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From the Editor forward to having further discussions with those that have expressed interest previously and perhaps new interests. Hello to all of our readers, December 2018 marks our 10th Hopefully a new owner comes along and can take the mag- edition of the Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine. azine to new heights and improve on the quality platform This means we have been up and running for five years, and we have created. Its a fantastic small business opportunity what a great five years it has been. for a passionate working dog entrepreneur to take the reins and make it their own. Again, the Tamworth Stock Dog Spectacular was the high- light of the year for me. It was a great week of quality trial- May you all have a Merry Christmas and a safe Happy New ing. Thanks to those that came to our trade stall, purchased Year!! merchandise, dvd’s or whistles and who simply came to say G’day. This is the signature event for all dog trialing and I’m Kind Regards sure it will continue to improve. Congratulations to every- Wayne Flintham one that was involved in the event from the main organisers, Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine stock suppliers, back yards people and anyone that helped Email: [email protected] out during the week. www.facebook.com/ Once again id like to thank the three core ladies behind the WorkingStockDogMagazine magazine. Zoe Crouch, Annette Ross & Kasie LoSurdo – without these ladies the magazine would not be possible. I’d also like to extend my thanks to all of our contributors over the last five years. A lot of people have got behind the magazine and supported us all the way through. Thank You! This is our tenth issue and will be my last issue at the realm. The AWSDM business will be officially up for sale upon this publication hitting the newsagent shelves and we look All material in this magazine is protected by copyright laws and may not be reproduced in part or full without the written permission of the publisher. The publisher and contributors does / do not accept liability for any opinions or techniques described within The Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine. Printed in Australia by Spotpress Pty Ltd and Distributed by IPS. Publisher & Editors: Deputy Editor: Zoe Crouch Wayne & Mandy Flintham Design Director: Kasie LoSurdo Email: [email protected] Chief Designer: Annette Ross Phone: 0458226463 Contributors: Sophia McGillivery, Peter Brown, Mail: PO Box 2096 IDALIA QLD 4811 Nan Lloyd, Kasie LoSurdo, Denise Hawe, Sophie Murfitt - Beach to Bush Photography Choulie Stone - Fine Amber Photography Dr Ness Buchholz - Camperdown Veterinary Clinic Mark Pelley ‘THE SNAKE HUNTER’ Tully Williams, Scott Amon, Peter Austin, Sally Purbrick-Illek, Margo Hogan, Rod Cavanagh Front Cover Credit: Nan Lloyd Advertising: Email: [email protected] Articles & Stories Email: [email protected] www.stockdogs.com.au
CONTENTS DECEMBER 2018 On the Cover 17 White’s Fella 17. A Dog’s Life - White’s Fella 30. Photo Essay 36. Station Profile: Spring Plains 40. Photo Essay 49. Snakes and Dogs 70. Australian Stock Dog Spectacular 6 30 6 Burnt 10 The Way We Were - Les Armstrong Burnt Photo Essay 13 The Way We Were- Snow Ellis 17 A Dog’s Life - White’s Fella 49 Snakes & Dogs 72 22 Weekend Warrior- Daniel Camilleri 26 Stockman Profile - Grant Cooke 38 Australian Stock dog 30 Photo Essay - Sophie Murfitt Spectacular 36 Station Profile - Spring Plains Station Profile 40 Photo Essay- Fine Amber Photography 44 Vet check - Worms & Our Dogs 49 Dogs & Snakes 56 Training Pen: Control at a Distance 63 Versatile Station Kelpies 70 Stockdog Spectacular 79 Trialling - A Different Approach 84 Readers Stories 88 Breeders Directory www.stockdogs.com.au AWSDM 5
On the evening of St. Patrick’s Day this year, my fami- Story & Photo’s ly and I lost nearly everything. We ran about a 1000 Sophia McGillivery, Larkrise Working Border Collies, head of crossbred sheep for meat and wool produc- tion on a 500-acre farm in south-west Victoria, but the bush survived with little damage apart from melted tail lights and fires left us with only the land, ruined machinery, and about body trim, and scorched paint, even though the Land Rover 60 sheep. ute parked nearby was destroyed beyond repair. On that disastrous day, it had been windy and warm. Sum- My two Border Collies miraculously survived in their ken- mer conditions were nearly over. It was late at night, and no nels untouched, except for smoke inhalation, even when one was thinking of fires, especially not a worst-case scenario. everything was burnt around them. They spent a good six What hit us suddenly was not an ordinary bushfire. It was a weeks recovering at the local vets, who kindly cared for them wildfire. The storm-force wind fanned the fire like huge bel- free of charge. My Dad’s two-year old dog, Bert, one of my lows, causing it to devour everything in its path with such in- pups which Dad bought off me, and whom Dad relied heav- tense heat that it destroyed solid buildings, leaving just rubble ily on for sheep work, sadly perished in the fire. Bert was a and a few distinguishable objects. Even glass windows melted great dog in the yards and shearing shed, and was very fast, into long icicles. bold, and fearless. Dad misses him greatly because Bert was Most of our machines and vehicles were left melted and buck- his mate and went everywhere with him. led within their frames. Other equipment, such as our Lister I have been breeding and training working Border Collies diesel generators and Briggs and Stratton pumps that we used for the last six years to sell as farm workers and canine sports for supplying our remote rural power and water supply sys- dogs. We use dogs to work our Perendale (Romney x Chevi- tems were completely destroyed and left as pools of solidified ot) sheep. Perendales are a hardy, robust, and alert sheep. The molten metal. Yet amazingly, a few things survived, such as a presence of a dog in a paddock will often make them self-mus- cardboard filter box on the shelf in the burnt storage contain- ter, and do so with determination in the direction in which er next to a pool of metal that was once a small engine block they decide to travel, especially if you breed more towards the made from aluminium! My brother’s classic Triumph car also Cheviot traits of the breed, as we do. They need obedient dogs with good presence who can quietly command them and not be easily bluffed by bold sheep. 6 AWSDM www.stockdogs.com.au
My two breeding dogs are passionate about sheep. They are and good mates. enthusiastic, loyal workers with bite but no bark. My bitch, \\The bushfire recovery process is tough going and slow, with Sally, has a wide cast in the paddock, yet she works very close very little progress evident after long hours of work. Simple in the yards. My sire, Bauers Moss, is generally a close working routine things absorb a lot of time. We are hoping to re-estab- dog originally trained for holding and blocking cattle. He is lish, but mindful it is going to be a long process with heaps of too strong for our crossbred sheep because of his prior train- challenges and delays. Whatever we end up doing will be a new ing with cattle. Their pups have proved to be versatile farm beginning for us, because our house, sheds, fences, yards, ma- dogs, top sports dogs, and faithful pets. Generally, they are chinery and all those things we took for granted are destroyed. better suited for yard and close paddock work because of their Everything from Dad and Mum’s childhoods to the present, swift, direct and silent blocking and strong holding ability. I’m including special things from their parents and grandparents pleased that all of their progeny are friendly and loyal workers are all gone as well as the things my brothers and sisters and I treasured. It is especially difficult for Dad as it has taken him nearly forty years to get to where we were before the fires. He lost everything in the Ash Wednesday Fires in 1983 and had to start again. He has now been burnt out twice. Hence, it is still very hard and overwhelming thinking of things we’ve lost, especially our animals. They were our friends, some more special than others. They can never be replaced. Howev- er, it is wonderful to have a few survivors. We also are thankful to God we are all alive and have been spared the tragedy of loss that other fire victims in the past have suffered when loved ones perished in bush fires. A big post fire challenge was lambing down our remaining ewes in winter conditions without paddocks and grass. We made makeshift yards with field gates we collected from the burnt fences. We ended up drift lambing the ewes into separate areas to divide those who hadn’t lambed. It worked extremely well. Ewes and lambs who needed more attention were put into smaller pens. The main thing we had to monitor was the milk www.stockdogs.com.au AWSDM 7
