Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine - Issue 21, December 2022

The Australian

WORKING

STOCK DOG Magazine

Stockman’s Profile: Lee Mickan

December 2022

RRP $10.00 (incl. GST)

Issue 21

RECORD BREAKING AUCTIONS

AROUND THE GROUNDS:

International Schools

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Editors Thoughts With the end of 2022 fast approaching, I can’t help but think, what a year it has been!

With so many twists and turns, as a country we have all been holding on to one tough ride. From widespread floods to Covid to Foot and Mouth Disease concerns, it seems one thing at least remains unchanged, as a country, we the people, continue to band together, help out and get stronger.

I am signing off on this issue as I prepare to head to Carcoar for the Working Dog Challenge and Trial run by RLX where we are planning to have a merchandise stand and run a dog or two. I know a lot of people are really looking forward to the event, fingers crossed the weather holds up for a great time.

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 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 2023, I 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 2023.

This issue has a lot of great content for you to enjoy, so grab your favourite drink and dive in.

Laura

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: Photography by Naomi White at the 2022 Supreme Stock Dog Challenge

Contributors: Nathan Brown, Dr Jasmin Hyatt, Cobber Challenge, Nick Foster, Darius Cosgrave, Lee Mickan, Heidi Matthews, Dan Matthews, Janice De Generro, Ken Sykes, Hooked On Hounds, Teeah Bungey - AuctionsPlus, Catherin McMillan, Riverina Grazier, Mary McCrabb, Dr Emily Thompson, Belinda Carter, Western Sydney Dog Lovers Photography, Amy Kerr, Kirby McPhee, GoGetta Kelpie Stud, Angie White, Queensland Yard and Utility Trial Association (QYUTA), Jan Lowing.

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

22

65

28

72

42

82

08 Rising Star - Nathan Brown

56 Photo Essay

10 Vet Check

61 Kelly’s Kennel

14 Cobber Challenge

62 Coming Events

22 Stockman’s Profile - Lee Mickan

64 - 81 Around The Grounds • Inaugural Cattle Dog Muster • Sydney Championship Yard Trial • Breaking Record - Capree Stud On-site Ram & Working Dog Auction • Geurie Auction • Whites Kelpie Stud in Europe 2022

28 A Dog’s Life - Lance 34 The Training Pen 38 Introducing your Pup to Stock 42 AuctionsPlus 2022 Sale Roundup 54 Collapse In the Paddock - A Less Common Cause

• •

Ben & Belinda’s Ben & Belinda’s 2022 South African Australian Cattle Dog Trip Queensland Yard and Utility Trial Association

83 No Bake Rocky Road Cheesecake 85 Mail Order Form 86 Breeders Directory 88 Business 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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g n i s i R

F

rom the small country town of Woolbrook NSW, 22yr old Nathan Brown is a fifthgeneration farmer. Throughout Nathan’s childhood he always had working dogs around him. His dad, Phil Brown, gave Nathan his first introduction working dogs as well as the trial world, and they still now compete alongside each other. Nathan claims his passion for dogs and the agricultural life comes from his family and the lifestyle he had growing up. He knew from a very young age that it was what he wanted to do with his life.

After completing year twelve at Walcha Secondary School, Nathan trained and sold working dogs, both Kelpies, Collies, and crossbreds. Nathan now works on a property at Emu Creek and also for Gary and Rhonda Olrich.

With both properties thoroughly supporting Nathan with his dogs by allowing him to train his dogs on fresh cattle and sheep, to this Nathan is very appreciative.

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r a t S g

Article by AWSDM | Photos Provided by Nathan Brown

Nathan Brown Nathan has found many people have been willing to help him with his dogs, but in particular he has found both his dad and Jennifer Burrell to be the most influential in the early stages of getting him hooked on training and trialing dogs. When it comes to trialing, Dick Chapman has provided Nathan with a lot of knowledge and help. Nathan finds Dick to be “phenomenal with his dogs and that he can do anything with them”. The late Robert Johnston was another influential person to help Nathan over the years.

Throughout the years Nathan has had many dogs, but his most memorable would be his first trial dog, Naden, a black crossbred dog and Shady Acres Shiloh who unfortunately passed away recently. Nathan now has a very promising young dog whom he is very fond of, Buckol Meagan, and is very excited for her future.

Some of Meagan’s recent achievements, along with some of Nathans favourite achievements were at the 2022 Bonalbo Cattle Dog trial, where Meagan won the Futurity, Maiden and Novice, and came second in the Open all in the same day. Along with this, Nathan recently competed at the Australian Championship Working Cattle Dog trial were Meagan made every eligible final at only 16 months old.

Nathans future ambitions with his dogs is to see how far he can go with them, he wants his dogs to be able to do the whole lot – sheep trial, utility, and cattle trial.

His favourite thing about dogs is seeing just how much you can teach them and how eager they are to learn. When it comes to choosing a dog, Nathan prefers crossbreds as he finds they seem to provide him with a quality all-round dog that can complete all tasks.

Nathan’s advice to anyone wanting to start out in the agricultural industry or who wants to start trialing working dogs is to find someone who you admire.

Watch how they do things, listen to what they tell you and practice what they preach.

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Vet Check -

Pyometra (uterine infection) life-threatening disease to in female dogs Aentice you to spey your bitch Article by Dr Jasmin Hyatt BVSc (Hons) DipACT MANZCVS (reproduction) Veterinary Reproduction Consultancy Pty Ltd (02) 6301 9550, Orange, NSW

once she has finished breeding.

‘Pyometra’ is the accumulation of purulent material (i.e. pus) in the uterus of an intact bitch. If left untreated, pyometra and the associated systemic illness can advance very quickly and be life- threatening. For this reason, treatment must be administered quickly and aggressively.

Pyometra can occur in a bitch of any age after she has had her first heat; however we most commonly see it in older bitches (average age 7yo). By the age of 10, 25% of all entire bitches will have developed a pyometra.

When and why do we see pyometra?

Symptoms of pyometra can be variable and nonspecific.

Common symptoms include

Pyometra most commonly occurs 2-12 weeks after your bitch has had a heat. This is because the disease is hormone related. After every heat, or ‘estrus’, a bitch will have high levels of progesterone in the bloodstream for around 2 months, regardless of her breeding and pregnancy status. This increased progesterone functions to prepare the reproductive tract for pregnancy by increasing gland secretions, reducing the contractility of the uterus and increasing the thickness of the uterine wall. However, continuous exposure to this progesterone over numerous cycles leads to the development of cysts in the uterine wall. These cysts and their secretions provide the ideal environment for bacteria to grow in and when combined

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with the other effects of progesterone can lead to infection.

Symptoms

-

Discharge from the vagina (can look like pus, or even be blood-tinged) NOTE: This may NOT always be present, sometimes the cervical canal is closed and the pus is not able to drain out.

-

Inapp betence

-

Lethargy

-

Excessive drinking

-

Excessive urination

-

Licking of vulva/ vulval discharge

-

Vomiting and diarrhea

-

Painful, enlarged abdomen

Diagnosis If your vet suspects pyometra based on the initial clinical exam and history they will likely use ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis. Ultrasound is helpful as they are not only able to visualize abnormal fluid in the uterine horns and thickened uterine walls, but also differentiate between pyometra and early pregnancy.

Changes may also be seen on blood tests, including elevations in inflammatory cells, however these are not specific for pyometra and will be seen in other bacterial diseases. Additionally, the concentration of her urine will be decreased as the toxin begins to affect the efficacy of the kidneys.

fluid therapy and IV antibiotics prior to surgery to give her the best chance of surviving the surgery and anaesthetic.

3. Medical therapy: This option should only be considered if the bitch is a valuable breeding bitch that is <5 years old and not severely systemically ill. Medical therapy involves multiple injections to eliminate the source of progesterone from the ovaries (the corpus luteum), open the cervical canal and increase the contractions of the uterus. These protocols are not without risk and are expensive, but Prevention Speying your dog young if you do not want to breed from her, or ASAP after she has produced the desired number of litters, eliminates the risk of pyometra.

Treatment options It is important to take your bitch to the vet as soon as possible if you suspect a pyometra. She will require immediate treatment, especially if she is severely compromised already.

1. Surgery: Speying, or desexing, of your bitch is the treatment of choice. This removes the pus, the uterus, and the ovaries that are producing the hormones required for the development of the disease. She will not have a pyometra again.

By the age of 10, 25% of all entire bitches will have developed a pyometra.

2. Supportive care: Antibiotics and pain relief are indicated in cases of pyometra. If your bitch is severely ill on presentation, she may require stabilization with

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NSW Kelpie Team are top dogs for 2022 Cobber Challenge Relay Article and Photos Provided by Cobber Chall bnnnnnnenge

NSW Kelpies team are the top dogs for 2022 Cobber Challenge Relay This year’s Cobber Challenge introduced a new relay format for competitors, with teams of farm dogs competing across Australia and New Zealand to be crowned the hardest-working crew.

The 2022 Cobber Challenge Relay winners are a team of four, Koonama Working Kelpies. Cracka, Drake, Sorcha and Bundy have done their owner, Nick Foster – a stockman from Boorowa, New South Wales – proud.

“I’m on top of the world,” says Nick. The team have been busy managing over 20,000 sheep and cattle – mainly mustering and herding for the duration of the competition.

“I loved every minute of it. It’s helped me understand how my dogs work. For example, yard work is really tiring on them, but it was interesting to see they don’t actually do that many kilometres in the yard. It’s the mental effort that’s the challenge.”

Nick describes the Kelpies as part of his family, and in fact the four dogs are related. Cracka and Drake are brothers, and Cracka sired Scorcha and Bundy.

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“My dogs have also been doing trials throughout the entire competition. Cracka took home third place in the NSW Championship trials, and we’ve been in some local comps too. He won Murringo, an open yard trial during the competition as well.

“I can’t believe they can be doing this many kilometres, and then placing in trials on the weekends. I’m extremely proud of all my dogs.”

The Koonama Working Kelpies crew shared the GPS collar around, to track how hard they worked. Each day Nick picked one of the dogs to wear the GPS collar.

As farm manager, Ryan missed a few days early in the competition due to his management responsibilities – but that only made him thirsty for the top spot.

A few times, the dog wearing the collar recorded more than 60km in a day. That’s a lot of ground covered by this hardworking team.

“I didn’t think we would catch up to Nick and his team, but I wanted to give it my best shot. It’s been an amazing experience seeing the kilometres my dogs do. It’s not even our busiest time, that’s in April when we’re shearing,” says Ryan.

“It’s been a crazy time. We had terrible weather, wind and rain. But it meant we had stock all over the place and plenty to do,” says Nick.

At the end of the three-week competition, the team’s average speed is 10.14km/h, their total distance is 853.7km, and they spent over 84 hours working.

The teams coming in second, third and fourth have been tight for the entire competition.

Representing Western Australia, Hill View Kelpies – Flick, Millie, Suzie and Tez – came in second. Ryan Eade and his Kelpies run 45,000 Merino sheep on a 50,000-hectare property in Bodallin. They also took out the top spot for speed, with an average of 11.1km/h.

