The Australian
WORKING
STOCK DOG Magazine
Wayleggo Cup & Supreme Australian Championship
Stockmans Profile Jeremy Grills
DECEMBER 2024
RRP $10.00 (incl. GST)
Issue 29
A DOGS LIFE:
Grassvalley Flake
Cobber Working Dog has been the trusted fuel for thousands of working dogs across Australia for almost 40 years – and now it’s even better!
Now with added for faster recovery cobberdogfood.com.au
The new formulation builds on everything you love about Cobber, with more protein, improved fibre balance, and enhanced digestibility. With 28% protein and 18% fat, Cobber Working Dog is now packed with TruMune® to support stamina, recovery, and mental alertness in all working dog breeds. Plus, our exclusive Inner Goodness blend of vitamins, minerals, postbiotics and functional fibres gives your dog the edge to keep up their relentless work ethic.
Fuel their best performance with the Cobber Working Dog you know and love – now even more power-fuel!
Est.
RID26000
1985
Editors Thoughts As we wrap up 2024, it’s the perfect time to reflect on what has been an outstanding year for the working dog community. I’ve been fortunate to travel across New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria, attending trials in some of the most breathtaking locations. Every event brought its own charm—new landscapes to admire, new friends to meet, and countless inspiring stories to hear. This year has truly been a celebration of the incredible bond between handlers and their dogs, and the passion that drives us all. One of the year’s most unforgettable highlights was the Supreme Australian Championships in Geelong. The Australian team shone brilliantly, taking out the Wayleggo Cup in an awe-inspiring display of skill and teamwork. Congratulations to everyone involved—you’ve made the entire community proud. Beyond the top-tier competitions, 2024 has been a year where the next generation of handlers has taken the spotlight. It’s been thrilling to see young talents like all across the country stepping up to the challenge. Their dedication, fresh energy, and natural talent have brought a new vibrancy to the sport. Watching them compete and grow, you can’t help but feel optimistic about the future of working dog trials in Australia. These young handlers are not just the future; they’re already leaving their mark.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of our contributors and advertisers. Your support and involvement are what make the Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine possible. From sharing training tips and trialing insights to paying tribute to legends like Woodford Jack, you’ve helped us deliver stories that inspire and connect this incredible community. As we head into the holiday season, let’s take a moment to celebrate the achievements of the past year and look forward to what’s ahead. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all. May your holidays be filled with family, laughter, and, of course, time spent with your beloved dogs. Here’s to 2025—a year full of exciting trials, new milestones, and, most importantly, the continued growth of our community.
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: “A morning in the yards” by Coverdale Media - Brooklyn Coverdale, Jeriderie
NSW
Contributors:
Australian Working Stock Dog Auction, Elanco, Wayne Wayte, Catherine Kimmorley, Scott Amon, Graeme Budd, Jeremy & Annie Grills, Al Rose, Tony Overton, Coverdale Media, Bill Davidson, DCs Madra - Donna Lindley, Colin Say & Co., Jeanel Dalgrin - Boonah Stock Dog Club, Cobber Ridley, VWSDA, Sydney Sheep Dog Club, Mick Hudson Virtual Training, Chris Soderlund
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
20
48
26
62
36
70
7 Letters to the Editor
43 A Dog’s Life - Grassvalley Flake
10 Spring Australian Working
48 Colouring Competition
Stock Dog Auction
49 Kellys Kennel
14 Gold Standard Tick Protection
50 Readers Photo Libary
52 - 66 Around The Grounds • CSC Working Dog Auction 20 Stockman Profile - Jeremy Grills • Boonah Cattle Trial & 26 The Working Maremma - Small Auction • With the Winner - Cobber Rural Holdings Challenge 36 Tony Overton • Where to this time? Nowra 16 Red & Blue
•
Young Women Development Day Supreme Australian Championship & Wayleggo Cup
66 DCs Madra 70 Chris Soderlund 75 Mail Order Form 76 Business Directory 77 Breeders Directory
AWSDM
5
Le ers to e Editor Sally Purbrick-Illek - Gold Coast, QLD Spare the Rod and Spoil the Dog? I am the owner of three working border collies, all of whom have been trained to work stock (mostly sheep and ducks) and have successfully trialed with all of them in herding as well. I live in an urban environment and don’t own my own stock, so I rely on others to provide the environment in which I can train my dogs. We also train and compete in a number of other canine sports, and my oldest border collie volunteers as a therapy dog in our local community. I am firm, but fair when training my dogs and have reached the highest levels in some of our sports without having to resort to inflicting physical pain as a training tool. Through the years, I have become increasingly concerned about the number of working dog trainers in Queensland whom rely extensively on physically aversive training methods. Electronic dog collars have been banned in several countries as well as in the ACT, NSW and SA. To my knowledge there are no valid studies that indicate that the use of e-collars is more effective in training dogs then less aversive methods such as positive reinforcement. However, there are studies that indicate that positive reinforcement can be more effective than the use of aversives when used consistently over time, for example, https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/ articles/10.3389/fvets.2020.00508/full What are the views of other AWSDM readers on this topic? Do you use e-collars to train your working dogs? Why or why not?
