, lamb and beef farm, Georgie was exposed to many areas in the agricultural world and loved it.

In spite of this though, Georgie’s heart lay with the land which saw her head to the Northern Territory to work on a Station straight out of High school.

“My siblings and I would do as much as we could to help on the farm. Whether it was helping feed sheep in the dry times with our parents, backlining sheep while we were shearing so mum and dad could keep mustering to helping dad move sheep on Christmas day to higher ground when we had torrential rains.

From an early age we all helped out which has contributed a lot to how I am now as an adult.”

“After school I spent a year working at Newcastle Waters Station and I absolutely loved this life. We worked hard, made life-long friends and learnt a whole lot about the person I wanted to be.”

“However, at that time I did not see many female role models and didn’t know if there were opportunities for me to work my way up or if I would always be seen as a girl that would be sent

home to cook dinner for the boys.”

With that in mind Georgie headed to CSU Bathurst to complete a business marketing degree, all the while working, whether it was roust-a-bouting or working as a shed hand, trackwork in the morning, working at the pub at night or droving in school holidays.

“After Uni I worked in grain trading but always had the urge to work with livestock again. I had horses and a kelpie that I carted around with me, but I needed more, so I took some time off and went to work for a mustering team near Mount Isa for 8 weeks which is exactly what I needed and has led me to where I am today.”

Despite starting off as the Camp’s cook, Georgie found it impossible to stay away from mustering and helping out in the yards. The Boss spotted her eagerness and asked if she wanted to join the team in Western Australia.

“I immediately said yes, rang my boss from the grain trading company and said, ‘I will be back for harvest’ and lucky for me, as this is where I met my now husband, Tom.” “Tom and I manage ‘Bonney Downs’, ‘Corunna’ and ‘Mt Edgar’ Stations which runs 8,500 breeders. We met at ‘Bonney Downs’ Station in 2017 when I came over to work with the mustering camp. We did some contracting work together for a few years and when we got engaged, we decided to pursue a management career together and the position came up at “Bonney Downs”, so it was a great fit.”

Georgie definitely felt equipped for this new life after watching her parents over the years and jumped into the work with enthusiasm.

“Seeing my mum out every day helping my dad, with 3 kids in tow, definitely showed me that I can be involved in every aspect of the farming business. Add to that my competitive streak with my older brother from a young age, seeing who could pick up the biggest lamb at lamb marking time encouraged my determined nature,” laughs Georgie.

“Dogs are so important to me,” says Georgie. “ I grew up surrounded by work dogs. Mum used to dog trial when we were young and always had a dog on the back of the ute or motorbike helping her. Dad had dogs too, but his training approach has always been a bit more casual,” says Georgie with a grin.

“I used to always take one of mum’s dogs if my brother Mark and I were in the yards on our own. My favourite was Steven, he was a big red kelpie cross something and I just thought he was the best. I loved how they listened and were always trying to do the right thing.”

Though previously Georgie’s life didn’t allow for the team of dogs she longed for her new life has and she is keen to get the dream team on the go.

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When my brother Mark, brought a dog home from the Territory – Reginald is his name – back in 2012 and took him to a Gary White working dog school, I saw the time and effort that could and does go into training a good working dog and I loved that.”

“I have always had horses and have broken in and trained them, so I love working with animals and I desperately wanted my own dogs. Mark gifted me Bogewong Wendy, a scrawny little black and tan pup out of his favourite bitch Fletchers Bobby by Whites Albert, and I took myself and Wendy 1200 kilometres one way to “Glenflorrie Station” to the Pilbara work dogs to spend some time with Aticia Grey and Johi Hall, who gave me a few tips and we went from there. Since then, I have bought an older dog Pilbara Impulse off Aticia and a pup Pilbara Poppy – and a pup off Gordon Curtis of Binnaburra Kelpie Stud WA and I am sure like all passionate work dog owners the team will continue to grow – just one more dog,” laughs Georgie.

“So today I nearly use my dogs every day - during mustering – we tail all the weaners and walk them out to bores, muster the holding paddocks and they also help with anything that’s a little stubborn that doesn’t want to go through a gate. They are great encouragers. I had better thank Mark for giving me my little Wendy as a wedding gift as I really couldn’t imagine my workday without them now.”

“I one hundred percent believe that women in agriculture are finally becoming more accepted. I think for me, over the past twelve years, I have been doing on and off station work and other agricultural roles, I have definitely seen a shift and more women in leadership roles than when I first went to work on a station.” “in 2011 across a massive company I knew one woman who was a head stockman, while now I can name 10 who are managing or running camps,” said Georgie.

According to Georgie, the stigma around women not being able to do what has predominantly been work for men is changing.

“Women aren’t just being seen as people who are in domestic roles - as I think women who are in a stock camp are much calmer workers (not saying all men aren’t but just generally speaking).”

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Georgie says women are a major asset in agriculture because of their versatility. “We run a mining camp here at the station we manage, which I help with, so I can be out mustering cattle one day and cooking breakfast for 50 guests the next. It really is just about being where you are needed. My passion lies with animals but to diversify businesses I think is really important especially to be able to get through dry times.”

“I think it is vital for young men to be educated about women’s roles in the agriculture sector – for many years jokes get thrown about of you know ‘get back in the kitchen’ etc; but I think that is starting to lose its comedic appeal and many young blokes now rely on female input. Women are great critical thinkers and multi taskers making us a great asset to any agricultural business,” said Georgie.

