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versity studies from the Australian Venom Research Unit have Mark with an Eastern brown snake indicated that those most likely to be bitten by a snake are Eastern Brown Snake people attempting to kill or capture them without the proper training. How this information translates into protecting your dog from snakes: Teach dogs to stay away from snakes in all circumstances, and the snake will not have a reason to bite your dog. We will discuss this more soon in the section: “Ca- nine Snake Avoidance Training”. HOW DO DOGS GET BITTEN BY SNAKES? Almost all snake bites in dogs fall in to one of three categories: • Oblivious: The dog is oblivious to the presence of a snake and inadvertently makes contact. During snake avoid- ance clinics, owners can be surprised that a dog has not yet seen or smelt a snake despite laying metres from it. • Curious: Most dogs receive snake bites due to curiosity. The snake, its movement or odour invariably attracts the dog to investigate. In these circumstances, there is rarely any ill will towards the snake, rather just plain curiosity. • Snake Killers: Some dogs actively pursue and engage snakes due to hunting or other instincts. Often dogs with a high prey drive do this. These dogs generally do better to avoid snake bites than other dogs however it is still ex- tremely risky behaviour and endangers the life of the dog and snake. IDENTIFYING SNAKE BITES IN A DOG When a snake bites a dog, it injects venom via its fangs into the tissue below the skin. Venom is rapidly absorbed from the bite site and transported via the lymphatic system into the an- imal’s circulation. Australian snakes are the most venomous in the entire planet. There are many different types of snakes each possessing its own varieties of toxins within its venom that impair the dog’s vital functions in different ways. Some of the more common signs and symptoms of snake bite in a dog include: • Blood in urine • Ataxia (loss of function of www.stockdogs.com.au AWSDM 51

body movements) which could be seen as difficulty walk- (The quicker you do this, the more chance of survival). Do ing NOT make up information about the snake to your vet. • Breathing difficulties (Rapid and shallow) NOTE • Excessive salivation (drooling) Individual species can vary in colour and pattern significantly. • Bleeding from snake bite wound Only qualified persons can identify snakes. Let the vet prop- • Paralysis and Collapse erly diagnose whether or not your dog was bitten by a snake • Weakness or severe lethargy and Collapse rather than making up information which could put your dog • Shaking or twitching at more risk. • Dilated Pupils or difficulty blinking TREATMENT AT THE VET AND RECOVERY • Vomiting When at the vet, your dog will be assessed. After initial blood • Loss of bladder or bowel control tests to confirm the presence of snake venom, the vet will usu- • Coma or death. ally administer a broad spectrum antivenene which can treat It is important to remember these above is not an exclusive list almost every type of snake bite. Multiple vials are adminis- of symptoms. Your dog could display, some or all of the more tered combined with a treatment of oxygen and intravenous common symptoms or other symptoms entirely. fluids. Treatment is not always guaranteed as effective. IF YOU SUSPECT A SNAKE BITE IN YOUR DOG Frequently, I have to comfort home owners who spend a for- If you suspect that your dog has been bitten by a snake, it is tune (usually between $4000 - $7000) and the dog still does important to note the following: not survive. If your dog does survive, it will often need several • Never try to capture or kill the snake. You put yourself months of recovery, depending on the level of internal organ and others at risk. injury and will have its health significantly compromised dur- • There is no need to take the snake to the vet with you. Vets ing this time and often, for the rest of its life. can perform their own diagnostic tests and treatment NEXT ARTICLE which can manage all snake bites. In the next article, I will be speaking about specific training • (If relevant) call a snake catcher to attend to capture the that you can do to teach your dog to avoid snakes. For more snake (if you know where it is). If you’re in Melbourne, information about this in the mean time, get in touch with me call The Snake Hunter. through Facebook @SnakeHunterAus or • Act quickly as time is of the essence however more im- [email protected] portantly, keep calm yourself and control your own emo- ABOUT THE AUTHOR tions. Mark Pelley – The Snake Hunter, is a Melbourne based ven- • Keep your dog still and calm as possible and reduce stim- omous snake catcher and canine snake avoidance trainer. ulus around him. Mark has been trained and certified by Seth Pywell in the • Remove people who will make the situation worse or who proper techniques and methods about Canine Snake Avoid- will excite the dog ance Training. He offers this course in Melbourne. Mark is • Do NOT wash the wound passionate about protecting both endemic snakes and dogs • Do NOT apply a tourniquet from each other. • Do NOT apply ice or alcohol or bleed the wound. These approaches do not work and you are just wasting time. • If you can SAFELY get a photo of the snake, then do so, otherwise leave it as it is not necessary. • Call the vet to advise of what has happened and take your dog to the Vet ASAP. Eastern Tiger Snake 52 AWSDM www.stockdogs.com.au

Pomanda Contact - Nancy Withers Ph. 0419 828 215 Email. [email protected] or Contact - Simon & Rachael Withers Ph. (08) 8765 2268 Email. [email protected] WORKING KELPIE STUD Pomanda Titan 44 years experience breeding dogs over 14 generations.  (Pomanda El Cid X Pomanda Gloria) We breed two families of Kelpies: Outstanding mustering/sheepherding dog. Mustering to all-round dogs or Strong and powerful in yards. Natural backing, closer working, Push Em Up Boss yard dogs. (Seeways Booza X Moorylla Vogue) Boss is from a top mating. General purpose worker and well proven sire. Carinya Sparrow (Pomanda Titan X Nacooma Paige) Young dog. Magnificent type. Good paddock style; strong; natural bark in yards, easy to handle. First pups showing plenty of ability. www.stockdogs.com.au AWSDM 53



Kookami Springs Working Dogs The merging of Staben Working Dogs and Nygard Working Dogs “Breeding quality paddock dogs with genuine strength and correct herding ability.” Summer Special. 2 for 1 deal on service fees for our junior sires. (straws available) $1,100 inc GST for 2 breedings. Vet work extra, conditions apply. Dogs usually for sale from lightly started pups (from 12 weeks of age) CONTACT through to fully trained experienced dogs. We will always give an honest Ben Clark and Jessica Gall appraisal of a dogs abilities and faults. 0429 468 992 West Coraki, NSW or follow us on

