Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine - Issue 27, June 2024 by Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine

The Australian

WORKING

STOCK DOG Magazine

National Kelpie Field Trial & Aus. Yard Championship

Stockman’s Profile Simon Bowden

RRP $10.00 (incl. GST)

JUNE 2024

872003 772205 9

ISSN 2205-8729

Issue 27

A DOGS LIFE:

M.G.H Rabbit

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Editors Thoughts Sending the June issue of the Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine to print is always a moment of excitement and accomplishment. This particular edition is especially significant as it showcases some of the most remarkable talents and achievements in the working dog community.

Firstly, I would like to congratule Aoidh Doyle and Whisper Snip for their outstanding victories. Aoidh and Whisper Snip have won the 2024 National Kelpie Field Trial and the 2024 Australian Yard Dog Championship, an incredible feat which I believe has never been done before in the same year with the same dog. It feels like just yesterday that we first introduced Aoidh to the AWSDM in our 2022 as a ‘Rising Star’. To witness his growth and success over the years has been truly inspiring, and it serves as a testament to his hard work and passion. In May, I spent time in Queensland on the Queensland Working Sheep Dog Association’s Western Run. This was a wonderful experience, giving me a close-up look at the dedicated working dog scene there. I’m excited to share some stories, challenges, and successes of the handlers and their dogs in the September issue. The camaraderie and expertise I saw will surely captivate and inspire our readers, just as they did me. I am eagerly planning to attend the Australian Utility Championships in Nyngan, NSW, which will run from 31st July to 4th August. This event promises to be a highlight of the year, featuring some of the finest working

dogs and handlers demonstrating their incredible abilities. It’s a fantastic opportunity to witness the teamwork between dogs and handlers in a competitive yet supportive environment. I am looking forward to the Supreme Australian Championships in September at Geelong, VIC. This prestigious event will host the Wayleggo Cup, featuring a three-round competition of Australia vs. New Zealand. This friendly yet intense rivalry is sure to bring out the best in all participants. The Supreme Australian Championships always provide thrilling displays of skill and teamwork, and the inclusion of this international competition adds an exciting dimension to the event. The dedication and talent within the working dog community never cease to amaze me, and the camaraderie and sense of community are truly inspiring. I am proud to be part of a publication that celebrates and supports these incredible achievements.

a r u a L

The Australian

WORKING

STOCK DOG

Magazine

Publisher and Editor: Laura McKillop Email: laura@stockdogs.com.au Phone: Laura – 0459 031 729 Advertising Enquiries: Laura McKillop Advertising, Articles & Stories Email: laura@stockdogs.com.au Mail: PO BOX 3003, Grose Vale, NSW 2753 Front Cover Photograph: Emma Boland Photography

Contributors:

Catherine Atkinson, Ellouise Bailey - The Land, JEM Photography, Angie White, Al Rose, Jamie Sturrock, Wayne Wayte, Catherine Kimmorley, Scott Amon, Alan Leech, Ken Sykes, Boonah Working Stock Dog Club, Laura Tacey, WA Working Sheep Dog Association, ABC Central West, Amy Kerr, Barbara Lee, Dave Viklund.

www.stockdogs.com.au

The Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine takes due care and diligence in the preparation of this magazine, but is not responsible or liable for any mistake, misprint or typographical error. Articles that appear in The Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine do not necessarily reflect the position or opinion of The Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine or its officers and employees. Nor does publication of said articles constitute an endorsement of views that they may express. Accuracy of all material

is the sole responsibility of the authors. Appearance of an advertisement in The Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement by The Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine or the goods or services offered therein. The Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine is not responsible for any unsolicited material of any kind. No Part of Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine may be reproduced by any means without the written consent of the Publishers.

Contents

10 Joni Tietjen

41 Trevor Percival

14 World Records Broken at

42 A Dog’s Life - M.G.H Rabbit

Rockhampton Dog Sale

48 The Training Pen

20 Deadly Disease in NT & QLD

52 Colouring Competition

22 Red & Blue

53 Kellys Kennel

24 Stockman Profile - Simon

54 Coming Events

Bowden

56 - 77 Around The Grounds • Boonah Yard Trial 28 Round Yard Checklist, Part IV • Rockhamptn Working Dog 36 The Maremma, Part 3 - Bonding Trial & Auction

•

2024 Australian Yard Dog Championship

•

Where to this time? Tarana Charity Trial Manilla Yard Dog Trial 2024 National Kelpie Field

• •

Trial 80 Business Directory 81 Breeders Directory

AWSDM

Everybody feels down sometimes, and it ain’t weak to speak – Sometimes we need more than man’s best friend to talk things out with. If you are struggling with anything, please check out some of the links below. The beyondblue Support Service is available by phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 1300 22 4636. Webchat and email options are also available via www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support. Trained mental health professionals can provide free and confidential short-term counselling and offer referrals to local support services.

Lifeline: 13 11 14 Aussie Helpers: Virtual psychologist - call 1300 665 234, text 0488 807 266 or visit https://aussiehelpers.org.au/aussie-helpers-virtual-psychologistfor-drought-affected-farm-ers/ Donations

www.aussiehelpers.org.au Rural Financial Counsellor Service: 1800 686 175 (for advice about locating counsellors in your area)

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Joni Tietjen Joni Tietjen is a highly respected, leading figure in the Border Collie world in the United States for over thirty years, or what feels like a lifetime in Joni’s words. From an equine and ranching background, she has a vast amount of stockman experience with both sheep and cattle. Originally from North Dakota, USA, Joni has been living and farming in Wyoming for the last eleven years. Surrounded by cattle country and large sheep flocks, Joni is fortunate to have a decent amount and different type of work for her dogs. Considering herself more of a dog trainer rather than a breeder, Joni thoroughly enjoys working with younger dogs and watching them go on and do well for other handlers, as well as trialling. From the minute you first speak to Joni, it is incredibly clear how much these dogs mean to her, and just how much she cares about how well they do. Initially Joni started trialling with her dogs on sheep, and these same dogs worked her cattle on their home ranch. Chatting with Joni about how styles of dogs and finding the dog you want has changed over the last thirty or so years, she describes how in the 90’s it was almost easier to find a more all-round type of Border Collie. Recalling, Joni bought her first dog and went to her first training clinic in 1990. Following on from this, Joni imported a couple

AWSDM

of dogs from the UK in the mid 1990s. In the 2000’s Joni visited the UK where she met Bobby Henderson, who took Joni to see many handlers in the UK including Johnny Robinson, Johnny Wilson, John Templeton, and Michael Davidson. During their time in the UK Joni also attended several ISDS nursery trials. Bobby sold Joni a dog called Spot, who was the start and base of Joni’s breeding genetics. Joni recalls how Spot was one of these old fashioned, stronger type dogs that also had a lot of natural feel. Over the last thirty or so years, Joni explains how she has seen changes to the Border Collie breed, in that there are almost breeds within the breed now. There’s a wider variety of types ranging from lighter dogs to dogs bred primarily for a hard bite for cattle. She feels it is getting harder to find that dog in the middle; the one that has a real nice gather and can think but is also courageous. Joni likes a relaxed, calm dog which will walk right into the pressure, and not hold tension. Talking about the similarities and differences in UK ISDS trialling and the USBCHA (United States Border Collie Handler Association), Joni explains that initially the USBCHA trials were based around an ISDS style but over the last few years she feels like they have drifted a little away from this. Whilst the USBCHA have some excellent

judges, Joni admits that she thoroughly enjoys running under foreign judges at trials as they can sometimes judge more strongly and be fussier about those critical things that need to be pointed more harshly, such as too many commands. Joni likes trials being pointed more harshly as she says it really sorts out the best of the best. Mentioning working styles in a dog and what contributes to this, we discuss how it is hard finding a stylish dog which is also relaxed. One of the things Joni enjoys most is to bring out the best in whatever dog she is training. When Joni starts a pup, she wants to see them think and cover. When she’s working them, she wants to see a pup right on the edge of the bubble, but also can confidently and calmly walk past that bubble. If a dog will just take that next step confidently and quietly, that’s sometimes all it takes to move stock. Joni schools with the train of thought that they come to you, and you don’t need to go to them unless they aren’t moving. Listening to how Joni starts her pups, it’s clear they have an exceptional start in life where they are allowed to develop that foundation of confidence that Joni then very skilfully builds upon when she starts them on stock. Joni describes how she takes her pups with her everywhere and will leave them loose until they start to show interest in stock. Laughing, Joni says this can sometimes turn into a bit of a ‘fun mess’ if she’s working another dog when her pup switches on, as the dog working certainly learns a lesson from that..! Occasionally, Joni will then take them and put them in a smaller pen to see what they have. She doesn’t let them chase and make a big mess for very long but starts to shape them a little from the start without the pup realising that she’s doing it. When and how often she trains them, will depend upon how much pressure the pup can take. From 6 to 7 months, if they’re keen enough, Joni details how she’ll take them to stock maybe once or twice a week and teach them to move off her when she wants them to, and then gradually builds upon this. Joni describes how

“If their first movement towards stock is correct then the rest will follow, and they will find where you want them to be”

she doesn’t do a lot of circling and balance training but prefers to teach pups in a smaller area to hold and cover, and if needed Joni can then step in and help them find where they need to be. Getting a pup to read and control heads is important to Joni and finds she can do this most efficiently in quarter and half circles rather than on balance. A dog always must be in contact with stock. Almost 90% of the time Joni finds that if the dog has some stock sense if their first movement towards stock is correct then the rest will follow, and they will find where you want them to be. One of the benefits of training a dog to move off her so early, Joni explains how she can take either a hard or soft

“Embrace things when it goes wrong. You can’t school and fix things if they don’t go wrong.”

dog and both will realise very early on that if they give her something, then she will give to them. Training this way has been a gamechanger for Joni, as it means that when all dogs are so far in their training, it becomes virtually impossible to pick out which is the hard or soft dog. The hard dog very quickly learns to give to the handler and means it doesn’t need to be chased around. Joni says that you must ‘give to gain’ with a young dog, sometimes you must back up and give to get something else that you want from the dog, based upon what the handler feels they need the most. Over the years Joni says she’s had a lot of dogs over the years that weren’t as talented, but had a lot of heart, and she’s done well with them. This is one of the reasons why Joni prefers a dog that will allow her to help them find the spot they need to be in. Asking Joni about what her favourite dog has been over the years, she says it’s impossible to pick just one. Spot was a really nice dog, but probably not quite the best dog she has owned. Lee was a son of Spot, who Joni had when she was still learning a lot about herself through training. She ran him from 2003 to 2007 and got them both into the top five of the national with him. He was a strong dog, who pushed back on Joni when she pushed on him, and recalling Joni says he was probably the most talented dog she has had her hands on. Lee taught Joni a lot of lessons, specifically if she relaxed then he relaxed and worked a lot more naturally. Expanding on this, Joni says that Lee really taught her to relax her shoulders, as if she was tense and would lean on him, that’s when Lee would possibly do a cheap grip. She credits Lee for showing her that the powerful dogs can make us nervous, through anticipation of how they were going to work.