8/1/2018 Fairfax photos of the week - March 22, 2018 1/38 Caleb McGillivery, 22, stands among the dead sheep on their property near Terang, after bushfire ripped through the area. Photo: Jason South supply of the ewes. This was because some ewes had little or and torn from our farm and livestock and way of life. At first, no milk due to their udders having been burnt in the fires or living off farm seemed like we were on holidays with the usual scorched from the hot ground. Only a few of our best A mob expectation that when you return home from a holiday you ewes survived along with a few special pet sheep. However, find everything in its place. Yet deep down we knew there they are a remnant from which we can start again. And I still would be nothing there, only ash and dust and heaps of mem- have my two dear dogs, with the prospect of breeding more ories that may well up and unexpectedly choke us. Now, after progeny to train as working Border Collies. nearly seven months, each day starts as though we are wak- ing from a dreamland in which the fire has not happened. We It is now seven months since the fires. People ask us how we need to remind ourselves that it did happen, and that we will are going with the expectation that we have recovered. We ha-https://www.smh.com.au/national/fairfax-photos-of-the-week--march-22-2018-20180320-h0xqor.html2/38soon be traveling back to a devastated and different landscape that was once our farm. But when we arrive, we see our sur- ven’t. Nor have the dogs. They hang about and sit very close to viving ewes with their lambs at foot. They gladden our hearts me, and keep a close eye on every movement I make. It’s hard and encourage us to persevere on our journey from disaster to know how best to answer people when they ask us if we to renewal. have recovered, when they miss seeing the obvious clue that we still are not living at the farm, because we do not have a farm house or facilities. Nor do we have the taken for granted things that make chores and seasonal jobs manageable tasks. Everything we do is now a time consuming and costly chal- lenge. We have no choice but to live off farm, travel to and fro, and buy every little thing needed to do even the easiest and simplest of jobs. Being relocated and housed is not being at home, and far from being recovered. We still feel displaced 8 AWSDM www.stockdogs.com.au
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THE WAY WE WERE One man and his dogs story by Peter Brown Story by Peter Brown with input from Snow Ellis, Geoff Gibson and Robert Johnson LES ARMSTRONG... Cont from Issue 9 All in all Les and his band of Alphadale sheep. Windeyer Roy was treated in this manner, and he r dogs won: turned to trialling to win two further open sheep trials. Australian National Sheep Dog Title Alphadale Sadie (Shipley Rocky x McCabe’s Lassie) was the 1973, 1977. first of two females that were to set the performance bar high NSW Open Sheep Dog Title 1985, for all the the Alphadale dogs that were to follow. She was not 1992,1994,1995. an anxious dog, but was described as a natural sheepdog and 122 Open Sheep Dog Trials produced many top dogs. 80 Open Cattle Dog Trials and placed in another Les also introduced an outside female in Percival’s Toy (Cam- 242 cattle trials. min’s Joss x Doughty’s Queen) as the other arm of his breed- Les planned his breeding programs and was very aware of any ing program. Toy was another female that did not display any anxiety in his dogs and tried to eliminate this trait from his anxiety and proved to be another superior brood bitch for bloodline. He said that trialling made the trait worse in dogs the Alphadale line. Les was very keen on Cammin’s Cactus and used Windeyer Roy as an example of a dog that developed blood and predominately used sires that were strong in this this problem. He also believed that anxiety could be relieved influence.Once the line was set he then bred within his own by working dogs that displayed the problem on big flocks of dogs which proved to be a very successful program and the base from which other triallers bred on. The influence that the Alphadale line had was significant with many top dogs, both sheep and cattle workers, descending from Les’ dedication to an impeccable breeding program. 10 AWSDM www.stockdogs.com.au
Perfect Score “Don’t search for the perfect dog”. “Breeding and temperament are the key qualities in a good sheep dog”. “There is no secrets to training a dog, you either have it or you don’t”. “There are no tricks to training but a bit of stock sense helps, in the dog and the person”. “There is not a specific training program”. Some people have the idea that you have to bash a dog to do any good with them but there’s no need for it. You get further with kindness, same as with kids”. “My dogs are working dogs and pets”. “All my dogs are treated as distinct personalities and they re- spond with affection and obedience”. “Some people make a lot of noise working their dog, but I reckon I’d get a sore throat if I yelled, so I don’t do it”. After more than 40 years of trialling Les Armstrong competed Peggy, the trial winner in his last sheep dog trial at Tenterfield in 1999, he was 87 and travelling was becoming more difficult. Cattle dog trialling on the Northern Rivers continued until the year 2000 and he officially retired at the Bonalbo 50th Anniversary trial where he placed 2nd in the Open at the ripe old age of 89. It wasn’t to long before Les was struggling with health issues and he spent his final days as a resident of a nursing home in Lismore. He passed away 2nd April 2008. “Armie” trialled in the days when many great dog men and women existed and he was considered the yard stick by which many measured their ability. He was more than a handy breeder of superior dogs but was an absolute genius when it came to training. He was a gentle man in all aspects of the word and left us with some quotes that are absolute gems. I will leave you with them to ponder. www.stockdogs.com.au AWSDM 11
THE WAY WE WERE SNOW ELLIS Cattleman, Water Diviner, Dog man Story by Peter Brown Photos Supplied foxhound that was normally used to hunt wallabies, but when the hunting expedition entered the thick scrub she would only Snow Ellis has lived his entire life on the Northern Rivers detect and flush turkey for them to shoot and ignored the wal- of NSW. Snow is not the name bestowed upon him by his labies that were rushing about. It amazes Snow to this day, the parents, he does have one but no one knows it except for adaptability of that foxhound to know what quarry they were the Tax Office and the bank. hunting. A neighbouring farmer, Albert Waller had a very good work- He grew up at Old Bonalbo, an area in the upper catchment of ing dog. Albert was a dairy farmer and also bred pigs and the mighty Clarence River, and like most of the coastal dis- when it came time to sell the porkers Albert would back the tricts of NSW it was primarily made up of dairy farms with truck up to an embankment and load the pigs with his dog; beef cattle running on the steeper areas away from the prime he didn’t have a loading ramp, panels or yards, he just used river and creek flats. Snow’s family were share dairy farmers his dog. It was about this time that cattle dog trialling was and Snow started his working life in the local saw mill. He conceived and it made its appearance at the nearby village of soon moved back to dairying when called upon to help out a Bonalbo. friend who had badly broken his leg. This was meant to be a helping hand type job but it continued for more than two years. In his early life Snow experienced great dogs but they were not Of course the concept of cattle dog trialling was born from a necessarily working dogs. He relays the story of going turkey discussion over who had the best working dog in the district. shooting (wild native turkeys) in the scrub around Haystack Snow was introduced to this new sport through his associa- Mountain to provide a tasty change to the table. On these tionwith local dog men such as Fraser Ramsey, Franky John- hunting expeditions he was accompanied by the families old son, Les Armstrong, Tom Short and of course Albert Waller. www.stockdogs.com.au AWSDM 13
