Upskilling Working Dogs

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A huntaway being put through its paces at the Training Day.

Photo credit: Kim Lewis.

Recently the Malvern Collie Club hosted the Tux sponsored Steve Steve Steve Steve Kerr Kerr Kerr Kerr Training Day at Annavale Station. The car park paddock looked like an advert for Toyota Hilux with utes (there were also some other brands) in various states of 'shininess' parked up, all sharing the addition of a canopy or quintessential dog box on the back! Around 50-60 people attended the event bringing their Heading dogs and Huntaway's for some one-on-one tuition with Dog Trialling and Training guru Steve Kerr. Tux are keen to sponsor and upskill working dog owners and run a series of training sessions around New Zealand as well as sponsor district and national Dog Trials. The youngest dog showing its natural abilities was a three month old bitch pup, with the owner receiving advice and training on how to ensure that the pup and her litter mates reached their full potential. Right up to experienced older dogs, over nine years old, whose owners wanted to iron out some bad habits the dog and owner had picked up over time! A wide range of dog owners, trial enthusiasts, shepherds, farm and station managers attended the event, and each dog got personal one-on-one time with the expert Steve Kerr and six woolly Annavale ewes. Farmlands Darfield put on a delicious sausage sizzle (thanks, Rod RodRod Rod and Charlotte Charlotte Charlotte Charlotte), and Raro (Aaron Apii Aaron Apii Aaron Apii Aaron Apii) from Tux was on hand to talk nutrition and why they sponsor these events. Overall the ages of the working dogs was quite well reflected in the equivalent ages of the owners and supporters. Steve said, “the main thing an owner of a working dog can do is be consistent. Keep telling your dog to stop or stand or which side to go on the sheep, and use your body position with the sheep to help the dog understand if they're doing things right or wrong. Also, never try to train a dog if you have had a frustrating day or are in a hurry. Being calm will put the dogs at ease - and remember - all your dog wants to do is help you!” A great day was had by all, which highlighted the specialised training a working dog (and their owner) needs. The Dog Trial season starts very soon, so if you are looking for a great day out, head along and watch the trialists and their dogs work as a team to move a small mob of sheep around an obstacle course and ultimately into a pen. Finally, a big shout out to everyone who took time out from lambing to attend! Kim Lewis.

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