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are efficient rather than obsessive about their work - stock of- ten settle quickly for them. They are a loose to medium eyed breed, capable of seeing and reacting to a herd of hundreds of cattle and directing their attention to just those requir- A WALK DOWN MEMORY LAiNng iEt, alWlowinIgTthHem tSo wTorkAeffNectivDely,UdaNy inKandLdEayYout. They are generally considered a close worker but can be taught to work wider. Scott Lithgow, in “STtorcaSkitn”oinrdygisbcaunysd-seWSstoehrpokhwinOga lDgivooeogds for Quiet Confident Control of ACD should both head and heel and there are keen breeders preserving this working style. They can work individually, or be a very useful member of a team. They respond well to be- ing shown what is needed - an ACD needs to see purpose to the job, but once he sees it, he is committed to the task. If you want him to back sheep, just show him and he will have a go. ping the heels of anything that moves, not just cattle! Training Softness or shyness is not an issue with these dogs. There are is essential to ensure the dog distinguishes between what is quite a few employed at American rodeos to clear the bulls and isn’t livestock to be worked. from the arena, much to the delight of the crowds. As a companion, one of the nicest aspects of these dogs is their In summary, while some people feel the best way to start an mateship, they live to please you and will have your back when ACD is with a shotgun, there are many more with a soft affec- needed. They have a highly developed 6th sense. tion for the breed and those who enjoy training and working Working style: them. A well-bred, well trained ACD is a willing, useful and The ACD is an intelligent, independent thinker and once intelligent partner. trained, is capable of carrying out routine tasks without su- pervision and problem solving. Individual dogs may pre- Ref: ACDCA Working Breed Standard dominantly fetch or drive – work style varies according to Scott Lithgow ‘Training and Working Dogs for Quiet Confident heritage, age, training technique, and the livestock the dog is Control of Stock’ started on. ACDs that fetch (yes, they do exist!) usually ex- ANKC Breed Standard hibit very keen natural balance. They are a steady worker and Cheryl Edwards ‘Old Timers’ www.stockdogs.com.au AWSDM 51

Story by - KAREN EDWARDS Photos - Sarah Dodds

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Horror... By Jenny Whitelock Photo by Jayde McMurtrie. ..on the Nullarbor It was the second last night of an (to that point) en- I watered my dogs in their kennels on the ute and was soon joyable and successful three month trip to the East- inundated with a swarm of bees looking for water in the dog ern States competing in sheep dog trials with my bowls in the back of the ute. I thought I had parked near a Border Collies. I thought I was being ultra careful find- hive so moved the vehicle and caravan about 100 metres along ing suitably safe campsites for my working sheepdogs. the layover to a different spot where I once again walked and On this particular afternoon in late October 2017 I started inspected my new site. It had crossed my mind to travel fur- searching early for a suitable site. It is difficult to find a totally ther along the highway but I was worried I might not find safe site to run dogs while crossing our large Australian con- somewhere suitable before dark and I was confident the bees tinent. The site had to be well off the highway for safety from wouldn’t follow me when I moved the ute and van. I breathed traffic, and well away from public parking places. Unfortu- a sigh and thought I had left the bees behind. nately and disappointingly the signed and publicised layovers But this time they crowded into the eight water bowls in the and parking places across our wide brown land are littered back of the ute, they spread over the dog beds where the water with all manner of disgusting and dangerous things that dogs had spilt and they were flying around in the kennels where love to eat or roll in; from chicken and chop bones to used la- the dogs were snapping at them. There was nothing I could dies’ sanitary items and human excrement. Additionally there do except tell myself to stay sane and handle the situation one is always the unseen danger of 1080 baits. There is intermit- small step at a time. I was in the middle of nowhere with no tent signage but it is very small and its difficult to know how help for miles. I decided to walk the dogs and hoped that the current the signs are. bees would be gone from the kennels when we returned. We I found a signposted layover many kilometres from the last walked out for about 10 minutes with my dogs in sight and 1080 sign, I got out of the car and had a good walk around to under control at all times. The bees were still in the kennels look for human waste and anything the dogs might get into. when we returned! I put some of my dogs inside the cab of the ute and in the caravan. Others I put in a down-stay where I 54 AWSDM www.stockdogs.com.au

could keep an eye on them. Another two, Monster and Joy, kilometre of land and the pastoralists are only required to put danced around the ute snapping at the bees while I grabbed signage at the entrance to their properties. They are provided the flyspray and tried to fumigate the kennels. I prepared the with strict permits (those in Western Australia governed by doggie dinners, and by the time that was done the kennels Department of Agriculture) and must adhere to guidelines were empty of bees. I cleared the the remaining bees and wa- such as “must not bait within 250 metres of a road” amongst tered and fed the dogs in their kennels in the ute. other restrictions. I was woken abruptly at 1.30am. The dogs were barking fran- The baits come in a few different forms but are often lumps of tically and the caravan (still attached to the ute) had taken on red meat (eg. camel, horse or kangaroo) cubed into 5 cm blocks. the life of a buck-jumper. I had never heard that tone of bark They are spread on drying racks and when dry enough they before nor felt the urgency that was reverberating from the ute are injected with the 1080 poison. The baits are often spread through the caravan...the danger and panic. I had knots in my around a station by dropping them from a light plane or from stomach with the thought of what I would face if I went out- a vehicle. Unfortunately they are not tethered or secured to a side the door. I eventually summoned the courage to head out- particular spot and can be carried far from the original place of side. My beautiful Monster was panicking in the kennel clos- baiting by birds or other animals which can lead to them being est to me and I immediately thought the bees must be back. found in public parking places or close to roads or roadhouses! My first reaction was to let him out. I released the catch and On asking the question I discovered that I wouldn’t know he tried to barge through the small gap that I had created what a bait looked like if I tripped over one! By the time they when I saw the look in his eyes and the flash of his teeth....he have sat in the sun and kicked around the desert dust for was manic. As I slammed the kennel door in his face I sadly awhile they apparently look like a piece of bark from a tree. realised that this was something far worse than bees and my It appears that my dogs had to have picked up the bait(s) in Monster was likely dying from poisoning. Monster’s sister, Joy, that signposted parking bay while I was distracted by the bees. started to panic in her kennel on the other side of the ute. I The manager at the next roadhouse (70km away) said he had thought she was upset by what was happening to Monster. I found baits around the parking areas at the roadhouse, where went to comfort her on the other side and I realised that she no baiting is allowed, on more than one occasion. too was dying. Monster came across to that side of the ute I know fellow triallers who make the trip across the Nullarbor too. I was alone in the dark, in the middle of the desert and as quickly as possible without overnighting, allowing each dog my dogs were frantic and dying. I was in tears and in shock. to relieve itself individually on lead. Others tie out their dogs There was nothing I could do. To open the kennels I would risk on a peg line overnight, but even this could expose your dog being bitten or losing my dying dogs into the night. I couldn’t to a bait lying unrecognisable in the dust. stroke my beautiful dogs to soothe them as they died. I stroked The only positive to be taken from my night of horror is their noses with one finger through the aluminium grille and the resultant action taken by the WA Department of Agri- soothed them with whatever I could think of to say so that culture. On hearing about the incident from a fellow travel- they would hear my voice. I told them I was sorry and that ling sheep dog trialler who was worried about bringing her there was nothing I could do to help them this time, unlike all own dogs back across the Nullarbor Plain, they asked that the other times they got into mischief. It was the most horrific I contact them. I related my entire story and as a result the night of my life…. WA Department of Agriculture has erected ten brand new It was all over in 15 minutes.... 2m x 1m warning signs along the highway across the Nul- Thank goodness the managers at the next roadhouse were un- larbor in the pastoral areas where baiting is conducted. derstanding when I arrived distraught at 6am. They offered The downside? This is only in WA. There are still hundreds me coffee and hugs, and allowed me to use the fire hose to and hundreds of kilometres across the Nullarbor in other clean out the back of my ute. (Monster and Joy had lost control states where baits are distributed and signage is not overtly of their bowels and there was not a kennel that didn’t need visible. I have learnt a lot since that horrific night and have hosing out. Fortunately their was no regurgitation which can come to the conclusion that NOWHERE IS SAFE FROM also be a danger to the other dogs if it is eaten). THE DANGER OF 1080 BAITS, even the little country track With the nearest vet seven hours drive and the weather warm- around the corner from your home farm! They could be an- ing up it was a difficult but necessary decision to leave the ywhere! It’s rather ironic that I have just bought a new farm bodies of my devoted companions behind, and the managers and my next door neighbour is using CPEs on his property! kindly offered to take care of them for me. It is an experience I Having come out the other end of this experience I am now would not wish upon anyone. overly cautious about where and how I choose to walk my The stations in outback Australia are kilometre upon square dogs and can only think that I will use a combination of meth- ods to keep my dogs safe when travelling in the future. www.stockdogs.com.au AWSDM 55