dog for trialling as a lot of the early dogs were of questionable breeding or had more than a dash of heeler in them. He tells me he had a good friendship with Les Armstrong who he rates as the best dog man he has seen. He was a gun sheep dog tri- aller, who also trialled his sheepdogs in cattle trials with a great deal of success, winning many open trials and two Australian Championship cattle dog trials. Les’ prefix was Alphadale and he only had pure collies, so a deal was done and Snow became the owner of an Alphadale bitch. He bred a litter and that was the beginning of a line of more biddable dogs for trialling. He tells the story of asking Les how he could beat him and the reply came back “you keep watching me and you’ll pick it up” Snow did watch and nine years later he beat Les in a cattle trial. At this time a group of trainers from the Casino district ven- tured into sheep dog trialling with their more biddable dogs. They often travelled together to trials on the Northern Ta- blelands and Southern Queensland and included Ian Ensby, founder of the Gibbragee line of dogs, David Hutley, Kevin Flack, Allan Fitzsimmons, all round cowboy in his day, Ken Gibson and Snow. This original group designed the concept around sheep trialling Snow has maintained a line of dogs that consists of pure col- with a similar course except the bridge was replaced by a race. lie and collie kelpie cross for trialling. He says he started with Snow says “trialling in those early days was a fun thing and a hard dogs as did many of the early triallers, but it was neces- social thing.” He continues, “it taught you how to read stock, sary to breed softer dogs with more eye, less bite that are easier handle stock and work dogs, but today they have lost the best to train. But with a word of caution he says “breeding them part, friendship and talking to each other. Today it’s all about too weak isn’t much good either, although ear pulling and over points and winning, and not about a friendly competition.” biting only leads to trouble”. When the initial event was started, the original six members When asked about the increasing use of imported dogs were approached by many wanting to have a go, some didn’t for breeding he replies “I think it’s a good thing, we have last long, they found it a little difficult. But the events at Bonal- to breed to how we compete these days. The rules have bo grew and the concept was soon expanded to other North- changed and we need to accommodate this in our breeding ern Rivers towns. Snow tells me that the next place to hold a for trial dogs. We see dogs come in from New Zealand these trial was Bangalow, a village just inland from Byron Bay. It days but in the early days we sent dogs to New Zealand”. was organised by a couple of the locals including Sandy Bea- Snow has travelled to the Land of the Long White Cloud and com and Reg Wadsworth who had been travelling regularly to Bonalbo to compete. The introduction of cattle dog trialling to the mass’ closer to the coast saw the sport expand quickly to Lismore, Alstonville, Kyogle, Murwillumbah and Grafton. These trials were held in the main arena at showgrounds and some were part of the lo- cal Agricultural Show. Obstacles were set up in the arena with the put away yard being well away from the perimeter fence. There wasn’t a gate to shut on the yard, the cattle just had to cross the line at the entrance and settle. Snow laments, “it’s different now, they have made the arenas smaller and smaller because there are more entries, and they want to make more money for the Show society and more money for prize money. You still get 5 minutes for a run, the same as we did in the big showgrounds. Although we did have trouble sometimes get- ting the cattle out of the bigger arenas.” I asked Snow where he got his start with a softer more trainable 14 AWSDM www.stockdogs.com.au
was truly impressed with the dogs he saw working and trial- Snow has travelled as far north as Moura Qld to enjoy his trial- ling. He says what really impressed him were the station dogs ling, and has been a member of two successful State of Origin working in the mountains. The way that the Huntaways and teams for NSW. He reckons it used to be easy to win in the Heading dogs were used to muster was outstanding. Sunshine State years ago, they were mainly using heeler type “The trial at Tamworth is not the first indoor trial, I’ve trialled dogs we had moved to collies, but not now, they have come a at Guyra, Gatton, Qld and Tamworth over the years and they long way with their dog breeding and training. As a matter of were all indoor trials, but this new event is good to showcase fact they beat NSW on a regular basis.” and promote the sport. I haven’t been to the Stock Dog Spec- Snow is a Life Member of the NSW Working Cattle Dog Asso- tacular but hope to get there soon. I’m keen to see the sport ciation and an approved Judge. I began asking about the many promoted to new people wanting to try their hand. It’s im- trophies and awards throughout his home and in his typical portant as these people need to be encouraged as they are the humble way he said “This is not all of them, the kids have got future of the sport. It’s not just about money.” he says. a lot of them”. It was clear that the trophies were important to He tells me he is a little disappointed in the rule changes that him but not as important as the many photos of himself and seem to happen a lot and he sees this as an obstacle to some his mates at trials that adorned the walls. young people or new triallers learning the sport. Interpreta- If you see Snow at a trial be sure to say g’day and to watch his tion of the rules can cause issues as well and judges can at run, he is a knowledgable man and skilful with a dog. Snow times even deviate from their pre trial talks. A fairer system is Ellis the cattleman, the water diviner and the dog trialler, a probably to have two judges. The sheep dog people do a pretty gentle man that fits all of this and more into his life at eighty good job of encouraging new people wanting to have a go, six. their rules don’t seem to change and nor does the trial obsta- cles. They seem to have a lot of hobby farmers and city people having a go, and the way they have set up the encouragement trials is a good thing, he thinks. Snow trains the “old way” and doesn’t have a round pen. All his training is done in the paddock beside the house using wean- er cattle. He doesn’t have obstacles but gets his dogs working using the fence, making sure to train both sides of the dog. He says he still prefers the larger arenas and looks forward to the Bangalow trial in November each year as it is the last of the big arenas. He doesn’t think that he will see the return of the larger arena or the yard located away from the fence. His observation “you could win or loose a trial at the yard”. www.stockdogs.com.au AWSDM 15
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A DOG’S LIFE White’s Fella - Ultimate Utility Champ Story and Photos By Nan Lloyd Fella was born on the 24th April 2008. He was sired by he was very hard to keep in his yard as he was a climber, this Binnaburra Luke who was owned by John White and trait he put through to a lot of his pups. bred by Gordon Curtis of Kellerberin WA. He is a very good station dog and also a good trial dog. He is A few years before, Gordon had flown Ramulam Samantha a pleasure to take to work and you very rarely have to tell him over to be joined to Whites Tex and sent Luke and his sister anything. Lady over out of that litter. His mother was Whites Choc who His trial career began with a bang when he won the Novice at was by Whites Wally and out of Whites Sally, Choc was owned the New South Wales 3 Sheep Championships at Molong. He by Gary’s friend at Nyngan, Mark Griffith who had bought her was 22 months of age and it was his first ever trial. He compet- as a pup. Gary already owned Nikki, Meg and Oz from the ed against 180 other dogs, and ended up winning by 48 points same litter and they were all good sound station and trial dogs, over the two runs. so he leased her and bred the litter. Later on he returned to Molong for the New South Wales Fella showed he was pretty special from a young age. He dis- Championships and won the improver section and was within played a lot of natural ability and stock sense, and right from one point of winning the coveted title being beaten in a run the start seemed to know where stock had to go. He had the off. It was Fella’s fourth run for the day. He went on to win ability to apply the right amount of pressure when needed and a Victorian Utility Championships, South Australian Utility could move or roll stock with just the sway of his body. He is a Championships and 2 New South Wales Utility Champion- heading dog but is equally at home on the shoulder, hip or tail ships. or wherever he needed to be in control of his stock. As a pup www.stockdogs.com.au AWSDM 17