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The Training Pen Cont.... The Training Pen - Gaining Control at a Distance given. If we sometimes let our dog ignore the “sit down” com- mand, or get up when it chooses, we will never gain good con- trol (at least not with most dogs). CONSISTENCY IS VITAL. You see it all the time at trials “sit down, sit down, sit down, sit down” and all the dog really does is slow down a bit, or some- thing of that nature. If you want “steady”, then use “steady”. If you want “stop”, then use “stop”. Save “sit down” for when that is what you really want. If you enforce this consistently then you have a much better chance of ending up with good, posi- tive control at a distance. 4. Use a whistle The “sit down” command is one I really like to have on a whis- tle for long distance. I am not a good whistler, so I don’t use a lot of whistles, but this is one that we really need at long distances. So once we have a good, spoken “sit down” com- mand, I suggest putting that on a whistle. To teach any whistle command, either teach it the same way you taught the vocal command, now using the whistle instead. Or simply give the whistle first, and then follow it immediately with the voice command (not the other way around). My “sit down” whistle has a similar “s” sound to the start of the voice command, and so flows quite easily from whistle into voice “ssssssssit down”. If you have good control of the voice command, the dog will soon pick up the whistle. 5. Use a long line If we want to extend our distance control out a bit more quick- ly, you can also make use of a long, light line (no more than about 3mm thick; lawn mower starter cord is great). The dog simply drags this around while working, and we can grab it if we need to, to enforce the command. This is a good trick also for farmers who don’t want to spend a lot of time actu- ally training their dogs in controlled situations, but nonethe- less would like them to do as they are told. So hopefully that helps some of you out with gaining better control at a distance. As usual, let me know your comments or questions at tully@ workingsheepdogtraining.com, or on facebook at Masterclass Working Sheepdog Training. And check out the online video series for step-by-step sheepdog training videos. www.stockdogs.com.au AWSDM 57

TThheeTTrraaiinniinnggPPeenn withwTiuthllyScWoitltliAamosn The TrainingTPheenT-r“aDinOi’nsganPdenD-OGNai’nTisn”gfoCrosnutcrcoelsastfualDshiseteapndcoeg training ASmcoottn infinite levels of control in order to drive sheep a long way from the handler and then work them through obstacles at a Scott Amon purchased his first working dog from great distance. A stop, directional commands and a walk-in or Cedric Old’s Darribee stud in 1984. He owns and oper- forcing command is often all that is necessary for most work- ated Barru Working Kelpies and starts approximately ing situations. Most of us will struggle with the time and effort 50 young dogs per year for customers throughout all re- required for trialling, but those basic work commands are es- gions of Australia and many countries overseas. He also sential. And that is pretty much all we are referring to here. owns and runs a beef cattle enterprise and Australian There are of course many methods commonly used to accom- White sheep stud. plish this, but one thing that is a certainty is you won’t get con- trol at a distance without first establishing it at closer quarters. Having control of a working dog at a distance, say any- So a golden rule is not to attempt to control your working dog where from 150m out to a kilometre or so, is unques- at a distance until you have it spot on either in the training tionably beneficial. It doesn’t matter how much natural stock pen, small paddock or in a larger paddock when the stock are sense and shepherding ability a dog has, it will never be able close enough for you to enforce a command if necessary. Oth- to read your mind. In other words, there are times and situa- erwise you will be setting both yourself and your dog up for tions where we need to override natural working instincts to failure, and it all goes pear shaped from there! I think we have communicate to a dog to shift livestock in a direction which all been ‘there’… conflicts with their inborn instinct. It really isn’t rocket science. Find a training method that suits Just one of thousands of possible situations where this might you and your dogs to get those good basic control commands. be required would be when sending a dog across a water- We’ve discussed methods in previous columns, but the basic course. The handler may need to send the dog to gather all principles revolve around positioning yourself in order to cre- livestock from an opposite ridge or hill. Once the stock are ate the main movements your dog uses naturally to work stock. gathered this situation often requires directing the stock to Then put commands or a ‘name’ to these movements, such as a a particular portion of the river or creek, possibly upstream directional command or stop for instance. The ‘name’ may be or downstream, where the stock can be safely crossed. It may a whistle, word or body movement – or a combination of all – mean directing the dog, or dogs, to drive the mob a significant at least to start with. Enforce these with your position. Make distance away from the handler before crossing. sure the dog truly understands them before you gradually ex- Control at a distance doesn’t mean you need a handle on your tend the distance. Confined environments such as yards offer dog like those European handlers working trials that require perfect environments to familiarise dogs with commands and to enforce them. When you think the dog clearly understands them at close range, start gradually extending the distance and testing the dog’s understanding and compliance of those commands. While things are working out well keep extending the dis- tance. If the dog is disobeying or is somewhat confused, go back to a smaller distance or confined environment and rein- force the commands – not with anger, but with clarity. Of course the trainers’ own experience and ability, and that of the dog, is relative to how easy the progression from control at close quarters to control at a distance will be. Also keep in mind you can sour a young dog by putting too much pressure on it too early in its career. A dog’s age and experience are of- ten part of the equation to control at a distance. So be patient and clear with your training. Chip away at it – Rome wasn’t built in a day. 58 AWSDM www.stockdogs.com.au



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DOGS BRED TO WORK Riverside Jake Hylite Dot * Service fee $400 *2014 Australian Maiden * 2014 Australian Open Cattle Champion Red Range *2014 Australian Novice Dog of the Year Champion Red Range * 2014 NSW Open Cattle 0416 354 061 Dog of the Year Ben Gould You Tube: Riverside Working Dogs

Working Kelpies of Kirkcaldy QLD Established 1976 Breeding natural strong working Kelpies, with an emphasis on temperament and nature to work cattle, sheep & goats. Priced to meet the market Peter & Kate Austin Ph. 1800 632 258 Mob. 0407 503 456 [email protected]