Over the years, Joni has had a significant amount of success trialling. She has been three times National Nursery champion, twice reserve champion at Meeker (most recently in 2023), and reserve champion at Soldier Hollow in 2018. Soldier Hollow is a tough, challenging trial which Joni really enjoys because of the heavier, western sheep that run there and the topography of the land. Joni has been the top ten of the National many times too. Admittingly, Joni says she thinks she could have more success if she kept her young dogs for longer rather than selling them. But, for Joni the enjoyment of training dogs is bringing on young dogs, and she has access to fresh stock and the option to give part trained and started dogs some real, genuine work experience. A lot of people don’t have the chance to give young dogs these opportunities and put miles on them, and there’s a huge demand for this type of dog. Like many of us, Joni enjoys seeing what different bloodlines are like. She recalls that she has really enjoyed training 3 or 4 pups from Ricky Hutchinson’s Sweep. These bloodlines still run through some of her dogs now. Recently, she has tried dogs from Sergio Perello’s Jim, and has got on well with them on cattle due to their natural grit. In 2023, Sergio visited Joni and had a lot of fun holding training clinics at her ranch. In the past, she has also had Ricky Hutchinson and Aled Owen from the UK. Teaching is something that Joni enjoys doing, but currently only holds one or two clinics a year as they just

have too many commitments with their own ranch and dogs she is training. Handlers which have heavily influenced Joni include Bobby Henderson, mainly as she was looking for something different from what she had seen early on in her career. Joni says she learnt a lot from watching Bobby, and this was probably one of the pivotal change points with her as a handler. Bobby spent a whole summer with Joni one year, from May until September, working young dogs. Ricky Hutchinson has also had an influence on some of Joni’s training, in how she now teaches her dogs to turn back. Tommy Wilson (who won the Meeker championship) has also been significant in how Joni teaches her dogs to shed. Advice Joni would give a new handler is to embrace things when it goes wrong. You can’t school and fix things if they don’t go wrong. Explaining, she says part of learning is helping the dog get through what goes wrong, and if you’re more relaxed it’s less likely to go wrong. Joni says find someone that you’re drawn to, and the method you enjoy watching, and go to them for advice. When starting out, new handlers can easily confuse themselves with too many different theories, when it’s more productive to get a system working with no conflicts and stick to it for a while.

Article & Photos provided by Catherine Atkinson

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World record broken for a Border Collie at Rockhampton Working Dog Sale Article by Ellouise Bailey – The Land | Photos by JEM Photography

A world record for a working Border Collie was officially broken at the Ray White Working Dog Sale at Gracemere on Sunday. Lot 64, Cabra Glebe Liz, sold for $40,000, surpassing the current Guinness World Record for a working Border Collie, a dog in the UK named Kim, which sold for $38,893 in 2021. Liz was presented by Joe Leven of Cabra Glebe Working Dogs from Casino, New South Wales, and was purchased by James and Helen Parker from Monto, Queensland.

Liz is a litter sister of Cabre Glebe Jenny, who reset the Australian record earlier in the day at $38,000. Buyer James Parker said Liz was their pick of the sale as she reminded him of Sid. “He’s been everything Joe said he was and everything we hoped for and more,” he said. “He’s a brilliant dog, just the way he works and respect he gives to cattle, but he’s still got a lot of strength.”

The 21-month-old collie was sired by Woodford Jack and from Shannon Brooke Handford’s Goldie.

Last year the Parkers also bought a full sister to Liz from the Leven family called Silver, who had also proved herself.

The Parkers were repeat buyers having purchased the Leven’s former Australian record breaker, Cabra Glebe Glebe Sid, in 2023 for $33,000.

“I’ve been watching my wife work these two for the last 6 to 12 months and they really suit what we want and the way we want to work cattle,” Mr Parker said.

He said he would have loved to have purchased Jenny too, but at the end of the day it came down to the fact Liz was more like Sid and Silver. “Jenny is still a nice dog but she’s probably a lot heavier, stronger dog, bit more bite and force, where Sid and Liz and the other bitch just have a little bit more respect and feel for cattle,” he said. “Everyone has their own preference, but Liz was just more the style of dog we were looking for.” Liz will fit into their working dog team at their Wagyu beef commercial operation near Monto where they run up to 750 breeders and breed for the feedlot market. Mr Parker indicated they’d recently sold four dogs to try and better consolidate their team. They already had pups on the ground from Sid and eventually planned to breed Liz. “We’re not a puppy farm or anything like they, we’re just buying and breeding them for ourselves. “We definitely will [breed her], we want to keep those genetics, and do a bit of line breeding with Sid and then cross them back out again, find a put out cross dog that we like, that’s the next challenge to find something out there that suits what we want to do.” Mr Parker said he didn’t expect to pay as much as he did, but he was happy to pay it and see prices say up for vendors across the sale. “That’s a nice accolade for Joe, I’d like to be on the other side of the record but maybe that could be us down the track,” he said. Vendor Mr Leven said Liz and Jenny were bred specifically for work purposes, with a strong pedigree background from both the sire and the dam, now retired from breeding. “That’s one attractive propositions with these two bitches, they are the last of a highly renowned working dog and bitch, and a really nice combination of the two,” he said. “There’s no more of them, especially on the market.” Mr Leven said he liked supporting the sale as it was Cabre Glebe’s milestone event for the year and a great representation of the industry as a whole. “It’s a great showcase of what working dogs can contribute to the red meat industry.” An incredible price was also paid for a pup, with lot 79 Carrdoon Della, selling for $32,000. The five month old Border Collie female pup was offered by Gavin Carr of Carrdoon Genetics, Mundubbera.

Agents said the pup had been very impressive dog her first look on sheep and the catalogue described her as one of the picks of her littler, having been a stand-out pop from an early age. Agents said her sire, Carrdoon Jim II, was a natural in the paddock and easy to train before he passed away in an accident and her dam Carrdoon Netty was an up and coming bitch that looked after her stock. She was part of the only litter sired by Carrdoon Jim II. The pup was purchased by Rob Grieve of Westwood. In total, Ray White sold 133 of 148 dogs offered, with 75 dogs averaging $8,273, and 58 pups averaging $5,327, bringing the overall sale average to $6,988. The clearance rate reached 88%, with gross sales exceeding $929,000. Ray White Rural Gracemere owner Gary Wendt said it was a solid sale with a good catalogue of dogs. “With the tops we had an the quality we had I thought it was a good sale, it could have been a tougher sale with the year the way it’s gone with the cattle industry but overall I’m quite happy,” he said. “It’s hard to work out what’s to be expected with one dog sale a year if I’m honest. There’s no other dog sale in this league at the moment just with how big it is.” Mr Wendt said there was international interest this year, however they were just trying to jump through a few hoops to be able to get the dogs to interested parties overseas in the coming years. The agency had a large number staff members on the ground for the sale, with agents from offices from as far south as Armidale in NSW, as well as agents from Dalby, Blackall, Longreach, Charters Towers and Emerald.

Mick Hudson

WORKING DOG TRAINING PROGRAM Out of the dry dusty conditions of the Australian outback we introduce third generation stockman and working dog trainer Mick Hudson. Mick with his working dogs musters sheep, cattle and goats on his station in Western, NSW and competes the same team of dogs at competitions throughout Australia. There is no better man, more qualified to learn from than Mick Hudson. In three sheep trials, Mick is currently one of the men to beat in Australia. Having won everything there is to win, leading to this, his training program which demonstrates Mick’s knowledge and years of experience dating back through generations of the Hudson family. Scan to Start learning

This course is a culmination of years of hard work and knowledge packaged together and made available to you so that you can learn at your own pace, from the master himself. They say if you want to be the best, you need to learn from the best. That’s why Mick’s training program is accessible to people world wide and from every walk of life.

Module one

Module Two

Module Three

Module Four

Selecting a Pup Bond Reward Repetition Discipline Controlling Emotions

Training Aids & Finishing Command Puppy Obedience Training & Tips Reading Livestock Starting a Pup Creating Desire

Stop, Wait, Recall Timing Balance Distance

Sides Walk up/Force Cast

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WARNING:

Deadly dog disease in the Northern Territory and now in Queensland Article provided by Elanco

Dog owners in or travelling to Queensland need to be advised to protect their dogs from tick bites, with the deadly tick-borne disease, ehrlichiosis, recently detected in the area for the first time. With no vaccine available, a high mortality rate, and rapid spread through dog populations via ticks, ehrlichiosis is a very real threat to the health and welfare of dogs across northern Australia. Heightening the danger, most tick prevention products aren’t sufficient to protect dogs from ehrlichiosis, because of how quickly the infection can be transmitted following tick bite.

Elanco Technical Veterinarian, Dr Liisa Ahlstrom said repelling ticks before they bite is essential to ensure dogs are protected against this deadly disease. “Ehrlichiosis has been described as the most serious threat to canine health in Australia in more than thirty years, and the suffering dogs experience as a result of this tick-borne disease can be utterly devastating. A challenge we face is that a single infected tick can transmit the disease to a dog within just 3 hours of biting, which is faster than all chewable and most spot-on tick products kill ticks. This is a huge risk for the many dogs currently receiving

tick protection with these products, as their owners may understandably believe that they will also be protected from ehrlichiosis. “That’s why it’s so important to emphasise that whilst all effective tick protection products are important in helping to reduce the spread of this disease by reducing tick numbers, the key to protecting an individual dog is to stop ticks from biting that dog. The best protection possible is through using a tick-repelling product such as the Seresto™ Collar for Dogs, which repels ticks and kills ticks on contact, so they don’t need to bite. “We urge dog owners to ensure their pets and working dogs are protected from this deadly disease, by using a Seresto collar. Seresto kills fleas and controls paralysis ticks for 8 months, and controls bush and brown dog ticks and reduces the risk of transmission of tick-borne diseases, including ehrlichiosis, for 4 months.” Ehrlichiosis was first reported in a dog in Kununurra, Western Australia in May 2020, and since then has spread at an alarming rate throughout the Northern Territory, north South Australia, and most recently into Queensland. Ehrlichiosis is carried by the Brown Dog tick, a species common throughout much of Australia, making it inevitable that the disease will spread further south. The signs of ehrlichiosis vary and can include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, weight loss, eye changes, anaemia and bleeding (e.g. nose bleeds, bleeding under the skin). Some dogs develop swollen limbs, difficulty breathing, blindness and neurological signs. If your customers dogs are displaying any of these symptoms, please advise them to take their dogs to the nearest vet immediately.