A DOG’S LIFE White’s Fella - Ultimate Utility Champ At the National Kelpie Championships, he excelled, winning He did very few yard dog trials but has won three Opens and two titles and never failing to be placed in 7 attempts, with a attended two Australian Yard Dog Championships, where he 2nd, two 3 rd’s and 2 fifths as well. reached the finals and gained a second in the preliminary open In 2015 he did his cruciate ligament and had to have a $5000 championships with the top score for the trial. It was a shame operation to put him back together again. He had a 10 month in a lot of ways Fella got to do very few trials only attending 6 lay off and his first trial back was the time honoured National or so a year. 3 Sheep Championships at Canberra. Here he ran 3rd behind He is a dog that was very much a one man dog and when Gary Greg Prince and Billy Davidson who had only five months loaned him to his father John, (Gary was overseas at the time) earlier represented Australia over in New Zealand with these to take the NKFTC in 2013, Fella would not work for him. two dogs. He has sired state champions and dogs that have won open Incidentally the last Kelpie to get in the final at Canberra was yard, utility, and three sheep trials as well as good farm and Gary’s father John with Whites Nap in 1993. Whites Nap in- station dogs. Fella is first and foremost a very intelligent sta- terestingly is in Fella’s pedigree five generations back . tion dog that also did well on the trial ground. Since his leg injury, he does very little station work which has Gary hopes to get a few more runs out of him on the trial prolonged his trial career. Gary’s dogs rarely get on the trial ground before he retires, knowing that a dog like Fella is ir- ground once they are around 10 years old, due to the amount replaceable. of miles they do in Gary’s stock contracting business. 18 AWSDM www.stockdogs.com.au
Australia’s #1 WORKING STOCK DOG MAGAZINE AWSDM MJPUAQAunNGLvbeDaEwlAii,ls&asNhZabSDgltIeWewNEniniC,tEcVsrEeuiI-MnCara$yBl 1eEa0Rr Trucker Cap AWSDM Long Sleeve Stainless Steel AWSDM Vest AWSDM Beanie Half Button Work Shirt AWSDM Travel Mug Tan or Chocolate Double Pack Whistle Lanyard THE KELPIE DOG Dog Whistles Selecting & Training Training books & DVD’s available Credit Card, Direct Deposit and Cheque payment options available CONTACT: Mobile: 0458 226 463 www.stockdogs.com.au [email protected]
WEEKEND WARRIOR DANIEL CAMILLERI Story & Photos by Kasie Losurdo He’s not a farmer, and he’s not a retired man with loads of hours up his sleeve to train dogs every day. Instead he’s an ex auto electrician who works five days a week now selling tractors, who often doesn’t get home from work and in the house until late at night. Oh, did I mention he also has a young family with two chil over a year and people are already taking notice of him and his dogs Ned, Trick and Soul. Daniel lives on 15 acres in East Kurrajong NSW. In 2016 Dan- iel purchased his first kelpie Leroy as a pet for his daughter, Faith, because his other dogs, a Rottweiler and two Dogue-de- Bordeaux’s were a bit confronting to her with their sheer size. However, like many kelpies who aren’t worked, he became quite troublesome. Daniel would go looking for the missing kelpie and would find him ringing sheep in the middle of a paddock. Realising that this dog was different to any dog he had owned previously, Daniel set out to find out what was go- ing on in Leroy’s head. Daniel joined the Hawkesbury Sheep Dog Trialling Club. It was through the club that Daniel not only learnt why Leroy did what he did, but Daniel also met some lifelong friends and a passionate journey began. Daniel decided his Dorper sheep were too hard on Leroy, and website, as well as researching loads of pedigrees. Some people decided he needed some Merino’s for training. After chatting label that kind of behaviour as driven and determined, others to a mate about his need for sheep, his mate from a fine wool call it obsessive compulsive! He would even watch a video of a Merino stud in West Wyalong offered to give him some sheep particular trial, so he could plan out his run in his head even in return for training his kelpie Ned. Thinking this was an of- down to where he will place his dog! fer to good to be true, Daniel now had two dogs to train, Leroy Daniel decided that given it was yard and utility trials were and Ameroo Ned II. But things didn’t work out as planned, his preference, he began researching lines with utility back- Daniel telephoned his mate and said, “We have a problem”. grounds. He wanted a dog with courage and strength. He Daniel had bonded with Ned and didn’t want to give him wanted a pup from Wyreema Bindi, and that pup was Pilbara back. Daniel ended up keeping both the sheep and Ned! Trick from Western Australia. As Daniel’s enthusiasm grew and grew, he attended a Robert Then in July 2017 while watching a State of Origin Rugby Cox training clinic. Rob asked Daniel if he intended to trial, League game, Daniel was talking dogs to his cousin’s friend. It and Daniel was not interested. That decision was short lived turned out this friend owned a dog called Karana Soul. Dan- because only three months later Daniel entered a yard trial at iel was aware of the breeding and asked to put his dog Ned Rydal NSW in February 2017 and scored a 3rd in the Encour- over Soul, but the friend offered to sell him Soul instead. Soul age with Ned. From then on, he was hooked. was two years old with no training. But after four months of But with a young family and a full-time job, Daniel says he solid training and commitment from Daniel, he entered Soul can only spend about 3-4 hours a weekend training his dogs into her first yard trial at Windellama. However, in Soul’s first and pups, and that’s it for the week. However, his excitement maiden run, something unexpected happened. Daniel had his and passion for the sport ensures he spends every spare mo- 3-year-old daughter Faith with him at the trial. Just before he ment watching You Tube videos of working dogs and he has was due to go in, Daniel set Faith up in a chair with his phone watched every trialling video on The Working Kelpie Council 22 AWSDM www.stockdogs.com.au
WEEKEND WARRIOR DANIEL CAMILLERI watching Peter Rabbit. However, while Daniel was out in the all enough”. Daniel cites a quote from a Colin Macrae video, yard trial with Soul, his wife rang his phone. Upset that Peter “If you can give your dog a pat when you want to throttle it, Rabbit disappeared from the screen, Faith came running and you know you’re on your way to be a good handler”. Daniel screaming, climbed over the fence into the forcing pen and keeps that piece of advice close during every training run, he scared the sheep out! The understanding judge stopped the believes in “lots of positive reinforcement”. clock and allowed Daniel to continue while holding Faith in When thinking of the future, Daniel is still living, breathing his arms. At that same trial Daniel scored 2nd with Ned and and sleeping dogs. He and a few of his mates have a group chat 4th with Trick in Maiden. called ‘Central West Head Quarters’ where the guys regularly When Daniel trials he makes it look easy. If there is any stress chat dogs, trials, beers and get together to train young dogs. or nerves, you can’t see it. Each movement is like a well-oiled It’s that support and comradery that Daniel loves. He has pur- machine and his dogs move effortlessly around the sheep chased a camper trailer, so all the family can come along to tri- calmly and correctly without fuss or confusion. There is no al with him. He has bred a couple of litters because he wants to yelling or anger from Daniel, he makes it look like he has been always have something new coming through. He joined Ned training dogs and trialling for years, far greater than just two and Soul and kept two pups from that littler called E.K. Mate years. His secret? Talking to veterans and judges at trials, help- and E.K. Moe. He also bred his dog Trick to Motley’s Digger ing out in the ‘let out’ and talking to everyone and anyone. He and kept a pup called E.K. Trigger. No doubt we will be hear- asks questions, he listens, and above all he is persistent and ing their names later in 2019. He is also training his daughter consistent in his training. Daniel says he’s had too many in- Faith to be a handler! She has already had a few fun runs with fluencers to name them all, but mentions Mick Hudson, Mau- Trick! Daniel plans to compete in the Carcoar Utility (Nation- rice Metherell and Rob Cox, who have helped him become a al Kelpie Field Trial Championship) next year, and no doubt better handler and stockman. Daniel says, “If it wasn’t for all will do well. We will be watching and cheering you on! the advice I’ve received from so many people, I would still be chasing Ned around the paddock at home – I can’t thank them www.stockdogs.com.au AWSDM 23
Cow Dogs Sires Available Nathan Heilig Bred specifically to Ph. 0439 551 009 work cattle in the paddock Based on old Australian bloodlines including Trewina, Boss Crystal and Hylite Breeding large framed, natural working Border Collies with brains and bite.