Versatile Station Kelpies Story & Photos by Supplied Peter Austin said “Working Kelpies of Kirkcaldy was worked from a horse, not fast moving motor bikes, ATV’s or started back in 1976 at Mt Hesse in Victoria” Mt Hesse Toyotas, therefore the dogs were responsible for holding the at that time was running 20,000 merino sheep and 1,500 stock in a mob making much better use of the dog’s instinctive Hereford and Santa/Devon cattle. They needed versatile, prac- abilities. tical working dogs. There was work everyday to start, educate After leaving Mt Hesse Peter & Kate bought a small place at and finish working dogs. It was a great learning environment Mortlake Victoria and started a contract mustering stock han- for a breeder and handler of working kelpies and for the young dling business lamb marking and mulesing. In the early 1980’s dogs. they also initiated the now well accepted practice of conduct- During their early years of breeding kelpies, Peter & Kate Aus- ing stock handling schools. They ran them on property and at tin were privileged to spend time with the well renowned kel- various agricultural colleges. Up until recently they held on pie breeders, Frank Scanlon of Scanlon kelpies, Les Tarrant of property schools for small groups. Rockybar kelpies, Bert Bromham of Glenville Kelpies, Gordon At this time Peter & Kate began exhibiting at agricultural field McMaster of Wyreema kelpies and Mike Donelan with Bul- days in all states of Australia. They were more or less the pi- lenbong kelpies. oneers of Field Day working dog demonstrations along with They had great success with some of their early kelpies, includ- one other well known kelpie breeder. ing Liscannor Deano by Rockybar Buff. Buff has proved to be Over the past 40 years they have exhibited at most major ag- one of the most influential sires of his time and has endured ricultural field days, particularly Henty Field Days in NSW, in pedigrees of many of the best kelpies today both in station FarmFest at Toowoomba in Queensland, National Field Days work and on the kelpie trial arena. at Orange, and less regularly at Wimmera, Hamilton & Mel- Peter said, Bert Bromham of the Glenville Kelpie Stud, in the bourne Sheep Shows, Gippsland in Victoria, Wagin in WA, late 1970’s made a profound statement to him, “the pups have Campbell town sheep show in Tasmania, Peninsula field days to have natural ability, you can’t teach them to work”. By that in SA. These were substantial undertakings; most Field Day Bert meant that you can’t teach a young dog to cast, hold and committees were accommodating but some were not so wel- draw the stock to the handler because that is how he and many coming. There is a large four figure site fee, travel, accommo- of that generation of stockman worked their animals. They dation and adequate housing for the dogs, having to organise www.stockdogs.com.au AWSDM 63

yards, sheep, marquee etc made these demonstrations unvia- attending the Field Days. ble. Peter believes this is a great shame because it is a worth- Peterson Bill Clinton - (Karobar Moss x Fury’s Gem) He was a while method of highlighting the importance of having really big strong powerful Red and Tan dog, that really liked to get good working dogs at a public gathering of farmers and gra- on with the job; he was very forceful sometimes headstrong. ziers, it is testing for young pups and dogs, in a totally foreign He had a great nature but would sooner be working than sit- environment with hundreds of people and noises they had ting around. Clint was sired by the 1999 Australian Yard dog never heard before. It was a great test for the pup’s tempera- champion and his dam Gem is full of old Glenville and Aber- ment and Peter is very pleased to report their dogs came up nant Jim blood. trumps. Over the years the dogs have been demonstrated in Liscannor Deano - Black/tan dog, with medium eye, long cast, many obscure places, such as Collins St Place to promote the good anticipation, and an excellent nature. A very good mus- Melbourne Sheep Show and at Werribee Park in Victoria. tering dog and a really top dog in the shed with great backing Another first was holding dog auctions, in the years 1982, ability. Deano was Peter’s first kelpie, purchased in 1974. An 1983 & 1984 they successfully auctioned 65, 40 and 40 dogs. excellent single-handed worker of large or small mobs of ewes This was unique at the time and a forerunner to the dog auc- and lambs, cows and calves. A tireless worker with great stam- tion events being held today. It was a very interesting exer- ina. Sold to Mr Cockins of Beaufort for $1000 in 1978. cise but Peter’s preference is to sell privately and therefore he Peter states, what he does know is that the old consistent blood doesn’t sell any dogs through the auction system. lines of Rockybar Buff and Rockybar Ripper keep breeding Peter would also like to mention a few of his foundation on in the stud. They were calm, strong, tenacious dogs who breeders for the benefit of others who are interested in kelpie could work all day without overrunning, their descendants are genetics. They purchased Rockybar Ripper for $1000 in 1977. working today. Their current sires include Kirkcaldy Boss VI, Glenville Tammy (Port Patrick Taj x Glenville Jean) - A big, Kirkcaldy Nick, Kirkcaldy Doc and Kirkcaldy Butch V. quick covering, long, wide, casting bitch. Brilliant on large or One of the stud’s most recent sires was Kirkcaldy Marco (Pe- small mobs, especially ewes and lambs, and particularly in dif- tersons Bill Clinton x Kirkcaldy Trixie), he was a classic black ficult situations such as gateways, bridges, and when crossing and tan dog. Marco was a big strong dog with a good clean water. She produced excellent working dogs when joined to cast in the paddock and handled his sheep and cattle in a very Rockybar Ripper, of particular mention were Kirkcaldy Fleet, controlled and sensible manner. Peter commented that “Mar- Kirkcaldy Inca, Kirkcaldy Deb, Kirkcaldy Toffee and Kirk- co was by far the most efficient dog he has had for yard, shed, caldy Vito. truck and cattle work not to mention his ability as a demo dog Kirkcaldy Fleet (Rockybar Ripper x Glenville Tammy) - Fleet at all the Ag Field days we attended over many years. He was a was a big strong black/tan dog with a great temperament. He natural backing dog that could be positioned on top. Once un- was an early starter, head strong and bold as a pup. Fleet had loaded four decks of lambs at 12 years of age in 20 minutes. He a good cast and excellent holding ability, very forceful in the was a good worker of all breeds of Cattle including Herefords, yards and truck. He would work sheep, cattle, goats, and pigs. Angus, Droughtmaster and Brahmans in various situations. Glendon Brownie (Cudgee Jeff x Tinagroo Lady) A magnif- He was also game enough to go over the back of cattle to get to icent red/tan dog. Purchased in 1980 from Queensland. Big position. He was possibly a better cattle dog than on sheep but casting dog, strong bark, would work large or small mobs, never put more pressure on than was necessary”. His genetics eye on a few, very compliant. Top yard and shed dog, good included strong Rockybar Buff, Kalari Joker and Kalari Basil on pigs. Perfect nature, Peter refused $1500 for him in 1982. plus the great Scanlons Butch blood. Marco’s pups were early Subsequently he was stolen from Gunnedah, whilst we were starters, with good temperament and nature and good doing dogs. 64 AWSDM www.stockdogs.com.au