Georgie’s advice for young women wanting to get into the industry is to find your voice and take opportunities when you can to learn new things. “Don’t just let the men do things because you think they will do a better job.”

“As for the future we want to continue our work at Bonney – every year I want to keep improving our weaner program to create beautiful quiet, soft cattle using a combination of dogs, motorbikes and horses.”

“One day I hope we will buy a place of our own to run our own livestock operation, in the meantime we will keep on learning, training and living this beautiful life.”

Kelly’s Kennel

Colouring Competition - December 2023

Name

Area & State

Contact Number & Email

Age

Anyone under the age of 13 years old are welcome to colour in the picture and send it in before 20th January 2024 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

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Brownie Christmas Trees Ingredients • 200g dark chocolate, coarsely chopped • 200g butter, chopped • 1 cup (220g) brown sugar • 3 Eggs • 1 cup (150g) plain flour • 1/3 cup (35g) cocoa powder • 1/4 cup (60g) sour cream • 1/2 cup (95g) white choc bits • 125g butter, extra, softened • 2 cups (320g) icing sugar mixture • 1 tbsp milk • Green liquid food colouring • M&M’s Minis, to decorate • Sugar stars, to decorate • Sprinkles, to decorate • 100’s and 1000’s, to decorate • 12 candy canes

Step 1 Preheat oven to 180C. Grease and line the base and sides of a 22cm square cake pan with baking paper.

Step 2 Combine the dark chocolate and chopped butter in a saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring, for 5 mins or until the chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth. Set aside for 5 mins to cool slightly.

Step 3 Add the brown sugar to the chocolate mixture and stir to combine. Add the eggs and stir to combine. Add the flour, cocoa powder and sour cream and stir to combine. Gently fold in the white choc bits. Pour into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 35-40 mins or until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean. Set aside in the pan to cool completely.

Step 4 Meanwhile, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter in a bowl until very pale.

Gradually add the icing sugar, in batches, beating well after each addition until pale and creamy. Add the milk and beat to combine.

Step 5 Place the brownie on a clean work surface. Use a large serrated knife to trim outside edges of brownie. Cut in half. Cut each half into 6 triangles, about 10cm long and 6cm wide.

Step 6 Tint half the icing green using green food colouring. Place in a piping bag fitted with a 5mm fluted nozzle. Pipe over half the brownie triangles. Place remaining icing in a piping bag fitted with a 5mm plain nozzle. Pipe over the remaining brownie triangles. Decorate the brownie triangles with M&M’s, sugar stars, sprinkles and 100’s and 1000’s. Remove the round end of each candy cane. Attach the remaining candy cane to the base of each brownie triangle to make a Christmas tree.

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We have included a summary of the events that we received prior to the printing of this issue.

3 Sheep Trials

Yard Trials

New South Wales

New South Wales

11 - 17 MARCH

National Sheep Dog Trial Championship Hall, ACT

9 DECEMBER

19 - 23 MARCH

NSW State Championships Dr. Ross Memorial Recreation Ground, Molong, NSW Sydney Sheep Dog Trial Hawkesbury Showground Alison Burrell - 0423 049 848

24 FEBRUARY

23 - 26 MAY 6-9 JUNE

Finley Sheep Dog Trial Finley, NSW

Victoria 19 - 21 JANUARY

Deans Marsh Dog Trials Deans Marsh Jill Stewart - 0429 998 367

25 - 29 JANUARY

Cressy Sheep Dog Trial Cressy Recreation Reserve Steve Turner - 0409 388 160 COMMONWEALTH CHAMPIONSHIP & AUS. DOG OF THE YEAR Gardens Oval, Port Fairy Dorothy Paton - (03) 5568 5232 or 0400 015 123 SUPREME AUS. CHAMPIONSHIP Geelong Showgrounds Conor McConnell - 0406 781 989

3 - 11 FEBRUARY

7 - 15 SEPTEMBER

Queensland 2-5 FEBRUARY

Stanthorpe Sheep Dog Trials tanthorpe Showgrounds Gary & Debbie Hurtz - 0418 861 122

22 - 23 MARCH

Warwick Short Course Warwick, QLD C: Judy Allen -

18 - 20 APRIL

Toowoombar Show Sheep Dog Trial Toowoomba Showgrounds Gary & Julie Spry - 0402 436 477

9 - 12 MAY

Roma Sheep Dog Trial Roma, QLD Rohan Ballon - 0413 465 791

13 - 15 MAY

Morven Sheep Dog Trial Morven, QLD C: Joy Williams Inglewood Sheep Dog Trial Inglewood, QLD C: Denise Hawe

12 - 14 JULY 26 - 28 JULY

Warwick Jumpers and Jazz Warwick, QLD C: Judy Allen

29 AUGUST 1 SEPTEMEBER

Allora Sheep Dog Trial Allora, QLD Judy Allen

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3-4 MARCH 22 - 24 MARCH 27 - 28 APRIL 25 - 26 MAY

Walcha Utillity & Cattle Trial Walcha Showground Tony Overton - 0409 503 423 Rylstone Show Yard Trial Rylstone Showground Greg Reeves - 0428 588 258 Koorawatha Show Yard Trial Koorawatha Showground Julie Keegan - 0490 360 229 Eugowra Utility Trial Eugowra Showground Kevin Howell - 0427 592 311 Gwydir Valley Yard Trial Moree Showground Damien Meppem - 0439 190 923 Hawkesbury/Sydney Yard Trial Hawkesbury Showground Daniel Camilleri - 0488 999 736