MARCH 15 - 16 2019 Incorporated with Epic Horse Sale 2019 Open Willawarrin Sports Ground Nomination Forms & Nominationsthe Terms and Conditions can be found on the Ray White Rural Kempsey website. For all of your Epic Working Dog February 1st 2019 Sale enquires please contact Mark Haywood 0437 286 494 Incorporated with the Epic Horse Sale & Jesse O’Mullane 0412 326 373 Campdraft , the Working Dog Pre-Works will be Office 02 6562 5131 held on the Friday evening with the Working Dog [email protected] Sale to be held on the Saturday 2018 Sale 2019 EPIC Horse Sale Topper & Campdraft A/C B Brahe raywhiteruralkempsey.com.au LYNX $4,100 FIND US ON FACEBOOK under ‘EPIC Horse Sale’
STOCKMAN PROFILE GRANT COOKE Cookin’ up a title at Grass Valley Story & Photos by Nan Lloyd Grant Cooke farms near Grass Valley, approximately Grant remembers seeing photos of some of the top dogs 20kms east of Northam in WA’s central Wheatbelt. on the walls of Trelawney home during visits to the Bush- The Cooke’s were some of the first settlers to WA ell’s farm. He also remembers seeing his grandfather and originally came out on a ship in 1832 to Albany, be- John Bushell, dry training his Kelpies around the house. fore moving to a property between Toodyay and Northam. John was a World War 1 veteran and had been gassed during the war and had some difficulties moving around. His Uncle In 1894 Henry John Cooke bought the current prop- Lance was also a keen trialler and some of the top dogs in- erty “Stoney Ridge” in Grass Valley. There have been clude Trelawney Meerah, Trelawny Betty and Trelawney Dick. seven generations of Cooke’s in Western Australia. In those days there was one trial a year in WA, and the Trel- It was difficult going farming in that era and there was a lot of awney dogs always featured well in these trials. They regularly hard work and little money. Henry’s son, Frank Vaughn Cooke had busy bee’s and encourage days for people and their dogs really developed the farm. They ran Merino’s, fat lambs and so Grant encountered an interest in working dogs at an early grew wheat. Grant’s father, John Barnard, Married Roxana age. Bushell in 1954. They farmed Stoney Ridge until 2000 when Grant went to school in Northam but continued on to board- they retired to Northam and then moved to the city. Grant has ing school at Hale in 1977-78. He deferred University at that three sisters and a brother Angus. Angus and Grant currently time and obtained a job working with Elders rural from early farm the property together and share the work, Grant focuses 1979 until 1983. According to Grant this is where he learned more on the stock work and Angus the cropping but they do to value a good working dog, as he found himself and the oth- crossover when necessary. er Junior staff doing the work a dog should have been doing. Grant’s mother’s family were involved in working dogs Elders kept their sheep 5 km out of town and every week or and the Bushell’s owned ‘Trelawney’ Kelpies. As a child so they had to drive the sheep to town to the sales yards. How- 26 AWSDM www.stockdogs.com.au
ia on many occasions. Grant bought Pendalup Candy from Peter Gorman and the Moss combination has yielded excel- lent working pups. Both Grassvalley Floss and Sky are from a Moss/Candy mating. When selecting a pup Grant looks for a natural type that heads strongly and has plenty of drive. Practical work is very impor- tant to him and he wants a dog that can do a hard days work as well as compete on the trial ground. Grant admires other breeds but feels the Border Collie handles pressure of training more comfortably than other breeds. Grants trialling achievements are many. He has represented WA in yard trialling once and in arena trialling nine times. 2019 will be the sixth time he has represented Australia against New Zealand. ever he also learned how to read stock and all about stockman- He has been past secretary for the Northern District’s Work- ship. This helped him in later years when he started trialling ing Sheepdog Club for 15 years, and has twice been Presi- his dogs and also using dogs on the farm. After he finished at dent of the West Australian Working Sheepdog Association Elders he headed back to the farm until the end of 1984. He (WAWSDA) He is currently the President of the Australian then reapplied to Curtin University in 1985 and studied there Sheepdog Worker’s Association. Grant was awarded life mem- until 1988 when he achieved a Bachelor of Business. After bership of the Northern Districts Working Sheepdog Club in graduating he obtained a position in Perth at a private valua- 2016 in recognition of his contribution and vision for the tion firm and then at the Valuer General Office, covering the Club and the sport of dog trialling. rural areas. Grant is passionate about working dogs and is always amazed In 1994 he moved back to Stoney Ridge and the following year at what they can achieve and the way stock respond to them. he married Linda. They have three daughters, Kate (1997), Isla He values their place in the agricultural industry and has tak- (1999) and Lucy (2001). Grant’s daughter’s are the sixth gen- en on administrative roles because of his beliefs and the roles eration to have lived on the property Stoney Ridge is a 2,500 that dogs play in the stock industry. He has no plans to retire hectare farm. The Cooke’s run about 5,000 merinos through early and will keep farming for some time to come. summer and crop between 1400 -1600 hectares. Grant’s first working dog was a pup he got from Lance Bushell in 1993. Molly was a good all-round type and Grant trialled her a couple of times, sadly she died very young. His next dog was Marbo, also acquired from Lance but again Marbo died young from a collapsed lung (snakebite). His next dog was Fairbrook Tilly, who he got from John Char- lick. Tilly was the foundation of all Grant’s dogs since that time. Tilly was an impressive all round dog who won open arena trials as well as Yard and utility trials, and she was a good farm dog. Grant then joined Tilly to Ray Sutherlands Swagman Bobby and the result was Grassvalley Lisa. Lisa was from the only lit- ter of Tilly had. Grant rates Lisa as the best dog he has owned. She had the amazing knack of reading the situation and al- ways knowing how much pressure to put on stock. She could work cattle, sheep and pigs. Grant and Lisa represented WA in both Yard and Arena trialling, and also represented Australia against New Zealand. Lisa is the Mother of Moss. Moss is nearing retirement but has won many arena trials and represented WA and Austral- www.stockdogs.com.au AWSDM 27
PHOTO ESSAY Photography by Sophie Murfitt Beach to Bush Photography Photography enquiries to Zoe Crouch: [email protected] Growing up in Hobart Tasmania, Sophie considered herself a city slicker until she moved up to NSW to work as a jillaroo. Soph began sharing her everyday moments on farm with her friends on Facebook and interest grew from there. Formerly known as Beach To Bush Photography, Soph states “my images are not particularly targeted at certain people such as city goers, farmers or working dog fanatics it’s just a place where I have the opportunity to show my side of the Ag industry”. Soph recalls the struggle of breaking in her first working dog, “ to be honest I had no bloody idea what I was doing”. She bought a bitch pup from Tony Overton (Walcha, NSW) out of a Capree bitch and Saltpan dog who she won her first trial with at Sheepvention last year. A couple of years back she started breeding herself under the stud name Nista Kelpies, “I got to the point where I knew what I wanted in a dog and the only way I felt I could achieve that was to breed for myself ”. Please visit sophiemurfittphotography.com.au or @sophiemurfittphotography on Facebook or Instagram to view Soph’s amazing work. 30 AWSDM www.stockdogs.com.au
