The Australian
WORKING
STOCK DOG Magazine
Stockman’s Profile Mitch Perez
HOW TO:
Read a Dog Food Bag
RRP $10.00 (incl. GST)
June 2023
872003 772205 9
ISSN 2205-8729
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Issue 23
A DOGS LIFE:
Morgans Beau
IS YOUR DOG THE NEXT COBBER CHALLENGE CHAMPION?
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You may be familiar with the Cobber Challenge from previous years, but we’re doing things a little differently in 2023. Here at Cobber HQ, we’ve created a new flexible format for this year’s Cobber Challenge to ensure all farmers have the opportunity to enter their hardest workers. We’ve extended the timeframe of the competition to 12 weeks. This allows farmers to showcase their dog’s highest performing 3 weeks within that time. In other words, it’s never been easier to capture the best of your working dog’s speed, distance and duration worked each day.
Each entrant will receive 12 bags of Cobber Working Dog! With 26% protein and 18% fat, our high-quality formulated feed is everything your working dog needs to ensure their maximum stamina and mental alertness are firing on all cylinders. Not only does Cobber Working Dog ensure performance, but it also protects against oxidation damage and has Diamond V Original XPC® prebiotic for faster nutrient absorption and quicker recovery. Enter the Cobber Challenge now and fuel the spirit of your greatest worker.
ENTRIES CLOSE 25 JUNE, 2023.
cobberdogfood.com.au
Editors Thoughts Another issue has come and gone along with so many trials, training days and auctions across the country. As I always say it is great to see working stock dogs promoted so highly throughout Australia - whether is be at Royal Agricultural Shows, little trials or on television like the National Sheepdog Trial at Hall, ACT I feel it is so beneficial for postive awareness of the sport and industry. As things start to slow down for trialing during winter (although looking at the coming events calender it doesn’t seem to be the case) it is quite often a busy time of year for our farmers and producers across the country, fingers crossed for a great season. As for my comment last issue wondering if anyone actually reads my editors thoughts, I was genuinely shocked how many people took the time to message, ring or email me to let me know that they are enjoying my efforts with the Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine. I am really thankful for those people who did, each one really took me by surprise. It has been great to see some new contributors come on board this issue and I hope to continue to work with these wonderful and talented writers, storytellers and associations.
I am always looking to work with new people and hear ideas for articles, content and the likes that people would like to see included in the magazine, so please do not hesitate to send me a message, email or call with an idea. I feel there are some wonderful stories in this issue and really hope that you as readers enjoy it as much as I have putting it together. As things start to finish up with Issue 23, June 2023 I am already hearing some great ideas and content for Issue 24 in September and am looking forward to getting wrapped up in it. All the best for winter and I hope you stay nice and toastie. Cheers, LM
a r u a L
The Australian
WORKING
STOCK DOG
Magazine
Publisher and Editor: Laura McKillop Email: laura@stockdogs.com.au Phone: Laura – 0459 031 729 Advertising Enquiries: Laura McKillop Advertising, Articles & Stories Email: laura@stockdogs.com.au Mail: PO BOX 3003, Grose Vale, NSW 2753 Front Cover Photograph: Morgans Beau owned by Matt Maliki
Contributors: Peter Brown, Mitch Perez, Jan Lowing, KellCo Rural Agencies, Melissa Matthews Photography, Ken Sykes, Robert Cox, Hooked On Hounds, Matt Maliki, JMC Photography (Jess Coster), QLD Yard Utility Trial Association, RayWhite Livestock Rockhampton, Jeanel Dalgrin, Sarah Murphy, Kay Howell
www.stockdogs.com.au The Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine takes due care and diligence in the preparation of this magazine, but is not responsible or liable for any mistake, misprint or typographical error. Articles that appear in The Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine do not necessarily reflect the position or opinion of The Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine or its officers and employees. Nor does publication of said articles constitute an endorsement of views that they may express. Accuracy of all material
is the sole responsibility of the authors. Appearance of an advertisement in The Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement by The Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine or the goods or services offered therein. The Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine is not responsible for any unsolicited material of any kind. No Part of Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine may be reproduced by any means without the written consent of the Publishers.