FAIRDINKUM KELPIES Dogs bred to think for themselves and get the job done Contact: Janelle 0407759338 Email: [email protected] Fairdinkum Kelpies are strong versatile dogs, bred to work with natural ability in either open country or thick scrub

Behind the Hay Plains and was then off the road for a few months before Wheel: he could find another truck to drive. Eventually after floating Jason Hyde around with a few general carters he got a job with Conroys out of Ballan. “Danny Conroy told me that if I ever needed a Hyde time for the Open Road job, then to give him a call, I was sitting in Brisbane, broke and looking for a back load home and I rang him, I started with Story & Photo Zoe Crouch him the following Monday and haven’t looked back” admits Jason. Almost every Friday night a roar and a rattle comes barre- And back to carting livestock without a dog once again, un- lingdown the main street of Landsborough, a sleepy little til………. Tess arrived. “She’s a great little dog, a mate of mine town at the foothills of the Pyrenees Ranges in Victoria. who used to cart stock Beau Beames sold her to me, she’s well Any unsuspecting drinkers at the local watering hole are blast- trained and easy to work, she’s actually a really good paddock ed with a welcome home honking of the horn from the West- dog, but at the time, she was a something was better than ern Star B Double and the pungent smell of the crates tells a nothing situation”. Recently Jason has taken on little Jack, pur- story of a long trip. chased from Karl & Liz Morley, a smart little black and tan The sound of excited barking echoes from the boxes under- pup. “He’s my first real baby pup, so I am learning with him, neath, where Tess and new recruit Jack are held safe, warm how to train him in the truck, he’s only young so we are just and happy to watch the world go by. And piloting the big rig taking it easy, but he’s keen as, and I like him” admits Jason. is Jason Hyde who has just let everyone know he is home for Even though Conroys is Victorian based Jason drives inter- the weekend. state mostly. “We have the contract for Midfields in Warrnam- The stocky has been driving trucks for 5 years and had never bool so I spend a lot of time travelling between Dubbo and carted livestock prior to taking on the job in 2013. But Jason down south but we go all over, from Dirranbandi and into credits Graeme “Chooka” Howell of Howells Transport at Av- South Australia and everywhere else”. Carting both sheep oca who gave Jason his first Livestock carting job and Jason and cattle Jason reckons the biggest problem that stocky’s face is reckons he taught him a heap. Even though Jason had driven poor facilities. “Most places are still in the 1900’s, with yards and trucks for years prior, and had turned his hand to grader driv- ramps that are useless. One place I turned up to, we loaded out ing as well as shearing for 10 years, he wanted to get out on of old pig yards that were falling down and then had to get some the open road. Plus travelling and working with his dogs Jase gates and make a holding yard because the yards were so shit!! admits “we are a bloody good team, I talk to them like humans A lot of people don’t understand that we are governed by time, and they are great company”. if the yards are shit then it takes me an extra 3-4 hours to When Jason first started carting livestock he didn’t have a load and then I am longer getting to where I am going, which dog, “its bloody tough work by yourself, especially if the stock means their stock are standing for longer etc, it effects the won’t run!” he admits. Luckily a mate of Jason’s, Rod Dowdy whole process, we might do 5 or 6 pick ups in a day, thats a lot had a young Koolie that he was selling. “His name was Tiny, of shit set ups”. he was 9 months old when I got him, he was so smart! He just There is no doubt Jason loves his dogs, “you know when picked things up quick!” Jason recalls. Tiny and Jason went everything is flowing and everything is looking good and everywhere together, even when Jason didn’t need him, he people are looking and everything is spot on you look like an still took him. “We were inseparable, he knew and understood absolute hero, and then there are those days when the sheep what I needed from him and he was a great work mate and are frustrating and not running and your dog thinks he knows companion for me, the only thing that dog couldn’t do was best, they are the hard days, and it brings you back down to talk”. Tragically Tiny was killed in an accident as a 2 year old, reality, but nah I love em”. “I was lost for quite a while, we had a bit of a reputation and even some farmers were saying how much I would miss him, as we had gone everywhere together, I cried when he died, I was just bloody devastated!”. In a run of bad luck, Jason managed to roll his truck on the www.stockdogs.com.au AWSDM 57