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LEARN MORE ABOUT KELPIES, THEIR HISTORY & TRAINING FEATURED ON ABC LANDLINE THE KELPIE DOG - Selecting & Training KELPIE THE LEGEND ORIGINS OF THE AUSTRALIAN KELPIE DVD $49.00 DVD $35.00 364 PAGE, HARD COVER BOOK $69.00 This video training program has been described as the The story includes a fabulous insight into the history of From the north of Scotland to the outback of Australia and most comprehensive Kelpie training and breeding the Australian wool industry and highlights the amazing everywhere in between, wherever contributions to the program ever produced. Never before has three eminent contribution the Kelpie breed made in the commercial evolution of the Kelpie breed occurred, Bill and Kerry followed Kelpie people such as Gordon McMaster, Joe Spicer and development of the Australian outback. Kelpie’s earliest their ancestral trail gathering information from personal diaries, John Gedye come together in one training program. beginnings and positively identiies the people and eye witness accounts, newspapers and government records. events that created the Kelpie breed. This thorough research yielded new and startling information. WWW.KELPIEHISTORY.COM Ph. 0419 357 019 Elfinvale Stud Kelpies Ad.pdf 1 18/10/2018 3:02 pm Est 1956. “Continuing to ARTWORK BY: PEEK GRAPHICS FIND US ON FACEBOOK breed strong, intelligent and forceful working dogs for the yard and paddock” GUARANTEEDTO WORK! WKC eligible Including half day training @ El n with all pups sold ELFINVALE STUD KELPIES (Melville Forest, Victoria) Tom Austin: 0407 656 341 E: el [email protected]
STATION PROFIL Where the w With a rich diversity of land types, flora and fauna, Spring Plains has an attraction that never fails to fasci- nate visitors. Predominately a mulga block of approximately 42,000 acres, it is cut through with jump-up escarpments, rocky creeks, black-soil plains and bands of Gidgee woodlands. To the south it opens up to sparsely timbered grasslands, once called Wild Horse Plains. Located 128 kilometres South West of Longreach QLD this has been home for me and my husband Steve for the past 15 years. Spring Plains was taken up and developed by the Rodgers family in the early 1900’s and was run as a Merino sheep enterprise. Named for the Spring to the west of the homestead, (stopped flowing mid 1980’s), the property has a rich history evidenced by the remnants of Indigenous rock scatters and ceremonial grounds. Obscured by time and the disappearance of the original inhabitants, the Iningai people, these enigmatic remains in our arid region serve as a reminder of the significance of historical watering points. As current custodians Steve and I do our best to preserve these sites. 36 AWSDM www.stockdogs.com.au
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After the Rodgers sold out in the 1980’s Spring Plains became ting. It was a mess of vomit and faeces. I put down and buried a cattle-raising operation and went through multiple owners’ 6 dogs, tears flowed for days, I still have visions of those poor hands until we bought in at the beginning of 2004. Two of our dogs and the days that followed. Jack had to be billeted out for five children were schooled here, Becky now 30 and Kate now 6 months till it was safe to return. 20. before finishing studies at Longreach State High School. Steve built a feral fence around 8,500 acres and many months The first few years were exciting. We spent our time doing up later Kaden Working Border Collie Stud finally got up and fences, adding new paddocks, finding amazing water holes in running. 1080 has cost the lives of countless working dogs, which we enjoyed our leisure time. We horseback mustered, it pitted neighbour against neighbour, there has to be a better was all we knew and loved. We ran a cattle fattening enterprise way. Feral netting has meant no Dingos for the last 9 years and which meant we handled some touchy mobs. It was at this my dogs are safe. Maybe one day this will see the end of 1080. time I got my first dog, a Kelpie, named Jess, given to me by a In recent times successive failed wet seasons has led to a to- neighbour. Kate and I took to the idea of having well trained tal de-stocking of cattle (2013) and a necessity for diversion. dogs and the first idea of Kaden (KA for Kate and DEN for These included a return to sheep (Dorper meat sheep) made Denise) came about. Steve picked up another Kelpie pup, possible by the construction of two more feral-netted pad- (Max) for Kate’s birthday and we started to learn to train dogs. docks, the establishment of Kaden Working Dog schools and Our dream was short lived. Jess was free to wander and, in the the ramping up of our off-farm contract fencing. The dogs are end, 1080 took her. Within 2 hours I was shooting Max after a now an important part of our operation given the difficulty of fit I would never like to see again. Devastated, the idea of con- mustering at Spring Plains. tinuing with Kaden Working Dogs seemed insurmountable. Kaden Collies have come a long way since early days. With UK Time passed and we got started again as I found my life need- lines now infused into our breeding program we are breeding ed a dog in it to be complete. We sourced Kelpies from all over dogs with far more push and direct movement, suitable for lift- Australia and our first Border Collie’s, Jack (for me), and Pen- ing stock in denser, scrubby areas. Kaden dogs are wide casting ny for Kate. We built kennels for safety and Kate and I went dogs with strong minds and big hearts. Training of these great about learning how to train. When I look back at what we did dogs has evolved through trial and error and study. Now with a it makes me laugh but life was happy. greater knowledge of the dog I can achieve a higher level of work. Happiness can be short lived. 1080 struck again, this time with Next year Spring Plains will be open to a 5 day working dog far more devastating results than the first. After a walk with school, I believe you need 5 days to see a difference and to my dogs I kennelled them and went inside. Unbeknownst to truly learn. 2 day schools, are rushed and often over booked, me a dingo from the neighbours recent wild-dog baiting pro- you go away with too much information to absorb and your gramme had died on our eastern escarpment adjacent to the dog remains at the same level as it was when you began. Five homestead. All it took, was a single lick of the dead dingo’s days with a maximum of 6 handlers will facilitate far bet- vomit to set off a deadly chain of events. A strange noise alert- ter results. A relaxing tour around the property mid-week ed me to the kennels to find all bar the Collie Jack dead or fit- will provide a much-needed break. Then it’s back into it! 38 AWSDM www.stockdogs.com.au