Western Australia 9 DECEMBER

Grace Hill Arena Trial Ellen Brook Rd, Coowaramup

10 - 14 APRIL

AUS. YARD DOG CHAMPIONSHIPS Mobrup, 5km South of Kojonup

17 - 21 APRIL

NATIONAL KELPIE FIELD TRIAL (NKFT) Kellerberrin, WA

Victoria 9 - 10 DECEMBER

Kingston Show Yard Dog Trial Kingston Showgrounds Kate Jubb - 0403 083 361

28 - 29 SEPTEMBER 2024

Yundool Yard Dog Trial “Somerset”, Yundool, VIC Mark Wheeler - 0488 972 904

Queensland 8 MARCH

Pittsworth Show Yard Dog Trial Pittsworth Showgrounds Taryn Binstead - 0409 800 159

15 - 16 MARCH

Inglewood Show Society Yard Dog Trial Inglewood Showgrounds

23 MARCH

Jandowae Show Yard Dog Trial Jandowae Showgrounds Chloe Owen - 0407 245 150

6 APRIL

Dirranbandi Show Yard Dog Trial Dirranbandi Showgrounds

4 MAY

Goondiwindi Show Yard Dog Trial Goondiwindi Showgrounds

COMING EVENTS Please email your dates to laura@stockdogs.com.au to be included in our next issue.

Cattle Trials Queensland 23 - 24 MAY 13 - 14 APRIL

Killarney Cattle Trial Col Bloomfeild - 0412 754 807

20 APRIL 11 - 12 MAY

Mt Perry Show Cattle Trial CLiz Hughes - 0438 339 575 Rolleston Cattle Trial Wyatt Judd - 0409 365 466

18 - 19 MAY

Comet Show Cattle Trial Andrew Jansen - 0429 475 313

21 - 22 MAY

Alpha Show Cattle Trial Tim Stewart - 0448 354 356

7-9 JUNE

QLD State Championships Charters Towers Adam Sibson - 0438 594 457 AUSTRALIAN CATTLE DOG CHAMPIONSHIPS St George Scott Wilson - 0497 270 477

4-7 JULY

Utility Trials Queensland 18 APRIL

Myola at the Caves Jake Swift - 0439 964 003

New South Wales 26 JANUARY

Tenterfield Cattle Trial More info TBA

16 - 17 MARCH

Dorrigo Cattle Trial More info TBA

12 APRIL

Bonalbo Show Cattle Trial More info TBA

8 - 10 JUNE

Gunnedah Cattle Trial More info TBA

Toowoomba Royal Show Utility Trial Toowoomba Showgrounds Taryn Binstead - 0409 800 159

New South Wales 22 - 24 MARCH

Eugowra Utility Trial Eugowra Showground Kevin Howell - 0427 592 311

28 - 30 JUNE

Hawkesbury Utility Trial Hawkesbury, NSW Ben Lehmann - 0414 424 420

Auctions 2-5 MAY 2024

Ray White Livestock Working Dog Sale & Trial - CQLX Gracemere Saleyards C: working.dog@raywhite.com

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“River Run”

Article & Photos by Angie Snell

O

n September 22nd, 3 sheep trialers from all over Queensland converged at Chinchilla showgrounds, for the Chinchilla trial and first leg of the “River Run”, which included Surat and St George. The warm spring weather made for some good trialling as man and dog tried to take out the open, improver, novice and encourage sections. The Chinchilla sheep were tough, and the novice ring even tougher with obstacles causing many dogs to cross on the cast. It didn’t phase all though with many posting great scores.

Saturday night everyone sat down together to share dinner, yarns and to draw some raffles. It is a great part of trialling, giving it a wonderful social aspect, and a sense of community.

Sunday was finals day! Martin Campbell and Barker’s Clifford took out the encourage with a total score of 170. A score of 91 was needed to get into the novice finals, Rick Marshall led the way with Paton’s Sprout on a score of 95, but it was Charlie Knight that came out on top securing first place with Camara Spark. In the open ring, Gina Milburn and Rivercoe Murphy lead the way into the finals with an impressive score of 94, continuing her great work in the finals with a score of 90 to secure first place.

Barry Knight and Fiesta Henry were on top with a huge score of 96 going into the open final, but it was Barry Knight and Larners Mavis who took out first place with a first round score of 94 and second round score of 96 for a grand total of 190. A great score!

After presentations, everyone packed up and either headed home, or onto Surat, which was set to start after lunch on Monday.

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Most people arrived at Surat Sunday afternoon and set up camp ready to help set up Monday morning. The sheep were due to arrive at lunch time and there was plenty of work that need to be done. Everyone pitches in, in some way or another to make a trial come together. Courses need to be set up, sheep unloaded, hay delivered, golf cart picked up for our wonderful judges and that’s only the beginning. Monday afternoon the competition started. The sheep were a little challenging to begin with and at times difficult to shift. But as the trial progressed, they settled well. The novice ring produced some unique challenges with a magpie dive bombing selected dogs, mostly kelpies, adding an element of difficulty. Scores started rolling in and getting higher with the final results being Scott Stokes and his Kelpie Gauge winning the Encourage with a total score of 163. Kaleb Whalley led the way into the novice final with a score of 89 with KJs Photo: Tony Jackson

AROUND THE GROUNDS Floss, securing the win with a second round score of 91 and a total of 180. Rhonda O’Connell lead the way into the Improver final with her Kelpie, Camara Wangaratta and a score of 93, but it was Craig Freestone with Elwanvale Reba, Geoff Gibson with Swapoak Abby and Douglas Taylor with M.G.H Jackie with took out first place with a three way tie! All three decided to share first rather than have a run off. Their scores were 181.