Peter’s current ‘go to’ working dog and excellent sire is Kirk- Often if the client is asked is it because they are unsure of how caldy Boss VI (Kirkcaldy Marco x Kirkcaldy Jess) He has a to continue a young dogs education, this seems to be the issue. double cross of Petersons Bill Clinton. A medium sized ath- Peter’s next question is what is the client’s definition of train- letic blue and tan dog. Boss has an innate ability to read his ing? Often the answer is to teach the kelpie to work. stock, silent on cattle, but just knows when to apply pressure Peter’s point here is their kelpies are bred with a natural in- at gateways and will give an explosive bark if necessary. Boss stinct to cast, lift and draw the stock, just as Bert Bromham doesn’t over run, will cast and draw large mobs, but then hap- said all those years ago. When the client allows the young dog py to drive the stock once under his control. The ideal dog for to develop its natural ability and put some basic commands on most stockmen. Peter stated that Boss would rate in the best the actions of the dog plus a STOP /sit/come you will end up five working dogs he has owned. with a pretty useful kelpie. Peter has always held a strong belief in a careful selection of Peter and Kates experience extends over 42 years of breeding, genetically superior breeding dogs. His dogs even today can starting and training some kelpies. The best value for money be traced back to those foundation animals. They are easy suggests that buying a started pup around 4 to 5 months of age to handle station dogs with medium eye, free running, cov- or a younger pup at say 11 weeks that comes with a guarantee. er, good footwork and great anticipation. They are proven to These young dogs will bond more easily with the owner and work sheep, cattle and goats. will become a very useful member of your workforce for a lot Today he welcomes people to his property at Blackbutt where less money than the so called trained older one, and often in he can demonstrate the young dogs working, discuss their about the same time frame, as they have become a MATE as particular requirements and aspirations and offer advice on well. how to progress with the pup or young dog to achieve a really Peter quotes the legendary Greg Prince suggesting that it only versatile working dog. takes about 5 hours to educate a young dog if done correctly They are still supplying easy to start, good natured and fault- in short 5 to 10 minute lessons. less temperament, mainly started dogs but some young pups It is also apparent that most Kelpies that are pretty good sta- to repeat clients who prefer to have the pup grow up in their tion dogs excel either in the paddock or the yards with the odd environment. exception of the all round dog for both. Over the last few years buyers seem to prefer the older so Far too many people rely on one dog for everything and when called (trained dog) either as a private purchase or buying something untoward happens to their only dog they can be at auction and spending big dollars to get the perfect kelpie. left in a real pickle. Generally, it takes 2 to 5 months to get a handle on these older Peter has suggested to many of his clients over the years that kelpies that someone else has bonded with and partly trained. they should get another young kelpie going when their main The new owner will have to repeat the process of bonding and kelpie reaches 5 years of age so they end up with a going two also developing a working relationship with their new kelpie, year old kelpie when the old kelpie is only seven years old. environment, commands, and housing to name only a few. He is always happily surprised to receive a call from repeats When asked why a buyer wants an older dog? Clients will clients every 5 years. usually say because they don’t have time to train a young one. (Whites Badge x Friesmead Trixie) Ripper had an excellent temperament, which showed through in his progeny, he had a huge cast with an excellent lift and draw. 1 st Kerang Open Trial 1977, 3rd in the lmprovers Trial Canberra 1977 87pts. Produced over 100 pups in the stud including Kirkcaldy Fleet, Kirkcaldy Debbie, Kirkcaldy May, Kirkcaldy Inca, Kirkcaldy Kyle, Kirkcaldy Vito, Kirkcaldy Toffee, and Cudgee Jeff and Tara Nigger. Cudgee Jeff was the sire of Glendon Brownie, Glendon Jeff, Glendon Claude, and many others. His descendants are working and breeding in all states of Australia. He remains a dominant influence in Peter’s kelpies today. Other influential progeny used as sires include Tara Butch, Kirkcaldy Brownie, Kirkcaldy Rip and Kirkcaldy Doc www.stockdogs.com.au AWSDM 65

Graham 0427 358116 Martin 0427 358188 James 0428 358240 Ross 0429 358247



STOCKMANS Beloka Kelpies Working Dog Education WORKING KELPIES More than 25 years of experience in the training of working dogs Stockmans Kelpies Stockmans Working Kelpie Stud aims to breed Kelpies with strong Pups and started dogs for sale natural ability to work stock that want to please their owners. ey should have a natural cast and distance o their stock but have the strength to come in and force when required. Stockmans Kelpies are working sheep, cattle and Working Do g Schools goats in 6 states and have been exported to several countries. Private l essons Stockmans ASHS Horses Demonst rations Stockmans Australian Stock Horse Stud aims to breed sensible Cattle, Sheep a nd Duck Trials versatile horses that are suitable for many di erent disciplines using only proven heritage Australian bloodlines ie: no Quarter horse blood! Paul Ma cphail 0418 33 5 306 Stockmans White Su olks belokakelpi es.com.au Stockmans White Su olks are easy lambing fast growing sheep suitable to join with First Cross, Merino or White Su olk ewes. ey produce succulent superior lWame buss.ually have rams available for sale. Practical farm dogs for practical farmers! Contact: Bill & Marg Scott “Glenburn” 176 rums Rd Greta, West Vic. 3675 [email protected] www.stockmans.com.au 68 AWSDM www.stockdogs.com.au