Competitors for the 2022 Cobber Challenge Relay •

Nick Foster of Boorowa, NSW - Team ‘Koonama Working Kelpies’ incl. dogs Cracka, Drake, Scorcha and Bundy

•

Olly Hanson of Corinella, NSW - Team ‘Lost River Kelpies’ incl. dogs Jake, Bowie and Hex

•

Sarah Richards of Coolah, NSW - Team ‘Nerremen Kelpies’ incl. dogs Kora, Spud, Cash and Tank

•

Georgie Constance of Binalong, NSW - Team ‘The Young Guns’ incl. dogs Belle, Beau, Murray and Jess

•

Darius Cosgrave of Tintinara, South Australia Team ‘Superior Wool Merino’ incl. dogs Jip and Boots

•

Ali Hodgson of Greenways, South Australia - Team ‘Circus’ incl. dogs Opie, Becham Floyd and Midi

•

Jordan Flemming of Fingal, Tasmania - Team ‘Redhead Kelpies’ incl. dogs Nuts, Claire and Nip

•

Ryan Eade of Bodallin, Western Australia - Team ‘Hill View Kelpies’ incl. dogs Flick, Millie, Tezz and Suzie

•

Taylor Bird of Mount Somers, New Zealand - Team ‘Hakatere Station’ incl. dogs Bruno, Kate, Tom and Moss.

•

Melissa Smith and Dan McKinnon of Skipton, Victoria - Team ‘Anywhere Crutching’ incl. dogs Caviar Keith, Roy, Pip and Jude

•

Dane Simmonds of Myrniong, Victoria - Team ‘Parwan Prime’ incl. dogs Ruby and Tullyenine

•

Jenine Jackson of Charters Towers, Queensland Team ‘Team Turbo’ incl. dogs Whiskey, Buck and Nick

“Congratulations to Nick and his team. And thank you Cobber for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this challenge.”

Parwan Prime from Myrniong in Victoria – Dane Simmonds and his Kelpies Ruby and Tully – took out third.

With livestock constantly coming in and out of Parwan Prime, there’s always plenty to do.

“We work seven days a week. The Cobber Challenge Relay was fun to do. I would’ve been happy wherever my dogs ended up and it is so good to see what they do,” says Dane.

Tasmanian team Redhead Kelpies got edged out of the top three in the last few days. Jordan Flemming and his young crew of dogs – Nip, Nuts and Claire – work a 20,000-acre full-stock farm in Fingal.

“A huge congratulations to the winners, and all the teams this year,” says organiser Kellie Savage, Cobber Marketing Manager “The Cobber Challenge Relay is an incredible celebration of working dogs and their invaluable contribution to properties all across Australia and New Zealand. Congratulations to all the teams for tracking their dogs across different terrains and weather conditions, and for sharing wonderful photos and videos of their working dog teams in action.”

Cobber Working Dog Food provides the fuel for the dogs competing in the Cobber Challenge as well as thousands of others working hard every day around the country.

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e g n e ll a h C r Cobbe with Darius A Q & Cosgrave Where are you from and what do you do?

Why did you want to join the challenge?

I am from Tintinara, South Australia where I am the livestock overseer for Superior Wool Merinos. As a stockman, my dogs and I are part of a small team of four running 10,000 sheep on a Merino stud.

I entered the Cobber Challenge because I have a passion for livestock and working dogs. I just wanted to give it a red hot crack and show off my team of dogs.

Tell us a bit about your team.

What did you learn whilst competing in the Cobber Challenge?

I’ve always had dogs, but I haven’t always been the best at training them. As I’ve gotten more experience, I’ve learnt more about how to rear and train. I’ve put in the hard yards with Jip and Boots and now I’m reaping the rewards. I purchased Jip second-hand, and she was that good, when I needed another dog I tracked down her breeder. That’s how we welcomed Boots to the team.

I knew how hard my dogs work but it was interesting to see how many kilometres they racked up everyday.

I would recommend that if anyone is thinking about having a go they should sign up for the next competition it’s a lot of fun and it’s a good opportunity to show class your team of dogs!

e g n e ll a h C Cobber Q & A

Where are you from and what do you do?

with Nick Foster

I am from Borrowa where we have several properties in the Hilltops region and my working dogs help me manage over 20,000 sheep and cattle. They work hard every day - they do everything from mustering, to shearing and herding. They also do lots of trials across Australia.

Tell us a bit about your team.

We started 15 years ago. Cracka is the father of both Scorcha and Bundy, and Drake’s brother. I love their work ethic. They’re allrounders who would be up to do anything. They are a part of my family and they love my kids. Every day they get off work, they go find my kids.

Why did you want to join the challenge?

I entered the Cobber Challenge as I thought it would be interesting to see how much work my dogs really do in a day, let alone a few weeks.

What did you learn whilst competing in the Cobber Challenge and did anything surprise you?

I learned a lot about how dogs work in different environments and where they use the most amount of energy and do the most kilometres. What really surprised me the most, was just how many kilometres our dogs do, just to complete a simple task like moving sheep through paddocks.

I would highly recommend entering the Cobber Challenge to anyone as it was a really fun thing to do and great competition to be apart of.

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STOCKMAN PROFILE -

Lee Mickan

G

rowing up on the family farm in the small town of Pinnaroo, South Australia, Lee Mickan dreamed of becoming a shearer from the age of five. After completing high school, Lee’s dream had not altered. At the age of eighteen Lee became a professional shearer, where he stayed in this profession for the next eight years of his life.

Since a young boy, Lee always had an interest in kelpies.

It was during his time as a shearer that Lee got his first working dog, Shadow, a black and tan station bred kelpie.

Shadow was out of a red and tan station bred bitch and

by Kelvin Barr’s dog Beloka Junior. Through a little bit of training and working every day, pushing sheep up for the shearers, Shadow turned out to be a “half handy dog.”

Today, Kelvin Barr, Lee’s initial mentor and introduction to the world of training and trialling working dogs, is still Lee’s biggest and most influential mentor with his dogs.

After Lee had his first child with his wife, he ended up taking on a position at a feedlot in Loxton, South Australia.

Lee worked at the feedlot for fifteen years, where he, alongside his regular duties, did most of the sheering.

You could say he has a strong love for sheering. Whilst working at the feedlot, Lee claims having quality trained working dogs was essential for making his life a lot easier and he finds that this has influenced what he searches for in a dog.

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Article by AWSDM | Photos Provided by Lee Mickan

After 15 years of working on a feedlot, Lee decided it was time for a change and December last year he took on a stock manager role at a property called Wanbi Park.

Lee’s ideal dog is a big, up-front dog with plenty of presence. Preferably, it needs to naturally know how to cover and hold which is essential when working in a feedlot. The dog also needs to be able to maintain forward pressure but at the same time have respect for the stock it is working. Lee aims to have all round dogs that can complete any given task. The last thing he wants is to have to go back to the kennels because, for instance, the sheep are on the road and the dogs he has with him are unable to complete the task.

When it comes to training, Lee does most of it at home when the pup is young. He runs a mob of 20 training sheep, that allow him to get the dog to a spot where he can take the pup with him to work alongside an older, and more trained dog. He finds a mixture of the two methods of training allows the dog to gain the most knowledge and experience as possible.

Lee’s biggest achievements with his dogs is winning South Australian Dog of the Year with five different dogs and winning five State Championships with four different dogs.

His ambitions for the future include maintaining his quality work team that are also competitive trialling dogs and seeing how far he can get in the trialling world.

Lee Finds the best thing about working in the agricultural industry is that he gets to take his best mates with him to work every single day. He also suggests to anyone wanting to start out in the agricultural industry or wanting to start trialling dogs is to not tie yourself down to one method or procedure. Instead, you should talk to and listen to as many people as you can and attend as many schools and training days as possible as “you can never stop learning.”

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

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A Dog’s Life

Lance

Article by Heidi Matthews | Photos Provided by Dan Matthews

L

ance was born in August 2009, on a cold, bastard of a night. He was out of a bitch called Penny, by a dog called Sumo. Penny was out of a Potter bitch called Tri, by a Kelpie dog called Mick. Sumo was out of Jedda

by Gibragee Snow.

“I used to put him in everything. The Maiden, Novice and the Open. Lance actually fed the other dogs for a lot of years by getting places and winning bags of dog biscuits.”

However, Dan said Lance was more suited to the Tony McCallum Cow Dog Challenges.

Lance was one of six pups, and he wasn’t the biggest.

Within the litter he was the second smallest. Dan picked him out using the Tony McCallum method and gave him a go. He grew into a nice leggy pup with plenty of desire and work he was doing the job on sheep and cattle by the time he was ten months old.

Lance was awarded Dog of the Year three years consecutively, 2012 - 2014 but Dan maintains that Lances best achievements were in the bush getting goats and scrub cattle out of rough terrain. Dan remembers a day when he was down in the Apsley gorge mustering and trapping bulls. He had a bull trapped and could hear another one roaring almost a kilometre away. He looked at Lance, gave him a ‘whoosh’ and went about setting the yard up. Dan hid behind some drift wood and Lance arrived with one speary horned bull and yarded him. Pretty good achievement for one dog vs one bull.

Lance was twelve months old when Dan was heading down into the gorge to fix a flood fence and he came onto some cattle, so he dropped Lance and an old dog called Spider off and left them to bring the cattle while he continued on for another 4.5km to the flood fence.

By the time Dan had fixed the fence he heard the cattle coming. He put the cattle through the flood fence, shut the rails but only Spider appeared. No Lance! He went looking for Lance but could not find him, so Dan left a jumper at the flood fence and went home. He checked the fence where he had left the jumper for three days but still no sign of Lance, he disappointingly had to give up.

Six days later Lance appeared on the Moona Road, 30km from where he was initially lost. He was heading home! He had suffered serious injuries from dingos mauling him so Dan took him to the vet where he was told that he wouldn’t have lasted the day without medical intervention.

Exhausted and in pain the vet treated him with antibiotics and with rest, Lance recovered well.

At thirteen months of age Dan gave Lance his first start in a Trial held at his mate Zac’s place at Wootton. He was a bit all over the shop, but it didn’t take much to get him right.

When I asked Dan what his greatest achievements were, and although he didn’t like to talk about the trialling side too much, he did say that he has had a bit of luck with Lance at trials.

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I asked Dan, what made Lance such a good dog? Dan replied that “He wasn’t brilliant at anything, but he could do just about everything.”

“He was a loyal dog that would always give me 110 percent in any field. He would find you a dingo, catch you a pig, muster scrub cattle and goats, break in weaners, get in a mob of sheep, work in and out of yards yet still be very competitive in the trial ring or a cow dog challenge.”

As a sire dog 70 percent of his pups didn’t make the grade! Only 30 percent were good. Lance only went to eleven bitches because you always thought there was something better out there... as we all do.

Dan went on to say, “There are plenty of stories about Lance, a lot of things Lance did that not many could see.