Have Your Say! Join Our ‘Letter to the Editor’ Section We recently sent out an email inviting our readers to be part of the brand-new ‘Letter to the Editor’ section in the Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine. A big thank you to those who’ve already shared their thoughts—your passion for working dogs truly inspires us!
How it works: • What to write: Share your opinions, feedback, or stories related to working dogs, trials, or training. Got a suggestion or a reaction to an article? We want to hear it!
Susie T - Hunter Valley, NSW I’ve noticed there are plenty of training schools for Kelpies and yard trialing, which is great, but what about Border Collies and 3 sheep trialling? For those of us interested in three-sheep trialing, there doesn’t seem to be much available to help us handlers get started or build our skills. It’s surprising, considering how popular Border Collies are and how popular they are in trialing and stock work There seems to be no shortage of DVDs and online programs teaching how to train working dogs, but most of these assume we already know how to handle stock, have access to broken-in sheep, and an older, experienced dog to help with training your young one. That’s not a realistic setup for people like me, especially when just starting out. It leaves beginners stuck, not knowing where to start or how to make progress. Three-sheep trialing is a fantastic sport, but it’s a real challenge. For me it is not something I can easily pick up from a video or online course. I need hands-on experience and personal guidance or feedback, the kind you’d get from a proper school or clinic, but there doesnt seem to be many of those around for Border Collies and those of us who would like to one day compete in 3 sheep trialling. I would love to attend a beginner-friendly school that covers the basics of stock work and trialing and build towards an advanced clinic for handlers looking to take their skills to the next level. I feel that not only would this help individual handlers and dogs, but it would also grow the sport and make it more accessible to potential newcomers like me. Border Collies are an incredible breed with so much potential, and they deserve as many opportunities as Kelpies and other working dogs. I would just love it if some of the great handlers I have seen out competing and watched online trainings might read this letter and consider running some in person training and development days with an aim of fulfilling this gap and give Border Collie handlers the support some of us need to have a go and hopefully succeed. Keep up the great work with this amazing magazine, I love when it arrives in my letterbox and I read it cover to cover many times.
• Add a photo: Send a picture of yourself or you with your dog—we’d love to include it alongside your letter. • How to send: Email your letters to laura@stockdogs.com.au with the subject line ‘Letter to the Editor’. Don’t forget to include your name and location.
Let’s keep the conversation going! We look forward to featuring your voices and celebrating the unique perspectives of our incredible working dog community.
Everybody feels down sometimes, and it ain’t weak to speak – Sometimes we need more than man’s best friend to talk things out with. If you are struggling with anything, please check out some of the links below. The beyondblue Support Service is available by phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 1300 22 4636. Webchat and email options are also available via www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support. Trained mental health professionals can provide free and confidential short-term counselling and offer referrals to local support services.