In a new tradition started by bad weather in 2021, the St George leg was also held at Surat. Each town alternates every year as the host of both. As sheep are often difficult to source for trials, we reused the sheep from Surat. They were improving as they went through again and it resulted in big scores, needing a 96 or higher to get into the open final. While high scores were needed for finals, it also meant that encourage workers had a good chance to put scores on the board and improve on previous efforts, a great outcome for all.

Our sheep were little characters, regularly escaping to graze around the grounds as well as sneaking across the road to the wheat bunker to nibble on some grain. Resulting in a phone call requesting they be collected. It is impossible to run a trial without sheep so we need to acknowledge them!

The open final was a bitter sweet occasion as Australian Sheep Dog of the Year, Dalrae Eddie taking to the paddock for the last time, coming away in his last trial with a win, a wonderful dog finishing his career with one last blue ribbon.

Di Evans & Pip at the Pen. Photo: V. Cunningham

By Friday those who had finished their runs and missed out of finals started to pack up and head home, by Saturday the finals had been run and presentations completed.

In the encourage Scott Stokes and Gauge lead the way into the finals and for another win with a 93 and 93 for a total of 186.

In the novice, Bob Hamilton with FL Tyke and Clinton Hall with Trapline Pretty both went into the finals with scores of 95, Clinton Hall coming up with the win and a total of 190. Charlie Knight led the scores with a 96 going into the improver final, and came out on top for another win, with a score of 186. And in the open final Geoff Gibson and Craig Freestone both went into the finals with an impressive score of 98, but it was Roy Poticary and Delrae Eddie who took out the top prize with a 96 and 98 a fitting end to a wonderful career.

A lot of work goes into running a trial and it would be possible without volunteers, sponsors and sheep, a massive thank you to all involved.

Angie Snell & Victor first run at Chinchilla. Photo: V. Cunningham

Unloading Sheep at Surat Photo: R. Gibson

Rhonda O’Connell waiting for her run. Photo: Angie Snell

AROUND THE GROUNDS

KellCo Rural Agencies Inaugural Working Dog Auction Article and Photo Provided by KellCo Rural Agencies

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KellCo Rural Agencies held the company’s inaugural working dog sale in conjunction with their annual bull and working horse sale on the 9th of September 2023 at the Monto Livestock Selling Complex.

The sale drew a large crowd both at the selling complex and online via the auctions plus platform. The sale was run over two days with pre works on both sheep and cattle completed Friday evening, before the dogs went under the auctioneer’s hammer Saturday afternoon.

KellCo Rural Agencies principal Andrew Cavanagh said the sale has been hailed a success with a 100% clearance over the 14 dogs offered and a good solid average recorded. It was very pleasing to see the talent of the dogs offered from a great group of vendors and also the wide geographic spread of successful purchasers, the sale was heavily supported with local interest with 10 of the 14 dogs staying in the local area. The Auctions plus platform saw spirited bidding from as far south as Victoria, with Lot 2 Ability Husky on account of the Abell family, making the long journey south. Topping the sale was Lot 4, Styx Dotty at $6200 on account of local working dog trainer Luke Aisthorpe, Styx Dotty, a tri coloured 2-yearold female sired by Natel Jaffa showed plenty of ability and was secured by Kooroon Pastoral from St Geroge.

Kooroon Pastoral were the bulk buyer of the sale taking home 3 new additions.

The 2023 sale recorded a sale average of $2910 with a 100% clearance. The adult dogs offered averaged $3293 while the pups averaged $2400. The KellCo Rural Agencies are looking forward to a bigger and better sale for 2024.

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

AROUND THE GROUNDS Charlie is Charlie Cover, a well known and respected stockman, wool classer and sheepdog trialer from Yass. Charlie, his wife Bow and the committee, with help from the Hall natives, for many years had run the National Sheepdog Trial outside Canberra in the quaint little village of Hall. The history of the Nationals is another amazing story in itself, details of which can be found on the Nationals Sheep Dog trialing website and at the National Museum. There were always other aspects of the Nationals which made it unique and special. These include the scone morning tea, visits from the local school children, paintings of sheep and dogs involving lots of cotton wool balls done by the littlies and not to forget, the Hall locals/Sheep dog trialers dinner.

Charlie was also involved with the Bungendore club which held training days for those interested in getting dogs started on sheep and pursuing sheep dog trialing. It was there, Charlie struck up a relationship with Sarah Sydrych, Eileen Moriarty and Linda Dening. The connection between Sarah, Eileen and Linda started when Eileen gave Sarah a pup, Riverbourne Jack,

by Lister Scratch because Sarah could not run fast enough to yard the Dorpers. Eileen and Linda had Riverbourne Roy and Riverbourne Gully from a second litter. The question arose “how do we train these pups”and this lead the lovely ladies to The Bungendore Club run by Barb Stitt and Bev Cavanagh.