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AustSrapleiacntaSctuolcakr Dog Story by Margo Hogan Another SPECTACULAR Show at Tamworth ‘18 70 AWSDM www.stockdogs.com.au

Following 12 months in the planning the 2nd Australian Vendor Mick Hudson congratulating Damian Curr who purchased the Stock Dog Spectacular concluded on Saturday 3 Novem- highest priced Futurity Stock Dog MGH Stella for $7,000.00 ber at the AELEC in Tamworth. This is the only trial on any of the NSW, From a starting field of 42 competitors Ben Coster from Yass Queensland and Victorian trial calendars, attracting competi- in NSW won The Upper Murray Seeds 2018 Open Yard Dog tions and their dogs from Western Australia to compete in the Challenge with Coopendale Lucy with 278.5 points over three open 3 sheep challenge, from NSW, Queensland, Victoria and rounds ahead of Jake Nowlan and Zone with Ben also taking King Island to compete in both the open yard dog challenge out 3rd place with Rhettlenash Jock. and open cattle dog challenge. During the week ladies competed against the men in open The big draw card was the inaugural Cobber All Round Stock competition and also in a separate competition with Margo Dog which after 7 days of trialling saw Jake Nowlan & Zone Hogan and Dulux winning the Ladies Yard Dog Challenge. from Bigga NSW win the title. Jake said “he was pretty proud Josie Kimpton of Hawkesbury with Rivlin Bolt winning the of how his three year old dog handled himself in each of the Ladies 3 Sheep Challenge and Kerryanne Thompson taking events”. In this event Jake competed against 25 triallers in 3 home the Ladies Cow Dog Challenge with Kitty, these chal- trials – open yard dog challenge, open 3 sheep challenge and open cattle dog challenge, he reached the final in both the Jake Nolan and Zone who won all round stock dog open yard dog challenge finishing in 2nd place and the open 3 2018, Marika and Emma from Sponsor Cobber. sheep challenge finishing in 5th place and missed the second round of the open cattle by a mere 2 points. Of interest in the top ten dogs in the Cobber All Round Stock Dog nine dogs were kelpies and 1 Border collie. As the week was winding down, Friday saw the running of all the finals. In the Plasvacc 2018 ASDS Futurity Cow Dog Challenge winner was Paul Wroe from Middlemount Queens- land & Carracott Spot took home the $10,000 cheque with an aggregate score over 3 rounds of 261 just ahead of Dick Chap- man and his dog Jasper. This event started with 51 dogs all purchased from the 2017 pup sale. After the end of the first round Dan Lowe from Armidale working Hairy was sitting on top with 90.5. The top score 20 dogs and handlers advanced into the 2nd round, until the final 15 hit the finals arena on Friday afternoon. Starting with 220 dogs and handlers the Plasvacc Open Cow Dog Challenge commenced at 1pm Monday for the first go round. With the top scoring 40 dogs advancing to the 2nd round. At the end of round one Ben Gould from Casino with Riverside Jake were out in front only half a point ahead of the eventual winner Paul Wroe. Again the top 15 progressed into the final round. Paul Wroe capped off a successful week by winning the Plasvacc Open Cow Dog Challenge with Bruton- vale Sport after leading into the final round and finishing only 3 points ahead of Adam James and Lokabe Ace after the three rounds of trialling. With one trialler travelling from Western Australia to compete in The Upper Murray Seeds 2018 Open 3 Sheep Challenge, this trial kicked off the weeklong event. The eventual winner was Mick Hudson from Eummungerie and Ritchie’s Finn with 290 points after 3 rounds ahead of Geoff Gibson from War- wick with Swamp Oak Myha with 289. There was some great trialling to watch and we saw Adam James from Coolac have 2 of his 4 dogs in the final 10, along with Jake Nowlan and Zone placing sixth in the top 10.

lenges were proudly sponsored by McDonald Brothers Trans- Open Cow Dog winner Paul Wroe from Middlemount Qld with port. Brutonvale Sport and Plasvac Sponsor Fergus Macauthur Saturday morning saw 23 open dogs and 86 future futurity pups demonstrate their ability before they went under the Paul Wroe hammer. Breeder/handlers travelled from Victoria to Queens- land and from across NSW to be represented in the sale. In to- tal 71 lots were sold for an average of $2113 with the top price dog being a 10 month old Border Collie bitch Lot 94 MGH Stella bred by Mick Hudson of Eumungerie and purchased by Damien Curr of Pittsworth QLD for $7,000. The 59 future fu- turity sold averaged $2,199. Andrew McIntyre from Pinkett sold the top priced open dog Buckol Working Dogs “Lexi” for $4,750 to Brodie Cattle Co. The organising committee would like to express their sincere thanks to all volunteers who helped during the event letting out sheep and cattle, marshalling handlers and their dogs, the announcers who kept the show running smoothly. To our judges Steve Murray and Dave Crawford in the Open Cattle Challenge, Glenn McKay and Kerryanne Thompson in the Futurity Cattle Challenge, Mike Condon and Phillip Swain in the 3 sheep Challenge and Andrew Fittler and John Rosten in the Yard Trial Challenge. An event like this cannot happen without the generous spon- sorship from Cobber, Plasvacc – Caniplas, Clipex, Stockmas- ter, McDonald Brothers Transport, Working Stock Dog Mag- azine, Vets all Natural, Destination Tamworth, Barru Working Kelpies, Dog Master Trainers, FeeMacMedia, Accell, Upper Murray Seeds, Zoetis, Tuff Rock, Biocell Pet, Conquest and Hams Rural. Lastly a special mention to the livestock donors, for without their livestock an event like this could not happen, Goonoo Goonoo, The Pedrick Family and Jason and Karen Cooper, The Gallagher Family, DPI and Melissa & Philip Gambell. Kerrie McVeigh Ted Hinze and Peter Hogan presenting Anouncer Ted Behind the scenes at Goonoo Goonoo Station Tamworth whom kindly Hinze with Volunteer winner for 2018 trophy. donated cattle, organisers Blue Robson, and Ian Cox with Tim McVey. 72 AWSDM www.stockdogs.com.au