Even after now 7 years of drought Spring Plains is still operating a good flock of good quality Dorpers. Mustering is now by bikes and it is still an interesting place to see. Complete with natural rock holes, rugged and untouched, ghost gums, their towering snow-white trunks and green leaves that stand out against a dry arid land, but what I remember is the wild flowers, winter rain brings them, the land just comes to life with colours of pur- ple, white, deepest reds, yellows that want to make you dance, greens and mauves scattered all through the forests of timber. There is no doubt drought has been taxing on both Steve and I, both mentally and financially. Our children have been our rock with support in every facet of our lives. We concentrate on the good things, Steve is writing a book and I have my dogs. They have got me through difficult times and never cease to make me smile. I love every moment I spend with them. Spring Plains will see rain again and when it does, the measures we have put in place will mean what grass it grows it will be protected along side the sheep that will graze it. Spring Plains, with all its challenges has given Steve and I many shared memories of times spent together and with the kids mustering, enjoying Christmas at the dam, swimming and sausage-sizzles at Mountain Hole. The list goes on. I am proud to call Spring Plains home. One step at a time... Welcome to a whole new appraoch to training working dogs.. * 5 day school, catering from Beginner * Supervised dam and agility areas for play onwards ( 2 day schools at your property on application) * Half a day off to visit mountain hole for billy tea * Accomodation and all meals supplied on a outback working cattle and sheep property Contact: Denise Hawe * 3 training areas, paddock and course work Ph: 07 46589255 Email: [email protected] * Night time social including table tennis, *For further schools information and pricing darts, star gazing, fire pit and good company www.kadenworkingdogschools.com * Secure kenneled areas for dogs. www.stockdogs.com.au AWSDM 39
PHOTO ESSAY Photography enquiries to Zoe Crouch: [email protected] 40 AWSDM www.stockdogs.com.au
My name is Patchouli Stone mostly known as Chouli. I’m from a tiny town called Herberton on the beautiful Atherton Tablelands in North Queensland. My husband and I Les own and run a busy contract mustering camp “Runnunda Contracting” which consists of 7 to 10 people. Les and I each have a seperate team of dogs and they play a massive part in all the mustering and yard work that we do! Our Son Brodie five years old loves our dogs and horses as much as we do. If not more (I think the feeling is mutual). Brodie also has a impressive collection of horn tips. (Tips from the bulls that are caught and go to the meatworks) He comes along whenever he can. In my spare time, I love to take photos. I love more than anything to take a good photo of someone or their dogs etc and see how happy it makes them! I upload my photos as much as possible on my “Fine Amber Photography” page. You can find both of our business’ on Facebook: Fine Amber Photography and Runnunda Contracting www.stockdogs.com.au AWSDM 41
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VET CHECK Worms and our Dogs There are many organisms that live inside our dogs, many Roundworms of which do not pose a threat to their health and well-being. However, dogs are susceptible to several internal parasites Roundworms are the most common worms in dogs and the which can threaten or have deleterious effects on the indi- most recognised species is Toxocara canis. Just like hook- vidual and can also be transferred to other dogs and humans worms, the dog can get infected by ingesting parasite eggs or too. When it comes to internal parasites in dogs, worms are by being in direct contact with parasite larvae. The most com- the most common offenders. The most broadly treated group mon signs of roundworm infection are actually seeing spa- of worms in veterinary clinics across Australia are intestinal ghetti-like worms in the dogs stool, mild vomiting and diar- worms. There are numerous species of intestinal worms found rhoea, pot-bellied appearance, weight-loss, poor coat quality, in dogs, however the four main classifications are; Hook- coughing and occasionally neurological symptoms, including worms, Roundworms, Tapeworms and Whipworms. paralysis. In addition to intestinal worms, there is another sinister worm, called ‘Heartworm’ which as the name suggests, resides Whipworms in the heart, that can cause significant problems in dogs if not addressed appropriately. Whipworms are small thread-like, blood sucking worms that inhabit both the large and small intestine. Whipworm eggs Intestinal Worms and Hookworms can survive in the environment for years and are often picked up and transmitted via the faecal-oral route; ie from contam- Hookworms are tiny parasites that latch onto and suck blood inated soil or when the dog licks their own or another dogs from the intestinal lining of their host. The most recognised anus/paws that are infected. The adult whipworm often mi- hookworm species in dogs is the Ancylostoma caninum. A grates to the rectum to lay the eggs, which accounts for the dog can be infected by consuming the parasite eggs from the reason one of the most common signs of a whipworm burden environment (faecal-oral route), or by ingesting parasite lar- is scooting and scratching of the rectum. Other signs include vae from the environment, when it is located in other species intermittent diarrhoea, loose stools with blood and/or mu- such as rodents. Hookworms are also transmitted very ear- cous and weight-loss. ly on in the dog’s life via the placenta and through suckling milk from an infected bitch. The most common clinical signs of a hookworm infection are diarrhoea, reduced appetite, pale gums, weight loss and diminished overall health and coat quality. IntestinRaelcWomormmeinndgePdrotocol HeaRret cWomormmePnrdoetdocol • Puppies- Every 2 weeks until 12 weeks (3month) • Monthly spot-on treatments or chews that of age provide heartworm prevention • Monthly from 12 weeks - 24 weeks (6 months) Or • Adults- Every 3 months or six weeks if access • Yearly injection of heartguard assuming that to environmental contamination rodents/raw dog is >6mo of age and/or dog has not been meat exposed to heartworm and confirmed from a blood test. 44 AWSDM www.stockdogs.com.au
Tapeworms Prevention & Treatment Tapeworms live in the small intestine of the dog and the two - Drinking contaminated water most commonly recognised species are Dipylidium caninum - Contact with other infected animals (the flea tapeworm) and Echinococcus granulosus (the hy- - Contact with infected animal faeces including intermediate datid tapeworm). Out of all the intestinal worms, Tapeworms potentially pose the greatest health threat to humans if trans- hosts mitted between human and dog. This is because tapeworms - From utero and/or from an infected nursing bitch spend part of their life cycle in another host, for example they - Swallowing fleas carrying tapeworm use fleas, wildlife and humans as an intermediate host before - Eating raw meat that is infected with parasites completing their lifecycle in the dog. The most common signs of tapeworm infection are actually seeing rice-like segments How are Heartworms contracted? in the dog’s stool, scooting, weight loss, poor coat quality and lethargy. - Through infected biting mosquitoes Heartworm How to Reduce Intestinal Burden in Dogs Heartworm is a parasite that lives in the heart and circulato- - Regular worming with a registered worming product ry system of dogs. It is transferred from dog to dog by mos- - accurately dosing dogs to their weight quitoes, which are the essential vectors for transmission. The - Worm bitch prior to mating, during gestation and post spread of the disease often will coincide with mosquito season or in areas with higher rainfall and tropical conditions, which whelping can be year-round in some areas of Australia. Mosquitoes tend - Pick up faeces promptly to bite dogs in areas where their coat is thinnest and it can take - House dogs in raised cages/kennels several years before dogs develop clinical signs of infection. - Feed a processed, balanced diet (dry kibble) The signs of heartworm disease depend on the number of - Freeze uncooked meat/offal for 2 weeks prior to feeding if a adult worms present, the location of the worms, the length of time the worms have been in the dog and the degree of dam- raw diet is desired age that has been sustained by the heart, lungs, liver and kid- neys. The most apparent clinical signs of heartworm disease How to Reduce the likelihood of are a soft, dry cough, shortness of breath, weakness, nervous- contracting Heartworm ness, listlessness and loss of stamina, especially post exercise. - Using registered monthly heartworm prevention - Using yearly heartworm injection - Using mosquito deterrents Written by Dr Ness Buchholz BVSc Partner Camperdown Veterinary Clinic 1 Leura St, Camperdown, Vic PH: (03) 5593 1077 Image from BioMed Central Check out this free App https://blogs.biomedcentral.com/bugbitten/2014/02/14/matters-of-the-heart- for your phone worm/ First Aid for Pets Australia www.stockdogs.com.au AWSDM 45