Charlie was one of the instructors at Bungendore and before long Charlie took these ladies under his wing and it was not long before the ladies were trialing and running the Bungendore Clubs Three SheepTrials. In return for Charlies assistance, The Angels, as they were soon to be known, took Charlie under their collective wings and travelled together to trials often organizing accommodation and meals. Charlie helped the Angels with pup selections and further training and the Angels took a part in the National organization.

Eventually Sarah stepped up and became president, Eileen vice president and the talented artist Linda produces the most amazing painting of the National Open winner as a very valuable prize. The total prize money of the nationals is now in the vicinity of $20,000 and attracts over 6000 spectators. Only a massive effort by Sarah, and a dedicated committee, to lift the Nationals profile could have resulted in such a transformation.

Not only did the prize money increase, the finals now involve a top 20, who all received prize money. A replica of the Duke of Gloucester sash, the original awarded in 1943, is part of the National winner’s prize. Last year all competitors were given an eighty-year commemorative belt and buckle.

CHARLIE’S ANGELS Article & Photos Provided by Leigh Foster

Angels must certainly be on the same page. To have a passion is a blessing and these ladies share the passion for sheep dog trialing. Their dedication is profound.

Charlie must be very proud to have provided the ladies with the knowledge and skills to begin their sheep dog trialing journey and rise to this level. I say begin because we can be sure to see more of them in the future.

Sarah, Eileen and Linda before the Novice Final at Strathalbyn

The Angels travel to trials together, train together and run the Nationals together with help from the committee and Hall Locals. Their commitment to trialing is amazing.

The Angels decided this year to travel to the Supreme sheepdog trial held at Strathalbyn in South Australia where there were trialers from almost all over Australia to compete and to see who will represent Australia against the Kiwis. In the Novice section Eileen was number 12 and scored 83 with Riverbourne Fran.

Linda was number 73 and scored 80 with Riverbourne Jeorgie.

Sarah was number 85 and scored 81 with Wattleview Pip. So, the Angels have travelled, trained and trialed together and these scores put them in the Novice finals together at the Supreme.

What an achievement! In the finals the sheep were quite difficult but Eileen out did everyone and scored 87. Sarah scored 30 and Linda 52. The novice results read: Eileen first, Linda second and Sarah third. These ladies rock!

Eileen went on to win the Improver trial. Linda achieved two dogs in the top 20 and Eileen one. Linda was awarded the Greg Prince Stockmanship award, an honor indeed.

One wonders how much chat goes on in the car on those long trialing trips about how to work their dogs and sheep. The Charlie & Bow Cover

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Article & Photos by Laura McKillop

Where to this time..?

G

rose Vale to Strathalbyn, 3 states, 1,300 kilometres each way, ute and caravan, 5 dogs onboard and one travel buddy. To begin planning this trip was a little daunting.

I had never been to South Australia, let alone compete at the Australian Supreme Championships. Luckily, my good mate Brooke and her UK bred border collie, Sting came along for the ride.

completing the gap, you must drive with your dog to the second obstacle, the Maltese cross. At the Maltese cross you do have a free working area to help your dog with the sheep. It is then the same across to the bridge with another free working area there.

After the completion of the bridge, competitors then go back to the Australian rules for the carry across to the pen. It certainly was awesome to watch!

Up and at it early on the morning of the 6th September we were off on our big trip. Wednesday saw us arrive at The Rock, just out of Wagga Wagga where we were catching up with some friends and of course the must visit, Junee Chocolate factory. The next day was the long haul, all the way through to Strathalbyn, taking over 13 driving hours due to rain and a massive amount of wind.

We were both glad to arrive Thursday night around 6.30pm only to be met with hail just as we went to unhook the caravan.

The next two days saw the Ted Gaby running first thing in the morning followed by the Top 20 and Top 10 of the Supreme Australian Championship. Brooke and I however made a quick dash across to Victor Harbour to have a quick look around Sunday afternoon before the presentation was held.

We had a spare day to have a look around before the Supreme was to start, so we headed across Adelaide for a day of exploring and probably too much shopping. We saw the heart of Adelaide, shopped in Rundle Mall and then travelled up the coastline to check out the Glenelg Jetty and Marina.

An early Saturday morning saw the start of the Novice rounds, with a few scores on the board early. The sheep were tough which made for some interesting and very challenging runs. Sunday was the completion of the Novice runs with Eileen Moriarty and Riverbourne Fran taking out the win after the finals on Monday morning.

On completion of the Novice finals, the official opening ceremony was held where the Ted Gaby Interstate Representatives were introduced and the national anthem was sung. The Supreme Championship was then underway with again some tough sheep, interesting runs and some scores on the board. The organising team put on a wonderful welcome barbeque where I was able to meet so many new people and catch up in person with some of our DogTorque guests. The next few days were equally as exciting watching plenty of dogs, talking to lots of new people and the official dinner was organised wonderfully and was a great event bringing everyone together.

Friday night saw the start of the Ted Gaby Interstate challenge.