Like finding and staying with cattle when bringing them out of the gorge. Lance would always hit the next gear just before dark, when everything else was buggered, Lance would shine. He would very rarely leave cattle behind, I know this because some of my other dogs would find cattle and appear without Lance, meaning Lance had stayed back to find those cattle. Usually, Lance would be 100 metres behind with any stragglers, foot sore cow, cow & calf, young calves, etc.”

Lance is still alive today and 2022 is his first year of retirement. He is a well travelled dog having been more places than most people. He went everywhere Dan went.

He’s ventured to the Northern Territory breaking in cattle, White Cliffs finding Dingos and all the places in between. Lance is a dog that has earnt his biscuits and a good retirement. Dan feels all these different experiences highlight Lance’s all-round ability and that they are some of his greatest achievements.

Lance will forever be one of Dan’s best dogs at work and in the trial field.

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'Work better. W W 'Work on on your your dog, dog, and your dog gets better.

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BLAST FROM THE PAST

Ralph Whitbourne -

The Drover, The Stock Buyer, The Manager

Issue 9, June 2018 Article and Photos by Janice De Genarro

Ralph Whitbourne was born in 1936 in Bairnsdale Victoria to a non- farming family. His great grandmother was of Scottish heritage and his own Father was killed during the war years. His Mother remarried and moved the family to Melbourne in 1943.

Ralph began his working life in 1950 at the age of 14 years as a drover. In 1962 he upgraded from droving to become a sheep buyer for J.H. Ralph. After 4 years in this position he relocated to Deniliquin in N.S.W. and took the role as Stock Buyer for Farmers and Graziers Direct Meat Supply. Unfortunately this company closed its doors around 1968 and so it was time for a change of position for Ralph.

He then took on the role as a property manager at Conargo in N.S.W. and worked there for 3 years until 1971. At this point he purchased a droving plant and moved around working throughout N.S.W. until 1983.

From 1983 and for the next 10 years, Ralph lived and managed Balpool Station in N.S.W. Located just out of Moulamein, it is today one of the largest piggeries in N.S.W.

After leaving Balpool he relocated back to Deniliquin and Ralph bought into a Livestock Transport business with his son and they successfully ran that until 2008 when he sold the business and retired.

Whilst owning and running the Stock Transport business, they became the very first Livestock Carriers in Australia to be Quality Assured through the Livestock Carriers Assoc of Australia, something Ralph is still very proud of, “Computers were difficult to learn at the time, but we needed to use them to gain the Quality Assurance, so despite the extra work load, we persevered and it paid off” Ralph said.

Once retired Ralph began spectating at sheepdog trials, his love for stock work was still deep within him and this was a way to stay involved in something that had been a major part of his working career. In 2014 Ralph moved to Kyabram in Victoria.

During his time at Deniliquin in the 1970’s, Ralph became involved with the Deniliquin Sheepdog Trial and although he never competed, he was an active participant behind the scenes. In 2014 he helped run the trial with Brian Harrington.

Over the years Ralph had many good working dogs, however his favourite was a Border Collie that he got from a man called Jeff Jolly, who was a well-known trialler from the western district. The dog was called “Spike”.

“I had over 50 dogs throughout the years but Spike could read your mind” Ralph said, “He was very perfect in his work, both in the yards and in the paddock. He never chewed anything as a pup and was never naughty.”

During his years on the droving plant he owned many Kelpies. He’d often have between 14-15 dogs at a time, these were a mixture of Border Collies and Kelpies but more so Kelpies.

“I’ve done everything I ever wanted to do when I was a kid” said Ralph, “I wanted to be a drover, stock buyer and property manager and I achieved all 3 of these positions”.

When asked if he has any regrets he stated “Only one, and that was losing my wife while at Balpool Station at the age of 48 to heart attack.” Ralph has known his current partner, Julie, for 10 years.

Ralph and his late wife had 2 children, a son and a daughter. After the sale of their Livestock Trucking business, his son took employment driving grain trucks. Ralph has been blessed with 4 grandchildren and one great granddaughter.

Ralph currently owns a Border Collie bitch called “Lass”. She’s 6 years old. She used to work cattle on his partners farm, however now, like Ralph, Lass is retired and only sees sheep when they visit a sheep dog trial.

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The Training Pen with Ken Sykes Building the Top Dog Pyramid 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.

Raising and training a young dog involves a lot of time, effort, and expense. To have the best chance of success, we need to start with a solid foundation and build from there.

The base or foundation This is the most complex and most controversial. Different handlers will have different ideas about what makes a top dog. Dog handlers working quiet cattle, scrubber cattle, sheep, goats, yard work, trial, or any combination of these, will all have a different concept of a top dog. The most crucial consideration in building a solid foundation is for both sire and dam to work in the way you require and to a high standard. Ideally, they will have produced a top dog in a previous litter.

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An outstanding dog further back in the pedigree or some exceptional relative is irrelevant unless the parent has inherited the genes or characteristics that made that individual special. Remember, every pup in a litter is an individual with its own strengths and weaknesses.

The Second Tier The first year of life will solidify the foundation or provide cracks or weaknesses that, in some cases, may be papered over in the short term but may come back to cause problems later in life. Birth to three weeks, three weeks to eight weeks, eight to sixteen weeks, and four months to twelve months are all critical stages of development. The handling and experiences during these periods set the pup up for life.

The Third Tier Trainability, or the dogs’ ability to adapt to training. Trainability is a different characteristic from intelligence or natural ability and is strongly influenced by the fourth tier. All young dogs will benefit from at least a basic level of individual training. However, like children, some pups thrive in the school environment while others of equal intelligence may rebel. Some dogs thrive on working independently and don’t adapt well to intensive training and suit many handlers on large properties. Others do better with a close association with the handler and are best suited where a high degree of control is required. This feeds into the old debate about whether trial dogs can make good paddock dogs. My experience has been that some dogs are better for one discipline. In contrast, good dogs will easily transition from one to another.

The Fourth Tier Compatibility of dog and handler. It is not uncommon to see someone purchase a top dog and only get mediocre performance.

While, in many instances, this may be attributed to the handler’s ability, this is not always the case. Different approaches to training and working, along with varying levels of dominance and leadership, may significantly affect how the dog adapts to the handler.

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The ball is now firmly in the handlers’ court. The handlers’ expectations and ability to adapt to the individual dog will significantly affect the training outcome. Does the handler want the dog to be a self-reliant, independent worker or under a very high level of control? I always prefer a good mate working alongside me and getting the job done with minimal fuss. The excellent article by Angie Snell in Issue 18 gives an alternative and refreshing view of a top dog.

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Australia Stock Dog Registery

The Australia Stock Dog Registry is based on the need to save the working dog bloodlines and continue to breed the best dogs that serve the purpose for the industry.

For More Information on becoming a member Visit our Website.

www.australiastockdogregistery.com.au

5

Stages of

Introducing your Pup to Stock

1 AGE

Don’t expect too much too early. For sheep work you can have some light fun from 8/10 weeks onwards. For cattle your pup has to be a lot more mature and able to keep up with larger animals. Have fun, don’t pressure yourself and the pup. Also remember: different lines start working at different stages of development, so do your research into your pup’s genetics and get an idea of when you can expect it to show interest in stock.

2 EXPOSURE

Take your puppy with you around stock and allow it to take in it’s environment. This exposes the pup to the smells and noises of stock and teaches it that there is nothing to fear. Once it is time for a first introduction your new working companion will be less over stimulated and more ready to pay attention.

3 FIVE MINUTES

Show your pup stock for 5minutes 1-2times a week. Don’t pressure it, just let it explore and have fun. This will build on the initial exposure and allow the pup to develop in it’s own time. Once it’s instincts kick in make stock less accessible and build desire.

4 CREATE MOVEMENT

Make any interaction with stock a positive experience. Praise small glimpses of interest.

Encourage your pup exploring and figuring out it’s surroundings by pushing stock around the pen. Never push stock over the top of your pup, as it can be intimidating and overloading, causing larger problems in the long run.

5 END ON A HIGH NOTE

Always end on a positive note. Don’t worry about achieving 10 things in one session.

Rome wasn’t built in a day. Got some solid interest? Great! Time to give your pup a break and build on this positive experience in your next session. Don’t overwork or overwhelm your pup. They can only process so much when they are still young and their capacity will grow as they mature.

Who is Hooked on Hounds?

Hooked on Hounds, is a Hawkesbury based Dog Training Business specialising in Working Dog Lessons and Obedience/Behavioural Work. While we are based on the outskirts of Sydney our passion lays within both the livestock and dog industry. This is why we made it our mission to give dog owners the opportunity to gain a better understanding of their herding breeds, as well as offer Obedience and Behavioural Consults for everyone in need of an improved partnership with their dog.

Hooked on Hounds | www.hookedonhounds.com | info@hookedonhounds.com 38 AWSDM

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Partners in Farming www.farmerswarehouse.com.au

Interfaced Working Dog Sale 2022 Roundup

By Teeah Bungey, AuctionsPlus

R

apidly rising input costs and ongoing labour shortage across Australia in recent years has seen a sustained rise in demand, and price, for well-trained working dogs. There is no doubt that “good” working dogs are of high economic value and represent an excellent return on investment. With distance seemingly no hurdle for producers willing to secure skilled working dogs, the involvement of AuctionsPlus to interface working dog auctions continues to play a pivotal role in allowing vendors to gain exposure to a national audience of keen buyers.

October 2022 saw the Australian working dog record broken once again, with “Capree Eve”. Offered

by Chris Stapleton in the Capree Poll Merino & Invitational Working Dog sale and selling for $49,000, Eve smashed the previous record set in 2021 by $13,800. As demand and the awareness of the value of working dogs continues to rise, new sales have been introduced across the country, with AuctionsPlus interfacing working dog sales which stretch from Queensland to Western Australia. To date in 2022, a total of ten working dog sales have been interfaced with the AuctionsPlus platform – up from eight in 2021.

The Jerilderie Working Dog Auction Interfaced with AuctionsPlus for the fifth-year, utilising both video and audio streaming, the annual Jerilderie working dog auction held on 26th February 2022 saw a total of 59 dogs catalogued. With 50 dogs selling, the sale reached an average of $10,580 – an increase of $580 from 2021 results. Lot 36 “Harry” topped the sale selling for $25,700.

Strong online activity saw 1,209 users enter the auction, with 71 active online bidders placing 355 bids – securing 25 lots online. Successful online buyers came from across the country, with purchases hailing from Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania, SA and NSW. Lot 36 – “Harry” (Source: Brad Pellow, Supplied AuctionsPlus Catalogue)

Central West QLD Working Dog Auction In a first for working dog sales in Queensland, the Central West Working Dog auction held on 7th May, 2022 attracted an audience spanning across six states by interfacing with live video and audio streaming on AuctionsPlus. A total of 27 dogs were catalogued in the sale, ranging in age from three months to five-years-old, seeing a total of 24 dogs sold to a $4,374 average.