WITH PETER BROWN READING A DOG FOOD BAG Many users of dog food only read a small portion lated and shown in kcal per kilogram or kcal per 100 grams. of the packaging. To make sure that you are feed- Aim for a number close to or above 4000 kcal/ kilogram or ing your dogs the most suitable product for their 400kcal/100 grams. Energy is mainly derived from fats, oils workload and stage of life it is important that several panels and some proteins. This can have an effect on how much food of information displayed on the packaging are read and un- is fed to a dog particularly adult dogs. Pups and growing juve- derstood. niles have a greater need for energy and protein so should be Firstly don’t allow the name on the front of the packaging de- fed an appropriate quality food. termine your purchase. The heading Working Dog may influ- Next consider the PROTEIN and FAT levels. These two meas- ence your decision, but is it the right product for your dogs? Is urements are normally shown in conjunction on the packag- there a better product that should be considered that does not ing and are expressed as percentages. Remember that both have Working Dog as it’s heading? these measurements have an effect on Energy. It’s important Secondly, don’t just buy on price. If price is a concern do a to know that when dog food diets are formulated they are nor- quick calculation, grams fed per dog/ price to feed each dog, mally calculated on a 1 tonne batch and ingredients are on a you may find that purchasing a slightly more expensive prod- by weight inclusion. uct may in fact be cheaper to use because the dog doesn’t re- Some ingredients may contain high levels of moisture, par- quire as much by weight to maintain himself and perform ticularly protein meals like meat meal, chicken meal, lamb satisfactorily. meal, fish meal and to a lesser extent grains. Moisture is re- Thirdly, don’t be swayed in your purchase by fancy packaging moved during manufacture by cooking which affect the vol- and sharp language. Some of the poorest quality products of ume of these ingredients in the end product. any type may be sold in smart packaging with bright colours, Lets look at ingredients, these are the things when mixed ac- snappy photos and script that is designed to attract the target cording to the formulation should result in a balanced diet. customer. Packaging is a science in it’s self and there are many Remember that it is a requirement by law for ingredients to be companies that specialise in packaging and design. Studies listed from most to least (by weight of inclusion) on the pack- have been done on things like colour, script, pictures on pack- aging. Again this refers back to the volume included on the for- aging and lustre of the bag to determine which has the greatest mulation and may vary after manufacture due to moisture re- effect on a potential customer and attracts them to that product. moval. Any product that names a protein from an animal source This is all designed to influence the purchasers decision. as the first inclusion should always be considered before one Fourth, when reading the information on the packaging look that lists grain as it’s first ingredient, you are feeding a canine. at the information that is there to give you the most accurate Animal protein is normally derived from animal meals such information to allow you to make an informed decision. as beef, chicken, lamb, fish or kangaroo. But the use of digests Remember you are feeding an athlete, human or canine diet (soup like product) such as chicken will have an effect on pro- is an important part of performance. Energy is the key, look tein levels. If on the front of the packaging there is a picture for a disclosed ENERGY LEVEL. Energy in dog food is calcu- of chicken legs, lamb chops or steak, it is highly unlikely that someone would be dicing up any of these proteins for inclu- www.stockdogs.com.au AWSDM 59

sion in the food. This is part of the sell based on how we as in very small amounts and will include a vitamin/mineral customers relate to those products in our own diet. mix, salt and other ingredients that may have a benefit for Next item in most Working dog formulae will be a grain. the dog, or it may be thought that they help control fleas and Wheat is probably the most common but is normally the ticks (Garlic), reduce the smell of faeces (Yucca Schidiigera) most expensive, so often you will see language like “ce- or act as a preservative/ antioxidant for the product (Vitamin real grains” which means that any of the grains that re- E). They may include Kelp (a natural source of vitamins and duce the cost of production or are available when others minerals), Rosemary extract (contain oils such as carnosic ac- are not can be included. Grain does supply some protein ids and carnosol which inhibit lipid pre-oxidation in cells; im- to the product. Keep a watchful eye for grain related fillers portant for dogs that are working hard or running) and Sugar such as various brans (rice, wheat etc), middens or millrun. Beet Pulp an insoluble fibre source beneficial to the bacteria A lot of these products are by products of flour production in a dogs gut. and are relatively cheap and may have very little nutrient value In summary it is the buyers choice, but I always look for an en- but do work as a fibre in the diet. Quite often, closely follow- ergy statement before moving on to any other information on ing on from these products will be a protein source from pulse packaging. If there is not an energy statement don’t be hesitant plants like soybean. These grains can quickly lift protein levels in contacting the manufacture to ask about the energy level or in the product because of their high protein levels. any other aspect of the diet. Oils make the list around about this time and can be derived Most display contact details and encourage consumers to con- from animals or vegetable. Examples are beef tallow (rendered tact them. There is always a summary sheet produced when fat), canola, soybean of flax seed oil. All are contributing to a product is formulated that sets a host of information on the energy levels in the product plus delivering good levels of protein levels, fat content, vitamin and mineral levels etc. All Omega three and six. good manufacturers regularly test a sample of their product From here on it is normally the ingredients that are added at regular intervals during manufacture to ensure that the fin- ished product meets those specifications set out in the original formulation sheet. CRWDChandler River Working Dogs Bendemeer NSW 0428997734 60 AWSDM www.stockdogs.com.au

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The Training Pen with Tully Williams The Training Pen -“DO’s and DON’Ts” for successful sheepdog training WTilulilalyms have nothing. The dog must want to work sheep. So if your pup lacks a bit of heart, or is a bit on the soft side, then train Tully Williams has been training sheepdogs since he slowly and have plenty of patience. With a good keen pup, was 12 years old, and started competing in three-sheep with plenty of heart, you will be trials at 15. He has trained (to varying stages) almost able to train much more quickly. 400 sheepdogs, and bred nearly 100 litters of his Cam- #4 – DO take the time to learn and use a sound command- paspe Working Dogs. In 2007 the CSIRO published his ing system. This is what I call “money for nothing”. A good ground-breaking book “Working Sheepdogs”. He is cur- commanding system gets superior results even if you don’t do rently the vice-president of the newly formed AUSDS any extra training. This is because the pup is clear on exactly (Australian Utility Stock Dog Society). what we want, and we avoid confusion and hesitation. Most so-called “commanding systems” have simply evolved without Reducing sheepdog training to a list of do’s and don’ts is not much real thought, rather than being carefully planned. Have such an easy task! But here is my list of what I believe are enough commands to cover all situations, and DON’T use some of the more important DO’S and DON’TS for successful commands that conflict with other commands, such as “GET sheepdog training. out” and “GET here”. #1 - DO obtain the best quality pup or dog possible. This first #5 – DON’T have a conversation with your dog in place of point is also one of the most important. A pup or dog with clear, simple commands. DO use the same clear command to high-quality instincts has the potential to make a high-quality mean the same thing, every time. worker. A poor-quality pup will never make a high-quality #6 – DON’T use arm signals and the training stick inconsist- worker, no matter how much training it receives. YOU CAN- ently. Pick a system (either pointing in the direction you want NOT MAKE A SILK PURSE FROM A SOW’S EAR. Go to a the pup to go – definitely my preference – or chasing/ blocking reputable and experienced breeder with a proven track record, the pup) and stick to it. If you want to train in the quickest, someone who guarantee’s their pups. most effective manner then DON’T use the arms or stick to #2 – On the other hand, DON’T fall into the trap of thinking sometimes block the pup and then at other times to point in that a well-bred pup will make up for poor training. While it is the direction you want it to go. You will just confuse the pup, very true that “you can’t make a silk purse from a sow’s ear”, it training will slow down, and the results will be inferior. is also true that EVEN SILK CAN BE RUINED. If you want to #7 – DON’T allow bad habits to form. This is a big one. end up with a top working dog, then both good breeding and When it comes to training, it is always much easier to pre- sound training are essential. vent bad habits than try to cure them later. This will help #3 - DO remember that without keenness in a sheepdog, you training to go as quickly and as effectively as possible. This point can manifest in all sorts of ways. Just a few are: • DO train in a controlled situation (such as a smaller area, or with quiet stock) until you are confident everything will go well in a larger area, or with less-handled stock. • DON’T give a command that might not be obeyed, or that you cannot enforce. Otherwise, you are simply creating the habit of disobedience. • DON’T cast a dog further than it is ready for, unless you are in a position to prevent mistakes. • DON’T work a dog in practical work before it is well-trained and ready for it. • DON’T work a dog in trials before it is ready. If you take them out before they are ready, dogs will quickly learn they can ignore you at trials, and get into bad habits. www.stockdogs.com.au AWSDM 63