CONTACT: Scott Amon P: 0417 442 487 E: [email protected] www.barruworkingkelpies.com
A WBARRUINKELPIEPUP! ✃ WIN! A BARRU KELPIE PUP COMPETITION! Name: ______________________________________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________________ Phone: _______________________________ Email: ________________________________ Land Size: ___________________________________________________________________ Livestock Run On Property (Sheep/Goats/Cattle): ___________________________________ In 50 words or less, tell us why you would like to win a BARRU KELPIE: ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Please ll the form out and mail to: Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine, PO Box 2096, Idalia QLD 4811
The Australian WORKINGSTOCK DOG Magazine NCEABENNUDEY’BWTIAGTSCAEOKTGNIETLSNOISNTTUE?HE! SE? ISS.4 SOLD OUT! shop online at www.stockdogs.com.au Ph: 0458226463. Post Cheques to Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine, PO Box 2096, Idalia Q 4811. Please include your postal address.
SDnogaske&s 49 Photos and Story by Mark Pelley ‘THE SNAKE HUNTER’ As the proud owner of my pet Border Collie named “Star”, I have developed a love for Australian working dogs. ‘Star’s’ job is slight- ly different to most working dogs. Instead of herding sheep or cattle, her job during the day is to keep people entertained and/or calm while I use my bare hands to capture the most venomous snakes in the world that make their way into people’s homes and back yards. If any child begins to come close to me as I do my job, in true Border Collie fashion, ‘Star’ will round them up and bring them back to the family pack to keep safe. While at only 12 months of age, ‘Star’ is trained quite well around snakes, unfortunately most dogs don’t have a life time spent living and working with a snake catcher. As a result, each summer, I get calls from at least five people a week crying to me on the phone because a venomous snake has killed their dog. As a result of numerous summers receiving these calls, I took every effort to find and learn the best training in Australia to teach dogs to avoid snakes. This article is the first of a two part series that will cover what you need to know to keep your dog safe from snakes as well as what is truly effective Canine Snake Avoidance training. AUSTRALIA’S VENOMOUS SNAKES Australia has the most venomous snakes in the entire planet. We are the only country with more venomous snakes than non-venomous snakes. Our snakes are so dangerous that we host 5 of the top 10 most deadly snakes in the world. These include: 9th: Death Adder, 5th: Eastern Tiger Snake, 3rd: Coastal Tai- pan, 2nd: Eastern Brown Snake, 1st: Inland Taipan (Fierce Snake). Even if your dog does not encounter one of these above snakes, there are still plenty more that pose a significant risk to your dog. Every single state and ter- ritory of Australia could have different species of venomous snakes and these all can have significant variation in size, colour and patterns. Therefore, you need to take steps to keep your dog safe from snakes. KEEP SAFE AROUND THE HOME There are so may wonderful attributes and reasons we own working dogs. Not only are they driven to do their job all day every day, but they are unique in that they come to work with us, but also spend time at home as our best friend and companions. In and around the home, the same general advice we all www.stockdogs.com.au AWSDM
understand to help deal with snakes is the following: on the phone immediately rather than trying to handle the It does not matter if you live on a farm, in rural suburbia or situation yourself. even in the city, snakes can be found everywhere. There are KEEP SAFE ON THE FARM NOT more snakes in rural areas compared to urban environ- Snakes can appear anywhere regardless of how many cattle, ments, in fact the opposite is true. horses or animals are present. They will readily hide or flee if These steps below don’t prevent snakes from entering your disturbed but I have seen snakes move between large animals property – nothing can prevent snakes from entering your as well. When you’re on the farm with your dog, it is impor- home. However, these few simple tips to help maximize the tant to prevent snake bites by understanding snakes and not chance of seeing a snake that has entered your property so that being mislead by any of the myths about them. you can do something about it: Myth 1: Snakes can hear or feel vibrations. • Clear undergrowth from around the home. This enables Snakes cannot “hear” you making lots of noise nor can they feel vibrations in the ground when you are walking out on you to see snakes that are hidden. your property. Snakes have very poor hearing and their pri- • Filling holes in the ground. While there is no such thing mary senses are sight and smell. Too often people advise they make a lot of noise to try to keep snakes away or alternatively as a “snake hole” (snakes can’t really dig through hard purchase ‘snake repellent’s. These devices do not work in any dirt), snakes can utilise holes in the ground to hide. circumstances and as a snake catcher, I often find venomous • Mowing the lawn regularly. Keeping grass really low al- snakes wrapped around them. lows you to see if snakes are present or moving through Myth 2: The only good snake is a dead snake. your backyard. I hear this too often. My response to this is that in Austral- • Clear away toys and tools and hard rubbish which all ia, snakes are a protected species and it is illegal to kill them. make great hiding places for snakes. Snakes also play a pivotal role in the environment. They help • Keep walkways clear of brush, flowers and shrubs. I can’t keep populations of rodents down and furthermore, snakes emphasize this enough especially when it comes to dog will never go out of their way to harm you or your dog. In- safety. People walk past snakes much more frequently stead, they are incredibly shy and generally only attack if they than realized. Of course, a dog can pick up the odour of are first provoked or they fear/experience pain. Recent uni- a snake, put its nose into the bush out of curiosity and inadvertently get bitten by a snake hiding there. • Cleaning up any spilled food, fruit or bird seed, which can attract rodents. Rodents are a primary source of food for many species of snakes so can be a reason for them to hang around. • Storing any firewood away from the house. While this is not always possible, I would recommend to keep stacks of firewood neat and tidy If you see a snake, call The Snake Hunter or your closest snake catch- er. Get advice 50 AWSDM www.stockdogs.com.au
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