Lot 12 “Jack” returned top price of the sale, with the two-anda-half-year-old Border Collie selling for $16,000 to an online buyer from Queensland.

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Consistent online activity throughout the sale saw a total of 527 users enter the auction, with 31 users located across six different states placing a total of 113 online bids across 22 lots – resulting in 12 lots selling online. Most online purchases resulted in dogs remaining in Queensland, while several headed across the border to NSW.

Lot 12 – “Jack” (Source: John Pointon, Supplied AuctionsPlus Catalogue)

Casterton Working Dog Auction Off the back of an online only sale held on AuctionsPlus in 2021, the annual Casterton Working Dog Auction held on 12th June 2022, returned to a physical sale interfaced with AuctionsPlus utilising both video and audio streaming. A total of 49 working dogs were on offer, ranging in age from 15 weeks, to five-years-old.

Strong competition throughout the sale saw 46 dogs sell to a $8,850 average – up $1,194 on last year. Topping the sale at $27,000 was Lot 16 “Hazeldell Kimmy” a two-year-eight-month-old black and tan kelpie bitch.

Online activity saw a total of 7,110 users enter the auction, with 174 bidders placing a total of 2,009 online bids across 48 lots – resulting in 19 lots selling online. Online purchases saw buyers from Tasmania, NSW, SA and Victoria securing lots.

Lot 16 – “Hazeldell Kimmy” (Source: Kahlee O’Leary, Supplied AuctionsPlus Catalogue)

Forbes working Dog Auction Following a successful sale last year, the annual Forbes working dog auction took place on 16th July, 2022, utilising the AuctionsPlus audio and video livestreaming. Offering 48 dogs across the catalogue, ranging in age from three-months to four-years-11-months-old, 40 dogs sold to average $6,124. Lot 8 “Stoneycreek Tucker” returned top price with the one-year-nine-month-old bitch selling for $21,500.

Online competition saw 60% of the offering sold online with 3,657 users logging in to watch the auction. 90 bidders placed a total of 380 online bids across 46 lots, resulting in 24 lots selling online to buyers from Queensland, Victoria and NSW. Lot 8 – “Stoneycreek Tucker” (Source: James & Audra Rayner, Supplied AuctionsPlus Catalogue)

Nutrien Wagga Wagga Working Dog Auction Utilising AuctionsPlus since 2019, the annual Wagga Working Dog Club auction took place on 13th August, 2022. Utilising pre-bidding in the week leading up to the physical auction, along with live video and audio streaming on sale day, the 2022 auction saw a total of 48 dogs offered - ranging in age from three-months to four-years-old.

Competition from buyers both online and at the sale saw 37 dogs sell to an average of $7,028, with two-year-old bitch “Mardi Judy” (Lot 40) topping the sale at $18,000.

3,301 users logged in to watch the action on sale day, with 76 bidders placing 473 bids across 45 lots resulting in 22 lots (59%) selling to online buyers from Queensland, Tasmania, SA, Victoria and NSW. Lot 40 – “Mardi Judy” (Source: Lucy Sellers, Supplied AuctionsPlus Catalogue)

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WA Sheep Expo Working Dog Auction Another first for working dog sales on AuctionsPlus this year was the inaugural WA Sheep Expo working dog auction, which took place on 19th August, 2022. The 17-dog offering ranged in age from 19-weeks to four-years-old, was open for pre-bidding in the week leading up to the physical sale, with the auction utilising live audio streaming on sale day. Averaging $5,083 for the 12 dogs sold, the $15,900 top price went to three-year-old brown and tan bitch “Shimmy Downs Tanner” (Lot 17).

Online activity was dominated by intra-state buyers. 1,195 users logged in throughout the sale, with 8 active bidders placing 32 bids across 9 lots resulting in 4 lots selling online, with all lots remaining in WA. Lot 17 – “Shimmy Downs Tanner” (Source: James Carr, Supplied AuctionsPlus Catalogue)

Hayes & CO 1st Annual Working Dog Sale The inaugural Hayes & Co working dog auction held on 21st August, 2022, was another sale utilising AuctionsPlus’ interfaced sale package in 2022. With pre-bidding available online in the week leading up to the sale, in addition to live video and audio streaming on sale day, the 28-dog catalogue ranged in age from four-months to five-years-old. 27 dogs sold at a $5,163 average, with two-year-old Border Collie bitch “Buckol Betty” (Lot 12) returning the $12,500 top price.

Interstate online activity was strong, with 1,965 users logging in throughout the sale, seeing 64 active bidders placing 512 bids across 26 lots – resulting in 6 lots selling to online buyers in Queensland, Victoria, and NSW. Lot 12 – “Buckol Betty” (Source: Buckol Working Dogs, Supplied AuctionsPlus Catalogue)

Lucindale Working Dog Auction In its second year, the Lucindale working dog auction held on 26th September was run in conjunction with AuctionsPlus, offering prebidding in the week leading up to the sale, along with live video and audio streaming on sale day.

The offering consisted of 43 kelpies which ranged in age from 5 ½ years to 4-months-old, selling to a $6,675 average. Lot 12 - four-year-four-month-old dog “Mulga” topped the sale selling for $15,500 to an online buyer from Victoria.

Online activity saw 503 users log in to watch the pre-work and sale action, with 28 active bidders from Victoria, NSW, Tasmania, Queensland, and SA placing bids on 60% of the offering, resulting in 10 dogs (33%) selling to online buyers.

Lot 12 – “Mulga” (Source: Wayne Gelven, Supplied AuctionsPlus Catalogue)

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Geurie Golden Collar Working Dog Sale Running as an online only sale for the second year in a row, the annual Geurie Golden Collar working dog sale took place on AuctionsPlus. Pre-bidding was open during the week prior to the sale. The 41 dog offering saw the Border Collie breed account for 88% of the sale, while ages ranged from threemonths-old to eight-years. Demand for the 27 dogs sold was strong, seeing the average reach $7,938 – up $1,549 on last year, while the $21,500 top price was returned by six-year-old Border Collie bitch “Bells Willow” (Lot 2).

A total of 4,169 users connected to the sale across the week, with buyers from across the country active throughout the sale. A total of 98 bidders competed for the offering, resulting in dogs heading as far north as Queensland and as south as Victoria.

Lot 2 – “Bells Willow” (Source: Jamie Sturrock, Supplied AuctionsPlus Catalogue)

Capree Poll Merino Ram Sale & Invitational Working Dog Sale Following the success of last years mixed commodity sale, vendor Chris Stapleton again offered both Poll Merino rams and working dogs in the one sale. The 2022 sale achieved the new record for working dogs, hitting an impressive $49,000 - surpassing the previous record set in 2021 by $13,800. Held on the 20th October 2022, the sale offered pre-bidding for the working dogs in the week leading up to sale day, along with live audio streaming of the physical auction.

Selling to a 100% clearance, the 10 working dogs on offer averaged $12,525 – up by $2,275 on last year.

Strong online competition saw 19 bidders from Queensland, Tasmania and NSW placing 60 bids on 90% of the working dog offering - resulting in three dogs selling to online buyers, including the top priced record breaking Lot 62 “Capree Eve.”

Lot 62 – “Capree Eve” (Source: Chris Stapleton, Supplied AuctionsPlus Catalogue)

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Avenpart Kelpies export another Australian bred Kelpie to the USA Article by Riverina Grazier | Photos Provided by Mary McCrabb

L

ocally bred Avenpart Wildfire (pictured), at 12 weeks old, is jet setting across the globe, landing in Los Angeles, USA to meet her devoted new owners, and then off to Virginia.

Wildfire’s owners already have a bitch from Avenpart that they cherish, by the name of Mirage. Mirage is one of the premier kelpie agility dogs in America and is also adept at herding sheep. Another pup travelled with Wildfire, to head off to Brisbane, and another five pups will be transported to locations across NSW. Mary McCrabb is the principal of Avenpart Kelpie Stud, Wanganella and has been breeding and training Kelpies since 1962, winning many sheep, yard and utility trials, culminating in winning the Victorian Utility Trial Championships in 2000.

In 1982, Mary McCrabb was contracted to train all dogs and Dingoes for the movie Dusty. She worked with 15 dogs and two Dingoes, including the title character, a purebred Avenpart Kelpie.

Since 1962, Avenpart dogs have been used for mustering, yard work, and shed work all around the globe, with persistent demand for these hard working and talented dogs.

Within the Avenpart bloodline, precise emphasis is placed on natural working ability from an early age, as well as temperament and conformation. Given that Avenpart Kelpies are used all around the world, certain strains within the Stud focus on different traits to meet the client’s needs, be it “eye”, bark or aptitude for cattle work.

Avenpart Kelpies have experienced great success in countries where climatic conditions vary greatly to their native Australia.

These hardy dogs have adapted well to their working environments and can be found mustering reindeer in the ice-capped fields of Norway, to unloading export wethers off the boats in Saudi Arabia. There are many locations in the world to which Avenpart dogs have been exported.

These include America, Kuwait, Norway, Sweden, South Korea, Mexico, Iran, England, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Canada, Holland, Argentina, New Zealand, Japan, Finland, Denmark, Brazil, Germany, Switzerland, Scotland, and every state of Australia.

In 1996, Avenpart was the first stud to pioneer the export of Kelpie semen, in response to strict UK import laws.

At the time, all dogs for export had to remain in rabies quarantine for six months before they could enter the UK.

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“I was worried that working dogs would be going mad in quarantine; staying in cages for six months,” Mary said.

“To speed up the process and avoid traumatising the dogs, we started exporting their semen instead.”

Today, semen is still exported to clients around the world, resulting in the most recent litter of pups in Holland, and another soon to be born in Canada.

Mary does train the dogs before they depart in certain cases, having trained and then sent two to South Korea, and started off 10 dogs before they flew off to Russia. But owners these days prefer to train, break and bond with the dogs themselves.

“Most orders for dogs are from repeat clients who will contact us when their dogs are advancing in age, and put their names down for another.

“It fosters a long-term relationship with clients, which we truly value,” Mary said.

Avenpart Kelpie Stud was founded in 1962, and is based on the famous Scanlon, Glenville, and Karrawarra bloodlines. Both the superlative reviews on their Avenpart website and repeat business from delighted clients speak volumes as to the pedigree and quality of the lines.

“Ken and I would not have progressed so far with our Avenel Merino Stud without our dogs. They are invaluable for their labour and hard work; we have been very lucky.”

Luck appears to have very little to do with it, with hard work and immense skill playing the primary role.

Founded in 1962, and is based on the famous Scanlon, Glenville, and Karrawarra bloodlines. Since then, Avenpart dogs have been used for mustering, yard work, and shed work all around the globe, with constant demand for these hard working and talented dogs.

Pups available in the new year.

Mary and Ken McCrabb Avenel, Wanganella NSW 2710 Phone: (03) 5884 7548 Mobile: 0438 847 548 Email: kmmccrabb@bigpond.com

Collapse in the Paddock a less common cause Article and Photos by Dr Emily Thompson

You are out mustering and suddenly your best dog doesn’t seem quite right. She is a bit out of it, she wobbles and then collapses. You wonder what could have gone wrong.