#8 – DO use plenty of repetition to create strong habits and #13 - DO “overtrain”. By that, I mean if you want a dog to be reliable responses. Repetition is the mother of skill. reliable obeying at 100m, then train it to be reliable at 200m. If #9 - DO train a rock-solid “sit down” command. This will you want a dog to cast well at 400 metres, train it to cast greatly aid all other training and control. And DON’T use “sit well to 800 metres. down” to mean multiple things as so many handlers do. “Sit down” shouldn’t mean “steady”, or “stop on your feet”, but #14 - DON’T work more dogs at once than you really need. should mean “lie down and don’t move until told otherwise”. More dogs generally means less control, and more bad hab- If you want “steady”, then use “steady”. If you want “stop on its. One high-quality dog (see point #1), if well-trained and your feet”, then use “stop there” or something similar. Don’t wellhandled by a competent stockperson, can handle plenty of use one command to mean three or four different things, or stock on its own. For larger numbers, 2 good dogs should be you will never end up with a well-trained dog. plenty for most stockwork provided they are in the right #10 – DO train progressively. A 1000 metre cast starts at 10 position doing the right thing. Only rarely are more than that metres, then 20, and so on. Obedience and control at a dis- required. It is usually the poorer handlers with poorer dogs tance is the same – don’t think that because the dog obeys at that insist on working 4 or more dogs at once. If you pay atten- 10 metres this will translate to 100 metres – it won’t, unless it tion to breeding and training, this shouldn’t be you. is progressively increased to that level. #11 - In general, DON’T kept repeating a command when the #15 - DO use the minimum commands necessary to get the dog is already doing what you want – it is simply learning to job done to a high standard. This will allow the dog to use its ignore you because it doesn’t change anything in response to own initiative as much as possible, and will help to retain high the command. levels of control. Excess commanding tends to reduce obedi- #12 - DO remember to praise the dog when it is doing what ence. However, DON’T use too few commands, and end up you want “good dog”. This is particularly important when with the job being done to a low standard. Remember, the dog teaching newer behaviours. is there as an essential aid to managing livestock, and not the other way around. Questions or comments? Feel free to email me at tully@ workingsheepdogtraining.com 64 AWSDM www.stockdogs.com.au

The Training Pen with Scott Amon The Training Pen -“DO’s and DON’Ts” for successful sheepdog training ASmcoottn taught by showing or prompting a dog to do a certain action, and then putting a command to it. Repetition of the action Scott Amon purchased his first working dog from with the command is how the dog associates one with the oth- Cedric Old’s Darribee stud in 1984. He owns and oper- er. The better timing and delivery of the command from the ated Barru Working Kelpies and starts approximately trainer – the quicker the dog will learn. Remember, if the dog 50 young dogs per year for customers throughout all re- is not understanding when you are attempting to teach a com- gions of Australia and many countries overseas. He also mand, then you are simply not being clear enough – it will not owns and runs a beef cattle enterprise and Australian be the dogs fault! Also keep in mind that all dogs are different White sheep stud. (just like us), and some learn quicker than others – fast learn- ers and slow learners. Both can finish up good dogs. Don’t… #5 - Put a pup in a situation where it may have a bad experi- #1 - Attempt to train any age dog/pup if you are not in a good ence with rough stock. Early stockwork and training of the frame of mind and mood. Guaranteed it will not be near as ef- pup is all about confidence building. It would be akin to put- fective as when your mind is clear, calm and neutral or happy ting a 12 year old child or younger in a ring with Mike Tyson. in nature. #6 - Put a pup or dog in a working situation where it is unlike- #2 - Shout or growl out commands like orders when you are ly to achieve a win. In the case of the older dog, support it with training a dog/pup. If you train with calm, clear commands in other dogs if at all possible if the situation requires it. More a low to medium voice range you have higher levels to go paws make light work. Even the toughest of dogs should have to later when the dog understands the command and is not self preservation, otherwise, have a good credit rating with obeying. your vet. #3 - Ever lose your temper when training a dog/pup. All you Do… will manage to do is confuse it. Dogs respond to calm, asser- #1 - Purchase a dog/pup whose parents have the style of work tive leadership so if you are calm, clear and fair with your re- you are wanting and have plenty of natural ability. Then the quests the dog will have far more respect for you – and dig process (as the late and great Greg Prince would say) is simply deeper for you when the workload gets tough. “putting command over instinct”. #4 - Give a dog/pup a command that it has not been clearly #2 - Always let a dog know that you truly like it. It might sound taught and has shown it understands. Commands should be a bit romantic to some, but dogs quickly get a feel for if we like them or not. If we are begrudgingly training a dog, the process will not be as easy and the end result will not be as good as with a dog we genuinely like. #3 - Give praise to a dog that has obeyed you or is genuinely trying for you. It does not need food treats or anything fancy like that. Simply praise it in a nice tone of voice, maybe rub its head and say “good dog” and you will both get something positive from this. #4 - Always treat dogs fairly and respectfully if you want the same in return. Effective chastisements can be done fairly – use your common sense. Abuse of a dog is unacceptable. Despite showing utter weakness in the perpetrator it is also a criminal offence. www.stockdogs.com.au AWSDM 65