With a large number of spectators coming from surrounding areas, the pressure appeared to be on for all the competitors competing not only for their state but also to see who was going to represent their country in the Wayleggo Cup. For me this was the first time I had ever watched a Trans Tasman course and what a wonderful sight it was! The Trans Tasman for those who don’t know is a combination of an Australian 3 sheep course and the New Zealand Course. The course starts with a normal cast lift and draw and Aussie carry to the first obstacle, the gap. After

After a great 10 days of meeting new people, catching up with mates and watching some first class dogs we said goodbye to Strathalbyn and made our way back into New South Wales for the Henty Field Days. Here, we stayed with friends Peter and Sue Govan on their property outside of Holbrook. Henty provided a great display of both yard and 3 Sheep trialing both with some very tough sheep, as challenging as it may have been for the competitors, it made for some great viewing for those attending the field day.

After a fun and tiring 16 days away and well over 2,800 kilometres travelled we arrived home safely with lots of wonderful memories made. I am more than keen for next year in Geelong, Victoria in September 2024 and consider myself extremely lucky to be able to combine my work life and love and appreciation for working dogs the way I do.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

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RMA Working Dog Auction Article and Photos Provided by Margo Hogan The 12th Annual RMA Working Dog Auction proved again to be an outstanding success with the sale topping at $31,000 and averaging $8,568 for 28 dogs.

Held at Glencoe on the 4 November the agents report that there were 99 registered buyers both online with Auctions Plus on the ground, with interest coming from across Australia and half the dogs purchased online.

The top price dog – 2 year old Peterson Flo as described in the catalogue as “as a very natural young bitch, bred in the purple – sired by Capree Donald Trump out of Peterson Jay. Flo has a very strong eye with nose bite on cattle. She works sheep, both in the yards and the paddock with free back and bark.” Flo was sold on behalf of Jeremy and Annie Grills of Eaglehawk Angus, Kings Plains for $31,000 to Hume Simpson, St George QLD. Purchasers Hume Simpson and Gennie-Anne Woodall said “we run a team of kelpies and was looking for a high caliber working dog. Being a young bitch, Flo has the attributes, style, and work to suit their needs. The video produced by Jeremy and Annie was the best quality they had seen and after speaking with Jeremy a number of times helped make their decision to purchase the bitch”.

Adam Pollock of Gunnedah sold a Short Hair Border Collie dog “Socks” for $18,000 to Doug Wirth of Lawrence. Socks is by Adams Imported New Zealand heading dog “Wave” out of a bitch called “Moss”. Socks was described “as a great lead dog with a good cast and excellent bite on the nose of cattle, an exceptional type, that’s smart, isn’t whip shy and can cover plenty of country”.

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Other sales of note: Account Jeremy and Annie Grills – Eureka Whip black and tan Kelpie dog sold for $16,000 to Pryor Grazing, Blackville and 20 months old, home bred Eaglehawk Brody sold for $10,500 to Matt Urban of Wallarobba.

Account the Crowe family of Timor – Ben and Sallina sold 4 year old Glenfaba Flame for $16,5000 the 3rd top price dog in the sale to repeat buyers of the stud to Laurie O’Kane, Glen Park, Ben Lomond. Glenfaba Hussey sold for $7,000 to Chris Edmonds. While Archie Crowe sold Glenfaba Mini for $10,000 to Stirling Pastoral of Oberon.

Michael Clark of Armidale sold Benji for $6,000 and Sapphire Georgie for $8,000 to local grazier Brue Weir of Dundee.

Long time supporter for the sale Tony Overton of Walcha, said on the day he has sold 20 dogs over 12 years of the sale and this year sold Ballydine Bell V for $6,000 and Gwydir Sarge for $2,500.

Peter Hogan of Peterson Kelpies sold 14 month old Peterson Boyd for $7,500 to David and Erica Shorter of Burren Junction.

New vendors this year included Mitch Lee of Armidale who sold Nashville Moo for $11,000 to Trent Randall; Will Nicholls of Walcha sold Kracken Bones for $4,000 to Phillip Lyn – Ausgoat, Glen Innes; Matt Newsome of Dundee sold Heathedene Arny for $9,000 and Mark Gibbons of Murrurundi sold 22 month old Border Collie bitch Scotch Valley Alice to Herb Dubby of Sara Park Angus, Glen Innes for $9,500.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Gunnedah vendor Adam Pollock said “he was really happy with the sale. Very well ran, great location and facilities and with the online aspect of the catalogue, my dog was seen by people from far and wide. Integrating the sale with Auctionsplus is a big boost to the sale”.

Colin Say and Company stock and station agent Shad Bailey said although it was a modest number of dogs catalogued, the quality made up for it. “It’s by far the most complete catalogue and highest calibre of dogs that we’ve seen, with a lot of new vendors as well vendors who have supported the sale for 12 years,” Mr. Bailey said.

He said in previous years buyers had chased sheep dogs, however with a lot of local producers either moving away from sheep now owning cattle as well there was now greater demand for dual-purpose dogs. There were also more females offered with buyers seeking high-end genetics that could be used for breeding, he said.

Sale results: •

28 dogs from 31 sold – top price $31,000 – average $8,568

•

Top price bitch – Peterson Flo - $31,000 – 14 bitches averaged $9,964

•

Top price dog – Socks - $18,000 – 14 dogs averaged $7,089

The vendor committee would like to thank the sale sponsors – Coprice Dog Food, Rabobank, Virbac, Moore Enclosures, Beef Trans and Peterson Kelpies. Cattle Donors – Chris and Helen Gunther and Sheep Donors – Greg and Irene Gallagher.