Has she overheated or been bitten by a snake? You take her straight to the vet and neither of these things are the problem. They find that her major problem is that her blood glucose level is really low and she is given the diagnosis of exertional hypoglycaemia.

Low blood sugar is one of the less common causes of collapse in dogs. However, it can be seen in working breeds after several hours of hard work. In most cases the best, most committed dogs are affected as their drive to work is so strong that they just keep going despite their body starting to fatigue. They don’t collapse because of overheating, especially if it is cool and there is access to water. Their cardiovascular system doesn’t give up on them as they are so fit. They collapse because their body runs out of fuel.

There are mechanisms in place to ensure that blood glucose levels remain within a narrow, normal range. When a meal is eaten, glucose is absorbed from the intestinal tract into the blood stream. Glucose is utilised and the excess is stored in the liver as glycogen. This glycogen is called upon and converted back to glucose when required.

Glucose is also produced by the body from amino acids in muscle and from the breakdown of fat tissue but this results in a slower rise in blood sugar levels. In exertional hypoglycaemia there is an over use of circulating glucose due to the intense workload, followed by a depletion of the glycogen stores, with the slower glucose production systems not kicking in in time.

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The brain is the organ that has the highest requirement for glucose. As a result early signs can be a change in behaviour and altered vision. This can then progress to a wobbly gait, and muscle trembling. In the paddock these signs are often missed with collapse and seizures being the first signs seen.

Exertional hypoglycaemia isn’t the only cause of collapse, so, how do you know what to do? Getting them to a vet clinic is a priority but sometimes there are a few things that can be done first that may increase their chance of a good outcome. If the dog is working hard and it’s a warm day, wet them to guard against overheating. Snake bites can happen any time of the year but are more common in warmer weather. Look for other signs that might suggest a snake bite - bleeding, swelling, drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, paralysis and or difficulty breathing. If this is the case there is nothing to be done in the paddock as the timely administration of anti-venom is what is going to save the dog. With exertional hypoglycaemia they often regain consciousness as the body manages to increase blood glucose levels. They are still a bit shaky but tend not to be panting or feel very hot like a solely overheated dog nor would they show any of the other signs of snake envenomation. If some food can be given to these dogs, they tend to eat ravenously which results in normalisation of their blood glucose levels. They often make a miraculous recovery.

Once at the vet clinic, several basic tests are run to determine the cause of collapse. A drop of blood on a glucose monitor showing a low blood glucose will quickly lead to the diagnosis of hypoglycaemia.

If the dog is conscious enough to eat, this will work, if not, an intravenous infusion of glucose is given. A collapsed dog will wake up within seconds of injection and the dog will be heading home that day and back to work within days. If a severely affected dog doesn’t get treatment it could die.

In a lot of cases blood glucose can drop really low in the paddock and we don’t even realise due to the body’s amazing regulatory system. Even though this is the case there are steps that can be taken to prevent hypoglycaemia from occurring. Working dogs are inherently lean due their breed and their activity levels. Ensuring that these dogs aren’t too lean means that they have sufficient reserve.

Maintaining them so that the ribs aren’t visible but that there is no coverage over them is optimal for health and fitness. Also consider adapting the size of their feed based on the amount of activity they have done. If you anticipate working your dog pretty hard and they are getting close to 24 hours since they were last fed, consider giving them a feed earlier in the day.

Exertional hypoglycaemia whilst not the most common cause of collapse in the paddock is definitely something worth considering. It often happens without us realising due to the body’s ability to compensate but if it is severe and a rapid diagnosis is achieved there is an easy, effective treatment. This condition is readily preventable which ensures that you keep your best dogs working hard and doing what they do best!

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Belinda Carter Photography Belinda is located in the Riverina Region of New South Wales.

Working on a feedlot, Belinda gets some opportunity to capture amazing photos.

STOCKMANS

KELPIES COLLARS and

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

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.

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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.

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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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Colouring Competition - December 2022 Name

Area & State

Contact Number & Email

Age

Anyone under the age of 16 years old are welcome to colour in the picture and send it in before 1st February 2023 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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Kelly’s Kennel September 2022 Colouring Competition Winner

Quinn Box

How old are you?

I’m 6 years old.

Who is your favourite dog?

Scooter the sausage dog.

What is your favourite colour?

Blue.

What is your favourite food?

Rock melon.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

A Mum.

Rocky Road 1. Cut up one bag of Marshmellows, Lolly Raspberries and Peppermint Leaves or your choice of mixes.

2. Melt three block of milk chocolate.

3. Add cut up lollies and half a cup of dessicated coconut to the bowl of melted chocolate and mix with a metal spoon.

4. Pour mixture into a baking tin and top with coursley chopped, Mint Bubbly block.

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

3 Sheep Trials New South Wales 1-4 DECEMBER

Neville Sheepdog Trial Neville, NSW Peter Oxley - 0439 028 779

Victoria 2-4 DECEMBER

VIC Arena Championship Cressy Recreation Reserve Bill Paton/Steve Turner - 0419 015 129 or 0409 188 160

28 - 29 JANUARY

New South Wales 3 DECEMBER 10 - 11 DECEMBER 10 - 11 DECEMBER 17 DECEMBER

Tasmania 3-4 DECEMBER

Yard Trials

Nth Championships Exeter Exeter Sportsground, Exeter Matt Larner - 0409 658 998 Meander Club Trial, Supreme Course Meander, TAS Martin

Victoria

2-3 DECEMBER 3 DECEMBER

Cattle Trials New South Wales 10 - 11 DECEMBER

Walcha Dog Trials Nathan Brown - 0473 878 144

17 - 18 DECEMBER 5 FEBRUARY

Victoria STOCK DOG SPECTACULAR inc. National Kelpie Field Trials, Australian Yard Dog Championships and Supreme Stock Dog Challenge Mansfield Showgrounds, Mansfield Rod Cavil - 0429 951 907

7 - 14 MARCH

10 - 11 DECEMBER

7 - 14 MARCH

Snowy Mountains Yard Dog Trial “The Station Resort”, jindabyne Jay Weston - 0403 191 447 Boorowa Championship Boorowa Showground, Boorowa Nick Foster - 0417 522 513 Walcha Yard & Utility Trial Walcha Showground, Walcha Kellie Madden - 0439 021 361 NSWYDA End of Year Presentation Cowra Showground, Cowra Nathan Cayfe - 0404 045 500

Euroa Yard Dog Trial Euroa, VIC James Fowler - 0417 133 826 Hexham Yard Dog Trial Boonerah Road, Hexham Ros Reynolds - 0417 558 002 VIC State Yard Dog Championship Hexham Recreation, Hexham Ros Reynolds - 0417 588 002 Lancefield Show Yard Trial Lancefield, VIC Neville Williams - 0437 400 000 VICYUFDA Inc. AGM Darraweit Guim Memorial Hall, Darraweit Guim VIC Sharni Brookes/Vin Gedye - 0429 901 232 STOCK DOG SPECTACULAR inc. National Kelpie Field Trials, Australian Yard Dog Championships and Supreme Stock Dog Challenge Mansfield Showgrounds, Mansfield Rod Cavil - 0429 951 907

Utility Trials New South Wales 10 - 11 DECEMBER

Victoria 7 - 14 MARCH

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Walcha Yard & Utility Trial Walcha Showground, Walcha Kellie Madden - 0439 021 361

STOCK DOG SPECTACULAR inc. National Kelpie Field Trials, Australian Yard Dog Championships and Supreme Stock Dog Challenge Mansfield Showgrounds, Mansfield Rod Cavil - 0429 951 907

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

Incorporating: ____

National Kelpie Field Trial ____

MARCH 7 – 13, 2023

MANSFIELD SHOWGROUND, VICTORIA

Australian Yard Dog Championship ____

Supreme Stock Dog Challenge ____

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UPPER GOULBURN WORKING DOG GROUP Facebook page

STOCK DOG SPECTCULAR

Inaugral Great Cattle Dog Muster

Article by Belinda Carter | Photos by Western Sydney Dog Lovers Photography

September saw Muswellbrook, the home of the Australian Cattle Dog and the Australian Stumpy Tailed Cattle Dog, host the Inaugural Great Cattle Dog Muster. As part of the event The Working Cattle Dog Association of Australia took the opportunity to run a trial solely for both breeds.

Over 5,000 spectators attended the event with the trial proving very popular.

We couldn’t have asked for a better judge in Kenny Robinson. The course walk with him calmed many first time trialler nerves. Everyone was so supportive of each other, it was a wonderful atmosphere with the challenge in most people’s minds being the stock and course, not the ‘competition’. Many left the arena absolutely hooked and would compete weekly if we could run that many trials.

Primary sponsor was Mangoola Mine, along with Muswellbrook Chamber of Commerce, JBS Australia (Scone) & Advanced Pet Food. Sponsors certainly make these events possible, and their support is always gratefully received.

The feature class was the Open Cattle which was impressively won by Karen Edwards, from South Gippsland Victoria, with her 6 year old bitch Erudite Vintage Cowgirl (CJ). Karen hsixs successfully trialled CJ in the ANKC system on sheep, ducks and cattle. She has also had credible runs in the Kelly Country Cattle Dog trials. CJ is a gritty dog who Karen has done an outstanding job, having a polished handle on her.

The campdraft arena at the showgrounds was reconfigured to provide some corners and the course designed to suit the breeds working characteristics – driving, pushing, force work. Dogs were required to start with pushing cattle out of a corner before walking them through several fence line obstacles to an obstacle designed to send the cattle towards the centre of the arena requiring the dogs to push at the shoulder to drive them back onto the fence.

A clear hold in a three-sided pen was the mid-point of the course before doing the whole lot again in reverse before penning. Considering these breeds are predominantly driving dogs the course proved very suitable. The cattle supplied did require some cover and control at the head though, being roping steers who have been trained to run into an arena, then turn back and exit back towards the holding pen gates. They very much had a draw so it was pleasing to see how many dogs could capably turn back breakaways.

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We couldn’t have run the day without our wonderful helpers - stock handlers, scribes, timekeepers and announcers.

The trial will be run again in September 2023 at Muswellbrook, and we have learnt a few things to make 2023 even better. The trial is open to any Australian Cattle Dog and Stumpy Tailed Cattle Dog regardless of registration or pedigree status. The dogs must be phenotypically pure with the judge’s discretion being final in that decision.

Overall it was pleasing to see a trial course built to suit these breeds and the hopefully the beginning of an ongoing, regular trial series. From little things big things grow.

AWSDM Winner of the Open Cattle & Open Sheep class, Karen Edwards and CJ

AROUND THE GROUNDS

2022 Sydney Championship Yard Trial Article by Laura McKillop | Photos by Amy Kerr & Laura McKillop

Located in the Hawkesbury, on the outskirts of Sydney, The Sydney Sheepdog Club Inc. held their annual yard trial championship over two days in October. Despite Covid, the rain, floods and everything else that postponed the trial three times in 2022, our October date finally went ahead.