TJ Campbell: The Best Stockman I ever met. Memoirs of Bill Scott - Stockman Kelpie Stud Some of my memories of Jim, a wonderful person, a great might need you there later”. Some three hours later as the 500 dog handler and stockman. Jim was a quiet, tall rangy ewes were breasting the ridge Jim called on Toby to “wake up man of Scottish decent who owned one of the steepest and block them”. He hadn’t moved from where Jim asked him farms in South Gippsland. He had just over 900 acres of very to stay three hours earlier! productive land where good dogs where imperative. A lot of Jim and I were out mustering for shearing one day when Jim Jim’s place was so steep you had to lead your horse around said “I think we can get three mobs home today”. So we mus- the cattle tracks as there was no room for your leg against the tered one mob into a holding yard at the end of the only lan- bank if you rode. Jim rated his country by how far apart the eway on his farm, a dozed track around the side of a hill and cattle tracks were; a 30cm track then a metre vertical to the along a ridge. I then mustered another mob while Jim mus- next track was easy country but where there was a 30cm track tered the third mob. I started my mob on the track home with and almost three metres vertical to the next track was what a lead dog and two dogs droving in front of my horse. Jim Jim called steep! had the second mob with two lead dogs that were only a few Jim ran about 2000 first cross ewes and about 300 Angus cows metres behind my horse and he was droving the second mob keeping some steers on to two year old 800kg bullocks. He had with a dog in front of his horse and he had opened the gate for a little river flat of about eight acres at the far end of his farm the third mob so he had two lead dogs on the third mob which where he could fatten bullocks. Jim didn’t own a tractor or a were actually behind his horse and another dog droving the motor bike and where he drove his Landrover was scary to say 3rd mob. We travelled over 2km like this back to his shearing the least. He invited Toyota salesmen, to follow his Landrover, shed where we put them in three separate yards. There was telling them he would happily buy a Toyota, if they could fol- never any thought they might get boxed, I believe Jim often low him. They never followed him. drove two mobs on his own along this track. Stock had to be walked in this country because if they tried Jim didn’t ask much of his young dogs they might follow his to run they were in danger of falling off a track and ending up horse for nearly 12 months before being asked to do any work. dead in the bottom of the gully. Jim only ever had nine dogs Gloria a vivacious pommy redhead was Jim’s wife it’s hard to he believed that was all he could handle at a time, when he got think of people more opposite but they were a great couple a new pup if there was no vacancy then someone had to vacate who reared 3 lovely daughters. their kennel for the new addition. Gloria would sometimes complain about the dogs barking When I met Jim he had a team of mostly Border Collie/Kel- and Jim in his very dry manner would tell her that “there has pie cross dogs and over the years he also worked pure Border been Campbell dogs under those Pine trees for 115 years and Collies, Kelpies and surprisingly some Cattle Dog cross dogs. you have only been here for 25 so put up with it.” These were by a good red speckle dog that had a good natural Jim did very little formal pup training, certainly no round yard cast. Jim trained these dogs to nose and front foot bite cattle work. He achieved such a great bond with his dogs that they but would not let them heel. He said if an animal is pointed in just wanted to please him and most of their learning was on the right direction leave it alone. He also worked these Cattle the job. He looked for dogs with a good wide natural cast and Dog cross dogs on sheep even in the yards and I never saw distance off their stock. In todays language he needed dogs them bite a sheep. that worked on the edge of the flight zone. He needed his dogs Jim conversed with his dogs rather than giving them orders. I to take all the pressure off when he said so, this was much was with him one day mustering, I had three dogs behind my more important than having dogs that had heaps of power. If horse and Jim had six behind his horse. He noted a cow on her dogs were too pushy they didn’t last long as stock had to be let own across the other side of a very steep gully, he turned to his find their own way around the steep hills. team and said “Darkie can you go and stand that cow up?”, to Had Jim competed in sheepdog trials I have no doubt he which Darkie took off down the hill and up the other side and would have been very successful. The control and mateship he stood the cow up but she didn’t want to travel so Jim decided had with his dogs was really something special. he wanted her brought along to where we could check on her, In his final weeks battling cancer Jim would often ask for Bill, so he turned again to his team and said “Sadie go over and the family thought he was asking for me but I’m sure he was help Darkie bring that cow along” which she did, meanwhile asking for the last top dog he had that he got from me as a pup the rest of the team just stayed behind his horse happily. and he called him Bill. His dogs were a very big part of his life. On another occasion we went out mustering and as we went over the point of a ridge Jim said “Toby can you stay there we www.stockdogs.com.au AWSDM 67

Working Kelpies of Kirkcaldy QLD Established 1976 Story & Photos By Zoe Crouch 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]

Vale Greg Prince The Champion’s Champion Greg Prince is a name synonymous in every working dog home. If you don’t know of the man then you need to brush up on your education. Greg was a determined and extremely passionate man, with a natural affinity with dogs and livestock. Here at AWSDM we were very saddened to hear of the passing of Greg and we asked some of our read- ers to contribute their memories, the following stories are from friends and peers. www.stockdogs.com.au AWSDM 69

The Champions Champion The Best Handler I’ve ever come across By John Wightman I’d taken sheep to Dubbo to sell on a Monday ten days before By Joshua Marshall Greg passed away and took the opportunity to visit Greg in hospital. The nurse at the nurse’s office asked that I keep my I have had the honour of knowing Greg prince for eight years. visit short as Greg had just had a shower and was struggling. I had always wanted to get to his dog schools but never took Greg was sitting on a lounge chair in his room looking frail the opportunity. Greg could make a soft dog look strong he and tired from the shower. We exchanged pleasantries I sat was by far the best man I have ever seen work a dog. He had opposite him and we talked for a couple of minutes. Greg was good stockmanship between man and dog. Greg could read struggling, I said I would go and let him rest, but before I went stock better then most dogs and humans. Talking to Greg at I asked if he would answer a question for me. Greg said he a 3-sheep trial at Rockley two years ago, he told me “anyone would do his best. I asked him of all the trials that you have can go out with a dog and have a go, but only the ones that are won, what was the most memorable win? willing to train, listen, learn and be constant doing the right The man that was sitting back in the chair dark eyed and thing with their dog are going to succeed”. struggling, all of a sudden sat up in his chair, eyes wide open with a smile on his face. I was given forty minutes of unguard- In my eyes Greg was one of the best stock handlers I have had ed honest conversation with a very humble man; there was no the honour of knowing he has represented his state and coun- subject off limits. We talked about a number of aspects of dog try many of times he has won the Australian Supreme a total trialling and his life. But it’s the question that I asked Greg that of nine times he had his bloodlines where he wanted it and reduced him to tears that I would like to share. proved that, he had won Canberra National sheep dog trial 16 I asked Greg if he was proud of what he had achieved with his times his last being in 2017. Greg could see things in dogs that dog trialling, he quickly answered yes, and we talked about it other people wouldn’t notice. for a bit. I then asked him if he knew how fortunate he was to have had the opportunity to achieve what he did and how He has had the odd Kelpie and I believe he started out with lucky he was to have had the support that he had. Greg’s de- Kelpies. I saw him with Pushemup Butch and Binnaburra Boss meanour changed, his face went blank and he sat back in his a few years apart. Greg made good dogs out of them. He ran a chair and started to cry, I apologized for upsetting him as that 100 with Butch and later sold him for a price I do believe was was not my intention. Greg replied with “ NO, NO, NO please $10k a few years later he sold boss for $5,500 at Molong dog don’t apologise, thank you for recognizing Jan’s part in it all”. auction. The old saying of, you only get out what you put in, “Everybody sees the dogs and me but Jan is never recognised I don’t think I’ll ever come across a more passionate person for her part in what I have achieved. It would never have hap- about dogs. pened if it wasn’t for Jan, you have no idea how many times Jan picked me up, straightened me up and sent me back out Greg and his wife Jan ran many dog schools showing people to work another dog. I have been so lucky to have her; I owe his tricks and giving them advice and there are a lot that it it all to Jan”. paid off for. I always watched Greg at a trial and took in a lot Not long after Greg started dog trialling Jan made Greg the about what I would see it was always a pleasure to watch Greg offer that she would go back to work to give Greg the opportu- and will always think of him as the one of the best handlers I’ll nity to see if dog trialling was really what he wanted to do. Ten ever come across. years later Jan asked Greg did he still want her to keep work- ing, Greg replied with a very solid Yes! That famous one liner “behind every good man stands a great woman” rings loud with the Prince’s. Over the last three months talking to Jan and visiting Greg I have had the opportunity to see what a strong and competent woman Jan is, I am in awe of the way Jan has dealt with all that has come before her. Greg was like many of us triallers blessed with a great coach, councillor, financial advisor, cook, cleaner and best mate; we call them wives. Jan was very much loved and adored by Greg. P.S For those who are wondering Greg’s first national win was his most cherished. Greg’s best dog was “Clyde, he was a champion dog at anything you wanted to do with him”. 70 AWSDM www.stockdogs.com.au