Selling agents Colin Say & Co, Glen Innes with Shad Bailey calling the bids assisted by Nathan Purvis and Ben McMahon and interface with Auctions Plus.

2023 SUPREME AUSTRALIAN WORKING SHEEPDOG CHAMPIONSHIP

T

he 2023 Dogpro Plus Supreme Australian Working Sheepdog Championship was held in the beautiful, historic town of Strathalbyn, in South Australia from the 9th to the 17th of September.

Article by Simone Cross | Photos provided by Simone Cross, Shadow’s Farm Photography, Merv Simmonds

Some first-class working sheepdog trialing was witnessed throughout the week, with some of the best dogs and handlers from around Australia competing at the week-long event.

Paul Darmody from Bungendore, NSW and his dog Zeefree Troy were crowned the 2023 Supreme Champions. An emotional Paul claimed the win after putting up three consistent runs with Troy, edging out fellow New South Wales competitors Pip Hudson working Hudson’s Darby and Bill Davidson working Wirchilleba Stormy to claim the win.

A passionate supporter of sheepdog trialing, Paul is the current Patron of the Australian Working Sheepdog Association.

Zeefree Troy was bred by Barbara Stitt and is now 8 years old.

Troy is out of Wynella Tammie (a bitch that goes back to Paul’s successful dog Digger) and was sired by Wondara Drift. A handy all round dog that Paul uses on his farm. This attribute came in very handy at the Supreme Championship on some very testing sheep at times.

Eileen Moriarty from NSW claimed the Novice and Improver classes with Riverbourne Fran. In a very special Novice Final, the three “Canberra Ladies” as they are affectionately known made the final with Eileen taking the win, Linda Dening working Riverbourne Jeorgie 2nd and Sarah Sydrych working Wattleview Pip 3rd. These three ladies have all trained together and are part of the Bungendore Club and in recent years have taken over the running of the Nationals at Canberra. The Novice final was rounded out with Allan Leech from QLD working Trapline Heidi 4th and Leigh Foster from NSW working Balla Park Chloe 5th.

In the Improver Class, Eileen Moriarty won with Riverbourne Fran. In second place was David Lacey from VIC working Akoonah Lilly: Third place was Rhonda O’Connell from QLD working Camara Quilpie; 4th place was Paul Darmody from NSW working Annaway Digger and in 5th place was Barry Knight working Knight’s Frank.

The Ted Gaby Interstate Challenge was a tight competition, with South Australia claiming the shield this year from New South Wales.

The Judges for the Championship this year were Michael Deppeler from VIC and Gordon Curtis from WA. The Novice was judged by David Lacey from VIC. And finally, we would like to extend our thanks and gratitude to our sponsors. The major sponsor was Dogpro Plus. Thank you to John Camilleri and the Hypro team for your support of sheepdog trialing Australia wide

The Australian Test Team was selected from this competition, with Stefan Cross working Echo Park Lady, Peter Oxley working Rivlin Caesar, Pip Flower working Flower’s Fang and Tom Joyce working Oakdowns Sammy selected with Bailey Knight working Melnunni Duncan the Reserve. Martin Waddingham working Nolan’s Digga qualified in second place to represent Australia but was unfortunately unable to travel to New Zealand.

Laura McKillop from the Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine supported each class with prizes and we thank you for your support.

The Greg Prince Award this year was presented to Linda Dening working Windeyer Bobby.

The Strathalbyn & District Working Sheepdog Society proudly hosted the Supreme Championship on behalf of SAWSDA and the Australian Working Sheepdog Association.

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Our local sponsors, Hannaford Seedmaster, Southern Moto and the Strathalbyn Caravan Park along with all of our local sponsors, thank you for your support!

AROUND THE GROUNDS

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CONTACT EMMA 0427 674 616 @Glen Idol Working Kelpies

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AROUND THE GROUNDS

2023 Enduro Pet Foods Queensland State Yard Dog Champion Crowned

Article by Shelly Burns | Photos by Shelly Burns, Jane McMenamin, Georgie Crossley

At the Working Dog Spectacular held at the historic Jondaryan Woolshed from 27 to 29 October, Tony Overton with Gwydir Tess was crowned the 2023 Enduro Pet Foods State Yard Dog Champion.

The event also played host to a utility trial and a new competition concept called a Stockman’s Challenge.

In the lead up to the Working Dog Spectacular temperatures at Jondaryan were in excess of 37c. Thankfully a cold front arrived and jumpers were needed on day 1.

Due to the number of entries each day kicked off early at 6am with Judges talks which had to be staggered between the competition rings. The Trial Organising Committee had put a lot of work into setting up the competition rings and borrowing yards from Rachel Bice at Jolimont and Amelia Thomson from Biddinglsey Kelpies.

The 3 competition rings were all centrally located close to each other which was a benefit as competitors moved between the rings for their runs.

The yard judges at the event were Justin Tombs, John Peters, Callum Storey. The utility judges were Ed Wall, Brad Clark and Tony Overton. The Stockman’s Challenge was judged over the 3 days by Roy Potticary The event was well supported with 60 handlers competed over the 3 days with a total of 484 runs. The feature event was the State Yard Dog Championships. Round 1 of the 2023 Enduro Pet Foods Open Yard Dog Trial was held on day 1 with the Top 10 qualifying round and the Top 5 final held on day 2. It was great to see Queenslanders Errol Gill and Brad Clark feature in the top 5.