The weekend started a little early with our long time supporter and sponsors, Nick and Katrina Foster from Koonama Working Dogs, holding an “Introduction to Yard Trialing and Pointers for Encourage Handlers” school with all funds being donated back to the club. Together with the club Nick and Katrina raised over $1,500 for the club. All participants loved the school and said that they really learned a lot from the day.

Without our Major Sponsor, Community Bank North Richmond & Districts and Richmond our local yard trial would not have been able to go ahead. Bendigo Bank North Richmond were beyond amazing with their financial help, the Sydney Sheepdog Club would once again like to thank them for their generous support.

Another big thank you goes to Nathan Cayfe who not only helped us by judgng the Kings Timber & Hardware Open Championship which had some tough competition but also

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by donating the sheep for the trial. All our Judges did a fantastic job and actually donated their fees back to the club to give us a jump start for next year.

The Open Championship had some fierce competition with the winner being a continually great team - Jake Nowlan and Amos Zone. The Novice was taken out by the ever competitive Emelia Stokehill and her home bred Gettem Nala. Ben Coster was the winner with Wandabar Chip and the Encourage was taken out by Mark Mangold and Dice who had their last encourage win, congratulations!

Congratulations to all our competitors, and thank you to all our helpers. It is great to see so many people put their hand up on the day whether it was time keeping, setting up yards, helping in the back yards or loading the truck.

We had competitors from as far as the Monaro and Dubbo region as well as many locals showing how easy it looks when done with talented dogs and experienced handlers. All of which is achieved with time, effort and teamwork between dog and handler.

AROUND THE GROUNDS Results Kings Timber & Hardware Open 1. Jake Nowlan and Zone 2. Dean Incher and Hulk 3. Nick Foster and Cracka 4. Dean Incher and Rafa 5. Ben Coster and Fred Stockmanship Award - Jake Nowlan

Agriwest Rural Novice

1. Emelia Stokehill and Nala 2. Nick Foster and Scorcha 3. Emelia Stokehill and Ardie 4. Laura McKillop and Bonnie U/P. Maurice Metherell and Billie Stockmanship Award - Emelia Walton

Vuaghan’s Hay Supplies Maiden 1. Ben Coster and Chip 2 Danny Kerr and Buddy 3. Mark Mangold and Dice 4. Al John and Jesse U/P. Brendan Murphy and Dez Stockmanship Award - Lauren Vest

Bendigo Bank Encourage

1. Mark Mangold and Dice 2. David Brassell and Rex 3. Danny Kerr and Collie 4. David Brassell and Bill U/P. Danny Kerr and Buddy Stockmanship Award - Brent Pakalniskis

Juniors

1. Liam and Jock 2. Claire and Lucy 3. Leo and Adele 4. Archer and Ice 5. Sofie and Java 6. Annabelle and Spot

Record Breaking - Capree Stud Onsite Working Dog & Ram Sale

Article and photos by Kirby McPhee

“I’ve spent 50 years breeding this type of dog – she just didn’t fall out of a tree, she’s not an accident, she has been bred to do what she does.”

On Thursday 20th October, Capree Stud held its 2nd on Property Poll Merino Ram & invitational Working Dog Auction, with 60 rams and 10 working dogs presented for sale, achieving a new Australian record for Lot 62 Capree Eve a 20-month-old black and tan female. Capree Eve was sired by Capree Donald Trump and dam Capree Pinky III for $49,000 and was purchased by Ross Gilmore, from Tattykeel and Fernlee Kelpies, Oberon.

The previous Australian record was set in 2021 by Eulooka Hoover, a 26-month-old male Kelpie for $35,200 at the Coprice Casterton Working Dog Auction in Victoria.

Capree Eve smashed that record by $13,800.

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Chris Stapleton said that he realised when Eve was only eight weeks old that he had something special. “She went around the sheep and started working the first time she saw sheep. She just had a lot of natural instincts.’’

Chris has been breeding Kelpies for more than 50 years and reflected that, “that little bitch I sold here today goes back to some of the dogs I started with.” Capree Eve goes back to his foundation bloodlines and dogs, including five crosses of Glenlogie Lucky, a multiple National Kelpie Trial, Australian Yard Dog Champion, and NSW Yard Dog Champion.

AROUND THE GROUNDS three main bidders on Eve, including initially onsite bidders, but finally just Ross Gilmore online, and the underbidder on the phone.

I’m just so pleased for Chris and Pauline, he’s an icon of the industry, over 50 years to achieve that result, he has been the best for a long time,” Jason said.

Capree stud also sold 40 rams to $7,250 twice and averaging $1,993. The Polkinghorne family from Charinga Merinos, Berrimal, Victoria bought Lot 1, sired by Charinga 19010 Kneely, which Chris had previously purchased from the Polkinghorne’s for $38,000.

Roger Polkinghorne said Kneely was an outstanding ram.

“I thought a lot of that ram, which came from a 450mm rainfall environment in Victoria,’’ he said. “His progeny has performed well in the higher rainfall country where Chris is, and I’m pleased to bring back some of the ram’s dam genetics into my flock”.

“There are not too many good Kelpies with bloodlines that Lucky doesn’t feature in.”

Chris is turning 70 this year and considers her one of the best females he has bred. “She’s not looking to overwork, you can tell her to get off and relax, or she has a ton of force and bark if you ask for it. She’s quiet and sensible, very level-headed, not silly in the kennel and faithful – she’s a step behind you all the time,” he said. “It’s very hard to get that real yard dog force and yet have finesse outside. She breaks out on her cast and without too much eye,” he said.

“I’ve spent 50 years breeding this type of dog – she just didn’t fall out of a tree, she’s not an accident, she has been bred to do what she does.”

Ross Gilmore, the winning bidder through the online platform Auction Plus, which was interfacing with the sale on Thursday, with the pre-bidding already at $26,000.

More than 200 people logged into the sale and 60 bids had been place across all lots.

The other equal top priced ram Lot 3 has headed to commercial producer Michael Ryan from the Bathurst district for $7,250, which is also a Kneely son. Michael also purchased Lot 9 a son of Gowandale Bruce Lee for $7,000 and overall, Michael bought eight merino rams averaging $2,531. He also paid $8,000 for Lot 66 Capree Sue, a red and tan female, sired by Capree Pride and dam Capree Mindy, offered by Chris Stapleton; plus, Lot 69 Capree Ryder, a 6-month-old, black and tan male, sired

by Capree Ace II and dam Capree Scout III (aka Flick), offered by Sam Cook for $3,000.

Kelvin and Belinda Pearce, from Bathurst also paid $7,000 for Lot 11, another Kneely son, while volume buyers Mat and Kerry Connor from Taralga, also purchased 6 rams.

Selling Agent Elders Mudgee, Jason Pearce the Auctioneer, with 10/10 dogs selling, top of $49,000 and averaging $12,525.

The Gilmore family are no strangers to breaking records, with only last month setting a new meat sheep record for $240,000 for an Australian White ram in their 9th Annual on property Sale. “So, I should be pretty sure I’ll get my money I reckon,” Chris quipped. “When you can sell a ram for $240,000 that you can’t even shear, you can afford to buy a Kelpie for $50,000.”

Ross said he not only bought Eve for her work skill but also her genetic background, and that pushed the price to that level. “In breeding things, genetics isn’t cheap. In my mind the Capree stud basically set up the Kelpie that I would call a Kelpie with brains, toughness, and an ability to still get a lot of stuff done, but not cause problems along the way,” Ross said. “It’s no different to having a good stockman. They also have to be able to read the stock and that was something I saw in Eve,” he said. “She’s a beautiful type of dog and I like her work; but it was the breeding background behind that, that pushed it a bit further.”

Elders Mudgee auctioneer Jason Pearce said there were

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AROUND THE GROUNDS

“Golden Results at Geurie working dog sale – averaging 24% higher” Article by Teeah Bungey, AuctionsPlus

The annual Geurie Golden Collar working dog sale was held on AuctionsPlus this weekend, with the sustained demand for working dogs contributing to an $1,549 increase on last year’s sale average. Running as an online only sale for the second year in a row, the 41 lot offering was open for pre-bidding in the week leading up to the auction, which concluded on 15th October.

The auction saw a total of 4,169 users connecting to the sale across the week, to view and bid on the line-up of dogs which ranged from eight-years to three-months old, with the Border Collie breed accounting for 88% of the offering.

Demand for quality working dogs remains strong, with the auction surpassing last years average to reach $8,111 for the 27 dogs sold - up from last years $6,562 average.

Buyers from across the country were active throughout the sale, with 98 bidders competing, resulting in dogs heading as far north as Queensland and south as Victoria. Securing the top price of the day was Lot 2 – “Bells Willow” selling for $21,500. The experienced six-year-old work and trial Border Collie bitch described as “fully trained on voice and whistles, very stylish and classy” was offered by vendor Jamie Sturrock.

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The second price dog of the day saw Lot 11 – “Brie” sell to $16,500. The two-year-old Border Collie/Kelpie offered by vendor Ben McWhirter, was described as having “plenty of presence and bite on cattle, very strong but easily controlled.”

Other sale highlights included Lot 25 – “Cabra Glebe Ted” selling for $11,500. The 12-month-old Border Collie male offered by vendor Joseph Leven was described as “a confident young dog with strong desire to work, easy to handle and works alone.” Securing top price for the offering of three-month-old dogs was Lot 37 – “Farleys Lace”, selling for $4,000. Offered by Jared Farley, threemonth-old Border Collie “Farleys Lace” was described as “a great opportunity to purchase full UK bloodlines, started on sheep and is ISDS registered.”

Top spot for the Kelpie offering went to Lot 7 – “Oakfield Dolly” selling for $14,200. The black and tan kelpie bitch was aged 2-years-and-4 months old, offered by Brenden Butler and described as having a “lovely temperament, favouring paddocks with a nice free wide cast.”

Bells Willow - Highest Priced at $21,500.

Photo from Craiglea Rural

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Joe Spicer and Lara Herrmann with Highest Priced dog GoGetta Trunk (Mouse)

Record Breaking - GoGetta Kelpie Stud Online Auction

Article by AWSDM | Photos Provided by GoGetta Kelpie Stud

Renowned working dog trainer, trialer and ABC Muster Dog Series breeder Joe Spicer has set a new national average price record at his Online dog auction at the inaugural event for his Kelpie stud, GoGetta.

Joe Spicer’s Glenthompson, Victoria based GoGetta Kelpie Stud offered 15 working dogs in an AuctionsPlus only sale over the weekend. GoGetta sold all 15 for a top price of $28,000, with an average price of $17,733. This smashed the previous Australian record average price of $10,580, which was set at the Jerilderie Working Dog Sale, in February this year.

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Despite the incredible, record-breaking result, what mattered to Joe the most was recording “100% clearance to the right homes.”