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STOCKMAN PROFILE -

Simon Bowden

Article by Angie White | Photos Provided by Simon Bowden

Simon Bowden is a born and bred Tasmanian. Growing up in the Brighton area on the family farm, Simon learnt the value of a good working dog on his parent’s sheep and cropping operation. Sadly, when he was 18 the family farm was sold, and Simon stepped out into the world to find his own way. “I went roustabouting on the property of a family friend who was a wool classer around the district,” said Simon. “Until another family friend working in a local John Deere dealership heard of a job on the property I am now working on, and I started working there when I was 19 and I’ve been here for 38 years. The property is in the southern midlands, an hour north of Hobart and an hour and half south of Launceston.” Although Simon started dog trialling later in life it was his love of dogs that saw him venture to his first event. “The reason I started dog trialling was, and everybody is probably the same, they can see how good their dogs are going at home and wonder how they compare to someone else’s dog. I love watching good dogs and good handlers work. “I didn’t start trialling very early I was 39 when I did my first dog trial, and it was actually my birthday and I thought I am nearly 40 I’m a big boy now I will have a go at this. “It was a yard dog trial at Bushy Park Show, the sheep were terrible, they had been running in the hot fields there and were not used to dogs at all and were jumping over fences left right and centre. I’m not sure how,” laughs Simon, “but I actually came 3rd in the Open and in my first trial, I surprised myself. This got me hooked.” Since that time Simon has won 3 Tasmanian Yard Dog State Championships, 2014 with Scoriochre Diesel, 2015 with his daughter Fouroaks Fergie and 2020 with her daughter Fouroaks Tash. Diesel placed 4th in the Open at Australian Championships twice. Boanong Tas placed 6th and 6th at the Australian Yard Championships in 2014/2015, with Fouroaks Tash placing 3rd in the AYDC in 2021, where Simon and fellow Tassie devil Adrian Carpenter won the Interstate Teams shield. Fouroaks Bush made the top ten final at the 2022 AYDC and placed 3rd in the Open at the 2024 AYDC, along with other local prizes around Tassie. “As Tasmania has mostly Yard dog trials I do more of these, but I prefer Utility trialling, it is my favourite of all events as most of us use our dogs outside, so you get to see a bit of everything, and it is closest to what we do in a work life situation. I have tried a few three sheep trials, but ‘Utility’ remains my preferred event.”

“We have around ten Yard trials a year in Tassie and just this year we have started a Utility trial series with a State Championships in July this year for the first time. And this will give us a representative to attend The Australian Utility Championships in Nyngan in August, which we are really happy about.” Simon established his own stud early on to see if he could find the ideal pup for him. “I’m not really a breeder I just join occasionally to get dogs I want – there are lots of massive oaks trees planted around the place I live, and four oaks planted near our house, so I decided on that name. I’ve only passed a few pups on – Dennis Kline had a pup called Ritcho that did quite well but mostly I am just after dogs that suit me and my work.” Simon has a list of handlers that have made an impression on him with their training and handling methods. “I have always admired Chris Stapleton who has been in the game for so long and achieved everything he has. Michael Johnston as well who has done very well, Gary and John White, Robert Cox and Justin Tombs and Joe Spicer for his wins and raising the profile of the sport,” said Simon. “When I first started Kevin Howell was winning the Kelpie Trial and he had Digger at the time, and it was the first time I had ever seen anybody with a reverse on their dog and watching the video of Digger winning was great and I hadn’t seen handling of that ability before and obviously the work of Greg Walton and Gary White, really inspired me. “And in modern times, although Jake Nowlan isn’t trialling now so much, he has his dogs very well trained. “I really love looking at other people’s dogs to see what they are doing. I have certain things I am looking for and I guess everyone wants, but I know there isn’t a perfect dog. “A lot of the NSW dogs have got good reputations for their strength in the yards – We mostly hear more about the dogs from NSW as they have a bigger pool and are a bit stronger in terms of a big presence dog. “I like Gary White’s dogs for outside work I like that style of dog that is nice, wide and gentle and in the right position. It is hard for us because we don’t get to see many of these good dogs – we hear about them, so it is good to see them in action. “Travelling from Tassie to the mainland is problematic when wanting to get to trials. It is an expensive bit of water – it’s not like just driving from one place to the next like on the mainland so we don’t get to see as much as we would like.”

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responsibility so it doesn’t become reliant on another dog, and I like to test them that way and it might take one dog to do that job and then I can go get another one for the next job. If you had them both working, they would probably be doing as much work as each other which doesn’t make sense to me.”

“I think it’s great there are now more girls having a go at trialling, they are such good handlers most of them, and they don’t seem to get as crabby as men or if they do, they hide it better. I don’t think they put as much pressure on their dogs as men do and I think they are good for the sport, but its’ great to have more people trialling whether it is men or women. The family that owns the property where Simon works have 60,000 acres of land and Simon manages around 10,000 of these. The property runs about 20 thousand DSE (Dry Sheep Equivalent) with merinos and also have a cross bred fattening operation. “I’m mostly mustering so I need a dog that is nice and wide outside and gentle that doesn’t upset stock. I’ve always thought that I needed a bit of extra strength in my dogs and I got a pup from a stronger line and it wasn’t what I wanted at all, so you learn along the way. “Because I’ve got some steep country – my dogs are on the weaker end of the spectrum but that suits what I need because running big mobs of 3000 or more going up big hills they know to hang off and not over work the sheep or push them too hard. “With another stronger dog they could cause a fight and the sheep can’t get any relief but mine are the gentler type which fit into my work life very well. Simon works on a one dog at a time theory and can change dogs several times a day according to whatever work is happening on any given day. “I usually only take out one dog at a time,” said Simon. “I’m not keen on teams of dogs. I think one dog learns where it is meant to be better on its own, and it learns

“My favourite dog was a dog born in 2008 called Boanong Tas, he was a grandson of Michael Johnston’s Buster He was a big dog – he wasn’t a champion or anything, but I was lucky enough to finish 6th in the Australian Yard Dog trial twice with him and 6th in a National Kelpie trial with him. “As far as being consistent he was my best one at that. I loved him he was great. But his son Target was probably far and away the best farm dog I ever had – he was one of those natural mustering dogs that even if you couldn’t see, he would find stock, but he wouldn’t trial he just didn’t like it. He just couldn’t seem to handle the pressure of the dog trial situation but absolutely loved farm work. “Butch that I have here at the moment, (who is also a son of Boanong Tas as well) is probably the best all round farm dog I have ever had – he is not as good as Target was at finding sheep and not as good as Tas in the yard but for everything else he is probably the best dog I have had so far. The dog I go to first, when there is work to be done. “When Butch was two, he made the top 10 final for Australian Yard in Tassie, which was great.” Between a rock and a hard place - Simon loves Utility trialling, but with mostly Yard trials in Tassie he has to work with what he has, although he has a clear idea on what his perfect yard dog would be. “My idea of a perfect yard dog would be what everybody would like really – something with a lot of presence, cover and grip. “In saying that it’s not something I will probably ever have because it doesn’t suit what I do in my job, but I really admire seeing those sorts of dogs. At times we could be mustering 6500 sheep and you don’t want a dog with a lot of presence on that type of mob with my dogs at the moment they flow through the yards so a dog like that would be counterproductive.

With only a small number of handlers in Tassie, Simon who is on the committee for the Tasmanian Yard Dog Association, also held the role of President during his time, but says it is all about the teamwork. “The list of handlers in Tassie is small and we have one Association – and this just means that we have to organise, set up and take down every trial, so we never get a rest. lf you were in NSW or Victoria there are so many trials you could just go and sit and enjoy, but we always have so much to do so we don’t get to do that. Not complaining at all we just get a different experience.” “We take turns at Judging, so we get to see the other side. I was chuffed to be invited to judge the National Kelpie Trial in Tassie a couple of years back, they were long days, but they taught me a lot.” According to Simon, there may not be many Triallers in Tassie, but the ones there are, are making a mark. “There is a bloke in Tasmania that doesn’t trial anymore but who is the best handler I have ever seen - Michael Williams, he has won the open say 12 or more times and he is a phenomenal handler, he also was successful in Utility trials when the NKFT was in Tassie. “But nowadays we have Tim Hall, Dennis Klein and Adrian Carpenter who are great handlers. I think in a small place, competition Is good – we are all mates, and we all want to win, but at the end of the day we are just happy for each other and that’s what you want. “It was great to see some of the dogs I had heard all about but hadn’t seen at the Australian Yard Championships this year, especially Dean Incher’s dogs Rafa and Hulk and Bree Cudmore who has done so well with Blue and Slim winning the NSW State Championships two years in a row and of course Dean won the Victorian, so it’s been really good to see those dogs. I was really keen to see Whites Benny of Gary’s too and it was sad to hear he had died just before the trial. “Dog trialling has a way of humbling you with so many embarrassing efforts along the way, so many I couldn’t count,” laughs Simon. “But one sticks in my mind at Westbury in 2009 I made the top 25 and I was so stoked. I was first out, and I completely forgot what I had to do, I forgot to shut a gate and just ballsed it all up, I had to put it down to experience but it was a long walk out the gate.

L-R; Simon Bowden, Adrian Carpenter & Gary White at the recent National Kelpie Field Trial in WA

When asked what advice Simon could give to new triallers he offered this. “I am not really anyone to offer advice,” laughs Simon, “but when I first started, I was very fortunate Mike Williams and Lance Clifford gave me videos to watch and I watched them over and over and I learnt so much but even in the absence of videos, if people who are keen to start trialling go to watch a trial and especially take notice of the Open dogs and handlers you can just learn so much. “I asked a lot of questions when I first started, and I think most people are keen to share whatever they know; I am always happy to help anyone if I can. “I know what I should be doing in my training, but I am usually not,” laughs Simon, “and I so admire handlers who have such great skills to train dogs. It’s fantastic to watch. And definitely something to aspire to.”