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VALE ARTHUR TREWIN Tribute to Arthur Trewin, Trewina Working Border Collies Prepared by Joanne Bray ; based on Arthur’s self-written eulogy. Arthur was born at Sale, Victoria on the 5th of March driving and share farming. He even moved to the big smoke 1941; the youngest of a family of eight, seven boys and (Melbourne) for a time; working as a TA in Engineering In- one girl. Arthur’s father was in farming and moved stallation; where he learnt to weld and became a general hand. from farm to farm, with Arthur attending 13 or 14 different Arthur could turn his hand to anything; whatever that was schools all over the Gippsland and Bendigo areas of Victoria, asked of him, he would find a way of doing. During these during his childhood. years Arthur also married, and welcomed the arrival of 8 From the tender age of 13 years, Arthur left school and be- children. His family was almost fully-grown (and he was di- gan his working life, firstly working at a poultry farm. He then vorced) when he joined Bonnie on the Bi- Centennial horse found work with Albert Nash who had a contract to build rain ride from Melbourne to Canberra. Arthur’s job was to drive water tanks for the Soldiers Settlement Commission. They ate, the trucks and set up the yards for the riders. A group of 360 worked and slept in different sheds throughout Victoria. riders started out, but in the end only 28 riders and their hors- At the age of 17 Arthur got a job on a sheep and cattle station es made it to Canberra, including Bonnie and her horse Lindy. 70 miles north of Balranald, and it was at this time that his fa- Arthur and Bonnie married at Whittlesea in 1989, and pri- ther gave him his first Border Collie x Kelpie dog. He worked or to their leaving Victoria (to care-take a NSW cattle sta- on the station for four years. tion), Bonnie bought a tri-coloured bitch Border Collie. Arthur went on to work a variety of jobs over the years, from This dog would soon play a big part in their lives together. slaughtering and meat delivery, to a 7-mile milk run (with It was when they moved to a care-takers job at Turkey Hill in draught horse Rass), to pig fattening and selling (as he recov- Queensland, that Arthur first learned of the Queensland cat- ered from a serious back injury and surgery), bus driving, truck tle dog trials. Making some enquiries, he then entered with 74 AWSDM www.stockdogs.com.au

stations, and he was soon breeding, training and working his beloved Trewina dogs again. Over the years Arthur shared his affinity with animals, and wisdom and advice on ‘farming’, with Bonnie’s daughters Joanne and Penny. It is with appreciation of time spent with Arthur, that Penny proudly took over the Trewina prefix; em- barking on her own journey in breeding and trialling dogs with Trewina bloodlines behind them. Sadly, three years ago, Arthur was diagnosed with cancer. Over the past 18 months, despite enduring treatment, he kept engaged in life by pottering around the family’s hobby farm; looking after sheep, ducks and chickens, fixing things and rais- ing a litter of Trewina working dogs (of course!). He also de- lighted in his little companion-pets Polly-Pup and Puss; both lovingly gifted to him by Bonnie (see photos). Arthur passed away peacefully in the loving care of Bonnie and his family, at home, on 30th December 2017. Arthur was a man with an adventurous spirit who always looked on the bright side; a jack-of-all-trades with a strong work ethic (which he sought in his dogs too), coupled with kindness, generosity and a love of nature. He truly made a dif- ference to the lives of many; for that we thank him. Bonnie’s bitch Jess (Woodvale Chloe). Arthur and Jess won their first trial, and that was the start of the Trewina working dog name. Jess became the foundation dog for Arthur and Bonnies’ breeding program of Trewina working Border Collies. Jess’s early pairing with Rossiter Snip proved most successful; pro- ducing Australian Open Champions across three different lit- ters. Arthur and Bonnie decided to build their own home in Bell Queensland; with Arthur building some impressive kennels too. Then in 1995 Arthur and his Trewina dogs took out South Queensland Open Champion, Australian Open Cham- pion, Qld Dog of the Year and runner-up Dog of the Year. These wins put Trewina kennels on the map, making them a very sort after working dog. During his trialling years, Arthur became well-respected as a dog handler, with his dogs and training services sought after by people working cattle and sheep on large stations, and in the trial arena. He was very honoured (and a bit overwhelmed that he was considered to have a ‘gift’) when first invited to teach his own ‘school’ at Della and Alasdair McDougall’s property in Charters Towers. However, he truly enjoyed the experience and loved being able to help people. As time went on, Arthur had a temporary change of direc- tion, when he spent three years working in Perth, managing his son’s transport depot. However, with ‘country’ in his blood, he and Bonnie returned to care-taking on Queensland cattle www.stockdogs.com.au AWSDM 75

Story and photos by Janice De Gennaro Prize Money for the 2018 ASDS is over $60,000 plus Trophies, The Largest Buckles & & Product The Richest Stock Dog Event in the World!

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Casterton Celebrates 150 years!! This year at the show we are pulling out all stops to celebrate Story by Sarah James this huge milestone of 150 years and have been able to include amazing entertainment by Rooftop Express and Eljay Freestyle The Coprice Victorian Yard Dog Championships will be held Entertainment. They will be performing early evening after in conjunction with the Casterton P & A Society Inc annual our very popular Quickshears competition. show on Saturday 10th November 2018 at Island Park, Caster- It is a very traditional show which includes all the customary ton. The Trial features the: sections and events - indoor pavilion, poultry, sheep and wool, -Coprice Open, beef cattle, 2 day horse events featuring some of the states best -GJ Waters & Associates Novice riders and show jumpers. The well supported Stockmans chal- -Improver (sponsor TBA) lenge, Side show alley and a food court offering a range of Set amongst the beautiful shady red gums on the banks of the different cuisines. There is a free kids area jam packed with Glenelg River the course and sheep will challenge competitors. family fun activities and all day entertainment by talented per- In previous years we have had well experienced competitors formers. Petting zoo available so kids can get hands on with a take part including multiple Australian Yard dog champion range of native wildlife. Joe Spicer, as well as former local Ian O’Connell who is well There will be a lot of birthday themed competitions with rib- known as a regular top price vendor of dogs at the Australian bons, certificates, trophies and prize money on offer. Entry de- Kelpie Muster. Expecting to attract competitors from all over tails can be found online and find us on Facebook to keep up Victoria and interstate to vie for the title. with all our announcements in the lead up to show day. Judges Gary Sharrock and Mathew Johnson will be judging Visit the full show schedule available at www.castertonshow. the open and championship. Cash, trophies and Prizes in ex- com and consider bringing along additional items to enter cess of $5k. into the show to really get into the spirit of things. For further enquiries please don’t hesitate to contact Trial con- venor Darren Holmberg 0408 052 394. www.stockdogs.com.au AWSDM 79