His hopes and expectations were well and truly exceeded beyond what he ever could have imagined, by absolutely smashing the record for the highest average at any working dog sale. For the team at GoGetta Kelpie Stud this made the hard work and long, frustrating days that they into each and every dog worthwhile despite them wanting to tear their hair out at times, their plan is to continue running auctions annually.

With many auctions running throughout the country, Joe and his team contemplated offering a few of his dogs at those auctions but felt “it added a personal touch to run an exclusive GoGetta Kelpie stud auction.” He finds it allows people to “come and meet the dogs” before the sale and see whether they like “their personality, work ethic and whether they were going to click with that dog.” Joe finds auctions are they best way to price a dog as they “could advertise them for $5,000 or $50,000, but at the end of the day it’s what the market wants to pay for them that’s important.”

training program her siblings did in order to see whether training or quality genetics played a bigger role in the success of a working dog. Since, her time in the Northern Territory for the final demonstration and their first birthday, Mouse has excelled in her training and has “become a cracking little cattle and yard dog.” GoGetta Trunk sold for $28,000 to Cumbre Stud in Central Victoria.

Joe Spicer is no stranger to media attention, having been the breedertrainer in the popular ABC television show Muster Dogs. With some of the dogs in the sale either featured in or were related to dogs that featured in the show.

The mother of the infamous Muster Dogs Pups, Jones’s Zoey (Truce), sold for $14, 000, With Joe claiming this is a “unique opportunity to enjoy a part of Muster Dogs history every day!”

The top priced dog of the auction was GoGetta Trunk (Mouse), the control dog of the Muster Dog series. Mouse didn’t undertake the accelerated

GoGetta Kelpie Stud Renowned Breeder and trainer of quality working kelpies for 25+ years. Dogs/puppies generally available Contact Joe Spicer 0429 667 464

White’s Kelpie Stud in Europe 2022 Article and Photos by Angie White

In 2019 Gary received a phone call from Fabienne Kunz asking if we would travel to Switzerland that year to run a Clinic for the working dog enthusiasts in Switzerland.

She had been following Whites Kelpie Stud for several years and liked what she saw of our stud and Gary’s methodology and training work. We started to organise the trip when Co-vid hit.

Three years later we touched down on Swiss soil and were met by a beaming Fabienne, who welcomed us with open arms and then proceeded to try and kill us on a six hour walk of the Swiss Alps, which in spite of the super effort, was something we will remember forever. Switzerland is one of the most beautiful places on earth.

On Day One, Gary took several people for private lessons, giving him an idea of what some of the dogs could do and possible standards for the school the next two days.

In the scenic surrounds of “Theiler Farms” near Lucerne, and hosted by Inge Bueler and her partner Peter, daughter

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Emilie and Fabienne, 12 handlers and a group of fence sitters took part avidly in the two days of training. With language a barrier, there were many moments of stops and starts as translation became a new game to play. With Swiss, French, Belgium, Austrian and German speaking participations Gary had his hands full and took to using sign language and arm waving as a way of getting his message across.

AROUND THE GROUNDS Inge is a keen trialer, and recently placed in the Dollamiti Open in Italy. Her set up is top notch and she trains handlers from throughout Switzerland. Fabienne is a keen studier of breeding and training methods, together the pair made a great team and pulled off a fantastic Clinic.

“When you start working it, I see that people sometimes find it really hard that suddenly they are out of the picture and their dog only has eyes for the sheep. So, they are quick with putting commands on their dogs to be back in the picture again.”

In a trap for young players, I translated Gary’s Clinic notes into German, French, Swiss, Swedish, and Italian before we left home, but believe me Google translation is not always correct, to the hilarity of the Swedish people as one translation had them and us rolling with laughter.

“I really appreciate how Gary stressed the importance of bringing out the instincts in a young dog before putting commands. How he showed us that using correct body language and positioning we can start working together with our dog not by controlling it’s every movement but by allowing it to find the right spot to be.”

“After 3 years of planning, we finally made it! Gary and Angie came to Switzerland for a Working Dog Seminar, a few hours of private lessons and some Swiss alps feeling,” said Fabienne Kunz.

“It was fantastic to see how the young dogs were able to make incredible progress within 2 days with many short units. Gary managed to make everyone proud of their Kelpie and their achievement,” she said.

After a fantastic time with our new Swiss Friends, we travelled to Denmark for a short visit before heading to Sweden and the home of Sara Jones and Urös. Sara whose father was Australian, was a kelpie breeder and had, over the years imported kelpies to Sweden.

Sara has followed in his footsteps and is passionate about training and breeding kelpies, she shares her knowledge and love to other handlers across Sweden and graciously hosted our second school at her home in south-east Sweden.

“I thought it very valuable for us here in Sweden to get an Australian perspective on training a young dog,” said Sara.

I think we have a tendency to put too much pressure too soon on our dogs and we tend to be a bit too controlling,” she said.

“Sheep mobs in Sweden are mostly small and so people don’t always get a chance to realize the importance and value of having a dog that thinks for itself when it’s on the other side of a mob of a few thousand sheep.”

“It’s very common in Sweden that you only have one working dog and you put a lot of time into that dog. You go to puppyobedience courses, you spend a lot of time with your dog, it lives in the house, it’s your pet.”

“It was great to see the progress of the handlers and we really enjoyed our shared meals that made for great dog discussions and interesting swapping of training methods applicable to Sweden and Europe,” she said.

From South Sweden we travelled north to Köping to the Home of Nina Sixtenson, enjoying the beautiful Swedish autumn landscape along the way.

Nina, a renowned Swedish horse breeder, was also keen to broaden her knowledge of working dogs, particularly the kelpie, and was excited to be able to host a Clinic at her and her husband, Peters, home.

“For me it was relaxing to enjoy with any dog because I felt a great trust in Gary at once that he would do the right thing with any dog. It was also fantastic to see how the puppies got their instinct,” said Nina.

Nina and Peter gathered everyone together for meals for the three days and the laughter and good times could be heard at the next farm.

Martina Gröen, a Clinic participant, has a small mob of cattle that she transports via barge to different Islands to graze. This is no mean feat, and we were fascinated by her story.

“The Clinic was great,” said Martina. “To get the whole picture - how to train your dog from three months old to a fully grown-up experienced working dog (and still get advice on how to continue training) was the best,” she said.

“By watching all participants with all these dogs in different stages and ages, we got a very good option to understand the whole learning curve. Also, to work all our own dogs in the same exercise but on different levels. This was absolutely great.”

“In Sweden, we do train our dogs a bit different than you do in Australia. The European way doesn’t always appeal to me.

AROUND THE GROUNDS Even though I work extremely small herds of cattle I’m more attracted to how you Aussies work dogs because to me it’s more adaptive to how a kelpie naturally works,” said Martina.

Max Äling, an enthusiastic participant said the following: “It was a very good course for me. The interesting thing is to show how with little tools you can get a dog of any age to work so well by working with their instincts and not against them, and only working with obedience,” he said. “let the dog be a dog and take responsibility for his job, so that we farmers can work as a team with our dogs and trust them, which makes you see what an incredible asset they are for us farmers and increases the value of the dog,” said Max. It was obvious to see the positive contribution of Odd Magne Neilsen in Sweden who attended the first couple of days in Köping. Odd and Gary had some great discussions and formed a mutual respect through their passion for dogs.

“The quality of the dogs, predominantly kelpies were of a good standard in Switzerland and both clinics in Sweden I thought,” said Gary.

“There was a lot of keen people willing to learn new methods of training. Because their trialling is based on the UK model, they are very focused on driving stock with their dogs.”

“In my opinion, they probably want their dogs driving too early, before all the basics and balance work has been concreted.”

“The handling level was good, and they all love their dogs and training.”

“Angie and I would like to thank everybody we met and who came to the clinics, for making us feel so welcome and sharing a lot of laughs and good times with us. Without Fabienne and her mother Ruth we would not have made the journey and we thank them both.”

“We look forward to our next visit, although we may need to go into training if it means more mountain climbing.”

Ben & Belinda’s 2022 South Africa Australian Cattle Dog Trip

Article and Photos by Belinda Carter

South Africa – the rainbow nation with all its challenges, magnificent wildlife, and a healthy love for our Australian Cattle Dogs since Boer War at the turn of the twentieth century. Thanks to Covid it has been 3 years since I last went to South Africa to give a seminar and demonstration, so was good to finally get back this year taking my partner Ben Wade. Breeder Helen Lachenicht has been a passionate driver for the breed in co ordinating these schools and uniting the ACD community through Cattle Dog Connection. She once again was the backbone of this trip.

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I’ve had a love affair with this breed for over the past two decades. I was the girl who grew up showjumping standardbreds so you could say I’m fan of the underdog, and a non-conformist. Both Ben and I use our ACDs alongside kelpies at Yambinya Station in the Western Riverina of NSW where last year we finished 28,000 cattle and 89,000 lambs.

The cattle industry in South Africa is thriving even with their export constraints. Popular breeds are the Beefmaster, Boran, Brahman, Bonsmara & Simbras. Feedlots range from family run 500 head up to the corporate size of 30,000 head.

AROUND THE GROUNDS window…. yet they still have lost some to thieves.

When we arrived to Johannesburg we were thrown right into what the locals know as Load Shedding. Major intersections with no working traffic lights, no one directing traffic just a very polite system of being patient and cooperative. The country cannot produce enough electricity (despite having coal, solar and nuclear) to power the entire country, so regions are shut down for a couple of hours at a time. No region is spared. The wealthy install solar or buy generators.

We gave a 3 day clinic at the farm of Connie & Mariska Van Vuuren in Wolmaransstad. 16 participants kept both of us busy. Young Beefmasters and Simbras turned out to be perfect training cattle, plus some Dormers for those wanting to train certain skills on sheep.

I still get surprised at how many farmers are using cattle dogs but digging deeper there are a number of reasons why they are popular.

Producers for the Australian market prioritize eating quality over volume, whereas the South African markets just demand sheer bulk. As a result, many choose to feed bulls. Tenacious dogs are needed to manage the 70-day trade bulls who have two Revalor H implants!

Some standout dogs, including a 5 month old with a good amount of eye and a fearless, but not suicidal, attitude.

Many dogs are already used daily on farms, both in feedlots and mustering out on the veldt, so the level of general control and low excitability of the dogs made it very easy to progress them to developing sides and gears.

With the expropriation of farming land and the land claims long term employees can make on their employer’s farms, there is a growing interest in using other means of labour.

Dogs can do much of the animal movement work.

If they use a cattle dog they also get the benefit of a dog with protection tendencies. Theft is a huge problem for farmers, right down to even having dogs stolen. We stayed for one night with a farming family at Wesselsbron, their sheep being yarded every night right under their bedroom

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AROUND THE GROUNDS For most of the farmers their dogs were the first they have ever trained and had just figured out a working partnership with the dogs as they went along doing chores at home.

Ben and I were able to introduce some specific exercises to them, with many just taking it all in. We had so many participants who just absorbed all the information like a sponge, they were a joy to teach.