1 2 3 1. Plasvacc cow dog challenge champion line up 4 winners. 2. Steve Elliot from Winton QLD with Barcoo Huey and Diamantina Devil. 3. Ritchie’s Finn, Mick Hudson and Tony Christianson from Upper Murray Seeds. 4. Top 15 Futurity pups final line up presentation. 5. Upper Murray Seeds 3 Sheep Chapion winners line up. 5 www.stockdogs.com.au AWSDM 73

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Trialling To give an example: the judge will give a score out of 30 points for the cast, with 30 points being a perfect cast, and 0 being – a different approach the worst. The dog cannot lose more than 30 points on the cast no matter how poor their work is (truly inferior work would ‘The ‘Stock Dog Challenge’ incur disqualification). The judge might give the dog a score of 18 out of 30 for the cast, which is retained, before assessing April 2018, at Holbrook NSW, the AUSTRALIAN UTILI- the approach. TY STOCK DOG SOCIETY Inc. conducted its inaugural If a dog is not capable of, or coping with, the section at hand, trial. It was designed to test the working stock dog’s instincts handlers can move on towards the next section and continue in all the aspects of sheep and cattle work, including: without being disqualified. The judge still gives a score for sec- a. Long searching casts tions attempted AND those sections partly completed. This is b. Paddock work (sheep) done for the following reasons: (which other judging systems c. Yard work (sheep) generally do not allow) d. Cattle work 1. Competitors know exactly how their dogs are scored for The first two aspects were run in conjunction, with a 14 min- each and every section of the trial. ute time limit, then the yard and cattle aspects had separate 2. It allows good work in one section to be rewarded, and not courses and time limits of 6 minutes. Most other trial designs penalized by poor work in another section. tend to test a much more limited number of instincts. In many 3. It allows “weighting” of each section of the trial, with more cases, this has resulted in dogs being bred with limited abilities points for more important aspects, and less points that suit those trials, rather than true, high-class, all-round for less important aspects. Getting the relative “weighting” of utility dogs suited to challenging practical work. points right for each section is vital. It ensures that the best A fair and transparent judging system AUSDS Inc. trials are practical utility dogs really do win. judged quite differently from most other Australian trials. 4. It allows common sense practicalities in judging, rath- Instead of starting from 100 and deducting points for every er than technicalities. Instead of simply taking points off for fault, the following method is used: every infraction of some technicality (such as a sheep stepping The four aspects of the trial (casting; paddock work; yard over a line), an overall view of the dog’s work is undertaken for work; cattle work – each of which is worth 25% of the total each section. The dog is being judged, not the sheep. So a dog score) are divided up into sections. The paddock portion of can still get a high score, even though the sheep are very diffi- the trial, as an example, has sections that include the cast, ap- cult, if in the judge’s opinion the dog handled them well. And proach, bring, force and hold obstacle, heading obstacle, drive conversely, a dog can get a low score even if it had an easy run away, work to and from obstacles, etc. The yard and cattle as- with quiet sheep. This is because the judge can see the dog’s pects likewise are divided into sections. A certain number of limitations and scores accordingly, even if the sheep are not points are allotted to each section of the trial. ‘off-course’ (technically) etc. For instance: 30 points for the cast, 10 points for the approach, Does this remove the handler or trainer’s ability from the and 20 points for the bring, etc. The judge gives a score out equation? NO – handling and training will always be a big part of the points allotted for that section of the trial, based on an of any trial. And luck will also play a part. However, the han- overall consideration of the dog’s work rather than on techni- dler’s ability and luck should be of lesser importance, while the calities. natural ability of the dog is of greater importance. www.stockdogs.com.au AWSDM 79

The AUSDS Inc.’s aim is: The Society has a Dog Register for all dogs that compete in “Fostering Excellence in Breeding Practical Utility Stock trials, and a Stud Register – much has occurred over the last Dogs”. This judging system is an important element in achiev- 3 years. The AUSDS Inc. has a definite Aim and Purpose and ing that aim. Objectives. It is not a ‘fun’ organisation. It is not set up to pac- Foundation of the AUSDS Inc. ify the ‘hobby farmer’ or to appease people’s ‘sporting ideals’, Due to a general consensus that a decline in the proficiency or promote ‘professional correctness’ by handlers at trials. The of the ‘all-round utility stock dog’ for sheep and cattle work Society is for the betterment of the working stock dog. was occurring, a small group of concerned stock and stock For more information: see AUSDS Inc. Facebook page and dog men and women unanimously decided to form a national AUSDS Inc. website www.ausds.org body to help reverse the situation. 2015 saw the start of the AUSTRALIAN UTILITY STOCK DOG SOCIETY Inc. The complexity of Essential Natural Traits for high quality practical working stock dogs, was taken on board as the So- ciety’s premise and benchmark. A sound Constitution was adopted, and common sense is always paramount. To test the Essential Natural Traits was a challenge – practical and challenging trials had to be designed and specified in or- der to identify the brilliance, as well as the inadequacies, that working stock dogs possess. Assessment records are available to all Members upon request. With our dogs, we look for calm natures, that think and work things With our sheep, we strive to breed top out for themselves and are able to quality stock by Sire selection that is lii their work rate to dominate their stock without unnecessary violence guided by strict adherence to and back off to give the stock relief. conformation and type, as well as We only breed pups from dogs that outstanding production traits. We have have proven themselves in real rams available at most times of the year. world working situations. Scrub Road, Tenterfield NSW 2372 www.Eventine.com.au Ph. (02) 6736 2086 Mob. 0422 544 933 80 AWSDM www.stockdogs.com.au

