I Got a Cow Dog Puppy Now what do I do with it? Jennifer Whiteley Nevada Rancher Magazine
Elko, Nev.—Julie Carreiro of Elko, Nevada and owner of JC Boer Goats has been training and exhibiting stock dogs since 1984. “In 1984 I acquired my firsts working cow dog who was a McNab cross, who was strictly a head dog. In 1990 I acquired a young Border Collie from the Animal Shelter who was named REX. This dog really changed how I worked cattle. REX knew how to read cattle. He had power, bite and balance. We worked so good together, I could use him on pairs, yearlings, bulls, sheep or ducks. I really wanted to learn more about training for a trial, so I purchased a video from Ben Means and went to a few trainers who helped me learn how to really train a good stock dog. I began trialing at ranch dog trials and won numerous championships with multiple dogs over the years. My most memorable trial was the invitational stock dog trial at the California State Fair where REX won Overall Grand. I continued to trial, purchasing pups from very reputable breeders and continued winning those dogs. Cattle prices continued to rise and the cost of fresh cattle to start pups on was too expensive. I had my band of sheep for the young pups, when someone told
me to try goats, because they work just like cattle. I did and ended up selling my band of sheep and purchased 20 head of registered Boer Goats. Hence, I am now a Registered Boer goat breeder to this day.” She has over 30 years of working dog experience. “I have bred registered Border Collies over the years, but find it is easier to purchase young pups from other breeders. Not every puppy will make a great cow dog or a great goat dog. Last year I acquired two pups from Cowboy and Shammy Rodriguez. I started both of the pups on goats and sheep and sold one other pups at just 6 months old at the Van Normal Sale. This pup had already learned short outruns, balance, gather, down and come off stock. The other pup is turning out to be very strong on goats as well and will hopefully be my next go to dog moving goats on the ranch.” When asked about selecting a puppy, Carreiro explained that she looks for good working parents and goes from there. Not every puppy in a litter will be a good dog, but having good parents helps. Carreiro prefers to use goats when training young dogs. They are more cost
PHOTO BY: Julie Carreiro
Carriero’s buckle from the California State Fair. “My most memorable trial was the invitational stock dog trial at the California State Fair where REX won Overall Grand.”
PHOTO BY: Julie Carreiro
Carreiro’s dog “Rex” who came from the animal shelter. She and Rex went on to top honors at theRANCHER California State Fair. 2019 10take THE NEVADA – APRIL