Contents
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74 • • •
More than Meets the Eye QYUTA Trials March - May Boonah Working Stock Dog Club Yard Trial NSW State Utility Championship St George Cattle Trial
08 Reading a Dog Food Bag
40 5 Ways to Grow Your Pup
12 Stockman’s Profile - Mitch Perez
Confident & Well Rounded
18 Eclampsia - Milk Fever
42 A Dogs Life - Morgans Beau
22 Save the Date - New Working Dog
46 Keeping it in the Family
•
Auction, Monto Queensland
53 Kelly’s Kennel
•
26 Taking it in his Stride - Bailey
54 Coming Events
83 Mail Order Form
Knight
58 - 78 Around The Grounds • 2023 Ultimate Stock Dog • QYUTA Inaugural Yard & Utility Trial • Ray White Working Dog Trial & Auction
84 Business Directory
34 In the Training Pen 36 Master Class 38 Black & White for Black & Tan
85 Breeders Directory
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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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Reading A Dog Food Bag
Article by Peter Brown, Serrano Border Collies
Many users of dog food only read a small portion of the packaging. To make sure that you are feeding your dogs the most suitable product for their workload and stage of life it is important that several panels of information displayed on the packaging are read and understood. Firstly, don’t allow the name on the front of the packaging determine your purchase. The heading Working Dog may influence your decision but is it the right product for your dogs. Is there a better product that should be considered that does not have Working Dog as it’s heading? Secondly, don’t just buy on price. If price is a concern do a quick calculation, grams fed per dog/ price to feed each dog, you may find that purchasing a slightly more expensive product may in fact be cheaper to use because the dog doesn’t require as much by weight to maintain himself and perform satisfactorily. Thirdly, don’t be swayed in your purchase by fancy packaging and sharp language. Some of the poorest quality products of any type may be sold in smart packaging with bright colours, snappy photos and script that is designed to attract the target customer. Packaging is a science in itself and there are many companies that specialise in packaging and design. Studies have been done on things like colour, script, pictures on packaging and lustre of the bag to determine which has the greatest effect on a potential customer and attracts them to that product. This is all designed to influence the purchaser’s decision.
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Fourth, when reading the information on the packaging look at the information that is there to give you the most accurate information to allow you to make an informed decision. Remember you are feeding an athlete; human or canine diet is an important part of performance. Energy is the key, look for a disclosed ENERGY LEVEL. Energy in dog food is calculated and shown in kcal per kilogram or kcal per 100 grams. Aim for a number close to or above 4000 kcal/ kilogram or 400kcal/100 grams. Energy is mainly derived from fats, oils, and some proteins. This can influence how much food is fed to a dog particularly an adult dog. Pups and growing juveniles have a greater need for energy and protein so should be fed an appropriate quality food. Next consider the PROTEIN and FAT levels. These two measurements are normally shown in conjunction on the packaging and are expressed as percentages. Remember that both these measurements influence energy. It’s important to know that when dog food diets are formulated, they are normally calculated on a 1 tone batch and ingredients are on a by weight inclusion. Some ingredients may contain high levels of moisture, particularly protein meals like meat meal, chicken meal, lamb meal, fish meal and to a lesser extent grains. Moisture is removed during manufacture by cooking which affect the volume of these ingredients in the end product.
Let’s look at ingredients, these are the things when mixed according to the formulation should result in a balanced diet. Remember that it is a requirement by law for ingredients to be listed from most to least (by weight of inclusion) on the packaging. Again, this refers to the volume included on the formulation and may vary after manufacturing due to moisture removal. Any product that names a protein from an animal source as the first inclusion should always be considered before one that lists grain as its first ingredient, you are feeding a canine. Animal protein is normally derived from animal meals such as beef, chicken, lamb, fish, or kangaroo, but the use of digests (soup like product) such as chicken will influence protein levels. If on the front of the packaging there is a picture of chicken legs, lamb chops or steak, it is highly unlikely that someone would be dicing up any of these proteins for inclusion in the food. This is part of the sell based on how we as customers relate to those products in our own diet. Next item in most Working dog formulae will be a grain. Wheat is probably the most common but is normally the most expensive, so often you will see language like “cereal grains” which means that any of the grains that reduce the cost of production or are available when others are not can be included. Grain does supply some protein to the product. Keep a watchful eye for grain related fillers such as various brans (rice, wheat etc), middens or millrun. A lot of these products are by products of flour production and are relatively cheap and may have very little nutrient value but do work as a fibre in the diet. Quite often, closely following on from these products will be a protein source from pulse plants like soybean. These grains can quickly lift protein levels in the product because of their high protein levels. Oils make the list around about this time and can be derived from animals or vegetable. Examples are beef tallow (rendered fat), canola, soybean of flax seed oil. All are contributing to the energy levels in the product plus delivering good levels of Omega 3 and 6. From here on it is normally the ingredients that are added in very small amounts and will include a vitamin/mineral mix, salt and other ingredients that may have a benefit for the dog, or it may be thought that they help control fleas and ticks (Garlic), reduce the smell of faeces (Yucca Schidiigera) or act as a preservative/ antioxidant for the product (Vitamin E). They may include Kelp (a natural source of vitamins and minerals), Rosemary extract ( contain oils such as carnosic acids and carnosol which inhibit lipid pre-oxidation in cells; important for dogs that are working hard or running) and Sugar Beet Pulp an insoluble fibre source beneficial to the bacteria in a dogs gut. In summary, it is always the buyer’s choice, but I always look for an energy statement before moving on to any other information on packaging. If there is not an energy statement don’t be hesitant in contacting the manufacture to ask about the energy level or any other aspect of the diet. Most display contact details and encourage consumers to contact them. There is always a summary sheet produced when a product is formulated that sets a host of information on protein levels, fat content, vitamin, and mineral levels etc. All good manufacturers regularly test a sample of their product at regular intervals during manufacture to ensure that the finished product meets those specifications set out in the original formulation sheet.