THE ‘ROUND’ YARD CHECKLIST part iv -

HOLD THEM ON THE FENCE, ‘DIG’ THEM OFF THE FENCE Jamie Sturrock is a career stockman, with experience in cattle, sheep and goats. He has bred, trained and used working stock dogs for his entire career. Jamie manages a commercial cattle breeding and backgrounding operation, and uses his dogs daily. On weekends he conducts working dog training schools, and has an online training program called – workingdogtraining.online. Jamie enjoys competing in cattle and sheep dog trials, with the same dogs he takes to work every day. He has won many stock dog competitions, including Australian, QLD and NSW Cattle Dog Championships, and is a two-time winner of the Australian Working Cattle Dog of the Year.

For the last three issues, we have been working through what I call the ‘Round’ Yard Checklist. For those of you who may have forgotten, or haven’t read the first three articles, here is the ‘checklist’ again. 1. Instinct 2. Addiction 3. Balance 4. Even on both sides 5. Hold them on the fence 6. ‘Dig’ them off the fence 7. Stop (lie down) 8. Walk up 9. Call off (that’ll do) By now, we have introduced our young dog to suitable livestock, in a controlled area, and brought out their working instinct. We have also spent a session or two getting them ‘addicted’ and feeding that addiction! We then went away from livestock for a couple of weeks, and taught them to come when called, how to lead on

both sides, to tie up, and to ‘stop’. All the while, we have been introducing our young dog to the real world and developing a bond! We then went back to livestock in our training yard and have been working on ‘balance’. In the last article, we discussed in detail, the importance of a dog being able to get around the livestock freely and evenly in both directions, and how that relates to real, practical stockwork. There will come a point in your training when your young dog is keen, balancing well, and is confident and even in both directions. You are wondering what is next? This moment is likely to be a few minutes into a session, once your enthusiastic young dog has settled into their work a little, and hopefully, your sheep are somewhat settled also. Remember our B+ rule. If you are unsure if it is time to progress, ask yourself if your dog is balancing, and travelling around the stock comfortably, in both directions to a B+ level? If the answer is yes, move on. If the answer is no, then maybe you need a bit more practice getting your balance better before you progress. Your dog doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be solid. You should also ask yourself at this point if you have your dog’s attention and respect? It is important that your dog is respecting you and your arm extension and is not being aggressive towards your sheep.

If the answer to all of these is yes, you can make your way over to the fence and let the dog bring the sheep to you. The goal of this exercise is to see if your dog can hold the stock on the fence. A quick word of caution here. It is important at this point that you only attempt this exercise if you are confident to do so. Depending on your dog, the sheep may feel a little threatened on the fence, and your dog may sense this and get excited. You need to be prepared for this. Your first two priorities are that you protect yourself and your sheep. If your dog is too overzealous and wants to attack your sheep, the sheep may be a little rough on your legs. Having your voice and arm extension ready to pressure the dog if they are too rough on the sheep, will keep you and your livestock healthy and safe. If your sheep are too big and strong, or wild, and you are having trouble, you may need to find some stock that are more suitable before attempting this exercise. As always, use your stockmanship to set yourself up for success. The result that we are looking for when we ‘hold them on the fence’ is that the dog can hold the stock to us on the fence, finding that invisible ‘sweet spot’ where the stock are under control, but not coming in so far that the stock have no choice but to scatter. This sweet spot is often referred to as the ‘pressure point’ or ‘flight zone’. The best way to describe it is to imagine a bubble. If the dog is too far away, it has very little influence on the livestock. If the dog comes in too far, or too quickly or aggressively, they will ‘pop the bubble’ and cause the livestock to scatter. Most pups fit loosely into one of two categories. Some pups want to come in hard at the stock, running straight through the flight zone, and popping that bubble. That causes one or more sheep to ‘take flight’. The dog has a great time chasing that sheep around the yard and back to its mates, and as a result, out pops another sheep, and the process repeats! If this is the case, you need to ‘help’ the dog discover and recognise the flight zone. Use pressure and release from your voice and arm extension to convince your dog not to come in too far or too hard. Be conscious though to give the dog enough freedom to work it out for themselves over time. It is important to understand, we don’t want to give them the answer, we just want to help them find the answer themselves. I see a lot of people want to stop or lie down their dogs in this situation. To me, this doesn’t teach the dog to hold stock, it just ‘covers up’ a shortfall in their skill set with a command. One day you will want to hold together touchy livestock in the real world, and what happens if you aren’t there to stop the dog with command if they are too keen or close? What you are looking for, is the moment that the dog pauses and gives the stock some relief while held on the fence, even if it is just for a second. As soon as you recognise this, reward the dog with some praise, and send them back to work (balance). In doing so the dog may need to ‘dig them off the fence’, which we will explain shortly. Alternatively, some pups are born with the ability to recognise a flight zone. This is genetic and has been bred into them. Some of these pups, you couldn’t convince to come past the pressure point if their life depended on it. They instinctively know that there is a bubble there to be popped, and they just can’t bring themselves to do it!

In a lot of cases this is a good thing. It shows some thought, and some ‘bred in’ stockmanship. But it can also be a weakness. It is important when starting young dogs to recognise different traits, and work with the dog that is in front of you. What you need to do for one pup, might be the complete opposite for the next pup, even though the goal in this example is the same – to hold them on the fence. If your pup has some natural cover and hold, and maybe some ‘eye’, and they won’t come near the sheep for fear of popping the bubble, I like to encourage them in at least a couple of steps and see if they can make ‘contact’ with the sheep. Use encouragement in your voice to ask them in a bit closer. Don’t ask for too much. If they give you a couple of steps, reward the slightest try by praising the pup, and transitioning back to balance. In a perfect world, we are hoping our pup will be able to hold and settle the sheep on the fence, quickly and calmly with no help from us. If your pup doesn’t do this naturally, build on this skill gradually over several sessions. Remember, the goal is to help the dog figure out that flight zone themselves, without giving them the answer. This exercise is a great one for several reasons. The first thing is that it is a prime opportunity to assess the genetics of the pup. The ability to hold a few head on the fence should be an essential skill that is based on natural instinct, not command. It is a good chance while they are young and a relatively ‘clean slate’ to see if they can do this on their own. I prefer to look for pups that are right in the middle of what we have described. They can recognise that sweet spot with little help from me, and if they do come too far and pop a sheep out, they have enough footwork and cover to block that sheep nice and clean on the head and go back to holding. I am not a fan of pups that won’t come onto the stock at all in this situation. But, if this is what you have, you need to work with what you’ve got. Help that pup build confidence as best you can, to improve to the highest level its genetic ability will allow. I have even found that this is a great exercise to assess the ability of an older dog. Many ‘well trained’ dogs can come unstuck very quickly if the handler shuts their mouth, puts their hands in their pockets, and lets the dog hold a few head on the fence relying purely on their own natural ability! From a practical standpoint, the ability to hold and settle livestock on a fence is a real and valuable skill for practical stockwork. If you are in a paddock with touchy livestock that are difficult to control or settle, and you have access to a fence, you can use that fence to your advantage to ‘cover’ one side of the mob. Let’s assume for the sake of this explanation that the fence you are working with is at least half decent and can be trusted! If you are in the middle of a paddock with a mob, you and your dog are responsible for covering the full 360 degrees around the stock. If a fence is available, you immediately halve your responsibility, and you and your dog only need to cover 180 degrees around that mob. If you find the corner of a paddock, you have halved it again, and you and your dog only need to cover 90 degrees around the stock.

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This is all good in theory. BUT no matter how good your fence is, if your dog is too keen, or aggressive, and has no idea what a flight zone is, chances are they are going to ‘pop that bubble’, and you are either going to lose your livestock over the top of you and your dog, or through or over the fence! If your young dog has learnt to recognise a flight zone from an early age, and that if they come in too close or hard they will lose their livestock, your dog has become an asset not a liability. Back to the training yard, I mentioned that the second your dog recognises the flight zone, and pauses even just for a second, release the pressure and move on. This tells the dog that they are correct, and they get to keep working as a reward for good work. Remember, that the work is the reward to these pups. If you pause too long on the fence when introducing this concept, the dog will decide to create some work for themselves by getting the stock moving again. This is contradictory to what we are trying to achieve. When I say move on, I mean go back to balance. Choose a side, step to that side, and adjust your body positioning to send the dog back to balance. Make your way back to the middle of the yard, using your arm extension to help you if necessary, to make sure that your dog gets around to balance. In doing so, the dog will need to ‘dig’ the stock off the fence. Some dogs will handle this easily, some dogs will be reluctant to travel through the ‘gap’ or lack of, between the sheep and the fence. This is another important skill that may need to be taught. Use your body positioning to give your sheep room to come to you, but not so much room that your dog is tempted to cross between you and the sheep, instead of between the sheep and the fence. Use your arm extension to help show the dog the direction you want them to travel, and to cover the area between you and the sheep. When doing this for the first few times, you may uncover some reluctance, or some fear or aggression that you

haven’t seen in your pup before. This is because moving through the gap between the fence and the stock is an uncomfortable situation for some dogs, and they feel pressure. Your stockmanship and timing will help a lot when helping your pup work through this. Encourage your dog if they are reluctant and use pressure from your voice and your arm extension if necessary if they are aggressive towards the sheep. I prefer to send the dog to the head when digging stock off the fence. If a dog is going to nip livestock on the way through, which often happens in the beginning, I would prefer that it is on the front end than the back end. Being able to ‘dig’ stock off the fence is also a valuable skill for real practical stock work, as well as another opportunity to assess your dog’s genetics. Ideally your dog will be bold enough to travel between the stock and the fence, no matter how small the gap, and do it without being too rough or aggressive towards the livestock. As far as practical application to real stockwork, it is a good feeling knowing that if you cast your dog around a large yard or paddock, you can rely on them to pick livestock up confidently and calmly from the fence or in the corner and bring them all. When applying these exercises to your training, I only recommend doing this a couple of times per session in between periods of balance. Introduce the concept gradually and build on it over time. Make sure that you get your dog to hold the stock on different fences at different sections of the yard. Also make sure that you dig the stock off the fence from both directions, and that your dog doesn’t develop any one sidedness. PART 5 in the next issue, is getting to the end of the ‘Round’ Yard Checklist. We will talk about how to teach the stop (lie down) the walk up, and how to call our dog off stock.