S.A Trial Dates South Australia Yard dog Association trials South Australian working sheepdog association trials Melrose 27-29 July Barmera 8-11 june Wentworth 24-25 August Nepowie August Loxton October 30th Sept 1 October Wentworth show 23-25 august Pinnaroo 3rd October Wednesday Adelaide Royal show 7-8 September Keith 6th October Milang State championships 14-16 September Meadows 14th October Maitland 21-22 September Clare 13th October Paskeville 24-25 September Mount Gambier 20 October Mount Gambier 19-21 October Kapunda 27th october Milllicent 3rd November Lucindale 10th November Uradila 4th November 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 80 AWSDM www.stockdogs.com.au

The VICS move ahead Article supplied by Naomi White (Sec) Trialling in Victoria is healthy and vibrant. Mem- Last December, a new constitution was adopted which will bership is at an all-time high and continues to grow. enable future administrations to better manage the demands New trials appear on the calendar. There has been of today’s society. The committee has been streamlined, disci- an unprecedented level of support for new and inexperi- plinary, appeal and mediation procedures modernised, more enced members. Female membership exceeds 35%. Support stringent membership application requirements introduced, from our corporate partners is greater than at any time in the addition of a 2nd Vice President to share the workload and our history. And, the icing on the cake is a strong commu- improve succession planning and a handing over of control of nal culture which is responsible for the position we enjoy. the sporting rules from the AGM to the Central Committee. The removal of proxies was a landmark decision and will re- All members can be proud of their part in making the Associ- duce opportunities to stack meetings. ation appealing to individuals and corporations. The 2018 Rural Bank – CopRice Series will be conducted at Bairnsdale [April], Bendigo [July], Sheepvention [August] In March, the Judges Subcommittee organised a seminar at and Casterton [November]. The best 3 scores count. Ballarat which was very successful. Over 30 judges benefitted The CopRice Victorian Championships will be at Sheepven- from the collective wisdom and experience of Ian O’Connell, tion [Farm], Casterton [Yard] and Alexandra [Utility (Decem- Ian Evans, Rod Cavill, Joe Spicer and Norm Severs. The class- ber)]. room scenario was an experiment in judge training and with We have established the Victorian Working Dog Foundation the assistance of our tech guru, Danny Ruben, it was a gamble Ltd, with the principal purpose being to fund initiatives which worth taking and is a blueprint of future training. permanently enhance the VYUFDA. The Foundation is a vehicle for people to bequeath or donate monies and will be During the first quarter of 2018, there have been seven En- administered by three Directors, two of whom will be inde- courage trial/training exercises, some over 2 days. These trials pendent of the VYUFDA. Its funds will not be used for the day have been highlighted with handlers being given an indepth to day operation of the Association. evaluation of their performance by experienced triallers when Visit www.vyufda.com.au for up to date news, results and theycomeoffthecourse.Thepositivefeedbackfromparticipants dates. at each event has made the financial contributions of the Asso- ciation and the time commitment of volunteers, worthwhile. The North East and Gippsland zones have been especially ac- tive with this initiative. We can, not unreasonably, anticipate significant improvement in Encourage standards, particularly from those members without regular work for their dogs or access to sheep. www.stockdogs.com.au AWSDM 81

RECORDS TUMBLE AT JERILDERIE Story and Photos By Peri Chappell tended his first Jerilderie Auction as a vendor. It was a suc- cessful debut for Shane, topping the auction, with his dog The 2018 Jerilderie Working Dog Auction was an ex- Coopendale Charlie selling for $14,000 following a spectac- citing and memorable event, breaking the Australian ular bidding contest. Maurer, who is the Livestock Manager working dog auction record price, not once, but twice. at “Yarran” near Milvale, NSW, said Charlie was a competent In its thirteenth year of operation, 2018 cemented the Auction all-round sheep dog. “He’s as good in the yard as he is in the as one of the premier events on the working dog calendar. A paddock”. Charlie is also capable on dry cattle, and had some total number of 44 dogs were sold, with the overall average success at a novice level in yard dog trialling. Shane brought price also up on previous years, at $4,340. Held in the small Charlie as a 4 month old pup for less than $1000 from breeder Southern Riverina town of Jerilderie, the Auction is run by a Graham Cooper of Stockinbingal, NSW. Charlie is by Coogee committee of volunteers with all proceeds going to the local Trooper out of Coopendale Loo. Apex Club. The winning bidder on Charlie was 2017 Jerilderie top dog This year the Jerilderie Working Dog Committee partnered purchaser, Dwayne Evans from Menindee. Evans has pur- with AuctionsPlus, who streamed the entire auction live, and chased 3 dogs from Maurer, and rates them as up there with allowed bidding from all over Australia. Highlights of this the best. He said he could earn the value of Charlie in one day partnership were facilitating two separate purchases from mustering goats.“The money is still there with the goats”, he Tasmania, and providing some fierce bidding competition said. Evans catches between 5,000-10,000 goats annually, and throughout the Auction. AuctionsPlus brought 119 registered last year grossed about $700,000 from goat sales alone. bidders to the Auction, a further 170 viewers, with 11 indi- Charlie will join Evans’ working dog team working sheep and vidual active bidders providing 90 online bids throughout the mustering goats for Dwayne and his crew between Menindee Auction. and Broken Hill. The 2019 Jerilderie Working Dog Auction With the Working Dog Auction Committee streaming the full will take place on Sunday 24th February at Jerilderie Race- demonstrations in live video to their Facebook page, this is course NSW. sure to set a benchmark moving forward, for the way in which For more info see www.workingdogauction.com.au or www. working dog auctions can operate to reach anyone, anywhere. facebook.com/dogauction Jerilderie Working Dog Auction Committee member, War- wick Doolan, said the partnership with Auctions Plus will continue into the future, “Without a doubt. The increased ex- posure from having AuctionsPlus on board, meant we moved from having a handful of phone bidders, to allowing anyone Australia wide to access the full demonstrations and Auction online.” Vendor James Fowler, whose dog topped the 2017 Jerilderie Auction, this year presented Lot #32, Nomak Delta, and broke the previous Australian record of $12,000, selling Delta for $12,200. However, James’ record only lasted for 22 minutes, until Lot #41 went under the hammer. Current Australian Yard Dog Champion, Shane Maurer, at- 82 AWSDM www.stockdogs.com.au