STOCKMAN PROFILE -
Mitch Perez Article by AWSDM | Photos Provided by Mitch Perez
G
rowing up in Townsville, Mitch Perez had no agricultural experience a tiler by trade for 17 years Mitch decided it was time for a career change. After 14 years running his own Tiling business and having a young family, he took the leap soon after the birth of his third child moving to a remote cattle property Northwest of Richmond in Queensland to start his agricultural career his youngest being only 4 weeks old. The country lifestyle had always appealed to Mitch, in Townville he had a keen interest in the racehorse industry and owned a few of his own horses on the 20-acre property he lived on. At the time Mitch’s only experience with dogs was owning his faithful red cattle dog. A week before moving the owners of the station mentioned there was a Steve Elliot dog school being held in Winton which they would pay for him to attend before he started work. Within the first demonstration, Mitch was hooked.
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The control and ability of the dogs amazed him, and he then knew this was something he wanted to achieve with his own team of working dogs one day. A couple of weeks later, Steve rang Mitch mentioning he had a 12-month-old pup that he thought would suit – Kenny. After working on the privately owned Richmond Cattle Station for 12 months, Mitch and his wife decided they would like to move closer to a town so that their eldest child could attend a local school, this led them to relocate to NSW to work for a corporate company, Paraway who run 4,000 to 6,000 head of cattle depending on the season, based just outside of the small country town of Warren. With the move, Mitch accepted a Station Hand position and has worked his way up into an Assistant Managers Role in the 2 years of being there.
It was not until the move south that Mitch got serious with his dog training and aimed to attend some working dog trials. His first being last year in Ray White Rockhampton working dog trial, never stepping foot in an arena before in a sport you are quite new at was intimidating to say the least and although he didn’t get a placing Mitch went away with a newfound confidence and eager to attend his next trial. The next trail Mitch attended, was in Scone the Upper Hunter Stock Dog Challenge, he was lucky enough to come away with Kenny placing 5th out of 120 dogs. Paraway have also started a dog challenge, to tie in with their colt challenge they do for their Northern Stations. It involves two sections and a final. The first section is a sheep utility trial, and the second section is a cattle trial. The top six go into the final, where you work a pair of dogs to complete the cattle course. Mitch took Kenny and his daughter Shelly into the finals where Kenny won the Open and Shelly won the under 3 years. It was an extremely proud moment for Mitch as he competed father and daughter, with Kenny being his first dog and Shelly being his first bred dog. With the few trials mitch has attended this year he was lucky enough to win the Dorrigo novice trial with Kenny and come away with a few other placings. Currently Mitch has a team of ten border collies. Mitch has found a line of dogs that suits the type of work he does. His aim is to breed generations of consistent dogs that have brains and can think for themselves, have a lot of confidence to give everything a go. A dog that is stylish with a good amount of eye, good conformation and a motor to travel all day. He wants his dogs to be able to read stock and be able to understand the pressure needed between different types of stock. Mitch has started this journey with having two litters and keeping a pup from each, MDP Shelly and MDP Tuff. Mitch’s most influential dog is Kenny as they have trained each other along the way. He finds that with your first dog you don’t really know what you’re doing so you always do your best to help them out, you can learn a lot watching a dog that can naturally work a mob and hold stock together, for him Kenny is that dog. When it comes to training a dog, Mitch claims he has modelled his methods from everyone as he will watch and read everything, he can about training dogs. Mitch’s first point of call when a dog isn’t working like it should is Steve Elliot. He has based a lot of his training from him…
Mitch has also found the Mick Hudson videos and Dave Motley a big help. Mitch also finds the dog schools a great help as they provide you with a fresh set of eyes, and they spot things in his dogs that they are doing that he hasn’t picked up on. When it comes to someone who wants a change of lifestyle and move to the country to work in the agricultural industry, Mitch’s advice to them would be to surround yourself with people who inspire you or that you look up to. If you’re surrounded by those people, you will always grow and look to them to better yourself, your personality and your training of animals and livestock. You will always strive to achieve better. Mitch’s favourite thing about the agricultural industry, is that you get to see the reward of all the hard work you have put into something, whether it be the stock that have been educated or to see your dog starting to read a situation without commands – if you put the time and effort in, you will get rewarded.
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