Want to learn more from jamie or head onto part 5 early? learn best from videos? Check out workingdogtraining.online

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STOCKMANS

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Selecting a Pup Bond Reward Repetition Discipline Controlling Emotions

Module Two

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Training Aids & Finishing Command Puppy Obedience Training & Tips Reading Livestock Starting a Pup Creating Desire

Stop, Wait, Recall Timing Balance Distance

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Nomuula Matilda is the matriarch that will guide these puppies in their early months, as all canines do. So it is critical that she is a proven good livestock Guardian. Photo: Ballandean Station

The Maremma, Part 3- Bonding

Article by Wayne Wayte, Catherine Kimmorley & Scott Amon

Previous instalments in this magazine have expounded the history and livestock guarding attributes of this unique breed of dog. Once selection for a proven line of working Maremma LGD has been established and a pup or two acquired, the hugely important process of bonding is essential for achieving a good final outcome. These remarkably intelligent dogs have been bred for their instinctive ability to bond with and guard the livestock they are to live with and protect. The Maremma does not need ‘training’ to do their work, but they need guidance and controlling to allow appropriate behaviour to develop. These dogs are most accurately described as semi-domestic and must be left to use their own initiative without waiting for instructions from their owner. To have a truly attentive and trustworthy livestock guardian it is essential to have the young pup primarily bonded to livestock and secondarily bonded to the human owner. The pup should still be given loving care, affection

and attention from the human owners. This human contact is essential as the dog needs to be comfortable and enjoy the company of humans throughout their life for feeding, movement around the property, worming and other veterinary care from time to time. At the same time, to have an effective livestock guardian who will work effciently on a property, it cannot be raised in the same way as you would a house pet. The first year of a young dogs development is the most important time to establish the behaviours desired for an effective working dog. The end goal must be to have a dog displaying attentive, trustworthy, and protective behaviours with his livestock. To understand the bonding process, it is important to be familiar with the various developmental stages of a Maremma during its first year of life.

Stage 1Birth to 8 weeks. During this stage the life of a Maremma pup is similar to any newborn dog. If possible, the litter should be living with or near the livestock intended to be his guardian species. Ideally the pup should be experiencing the sounds and smells of its future life.

Alertness and observation comes early and naturally to maremma pups. Photo: Ballandean Station

Stage 2 - Early Juvenile. 8 - 16 weeks. During this stage dogs learn attentive behaviour. Secondary socialisation begins. Attention made to other animals and other species. In guardian dogs this is the period for bonding livestock, by 16 weeks the ‘critical period’ or window during which social attachments are made is closed. With sheep a good way of bonding a dog is to establish a puppy proof yard and the puppy lives with a few fairly tame

livestock. Choose animals that the pup can continue to be with throughout the bonding process. Avoid having to replace animals that are going to market or that are going to need to be removed for any other reason. Maremmas very much know one sheep from another sheep and changing animals will increase the risk of problems. Adding a new sheep, even of the same class or original mob and you will quickly see it is singled out by the pup. They know their individual animals. It is also advisable to have a ‘retreat’ area for the pup to get away from the livestock, especially at feed time or if the livestock get too pushy. It is important the pup is not intimidated or harmed by the livestock at this stage. Confidence building and not panic and fear is the focus of this bonding period. This ‘retreat’ area can be made by using fence panels with wide enough gaps for the pup to move through but not the livestock. A kennel in this area is also a good idea since it can be transferred later out to the main flock and the dog will appreciate the familiar object in its new environment. This can also be his feed station. During this stage the pup can be walked around the paddock areas so they can be familiar with their boundaries. It can also be a time for the pup to become familiar with a loose lead rope. This is an important on- going experience for the future, when dogs need to be caught, moved, or need worming or veterinary care. Walcrow Hugo (12 weeks) Living with and bonding with ewes and lambs. Photo: Catherine Kimmorley

Stage 3 - Late Juvenile. 4-6 months. (Ends puberty) The most important point during this stage is to ensure that the emerging social behaviours are constantly reinforced. The dog must spend time with his livestock, lying near them during the day and camped near them at night. The dog at this stage needs to be monitored constantly to ensure they are developing correct behaviours. Any wandering or other inattentive behaviour should be addressed immediately. Also, the pup at this stage is not old enough to provide serious protection. It can also be vulnerable to predators or adult rams who may be aggressive. It is important the dog does not lose confidence at this time. A young dog needs time to grow both physically and mentally, gaining experience as he matures.

Walcrow Hugo (6 months) reconnecting with one of his weaner sheep. They were pen mates for the first 4 months. Photo: Catherine Kimmorley

Stage 4 - Sub Adult (6+ - 12+ months.) Ayla (10 months) First introduction to new born lambs. Full time supervision is recommended at this delicate stage. Paddock walks, checking new lambs on a lead, for the first few visits. Photo: Catherine Kimmorley

From this time onwards it is a matter of increasing the size of the area and the number of livestock the young dog will be expected to protect. This is the stage to monitor behaviour constantly and suppress potentially dangerous new behaviours. Between six and 12 months the pup will most likely show excessive play with siblings and other dogs. As the guardian dog regards the livestock as his family, the young dog can get quite rough with play behaviour with his livestock. During this time, the young dog may chase the sheep then begin to grab-bite, chew on ears and can injure the livestock. These incorrect and bad behaviours are able to be corrected but they must be corrected and stopped immediately. This early intervention will prevent these poor behaviours becoming a bad habit.

Stage 5 - Adult 12+ months At this stage the maremma has reached sexual maturity. Attentive and trustworthy behaviour should be in place and the dog should be familiar with his livestock and his presence on the farm. Between 12 and 24 months of age, the protective and guarding instinct really becomes apparent.

as would be expected, there can be intricacies to it. Understanding basic dog psychology and behaviour is important to aid in ensuring the process runs smoothly. Done correctly, this process will leave you in awe of the instinctual traits that these dogs display as they progress through the bonding process.

During the first few years of a Maremmas life it is most important to establish good routines that will become the pattern for the dogs working life. The protectiveness of a guard dog is related to its ability to recognise deviations from what is normal. This is when the guarding and protective responses are really shown. This is of course just a relatively brief description of the bonding process,

A newborn lamb is cleaned up by both a Maremma and a ewe. To witness a predator and prey animal interact in this way is unique and intriguing. Picture courtesy of Catherine Kimmorley. Pictured is her 4 year old male Lucca.

In the next installment we will be looking at how an historic Australian grazing property - Ballandean Station - has used Maremmas to diversify their grazing enterprise.

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hen you meet one of Queensland’s most distinguished working stock dog handlers, it may surprise you to learn he’s originally from New Zealand. Trevor Percival, now living in Charleville, Queensland, has proudly represented Australia three times as a three-sheep dog trialer and has competed for Queensland nine times in the same sport. Trevor embarked on his journey in sheep dog trialling in New Zealand back in 1958 on the North Island, accompanied by a team of heading dogs (Border Collies) and huntaway dogs. His inaugural trial saw him clinch victory in the Maiden competition with a talented canine named “Bounce.” Trevor’s introduction to Australian dog trialling took place at Bell in Queensland’s Western Downs Region in 1972. Teaming up with “Lassie,” a Kelpie, they impressively secured second place in the Novice competition. Tara holds a special place in Trevor’s heart as his favourite trial ground in Queensland, situated also in the Western Downs Region. His passion for the sport has taken him across Queensland and even as far as Victoria, competing and trialling extensively. Among his cherished companions in decades of dog trialling, “Whiskey,” an imported tricoloured Border Collie Heading Dog, stands out. Together, they clinched the prestigious Ted Gaby trophy, earning a spot in the Australian Test Team for the Wayleggo Cup, alongside Gordon Young and his dog “Princes Wally.” Among Trevor’s notable achievements in dog training is his work with Jackson’s Silver, bred by Tony Jackson, who currently competes in cattle dog trials under Paul Wroe’s guidance. Additionally, Trevor’s own breeding and training efforts produced Percival’s Toy and Percival’s Fleur, both remarkable dogs in their own right. Fleur’s excellence was recognized with the title of Queensland Dog of the Year three times during her career, while Whiskey (Imp) earned this honour once. Notably, in 1990, Whiskey achieved a perfect score of 100 points at the Tara dog trial, a remarkable feat in the world of dog trialling. At 21, Trevor began his career at Noondoo Station in Quilpie, later moving to Keggabilla Station in Goondiwindi, where he worked for 11 years. He continued his employment with Tom Woods, who expanded his sheep enterprise to Walton Downs in Augathella. During his time there, Trevor and his wife Anne initiated a series of dog trials to engage remote members of the community. During their time in western Queensland, Trevor and Anne established the Augathella and Charleville dog trials, endeavours in which they continue to actively participate. Recognized for their contributions, they were awarded life membership by the Queensland Working Sheep Dog Association Inc. In the past, Trevor used to showcase a “duck and dog” performance for spectators, showcasing his remarkable control over his working dogs and highlighting his advanced training skills. The audience always found the show highly entertaining and eagerly anticipated its return, a testament to Trevor’s skill and the captivating nature of the performance. Even at 84, Trevor remains dedicated to handling and training young dogs. Among his friends, there’s a running joke that despite claiming to be too tired for dog trials, Trevor will unexpectedly show up with a young dog that performs like a champion, much to everyone’s amusement.

Trevor Percival

Article & Photos Provided by Alan Leech

A Dog’s Life

M.G.H Rabbit

Article by AWSDM | Photos Provided by Mick & Carolyn Hudson

Many trialers and working dog enthusiasts have heard the name MGH Rabbit numerous times over recent years competing alongside her breeder and trainer Mick Hudson. Rabbit earned her name from his wife Carolyn, after being born in 2015. Mick vividly remembers after achieving victory at the Supreme Australian Championships in Tasmania with M.G.H Boy, teaming up with Malcolm Taylor, the owner of the renowned Mocara Eddie and frequent representative in both Tasmanian and Australian competitions to cross Eddie with one of Mick’s most exceptional dogs, Romlee Leah (Leila). This pairing was a deliberate strategic decision, aimed at combining the best traits of both lines to produce a competitive work and trial dog. Just like her mother, Rabbit possesses impressive endurance and stamina, traits which Mick believes contribute greatly to her competitiveness.