To sum up the type of person working with these dogs – one young female participant rang to say she would be late on the first day. When she stopped to change a flat tyre her tethered dog started growling. She stood up to see she was being robbed, so used the tyre iron with great force on the thief before drawing her holstered 9mm. Retrieving her phone and wallet she continued onto the school as cool as a cucumber. Resourceful, inviting, matter of fact sure sums up our experience with our South African friends.

They sure know how to braai (BBQ) so every night we ate like a King and Queen. There is a comradery amongst the farmers, and a real love for their country despite the large challenges they face. Game meat is also more mainstream than Australia – wildebeest, impala, eland etc.

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After the 3 day school we drove to Bothaville for the Nampo Alfa Livestock and Hunting Expo where we met even more farmers using Australian Cattle Dogs from Cape Town, to the Eastern Cape, to KwaZulu -Natal. I’m confident future schools could fill 30+ positions.

The second half of our trip we were treated to some truly magical experiences at both a private reserve in southern Botswana and in the Kruger National Park. It has taken me three trips to Africa to see the Big 5, but Ben ticked off all of them (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino) plus rare African wild dogs and seeing both white and black rhinos in his first trip.

Africa is one of those places that leaves you speechless and makes you humble.

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Queensland Has a New State Yard Dog Trialling Association

Article and Photos Provided by QYUTA

Exciting new developments in Queensland with the formation of a new state yard and utility trial association.

A committed team have been hard at work over the last couple of months preparing to launch the new association for 2023.

The Queensland Yard and Utility Association Inc (QYUTA) will be the new state governing body for yard and utility trialling in Queensland. The Management Committee consists of Callum Storey, as President. Callum is a passionate trialer and works daily with his dogs on a cattle property. Derek Binstead is the Vice-President and has been a State Representative. The Secretary is Shelley Burns, who has been a driving force behind establishing the new association. Chloe Owen is the Association’s Treasurer and has been interested in many aspects of agriculture since early childhood. Taryn Binstead (Jondaryan), Errol Gill (Boonah) and Wally Bell (Surat) round out the management team and are experienced trialers.

The new association is currently planning their 2023 calendar to include yard and utility trials, judging schools, demonstrations, exhibitions, training days and fun days.

The level of interest in yard dog trialling in Queensland is on the rise. The team at QYUTA are committed to

encouraging and welcoming new members into the sport of yard and utility trialling from beginners to experienced handlers.

Since officially launching the QYUTA facebook page, President, Callum Storey is excited about the potential of the new association and the level of interest QYUTA has already attracted. Callum says “The level of support for what QYUTA is planning continues to grow” Our year will formally kick off in slightly cooler temperatures during February 2023 when we’ll be holding training days for members.

The trial calendar starts in March 2023 with almost a full month of trialling every weekend. The first yard trial with be at the Millmerran Show (4th and 5th of March) followed by the Pittsworth Show (11th March) then Inglewood (18th March). A utility trial will be held at the Toowoomba Royal Show on 31st March followed by a yard dog trial to be held at the Goondiwindi Show on 28th and 29th April.

Initially our trials will be held in conjunction with local shows in order to promote the new association and to encourage new members. The new management committee will be available for a meet and greet at all events.

AROUND THE GROUNDS As a new association, QYUTA will be focused on increasing the pool of qualified judges. Initially we will have to “borrow” judges from NSW but we will also be holding a series of Judging Schools to both train new judges and upskill our current ones. It is anticipated that implementing a Judges Education Program will encourage members to consider becoming a judge.

An exciting first year is in front of us, with the pinnacle being the first Queensland State Championship that has been held for quite some years.

QYUTA’s Facebook page is already up and running, any queries or questions are very welcome. Our new website (www.qyuta.com) will be launched shortly and will include membership forms, trial and training dates. Our website will be styled similarly to that of NSWYDA and VYUFDA. The team at QYUTA cannot thank enough those who have helped us over the past couple of months. A great deal of thanks goes out to the NSW Yard Dog Association and Victorian Yard Utility Farm Dog Association, with extra credit to their respective Secretaries for responding to the many phone calls, messages and emails. QYUTA looks forward to working with both the NSW and Vic Associations in the future. Dan and Laura from DogTorque deserve a special mention for recently hosting an interview with our new President.

We are excited for this new year in trialling in Queensland and the many new members who will join us. We look forward to your support and would love to hear from you if you would like to hold a trail, exhibition or demonstration.

For now, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and looking forward to seeing you all next year.

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We have moved to Warwick, QLD! Est 1956.

THE KADEN WAY & DOG SCHOOLS SMALL CLASSES - NO MORE THAN 6 IN ALL SCHOOLS

NEW FRESH PROVEN POSITIVE PROGRAM

FULL DAY SCHOOLS AND HALF DAY DAILY LESSONS AVAILABLE TESTIMONIAL

Kaden’s working dog schools run a comprehensive training program that has been carefully constructed for the development of a confident and well rounded sheep dog. Denise tackles training with all her heart and enthusiasm (this is considerable), and her drive to get the best from the dogs is admirable. Her philosophy of patience, kindness and positivity allows the dogs to shine. Working through an issue is tackled with a can do attitude and positivity and importantly no punishment (for dog or handler). Feedback is delivered sensitively but directly and there is always a solution to a problem. Denise not only assists the training of trialling dogs but overlays this with the practical needs of dogs working sheep on a working station. Kaden’s way works. Being welcomed into the Hawe home and spending 5 days training my dog here was a wonderful experience that I hope to repeat next year. - Sally Elsom

KADEN WORKING DOG STUD PUPS AND STARTER DOGS WILL BE AVAILABLE

KADEN'S ONLINE WORKING DOG SCHOOl LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP $300 Discount for a limited time!

A unique program that covers every stage from buying a pup to going to work; including specialist yard dog training. The course consists of over 30 video lessons with a paper base back up. Support is number 1 for Kaden’s students, we offer 1 on 1 coaching as well as weekly Q&A conference calls. There is a private FB community that is active with contests and challenges. This course will transform you as a trainer.

Both the Property and Online are something new, I don’t believe there is anything like this in Australia at the moment.

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No Bake Rocky Road Cheesecake • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

3 x 160g blocks dark milk chocolate, chopped 1/2 x 250g packet butternut snap biscuits, roughly chopped 1 1/2 cups raspberry marshmallows, plus extra to serve 1/2 cup Coles glace cherries 1/2 cup roasted almond kernels 1/4 cup boiling water 2 tsp gelatine powder 500g cream cheese, softened 2/3 cup caster sugar 1/3 cup desiccated coconut 3 tsp vanilla extract 1/2 cup thickened cream 125g punnet raspberries, plus extra to serve Extra 300ml thickened cream, whipped Mini pink and white marshmallows, to serve 2 tbsp Pistachios, chopped

1. Grease a 22cm round (base) springform pan.

Line base and side with baking paper.

2. Place 400g chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl.

Microwave on HIGH (100%), stirring every 30 seconds, for 1 minute 30 seconds or until chocolate is melted and smooth. Cool for 15 minutes. Add biscuits, marshmallows, cherries and almonds.

Press biscuit mixture into base of prepared pan, pressing firmly to compact.

3. Place boiling water in a small heatproof jug.

Sprinkle over gelatine . Stir until gelatine dissolves. Cool for 5 minutes.

4. Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese, sugar, coconut and vanilla until light and fluffy.

Gradually add cream, beating until mixture thickens slightly. With motor operating, add gelatine mixture, beating until just combined.

Fold in raspberries. Pour mixture into pan. Level top. Refrigerate for 6 hours or until set.

5. Place remaining chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on HIGH (100%), stirring every 30 seconds, for 1 minute or until chocolate is melted and smooth. Transfer cheesecake to a serving plate. Top with extra whipped cream , mini marshmallows , extra marshmallows and raspberries. Drizzle with melted chocolate.

Sprinkle with pistachios. Serve.

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

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MERCANDISE MAIL ORDER FORM Item AWSDM Trucker Cap – Grey & Teal, Army Green & Blue, Grey, Blue & Orange AWSDM Stubby Cooler – Sunset or Border Collie DVD – Kingdom of the Collie DVD – Greg Prince, My Way – Firm but Fair DVD – The Kelpie Dog, Selecting and Training DVD – Kelpie, The Legend DVD – Doghouse Training Logan A1 Whistle (Red, Blue, Silver, Pink, Purple) Logan A1 Turbo Logan 304 Turbo - Stainless Steel Logan 304 Stainless Steel Logan Delta Logan Delta 2 Logan Ventura (Gunmetal, Teal) Logan Ventura Brass Logan Brass Turbo Logan Brass Supreme ACME Ultra High Pitch 211.5 Whistle ACME Shepard’s Whistle Nylon Cord Lanyard Adjustable Cord Lanyard (Red, Blue, Pink, Green, Black, Purple) Adjustable Leather Lanyard Lamb Nappa Lanyard (Black) Shepherd’s Crook Postage inc. Shepherd’s Crook Postage Total Order Amount

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$24.50 $9.95

Name:________________________________________________________________________ Email:_________________________________________________________________________ Phone:________________________________________________________________________ Postal Address:_________________________________________________________________ Bank Transfer: CBA – Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine BSB: 062–595 | Account: 1057 5288 Please attach payment to this form.

Name on Credit Card: Card Number: Expiry: CVV: Cheque made payable to – Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine Return this form to: Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine PO BOX 3003, Grose Vale NSW 2753 We can also process credit card payments over the phone – Call Laura on 0459 031 729

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Breeders Directory

CALLUM 0488776047

Breeding Kelpies with natural instinct

Fairdinkum Kelpies Lokabe Kelpies

Breeding and training quality

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WORKING DOG SCHOOLS

GUARANTEED TO WORK WKC registered and DNA tested for genetic disease Contact Janelle 040 775 9338 Email: nelscartage@bigpond.com

Come to us or host one of your own

Pups, Started and Going dogs regularly available.

Fairdinkum Kelpies are strong versatile dogs, bred to work with natural ability under all conditions.

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Business Directory

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The Ute

By Jan Lowing

Rattling along in my old green ute, an ancient wonder, a real ‘you beaut’, with extra cab and crate on the back, my right hand man and station hack.

It’s full of stuff I can’t do without and another lot I should chuck out: a pup rope, muzzle and tie-up chain, my drizabone just in case of rain, a woolly beanie up on the dash with my wallet and a bit of cash; the mothering book for the Border lambs, a Coopers to help turn pounds to grams; binoculars to check lambing ewes, a box of bullets, the twenty two… a set of jump leads, some tools, the jack, are all tucked in behind my back; the tagging gear and count out book, some dagging shears, and if you look under the seat…the spotlight and lead with enough hay and oats to do a feed; the bucket on the passenger seat to milk out a ewe with a blocked up teat… and the chook tin with its special handle I made for Dad when he wasn’t able to carry it when he had his stroke, (he dropped it once, and the eggs all broke).

It stops the flowers from tipping over, driving along to visit mother.

If I lost things Dad would always say…

I can hear him now, like yesterday…

‘It’ll be there in your messy ute, you’ve always been an untidy coot!’

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