Lifeline: 13 11 14 Aussie Helpers: Virtual psychologist - call 1300 665 234, text 0488 807 266 or visit https://aussiehelpers.org.au/aussie-helpers-virtual-psychologistfor-drought-affected-farm-ers/ Donations
www.aussiehelpers.org.au Rural Financial Counsellor Service: 1800 686 175 (for advice about locating counsellors in your area)
Australia’s #1 Working Dog Magazine
Subscribe and only pay $54.00 NOW 4 ISSUES PER YEAR – MARCH/JUNE/SEPTEMBER/DECEMBER Never miss out – Every issue delivered to your door! Our magazine is released quarterly - 4 x $10 magazine + $3.50 for postage each issue. Saving you $10 each year compared to if you were to purchase each issue individually! This is now a recurring subscription, automatically charged every 365 days. Are you after a gift subscription? Gift Subscriptions can be offered either recurring or for only 12 months. Recurring 12 Months Only Recipients Name Their Address Their Email Address Name................................................................................................................. Postal Address................................................................................................... Email Address................................................................................................... Phone.................................................... Name on Card................................................................................................... Card Number.......................................................... Expiry................ CVV.....................
Subscribe Now at
www.stockdogs.com.au
LOT 206: Wilderness Slice sold for $17,650 to Stratheden NSW. Vendor & Breeder - Isaac & Katie Hotz, Wilderness Way Pty Ltd, Harrami QLD
2024 SPRING Australian Working Stock Dog Auction! The second online Australian Working Stock Dog Auction was run in September 2024, and once again results were solid.
We would like to sincerely THANK all our vendors, buyers, under bidders, and anyone else that contributed to the sale in any way!
The catalogue jumped in numbers to include 52 working stock dogs and pups ranging from three months of age, right up to mature dogs, fully trained. Dogs to suit cattle, sheep and goats. This also included seven lots of frozen semen from Australia and overseas!
The next SUMMER sale is 6th-12th December 2024. Head over to the website for details, and be sure to sign up to the email list for more information. www.workingstockdogauction.com.au
Article & Photos Provided by Australian Working Stock Dog Auction
10
AWSDM
OVERALL RESULTS 40/52 lots sold for 77% clearance Average price $2,770 Top price LOT 206 Wilderness Slice $17,650 Sold to Alex Sullivan, AMS Brahmans & Stock Dogs, Stratheden NSW Vendor & Breeder - Isaac & Katie Hotz, Wilderness Way Pty Ltd, Harrami QLD ADULT DOGS (2 YEARS & OLDER) Lot 105: Wilderness Snap sold for $7,550 to Charters Towers QLD. Vendor & Breeder: Isaac & Katie Hotz, Wilderness Way Pty Ltd, Harrami QLD
7/9 lots sold for 78% clearance Average price $4,450 Top price LOT 105 Wilderness Snap $7,550 Sold to Charters Towers QLD Vendor and breeder - Isaac & Katie Hotz, Wilderness Way Pty Ltd, Harrami QLD YEARLING DOGS (1-2 YEARS) 10/13 lots sold for 77% clearance Average price $3,945 Top price LOT 206 Wilderness Slice $17,650 Sold to Stratheden NSW
LOT 206 Wilderness Slice sold for $17,650 to Stratheden, NSW Vendor & Breeder - Isaac & Katie Hotz, Wilderness Working Dogs, Harrami QLD
Vendor & Breeder - Isaac & Katie Hotz, Wilderness Working Dogs, Harrami QLD PUPS (12 MONTHS & UNDER) 17/22 lots sold for 77% clearance Average price $1,794 Top price LOT 310 Millison Park Mist $3,100 Sold to Gulargambone NSW Vendor & Breeder - Bianca Godson, Millison Park Border Collies, Dubbo NSW
LOT 310 Millison Park Mist sold for $3,100 to Gulargambone NSW Vendor & Breeder - Bianca Godson, Millison Park Border Collies, Dubbo NSW
FROZEN SEMEN 6/7 lots sold for 86% clearance Average price $1,617 Top price LOT 403 Aled Owen’s LLangwm Cap (Wales) $2,400 Sold to Kilcummin QLD Vendor - Ian P Cox, Inverell NSW
LOT 403: Aled Owen’s LLangwm Cap (Wales) sld for $2,400 to Kilcummin QLD Vendor: Ian Cox, Inverell NSW