Mick cherishes the memory of Leila, recalling how she stood out from the rest of his dogs, even when exhaustion set in, Leila remained unwaveringly loyal, tirelessly working at full capacity while the other dogs in his team grew fatigued. Her relentless dedication and exceptional abilities made a lasting impression on him, and he proudly sees these same qualities reflected in Rabbit. Now as Rabbit approaches nine years old, Mick holds her in high regard, comparing her brilliance to that of her mother, and with a touch of humour, he remarks, “She never quits, she’s as mad as a rabbit.” Rabbit not only possesses an exceptional drive to work, but intuitively understands the intricacies of each task. Although from the sidelines of competition Rabbit may make it look easy, Mick emphasises the necessity that with any dog, the importance of having someone leading the way, ensuring the dog brings the sheep home and into the pen. This clarifies the misconception that a dog works independently whilst on the trial ground.

Mick highlights the importance of developing a mutual bond to achieve success with any dog. He explains that a dog won’t simply take a liking to you; instead, it will bond with you as a result of the time and effort you invest in it. Reflecting on Rabbit’s early development, he recalls her innate brilliance. From the very beginning, she exhibited exceptional potential, but Mick faced challenges in starting her training when she was young due to time constraints. Although Rabbit eventually achieved remarkable success, Mick expresses regret for not prioritizing her training early on. He admits that he should have made the effort to start Rabbit’s training earlier, as he had done with her sister Cat, recognizing that those formative weeks are crucial for building a strong foundation. Among Rabbit’s litter siblings, Cat stands out as a shining example of exceptional talent and success. Like Rabbit, Cat boasts an impressive resume of open wins, showcasing her natural instinct and training. With a pedigree rooted in excellence, Cat inherits the same traits of stamina and intelligence that characterise her renowned parents and siblings. Rabbit’s remarkable achievements in the realm of dog trials are a testament to her exceptional talent and unwavering dedication. With an impressive track record of over 25 victories in Open 3 Sheep Trials, including prestigious titles like the 2018 Supreme, the 2022 and 2023 Commonwealth Championship Trans Tasman, 2022 Queensland State Championship, the 2023 New South Wales State Championship, 2023 National Trial and Champion of Champions, and the 2024 Commonwealth Championship, and the Australian Dog of the year 2024. Rabbit has firmly established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the competitive circuit. Notably, Rabbit’s excellence extends beyond individual accolades, as she has been honoured as the New South Wales Dog of the Year for both 2022 and 2023. One standout moment in Rabbit’s illustrious career occurred in 2022 at the Australian Supreme, where she and Mick, alongside teammates Bill Davidson and Grassvalley Flake, claimed victory in the Ted Gaby Interstate Challenge. Their outstanding performance secured their placement in the Australian Team for

the Wayleggo Cup against New Zealand, where Rabbit emerged as the highest scoring dog in the test match series. This remarkable achievement highlights Rabbit’s exceptional skill and the partnership she has with Mick, earning admiration and respect within the dog trial community and beyond. Mick credits Rabbit’s achievements to her natural inclination to obey his commands, which he believes is inherited. He describes Rabbit as not ignorant or disobedient, but rather eager to follow his instructions promptly. Rabbit’s remarkable obedience and willingness to comply are evident in her consistent performance. Despite Rabbit’s impressive accomplishments, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted competitions, causing a pause that likely prevented her from achieving even more success early on. Mick emphasized that Rabbit has shown her worth and certainly earned her keep. Looking to the future, Mick said he is committed to taking care of Rabbit as he is all his

“Rabbit is a part of my team, and she is not treated differently than any other dog I own.”

dogs, but he does plan to watch her closely as she gets older. If he sees any signs of her health or performance declining, he will retire her while she is still at her best, to honour her and the great career they have shared. Despite the memorable moments shared and the undeniable bond forged between Mick and Rabbit during their time together, one might easily presume that Rabbit receives some special treatment compared to Mick’s other dogs in day to day life. However, Mick is quick to dispel such assumptions, “Rabbit is a part of my team, and she is not treated differently than any other dog I own.” MGH Cleo, Rabbit’s daughter by Hudsons Darby (who is out of Kiwi Golder, a Supreme Australian winning bitch), has quickly stepped up to continue her mother’s legacy. In her first ever dog trial, Cleo won the novice category. At her second trial, she claimed victory in the improver class. Remarkably, by her fifth trial, Cleo had beaten her mother to win the Open Championship at Murrurundi, all within the span of just six months. Other dogs from this litter are also making their mark in the trial ring, achieving impressive scores and showing great promise for the future.

Within the partnership of Mick and Rabbit, Carolyn emerges as a pivotal figure, often overlooked but essential to the functioning of all the MGH team. With Mick frequently occupied by work obligations, Carolyn steps in to fulfil a multitude of roles, serving as feeder, cleaner, caregiver, dog handler, and more for all of Mick’s dogs in his absence. Carolyn’s intimate involvement provides valuable insight into Rabbit’s relationship with Mick, highlighting her exceptional obedience and desire to satisfy his commands. However, what truly captivates Carolyn about Rabbit is her striking resemblance to her mother, Leila. Mick and Rabbit’s dedication and hard work have paid off as they receive the honour of being once again selected as New South Wales Representatives in the prestigious Ted Gaby Interstate Challenge. Joining them in this esteemed competition are fellow skilled handlers Will Goggin and Paul Darmody. The excitement is palpable as they prepare to showcase their talents at the Supreme Australian Championship, where the Ted Gaby will be held. This event serves as a crucial stepping stone, as the scores from this challenge will determine the Australian Team that will compete in the highly anticipated Wayleggo Cup against New Zealand later in the week. With their skills honed Mick and Rabbit, stand ready to represent their state with pride and determination on such a grand stage.

AUSTRALIAN WORKING STOCK DOG AUCTION

What is the Australian Working Stock Dog Auction?

Who is behind the Australian Working Stock Dog Auction?

The Australian Working Stock Dog Auction is an independent, online auction platform, designed and dedicated specifically for the Australian working stock dog industry. We host online auctions for all ages and breeds of working dogs and pups, from all over Australia, every three months.

The Australian Working Stock Dog Auction is founded and operated by Jamie Sturrock and Isaac Hotz. We are stockmen and graziers from Queensland and have spent our entire careers working cattle, sheep, and goats. We became great mates through a shared passion for working dogs and livestock. We have both lived and breathed working dogs for more than twenty years now. Breeding, training, working, buying, selling, trialling and teaching others. We have worked together in the past, and there wouldn’t be many weeks go by over the years, that we haven’t caught up to talk all things working dogs and livestock. We have decades of experience buying and selling working stock dogs, both privately and at auction.

What makes the Australian Working Stock Dog Auction different? National exposure!

Online only..

There is no doubt that there is demand in Australia for well-bred, well-trained working stock dogs. Quite often, the challenge in sourcing a quality working dog or pup, is not as much about price, as it is about knowing what is out there, and finding the right article! It has always been a bit of a lottery, trying to source the ideal working dog, from the right person, at the right time.

A significant percentage of dogs at physical working stock dog auctions are selling online already. Many dogs are purchased sight unseen, by bidders from all over Australia.

There are some outstanding working dogs, as well as rare and special genetics, hidden out there in the Australian bush. Some buyers would ‘give an arm and a leg’ to have the chance to acquire these lots, if they knew they existed in the first place! These types of transactions are beneficial to the seller AND the buyer, so our goal is to bring the two together. We are looking to bring some transparency to the industry by providing a platform to showcase the best working dogs and genetics from all over the country, and give willing buyers the opportunity to get their hands on them. Consistency! Most working dog auctions in Australia are run annually. If a vendor wants to sell at their local auction, they need to be committed to that date, regardless of the age or level of their dog. We are providing vendors the opportunity to sell their dog when the dog is ready, instead of being based around an annual event at a set date. Quarterly sales means that if a young dog isn’t quite ready for one sale, the seller knows that there is another sale right around the corner. There is no pressure to sell a dog that isn’t prepared or presented to their best potential.

We have rarely seen a working dog or pup add much value for the seller or the buyer, in a three-minute demonstration, at a country showground, on a few head of livestock. Lockdowns in previous years have proved to us that the industry is ready! Physical location is no longer a limitation. Timed, simultaneous auctions.. This platform is about finding the right dog at a budget that suits. Our timed auctions are run over six days. This gives buyers the chance to bid on multiple lots with plenty of time, and no pressure! Simultaneous bidding means that if a buyer ‘blows their budget’ on a lot later in the sale, they can go back and bid on an earlier lot that may still suit their price range. Again, this is beneficial to sellers AND buyers. The earlier lot gets a few extra bids they wouldn’t have otherwise, and the buyer doesn’t miss out on a suitable dog because they held out for a lot later in the sale. There is no advantage or disadvantage based on a lot’s position in the sale.

How will you ensure that the dogs are advertised accurately and honestly? We are adamant about building a national network of genuine, honest, reputable, REPEAT buyers and sellers!

From a buyer’s perspective, if they can’t find what they need at one sale, there is no need to panic and buy an unsuitable dog or spend too much money. They can ‘shop’ with confidence, knowing that there will be another quality selection of working dogs and pups available in just a few months’ time.

Sellers are strongly encouraged to provide as much detail as possible in their videos, photos and descriptions to accurately represent their dogs. It is also a requirement that sellers make their dogs available for inspections and demonstrations by appointment.

This consistency of dates on a trusted, familiar platform allows everyone to plan ahead and be flexible. This is beneficial for sellers, buyers, AND the dogs!

Buyers are strongly encouraged to contact the seller directly, and inspect the dogs in person where possible. The success of this platform relies on genuine, honest, transparent sellers, and savvy buyers that do their due diligence. We would rather you didn’t buy a dog, than buy a dog that you aren’t happy with!

A centralised, consistent, buying and selling platform for the Australian working stock dog industry NATIONAL COVERAGE ONLINE ONLY

QUARTERLY SALES AUTUMN, WINTER, SPRING & SUMMER

NO BUYERS PREMIUM!!

Phone: 0408 784 031 Email: admin@workingstockdogauction.com.au

www.workingstockdogauction.com.au ARTWORK BY SHOW HORSE DESIGN

The Training Pen with Ken Sykes The Reluctant Starter – A case study KEN SYKES

Ken Sykes has been working with sheepdogs most of his life. A successful competitor at sheepdog trials, Ken has now retired from running training days for livestock producers and giving working dog demonstrations. He is a feature writer and speaker. His expertise draws on a broad range of research as well as practical expertise.