ADVERTORIAL The book is available now and you can purchase your copy here: https://www.whatdoesafarmerlooklike.com/store/ kim storey That’s the phrase I typed into Google, “What does a farm- The overall message from all the farmers photo- er look like?” After a chat on Twitter about the perception graphed, has been that they enjoy the farm life and of women in farming and then farmers in general. its challenges but are conscious that it is a business The images that came up were mostly grey haired men first, they work hard and gain real satisfaction by pro- wearing bib & brace overalls, holding a pitchfork. I’m a ducing the best quality produce they can for people farmer and I certainly don’t look like that! to enjoy. Generally, the only time farming hits the media is for I’ve always wanted to publish a coffee table book of something negative like fire, flood, drought or an ani- my photographs and to be able to do that while also mal activist video. The more positive stories about our trying to bridge that gap between city and country Aussie farmers, their businesses and lives the better has been very rewarding. we are able to share our story, and it’s a good one! Eighteen months later and I have traveled the country visiting farmers who made contact with me through social media as well as others who were nominated by their friends and family. There are over 100 different farmers and farming families from right across Australia covering a variety of enterprises and industries. From cattle & sheep producers to an oyster farm, mango growers to bee farming and apple and cherry orchards, I’ve tried to cover as many different people as possible. The idea being that people can see photographs of our modern Aussie farmers, their farms and produce. So many people living in the cities no longer have a link to a farm or know a farmer, which makes it so important to connect with them and show them what it’s all about. www.stockdogs.com.au AWSDM 81

Breeding Border Collies since 2005. Focused on selecting for strong conformation, natural instinct to work with good temperament, trainability and stamina. Genetics trace back to Imported Bloodliines; Llangwym Cap 315270, Redgate Sam 308066, Star 277367, Deveron Dice 264172, Glen 236832, Parrs Magic, Princes Toby, Crowsdale Clover And Munns Belle Isaac has proven working dogs used daily. He competes in cattle dog trials and has achieved much success winning several Open trails including winning Australian National Open Cattle Trial Twice 2009 and 2017. ISAAC HOTZ Central Queensland [email protected] 0408 784 031



READER’S STORIES: MY BEST MATE Do you have a story about your best mate? stud went above and beyond in helping me in purchasing Email [email protected] one of their pups, they retained a little female for me, as it was quite a drive for me to go and pick one out, and when win a AWSDM Stubby cooler and ACME high it was time for her to leave, they helped me out in organ- ultra pitch stop whistle ising transport for her, to start a 10 hour journey to me. I remember waiting at the pick up point, and I was so nervous My Mate Amburla Peg thinking to myself what if she doesn’t take to me, but so excit- ed at the same time. When the transport pulled up I went over, Story by Jessica Sharp and they opened the cage door, and miss Peg was wagging her tail. Within a few minutes this cute 8 week old pup was cud- Ihave had the pleasure of owning Peg for nearly 3 years dling up to me, and I was so relieved that it was a success. now, and it hasbeen the most rewarding 3 years of my life. I When I took her home, even my dad tried to claim have learnt so manyvaluable lessons about working dogs, and her, he was so impressed with what a beautiful pup working with them in generalsince owning this little girl. she was, and I was like no “she’s mine.” The other kelp- What started out as a dream of mine, is slowly becom- ies we had at home however weren’t to impressed with ing a reality. Back in 2016 I contacted Amburla Kelpie this little pup at first but she wore them down eventually. Stud in Adelong NSW, about purchasing a female pup, the I had brought Peg, as a working dog, but also as a mate, I had a dream to purchase a young pup, and eventually train her up and compete in a sheep trial one day, with help of course as I have always had working dogs around me growing up, but didn’t know much in regards to working them or the trials. A few people along the way thought I would have been better with a started dog, but to me I wouldn’t have ful- filled my dream, to me it means more if I get to that tri- al with miss peg, I am slowly making my dream a reality. As my mum and dad didn’t have a lot of property, her train- ing was quite limited in the beginning as we only had 3 sheep, my dad helped me out where he could, and I had re- lied on practice days at working dog clubs to further en- hance her training and gain valuable knowledge myself. I relocated to Dalby, Queensland in October of last year, and in January this year miss Peg, and my other kelpie So- phie joined me in Queensland. It was such a relief to have my girls up here with me. Since relocating to Dalby, I have attended a few practice days at various locations run by Southern Downs Working Dog Club, this is an amazing club, and the people who are in it are so welcoming and happy to help you out. It really has been such a learning ex- perience and I have learnt so much already, as well as Peg. I have also been blessed to have help from a kind and gen- erous family Cristy and Damian Bovgoure, who give their time up to help me train, and work with Miss Peg, further enhancing her working ability, and teaching me the valua- ble basics along the way. Without this family I wouldn’t be as far ahead as I am today and for that I will be forever grateful. They themselves have amazing dogs, and are awesome at tri- 84 AWSDM www.stockdogs.com.au