THE DOG Not a Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing By Ken Sykes With a shared non-verbal language, a considerable amount used to domesticate the wolf. In my opinion this research pro- of shared instinctive behaviour, and very similar DNA it ject clearly shows that the idea of a hunter gatherer bringing is easy to accept the common belief that the dog was domes- wolf cubs back to the camp and breeding them to eventually ticated from the wild wolf ten to fourteen thousand years ago produce the modern dog is extremely unlikely. at the time modern man was moving toward more intensive The Russian experiment was conducted by highly qualified agriculture and the domestication of sheep, cattle, goats and geneticists under very controlled conditions. In the late 1950s horses. What I refer to as the “Hollywood” model accepted by the most docile foxes were selected from fur farms through- many novelists involves a hunter gatherer bringing a wolf cub out Russia. These foxes were then bred together, and the cubs back to the camp where it is subsequently tamed and used in evaluated for signs of fear or aggression. The most docile were the hunt. According to this version the wolf subsequently be- then bred together. After 6 generations physical differences comes domesticated and over many generations evolves into were starting to emerge, such as changes in coat colour, and the dogs of today. changes in head and ear conformation. The cull rate was still An alternate view, strongly championed by researcher and au- extremely high with only 18% being classed as domesticat- thor Toby Paxton, is that the dog was never in fact domesticat- ed after 10 generations. After 20 generations the success rate ed but in fact became habituated to humans many thousands moved to 35%. Currently 70% to 80% show similar behaviour of years earlier and in effect co-evolved with modern humans. to domestic dogs. Up to 30% still do not make the grade. To attempt to resolve this issue I have looked at the domestica- If the wolf cannot be domesticated, how and when did the tion process and the findings of archaeologists and scientists modern dog develop? The oldest known dog skull was dis- over recent years. covered in Belgium in the 1860s and has been dated at 31,700 I have come across one rather disastrous attempt to domesti- years ago. This is clearly a dog, not a wolf skull, showing the cate the wolf in China and extensive literature on wolves and dog was clearly developed at this time. Analysis of mitochon- wolf dog crossbreds in North America. Apparently the keep- drial DNA shows that wolves, jackals, and coyotes began to di- ing of a wolf or a wolf dog crossbred is considered a status verge around 1 million years ago. The divergence of dogs from symbol in some sections of US culture. DNA testing of many wolves occurred much later at around 135,000 years ago. The of the supposed wolf dog crossbreds has shown many are in relationship of current era dogs and wolves could better be de- fact crossbred of Husky, Malamute, and/or German Shepherd. scribed as cousins rather than siblings. They share a common There are quite a few genuine wolves and wolf dog crossbred ancestor but have followed different evolutionary journeys. kept as pets or guard dogs with increasing concern regarding Genetic divergence commonly occurs as the result of climate the danger this represents to humans and livestock. change or the opening of some ecological niche that can be ex- Wolf cubs raised with people from a young age can often be ploited. The period of divergence from wolves coincides with tamed and in some instances trained. The term trained has no modern humans becoming established in Eurasia. It is hypoth- clear definition and means different things to different people. esised that the surrounds of human camps and caves provided The response to training is reported as inconsistent with the waste that could be exploited by the dog’s ancestors similarly wolf at times responding well and at other times ignoring the to the pariah dogs found in many third world villages today. handler. One recent study in the USA reported that around DNA analysis indicates that this may have occurred inde- 98% of wolves and wolf dog crossbreds kept as pets are eutha- pendently in both east and west Eurasia. People and dogs may nised, usually due to temperament problems. Even after sever- have become gradually habituated to each other over an ex- al generations of mating together of tamed wolves the progeny tended period, perhaps even hundreds or thousands of years, still reacts similarly to first generation wolves and could not before clear cooperation was established between the two spe- be considered as domesticated. US researchers consider that cies. Over the extended period of close association, while the the likelihood of current varieties of wolf being domesticated dog has retained its nonverbal language and some instinctive is slight. wolf behaviour patterns, many aspects of the wolfs’ inherited The domestication of the fox in Russia is a very interesting behaviours have been eliminated while other behaviour pat- study into the domestication process. The project is variably terns have been strongly established. Most notably the dogs’ described as an attempt to improve the breeding of foxes for ability to bond with another species, its ability to read human furs or alternatively show the process that would have been body language, and the dogs ability to respond to training. www.stockdogs.com.au AWSDM 83

COMMONWEALTH CHAMPIONSHIPStory: Peter Austin Kirkcaldy Kelpies SHEEPDOG TRIAL Story and Photos By Janice De Gennaro Thirty nine years ago Kevin Farley approached Bill Pa- Currently thereis another separate trial run at Koroit leading ton to discuss running a trial at Koroit in southern up to the Commonwealth Championships which is run by Victoria, just a few kilometres from the seaside town Barry Paton (Bill’s brother). of Warrnambool. A meeting was set up and Basil Quarrell was The trial begins on a Sunday, early in February each year, invited to come on board. The trial was to be run in conjunc- with a Farmers trial. This event is put on to encourage tion with the Agricultural and Pastoral Assoc. Kevin decided new triallers or people wishing to have a try competing at that Bill would be in charge of running the trial and he has an easier level. The rules are more relaxed and competi- continued to do so every year since, for the full 39 years. tors are allowed to continue their run even if under nor- Originally the trial began as a one day event held at Koroit. Approximately 37 years ago Bill Paton applied to establish the title Australian Championship Sheepdog Trial, however at the time this title was currently being used in N.S.W. The word Commonwealth was added which led to the approval and the trial has remained “The Commonwealth Championship Sheepdog Trial” ever since. As the popularity of the trial increased so did the length of duration. It went from a one day trial to a three day tri- al for a few years, then stretched to 4 days and gradually increased to its current duration of eight days. In 2006 the trial relocated from Koroit to Port Fairy where it remains today. Nestled between the river and the sea at the Gar- dens Caravan Park Oval, it is a perfect venue for this event. 84 AWSDM www.stockdogs.com.au

mal circumstances they may have been disqualified, (pro- Paton started. Each state has an award for their highest scor- viding there is no ill effect on either the sheep or dog). ing dog of the year and he decided it would be a great addition There are restrictions on eligibility for the event so that is is to the Commonwealth Championships to run an event where predominantly kept for the inexperienced or newer competi- all 6 top scoring dogs compete against each other to find the tors to sheepdog trialling. Top Scoring Dog of Australia. So far the event has been well Monday begins with the Novice event followed by Novice fi- supported by both competitors and sponsors. nal, and on completion of that follows the Improver/Open. The 2018 Open winner was Bernard McGlashen from Tasma- Saturday the finals begin. The Top 20 dogs in the Open com- nia with Somerville Nell, who in their 2nd round put up a pete to find the top 6 finalists, then the winner of that becomes perfect score of 100. the overall winner of the Open. There is also a separate Im- Winner of the Improver and Novice events was Bill Davidson prover final run. from NSW with his dog Wirchilleba Stormy. The Trans Tas- Over four nights during the week a Trans Tasman event is run man was won by Peter Oxley with Rivlin Caesar. under lights. This event is a mixture of Australian and New One person greatly missed at this year’s event was Greg Prince, Zealand rules and was created so that Australia could compete who sadly passed away the Friday before the trial began. A at a fair contest against New Zealand. The style of trialling in memorial was held in the club rooms at lunch time on the NZ varies greatly to how we trial here in Australia, with them following Friday which was well attended. David Hines played driving their sheep and being able to assist their dogs to work a beautiful rendition of “Memories” on his banjo as photos of the sheep, something Australian rules don’t allow. Greg from his trialling years played on the theatre screen on On the weekend a Trans Tasman final is run. On the Friday the wall and a touching service was performed by Peter Kerin. The Dog Of The Year event begins, with the final run over the weekend. This event is a fairly new introduction which Bill www.stockdogs.com.au AWSDM 85

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The Australian WORKING DOG SCHOOLS WORKINGW O STOCK DOGR K Magazine I NEED BACK ISSUES? N CAN’T GET TO THE G NEWSAGENT? BUY IT ONLINE! D O G S ISS.4 SOLD H OUT! C O O shop online at L www.stockdogs.com.au S Ph: 0458226463. Post Cheques to Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine, PO Box 2096, Idalia Q 4811. Please include your postal address.

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