Although I no longer take dogs for training, I still occasionally accept a challenge from friends and associates with a young dog where they have hit a brick wall in their training; Jesica, a five-month-old kelpie pup, is a classic example. When she was delivered she jumped down from the dog crate on the back of the ute. The owner ran to shut the gate and spent the next five minutes encouraging the pup to come to him to be caught. The pup was then carried to a dog pen, refusing to walk on the lead. Apparently, the pup had shown a keen interest in working at weaning but had shown no interest in stock since. I spent the first week working on socializing the pup. I spent some time each day on a chair under the carport with the pup on a

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long lead, not pulling her toward me but praising her if she approached on her own and dropping a treat on the ground near me. She would sniff the treat by the second day but otherwise ignore it. On the third day, she picked up the treat and looked for it when I praised her. Over the next few days, she would readily come to me when I said her name, take a treat, and stand quietly to be stroked. The following week consisted primarily of lead training, not being too demanding initially, and working on the sit. I would lead her around in random patterns and stand still when she pulled on the lead. Walking around past the

sheep, she showed no interest. I tried a few sheep in the round yard, which she totally ignored. Moving out of their way if they moved toward her. I tried her in the paddock with Sally, a very calm working bitch. As Sally worked, the pup would run beside her, hanging on the side of her neck and ear, ignoring the sheep. I put Sally away and brought out Tip, the alpha dog on the property. Jessica tried her trick of hanging off the side of his neck as he worked. She received a concise, sharp lesson in acceptable dog behaviour. She didn’t try to hang on to Tip after this but shadowed him as he worked, not looking toward the sheep. When Tip held the sheep to me, she walked up to a sheep and sniffed its rear, which I took as progress. I put her away for a day and then took her out alone. She ignored the sheep until I ran toward them (Slight exaggeration here. My run these days is a fast shuffle). The sheep started to run, and Jessica took off, a circuit of the sheep, then lay down in the shade with a couple of barks at the sheep. With a lot of encouragement, I managed to get a couple more circuits. The next few days were similar, with a couple of circuits and then losing interest. I took a day’s break to think things over. The next time I took her out, her instincts kicked in, and suddenly, I had a whole new dog.

e right pup How to select th partnership g on str a and form

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Signed Copies of Ken’s book are available by contacting Ken at - kwsykes@bigpond.com 27/9/19 4:30 pm

Think like a Canine

add.indd 1

Jessica was now keen to work with sheep. I gave heaps of encouragement, giving a command when she initiated an action but not trying to enforce it. By the end of the week, I could send her both ways and work on the stop and “that will do.” She was working a little fast and close but showing she had a good instinct. It was now up to me to develop, control, and modify this instinct to establish a competent working dog. I now have a delicate balancing act, not allowing poor working style to become a habit while not being so harsh as to cause the pup to switch off again. The turnaround with this pup was much quicker than I expected. She has good working lines on both sides of her pedigree, and I was reasonably confident she would eventually work. Far too often, working dogs are discarded when patience and perseverance are all that is required.

Have available at stud Husanley Jeff Sire - Husanley Jagg Dam - Crawfords Squirt 2023 Queensland Futurity winner Husanley Jagg Sire - Munns Jagger Dam - Husanley Betty

Husanley Floppy Sire - Crosscut Bain Dam - Husanley Ginny

Cook’s Ozzy Sire - Prince’s Timmy Dam - Cook’s Lil 2023 New South Wales Futurity winner

STOCK DOG TRAINING CLINICS and Obedience Lessons • Over 45 years experience training stock dogs and breeding border collies. • Compe�ng very successfully in working catle dog trials since 1981. • Running regular clinics for beginners through to experienced handlers. • Clinics run at my place or yours, one-on-one or group sessions available • Anyone with a herding dog wishing to prac�ce herding or learn more can be catered for. • Pups and trained/started dogs o�en available.

Name Contact Number & Email

Colouring Competition - June 2024 Area & State

Age

Anyone under the age of 13 years old are welcome to colour in the picture and send it in before 20th April 2024 for the chance to win a prize and be featured in Kelly’s Kennel! There is no need to damage your magazine, you can print this picture from www.stockdogs.com.au/pages/kellys-kennel Submit your entry to Colouring Competition, AWSDM, PO BOX 3003, Grose Vale NSW 2753 or email - laura@stockdogs.com.au

Kelly’s Kennel Ham & Cheese Scrolls INGREDIENTS: • All butter puff pastry • Tomato paste • Mixed Herbs • Ham- 6 slices, or 150 grams shaved, just chop it up • Cheese

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Preheat your oven to 200 degrees celsius. Evenly spread tomato paste over the pastry Sprinkle over the herbs Top with ham and cheese Roll into a log Cut into 2cm rounds Bake at 200 degrees celsius for 15 minutes Enjoy!

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We have included a summary of the events that we received prior to the printing of this issue.

3 Sheep Trials

Yard Trials

New South Wales

6-9 JUNE

Finley Sheep Dog Trial Finley, NSW

1-2 JUNE

21 - 23 JUNE

Bungendore Sheep Dog Trial Bungendore Showgrounds Paul Darmody - 0412 347 753 Eumungerie Supreme Trial Eumungerie, NSW Mick Hudson - 0427 040 188 Trundle Sheep Dog Trial Trundle, NSW

8 - 10 JUNE

8 - 11 AUGUST 12 - 13 AUGUST 17 - 19 SEPTEMBER 10 - 13 OCTOBER 18 - 20 OCTOBER

Victoria

Henty Sheep Dog Trial Henty Field Days Paul Darmody - 0412 347 753 Central West Championship Geurie Campdraft Grounds Jon Cantrall - 0427 129 779 Morongla Sheep Dog Trial Morongla Showground Tegan Perry Kershaw

1-2 JUNE

Captain Payne Field Trial Cressy Recreation Reserve Conor McConnell - 0406 781 989

7 - 15 SEPTEMBER

SUPREME AUS. CHAMPIONSHIP Geelong Showgrounds Conor McConnell - 0406 781 989

18 - 20 OCTOBER

SWSC Trans-Tasman Sheepdog Trial Port Fairy Showgrounds Richard Davies - 0407 702 783

Queensland 12 - 14 JULY

Inglewood Sheep Dog Trial Inglewood, QLD C: Denise Hawe - 0447 782 549

26 - 28 JULY

Warwick Jumpers and Jazz Warwick, QLD C: Judy Allen - 0407 073 687

29 AUGUST Allora Sheep Dog Trial 1 SEPTEMEBER Allora, QLD Judy Allen - 0407 073 687 23 - 25 SEPTEMEBER

Surat Sheep Dog Trial St George Showgrounds Rohan Ballon - 0413 465 791

26 - 29 SEPTEMEBER

St. George Sheep Dog Trial St. George Showground Rohan Ballon - 0413 465 791

22 - 23 JUNE 12 - 13 JULY 27 - 28 JULY 24 - 25 AUGUST 24 - 25 AUGUST 17 - 19 SEPTEMBER

USD - Ultimate Stck Dog Cowra Showground Nathan Cayfe - 0404 045 500 Gunnedah Championship Gunnedah Championship Emily Wall - 0419 705 772 Yeoval Championship Yeoval Showground Daniel Pumpa - 0428 655 016 Cudgegong Valley Championship Mudgee Small Farm Field Days Greg Reeves - 0428 588 285 West Wyalong Championship West Wyalong Showground Peter Darmody - 0427 244 775 Delungra Championship Delungra Recreation Grounds Matt Eshman - 0428 681 153 Wentworth Championship Wentworth Showgrounds Lynda Watson - 0403 772 078 Murray Valley Championship Henty Field Days Felicity Nolan - 0400 951 717

Western Australia 7 JUNE

Stirling Yard & Utility Kendenup Caravan Park, Kendenup

Victoria 19 - 21 JULY

VIC Yard Dog Championships Aus Sheep & Wool Show, Bendigo Showgrounds Rod Cavill

3-5 AUGUST

VIC Farm Dog Championship Sheepvention, Hamilton Showground Hamilton P&A Society - (03) 5572 2563

28 - 29 SEPTEMBER

Yundool Yard Dog Trial “Somerset”, Yundool, VIC Mark Wheeler - 0488 972 904

Queensland 27 JULY

Texas Show Yard Dog Trial Texas Showgrounds TBA

14 - 15 SEPTEMBER

Jolimont Yard Dog Trial Jolimont QLD TBA

COMING EVENTS Please email your dates to laura@stockdogs.com.au to be included in our next issue.

Cattle Trials Queensland 7-9 JUNE 4-7 JULY

QLD State Championships Charters Towers Adam Sibson - 0438 594 457 AUSTRALIAN CATTLE DOG CHAMPIONSHIPS St George, QLD Scott Wilson - 0497 270 477

12 - 14 JULY

Toogoolawah Cattle Trial Steele Cannell - 0428 583 260

27 - 28 JULY

Middlemount Cattle Trial Paul Wroe - (07) 4985 9297

3-4 AUGUST

Wallumbilla Cattle Trial Ross Kehl - 0437 722 378

10 - 11 AUGUST

Bauhinia Inc. Futurity Cattle Trial Dave Steel - 0437 844 078

17 - 18 AUGUST

Boonah Cattle Trial Erroll Gill - 0458 421 032

24 - 25 AUGUST

Home Hill Cattle Trial Richard Kelly - 0439 826 886

31 AUGUST 1 SEPTEMBER

Lake Ephinstone Cattle Trial Darren Gilliam - 0409 508 879

7-8 SEPTEMBER

Rockland Spring Inc. Derby Cattle Trial Stephen Biles - (07) 4984 4145

14 - 15 SEPTEMBER

Injune Cattle Trial Charlie Brummell - 0427 826 280

21 - 22 SEPTEMBER

Mundubbera Cattle Trial Gavin Carr - 0429 654 729

28 - 29 SEPTEMBER

Killarney Cattle Trial Col Bloomfeild - 0412 754 807

5-6 OCTOBER

Begonia Cattle Trial Levi Koster - (07) 4626 5847

New South Wales 8 - 10 JUNE 19 - 21 JULY

Gunnedah Cattle Trial Gunnedah Showgrounds Emily Wall - 0419 705 772 NSW Championship & Casino Heritage Trial TBA