alling achieving great results for themselves, and this country. to herding, Champ volunteers as a “Reading Dog” at our local There are days when she can test my patience, but I wouldn’t state school and as a therapy dog at an aged care facility, while have her any other way, out of all the dogs my family and I his best mate Pepper trains in several dog sports including lure have had over the years, and the dogs we own now, I have not coursing, tracking, nose work, frisbee, endurance, obedience, experienced the connection I have with Miss Peg, we are two ricks and bikejor (dog mushing). peas in a pod. She gets me, and I get her. Life would be ex- After my German Shepherd died of lymphoma in 2015, I knew tremely boring if I didn’t have my girl, she cracks me up with I had to have another dog. A friend told me of a dog she had some of her antics. She comes camping with me and my part- seen on Gumtree. So I stopped at the owner’s place and was ner, she’s like any other dog when she’s at home but when met by a very sad situation. Here was six-month-old Border it comes time to work, its like you flip a switch on her and she’s Collie Pepper, who was the result of an unplanned pregnan- in work mode. I am truly blessed. cy on a property in rural Queensland. The farmer’s wife sold My love for working dogs in general started with my parents her to a young man who had no idea how to raise a work- always having dogs around, growing up with red/blue heelers, ing dog. It is sad but true that many people adopt working then kelpies came along, and my parents a couple of years ago breeds as pups and then end up re-homing them because they got long haired Border Collies. I thank them for this as they don’t understand that most working breeds need a job to do. introduced me to my passion today. Working dogs will al- He gave her to his parents who told me they disliked animals ways be in my heart, especially kelpies, there is just something and were keeping her in sordid conditions. It was love at first about them, watching them work is simply amazing, and with- sight and I knew I had to take her home. She was very timid out working dogs Australia would come to stand still, they are and undernourished when I adopted her. To build up Pepper’s the iconic background of this amazing country of ours. They confidence, I took her to obedience school and sheep herding are our mates first and foremost, and then work beside us all training. Unfortunately herding didn’t work out, but she is day long shifting stock. a very clever girl and loves competing in her other sports! The Working Dog Industry as a whole I have learnt is full of Since Pepper wasn’t destined to be a herding dog, I jumped amazing people, who happily help each other out especially at the chance to adopt five-year-old working Border Collie new comers like myself. It is a great industry to be involved Champ from my sheep herding instructor. Champ was bred in and I believe over time it will only grow larger, as more and for his calm, even temperament and since I don’t own stock more younger people like myself get involved. Within the in- I thought his new job might involve working with people. dustry we all have one thing in common a genuine interest Champ loves the attention he gets from “his” special education and love of our iconic working dogs. programstudents. Our therapy dog volunteer work in- CONGRATUALTIONS JESSICA, YOU HAVE WON A STOP volves us going around common areas and visit- WHISTLE AND A AWSDM STUBBY COOLER...... ing the residents in their rooms when invited to do so. Many of these people have been dog owners in the past, and My mate talking about dogs is a great way to involve them in conver- Champ sation. It has also been shown that interacting with dogs has many benefits for elderly people. That being said, Champ’s fa- vourite activity is still herding and he continues to teach me, a novice herder, about working ducks and sheep at several friends’ SE Queensland properties. We have been successful at trialling and look forward to competing as much as possible! Story by Sally Purbrick-Illek 85 Teaching Working Breed Dogs New Tricks Ilive in a Gold Coast suburb and am a great believer in keep- ing my working breed dogs active and useful. In addition www.stockdogs.com.au AWSDM



We are a family business that has been designing and making sheepdog whistles in the UK for decades ­ which we now sell all over the world.  Famous for their quality and sound each whistle is crafted with care using the highest quality materials, precision milled from a solid piece of metal to avoid joins or rivets and then hand finished to produce the very best sound. These shepherd's whistles are perfect for the working herding and sheepdog, to give you that edge at sheepdog trials or to help all dog breeds hear and respond to their handler.  We also offer other quality products including whistle lanyards,  jewellery and accessories and a whistle engraving service. All available for delivery in Australia and New Zealand through  www.thebordercollie.co.uk email:[email protected] +44 (0)1798 875888 Chandler River W�king Dogs Taking your 4 - 12 month old pups and giving them the basics PUPS & STARTED DOGS FOR SALE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR Call Mick to book in 0428997734 STOCK DOG TRAINING www.stockdogs.com.au AWSDM 87

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MIWCKOHRKUDINSGODNOMGGHSWCORHKIONGODLOSGS Mick is a third-generation stockman & working dog trainer. W OHe musters cattle, sheep & feral goats on his “I feed all of my dogs nothing but Rproperties with his working dogs & also competes the best, so I can get the best out of them.” with these same dogs in 3 sheep dog trials to showcase his stockman skills & ability of his well Keducated dogs. Mick has been very successful in the last few years, Iwinning the National, Commonwealth & Supreme Australian Championships + many other open trials. NHe also won NSWSDWI Handler of the Year and Dog of the Year in 2015 & 2017 and is representing GAustralia in 2018. Mick has 2 day training clinics at his property near Dubbo NSW & from time to time has MGH bred pups for sale. See website for information & contact details. Mick’s passion & dedication to his dogs starts with nutrition & to achieve the best results he feeds them the most complete high-performance food he can. Dwww.mickhudson.com.au Nothing but the best for Mick’s dogs! O G Hypro Premium with REAL KANGAROO & TURKEY for High Performance Working Dogs is a Complete & Balanced Grain Free diet specially formulated to help maintain the health & well-being of all active dogs breeds, age & size. TYPICAL COMPOSITION S Crude Protein 32% H Fat 22% C Calcium (min) O Phosphorus (min) 1% O ME (kcal/100g) 0.8% 405 NUTRITIONALLY FORMULATED DEVELOPED WITH BEET PULP & NATURAL ANTIOXIDANTS FOR ADULT WORKING DOGS CHICORY ROOT FOR DIGESTION FOR IMMUNE SYSTEM Peas, carrot, spinach, alfalfa, tomato, Optimal blend of extra proteins, fats, and Beet pulp and chicory root, excellent blueberry, cranberry and apple contain natural antioxidants that can help support oils, vitamins and minerals to help keep sources of prebiotic fibres, encourage the development of a strong immune system, helping maintain good health for your active dog healthy and happy. beneficial bacteria to help improve active dogs. INFUSED WITH MEAT digestion and provide healthy firm stools. EMU OIL FOR ANTI-INFLAMMATORY Emu Oil is and excellent source of essential FOR MUSCLES OMEGA 3 & 6 FOR SKIN & COAT fatty acids (Omega 3, 6, 9) to help nourish your dog’s skin, and joints. Real kangaroo and turkey meats supply the Sunflower, flaxseed, fish and emu oils protein with essential amino acids which provide essential fatty acids (omega 3 and are the building blocks for the development 6) to help maintain healthy skin and and maintenance of strong active muscles. shiny coat. LHypro Pet Care continues to be the MAJOR SPONSOR of To order Contact Hypro Pet Care S Sean Hickling Australian NSW Queensland Victorian South Australian Western Australian Mobile: 0408 626 784 Sheepdog Workers Sheepdog Workers WorkingSheepdog Working Sheepdog Working Sheepdog Working Sheepdog Email: [email protected] 15 Box Avenue, Wilberforce NSW 2756 Association Association Inc. Association Association Association Association www.hypropetcare.com.au

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