Presentations for the State Yard Championship were held at a dinner on the Saturday evening in the historic Jondaryan Woolshed which was built in 1860.

The Black Toyota Open Utility Trophy was won by Brad Clark with Donny. This trophy, which features a hand carved working dog had not been presented since 2016.

The sheep for the Yard and Stockman’s Challenge were supplied by Ian Speed from Dalmeny Farming and Peter & Louise Gall from Jondaryan Homestead.

The total value of the prize pool including cash and in-kind for the event was in excess of $16,000.

A huge thank you to all our sponsors of the Working Dog Spectacular with particular mention to our Open Sponsors, Enduro Pet Foods, Pet Mince Direct and Bravecto.

The Woolshed offers a great destination for trialling with access to sheep and plenty of room for camping and dogs to be run.

Jondaryan Woolshed Working Dogs are looking forward to holding future events at the Woolshed.

Yard Results

Enduro Pet Foods State Championship 1. Tony Overton & Gwydir Tess 2. Errol Gill & Caviar George

Enduro Pet Foods Open

1. Tony Overton & Gwydir Tess 2. Errol Gill & Caviar George

Enduro Pet Foods Novice 1. Brad Clark & Ginger 2. John Peters & Nulla

Enduro Pet Foods Maiden 1. Eric Tighe & Tighe’s Gem 2. James Lingard & Beloka Bindi

Enduro Pet Foods Encourage 1. Clinton Hall & Kobas Cobber 2. Rhonda O’Connell & Bices Jan

Utility Results

Black Toyota Open Utility

1. Brad Clark & Donny 2. Tony Overton & Gwydir Georgina

Bravecto Novice Utility 1. Eric Tighe & Tighe’s Jess 2. Eric Tighe & Tighe’s Bicky

Bravecto Maiden Utility 1.Eric Tighe & Tighe’s Bicky 2. Stan Hughes & Husanley Jeff

Stockmans Challenge Results

Pet Mince Direct Advanced 1. Clinton Hall & Trapline Pretty 2. Eric Tighe & Tighe’s Link

Pet Mince Direct Novice

1. Berrie Deane & Trapline Jerry 2. Tony Conroy & Hush

Pet Mince Direct Elementary 1. Clinton Hall & Trapline Bear 2. Grantley Hackles & Shaundar Bindi

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AROUND THE GROUNDS

Queensland Yard & Utility Trial Ass. Presidents Report As we approach the end of 2023, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the amazing year we’ve had together at Queensland Yard & Utility Trial Association Inc. It has been a year full of new competitors, trials, and growth for our organization, and I am grateful for the contributions of each and every one of you.

First and foremost, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our incredible members, whose passion and dedication have made this year a resounding success. Your support and enthusiasm for the sport of trialing have been truly remarkable.

I would also like to express our gratitude to the trial organizers and sponsors who have played a crucial role in making our events possible. Your unwavering commitment to our cause is deeply appreciated, and we couldn’t have achieved all that we did without your support.

A special shoutout goes to Enduro, whose dog foods have proven to be an exceptional product for us to promote.

Their support has been invaluable, and we are grateful for their partnership.

Looking ahead to 2024, I am delighted to announce that we are welcoming new annual sponsors into our fold.

Additionally, I am thrilled to share that Enduro will be returning to support us in promoting this beloved sport. I have exciting new course ideas in mind to challenge our members, and we have two new trial locations joining our calendar, as well as two old locations affiliating next year.

The prospects for 2024 are incredibly promising, and I cannot wait to embark on this new journey with all of you.

Thank you once again for your unwavering support, and I look forward to seeing you all in the New Year. Here’s to another year of thrilling trials and camaraderie.

Cheers, Callum Storey QYUTA President

It has been a pleasure to witness the growth and adaptation of our trialers and their dogs throughout the year. I want to commend all participants for their hard work and determination. I was particularly impressed by our Queensland competitors, who proved their mettle against tough competition from NSW, especially towards the end of the year.

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Wayleggo Cup & The Australian Test Team The Hypro Australian Test Team flew to New Zealand on the 24th of October to try and defend the Wayleggo Cup in the Trans Tasman Test Series against New Zealand.

The Australian Test Team was selected at the Supreme Australian Working Sheepdog Champonship that was held at Strathalbyn from the 9th to the 17th of September. The Team was made up of the Winning Ted Gaby State (SA) and the Runner Up Ted Gaby State (NSW).

The team consisted of Stefan Cross (Captain) working Echo Park Lady, Tom Joyce working Oakdowns Sammy, Peter Oxley working Rivlin Caesar and Pip Flower working Flower’s Fang with Michael Grant Judge/Manager.

The First Test didn’t go our way. We lost the toss and New Zealand sent us in first. Pip and Fang got us off to a great start.

Unfortunately Peter and Caesar struck some trouble and didn’t complete the course in their run. Both Tom and Stefan penned, but New Zealand won the first test by 65.5 points.

In the Second Test, we won the Toss and elected to go first.

Once again Pip got us off to a great start and all four of us got home. New Zealand won the second test by a small margin, and overall won the series by 84.25 points The team were well supported throughout the Test Series. Our major sponsor Hypro were at the Test to support the team and live streamed both tests.

We might not have won the Wayleggo Cup, but we gave it our best shot. Congratulations to New Zealand.

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Article by Simone Cross | Photos provided by Simone Cross and Test Team Members

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