Utility Trials Queensland 28 - 30 JUNE

QLD State Utility Champinship Inglewood Showgrounds Chris Coman - 0408 158 626

New South Wales 28 - 30 JUNE

Hawkesbury Utility Trial Hawkesbury, NSW Ben Lehmann - 0414 424 420

31 JULY 4 AUGUST

AUSTRALIAN UTILITY CHAMPIONSHIPS Nyngan Showgrounds, NSW Gary & Angie White - 0428 679 503

1 SEPTEMBER

Finley Utility Trial Finley Showgrounds Mark Braybon - 0419 625 815

Western Australia 7-9 JUNE

Stirling Yard & Utility Kendenup Caravan Park, Kendenup

28 - 30 JUNE

Binnaburra Yard & Utility ‘Binnaburra’, Kellerberrin

Victoria 14 SEPTEMBER

Bairnsdale Utility Trial East Gippsland Farm Dog Group (Andrew Whelan)

Auctions 19 - 20 JULY

Forbes Working Dog Auction Forbes Showground, NSW Olly Hanson - 0430 112 600

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AROUND THE GROUNDS

Boonah Yard Trial

Words & Photos Provided by Boonah Working Stock Dog Club

Open Placegetters

Its Yard trial time at Boonah Working Stock Dog Club. This was our third trial and it was held in lovely green conditions, unlike the previous two years – one of drought and the other a flood event. Competitors were challenged in the first two events – The Open & Novice, by recently appointed Open Judge – Brad Clark. It was very rewarding to see the improvement of the handlers – commented our judge. Sunday morning brought a change in the weather. Derek Binstead judged the Maiden and Encourage Fortunately we had a brighter end to our day. Our Juniors put on a really great show with the guest judge – Karl Hinselwood.

Novice Placegetters

Encourage Placegetters

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Nominations were very gender equal. Its great to see that we are attracting lots of interest with Yard trialing under QYUTA banner, and looking forward to future growth.

Maiden Placegetters

Rockhampton Working Dog Trial & Auction

Article by Laura Tacey | Photos by Jodie Humble - JEM Photography

The 2024 Ray White Rural Gracemere Working Dog Sale has solidified its position as the premier event showcasing the world’s most prestigious stock and working dogs. Bidders competed for 75 dogs and 58 pups at the annual event, with hammer sales exceeding $929,000 and achieving an impressive clearance rate of 88 percent. This year’s sale sought international interest from the United States and witnessed a phenomenal display of quality genetics, with prices reflecting the exceptional talent on offer. The three-day trial and sale event, held at the Central Queensland Livestock Exchange (CQLX), offered a unique opportunity for dog breeders, trainers, and enthusiasts to acquire top-quality stock and working dogs. In addition to the auction, a three-day working dog trial program took place from May 2nd to the 4th.

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History was made when Lot 64, Cabra Glebe Liz, sold for a record-breaking $40,000, surpassing the previous Guinness World Record for most expensive Border Collie. Congratulations to Cabra Glebe Working Dogs and the new owners, James & Helen Parker from Monto, Queensland. The 21-month-old tri-colored female is the progeny of renowned sire, Woodford Jack, and a dam whose breeding days are well behind her, making this a unique and iconic purchase. Liz is backed with a powerhouse of genetics that has produced a quality female with upfront force, stock sense, and is described as a great genetic asset. The top-priced pup was Lot 79, Carrdoon Della, fetching an impressive $32,000, sold by Carrdoon Genetics and going to Rob Grieve from Westbrook, Queensland. At just seven months old, she was described as the pick of the litter and a standout pup from an early age. Sired by Carrdoon Jim II (now deceased) out of Carrdoon Netty, this was the only litter to be sired by Carrdoon Jim.

AROUND THE GROUNDS “This sale was a testament to the dedication and passion within the working dog community,” said Gary Wendt, Principal of Ray White Rural Gracemere. “We are incredibly proud of the platform we’ve built and the success achieved this year. A huge thank you to our dedicated team and all the breeders, buyers, and supporters who made this event an absolute success.” Partnering with BackTrack Youth Works, all of the proceeds from Lot 115, Carrdoon Paige ($9,000), along with two sets of dog pens built by the students of BackTrack ($6,600), were donated to support the incredible work of this organisation. Key Statistics: 132 Dogs Offered ●

75 dogs averaged $8,273

●

57 pups averaging $5,773

●

Overall average $6,988

●

Clearance rate 90%

●

Gross sales exceeding $929,000

Whisper Snip top dog at Hypro 2024 Australian Yard Dog Championships Article by Angie White | Photos by WA Working Sheep Dog Association

The 2024 Hypro Australian Yard Dog Championships have been run and won in the grounds of Mobrup Polocrosse Club in Western Australia. With convoys of Trialers crossing land and sea to attend, Team WA went above and beyond to make it the best possible event for locals and those who made the journey from other states. Following a tough top 30, the top ten were decided upon and the final completed, and this year’s Australian Yard Dog Champion was deservedly awarded to Aoidh Doyle of Victoria with his dog Whisper Snip. With a combined score of 166.5 Snip edged out 2nd place getter Dean Incher and Rafa of NSW on 154, with fellow Victorian Mitch Jubb nipping at their heels on a score of 149 with Hopkinriver Karma. Tim Hall (TAS) came in 4th with Hilton Park Dusty, Dean Incher (NSW) with Hulk and Lee Mickan (SA) Waramara Joker equal 5th , Darren Jenke (SA) Gameon Cheeky and Bree Cudmore (VIC) Larnach Moana equal 7th, with Bree taking out 8th and 9th with Vera Blue and Vera Slim, while Allan Dunn (WA) took out 10th place with Gogetta Thor. According to this year’s Championships winner Aoidh Doyle, it was a tough trial. Aoidh who has won the title twice in the last three years said he really enjoyed the few days of yard dog trialing. “It was a very tough trial this year with the sheep, very challenging, which is great really as we are not chasing 95 or 96 so you can allow for a few mistakes, which I enjoyed,” said Aoidh with a laugh. “You didn’t have to be perfect and the competition was great.” “I only ever dreamt of winning the title once but to be lucky enough to win it twice is really good.” “The whole event was really well run,” said Aoidh. “To have fresh sheep for every

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competitor is massive. It puts everyone on the same playing field and the mobs that came out were all consistent and did the same thing for every competitor, blew up for everyone. When sheep are reused several times, you can say they know where they are going but with fresh sheep It’s a level playing field, and this alone is a credit to the organisers.” “We are lucky to get any sheep for trials in some places but to have fresh sheep every run is a really great effort by the committee.”

AROUND THE GROUNDS Over 3500 sheep were supplied by the Stretch family for the whole event, a mammoth effort of counting, sorting, mustering and moving. Five-year old Whisper Snip is owned by Aoidh’s wife Darcy and negotiations are well underway for who gets use of the dog following the wins of this year. “Yes, it’s true the dog belongs to Darcy much to my disgust,” laughs Aoidh. “Darcy won the Encourage trial at Hay on our way over here, so she is going to want her back. She is an incredible little bitch. We just came down off a high after winning the SSD and now she has taken out this title (and the 2024 National Kelpie Trial).” “She is an all-round dog, having won a maiden at the Australian Cattle trials, won utility trials and now the Australian Yard, and that’s what I love about her you can go to any trial and compete with her.” “We love Snip, she is always so consistent. She doesn’t always make a final, but she is always up there. She is so easy to work and so biddable, that’s why we love her.” “We bred her – she is out of Whisper Tilly by Tunderbardi

Grub. Sadly, Tilly died from a grass seed when Snip and litter brother Elvis were twelve weeks old which gave me the feeling, I reckon these dogs will be good because I can’t get the litter again. Elvis is an all-round dog too, so we are lucky to have two such handy dogs.” Karyn Buller WA Association Secretary was really happy with how the trial went, with pleasant weather perfect for working dogs. “This year 2024 was Western Australia’s turn to host the Australian Yard Dog Championship. Mobrup Polo Cross grounds saw the erection of a set of sheep yards and the generosity of the Stretch family who offered their merino ewes and wethers to set the challenge of finding the best yard dog in Australia.” “The Mobrup Polo Cross crew and band of hard-working helps laid the ground for a friendly and good-natured atmosphere as well as keeping us fed and watered.” “Competitors, their families and of course their trusty sheepdogs travelled from all states, Queensland, New South Wale, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, and Western Australia. In total 92 dogs competed in the first round of the championship and a second round of thirty, comprising

of the state representatives and state winners, the balance being the highest scoring dog in the first championship round. A third round the final, comprised of the top 10 (11 as we had a tie for 10th place).” Championship Judges Lyndon Cooper (SA) and Rod Cavill (VIC) were definitely put to the test over the days but rose to the task with professionalism. “Lyndon and Rod had the difficult task of picking the winner,” said Karyn. “With clicker in hand the points came off, the sheep putting up a challenge by not giving the dog an easy task.” The Open Yard Dog Final was a close encounter with only 1 point separating several competitors. Darren Jenke (SA) with Gameon Cheeky with a score 154.5 took out the top honour after a tense final. Bree Cudmore and Vera Slim ran in second with 153.5, and Tassie’s Simon Bowden 3rd place with Fouroaks Butch scoring 152.5. Dean Incher and Hulk came in 4th with 151.5, with Rexton Hocking looking as neat as a pin taking home the sash for 5th place with Washpool Felix and a score of 151. Equal 6th went to the NSW contingent of Justin Tombs and Harewood X and Kevin Howell and Karana Ned V. 8th place went to WA favourite Ken Atherton and Ramulam Charlie. With NSW having four of the six dogs in the Improver final, the chances of a NSW winner were high, and after a tough battle Tony Overton with his dog Gwydir Zeva took out the challenge with a score of 136.5. Gary White and Whites Pint scored second place on 128 and a popular third was Karyn Buller (WA - and a very hard-working committee member) with Boonining Turbo scoring third

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place on 127 points. Kevin Howell and Ned came in 4th, with Rex Hocking and Washpool Genie 5th and Mandy Carlon and Ballydine Brock in 6th Place. The Novice event, judged by Nan Lloyd of WA, was won by veteran trialer Kevin Howell with Karana Ned V and a total score of 178. Never to be underestimated, Kevin took home the trophy to NSW for this year. Bree Cudmore showed her usual excellent stockmanship coming in second place with Rousabout Cherry and a score of 166. Third place went to the Tassie devil himself Adrian Carpenter and Kamarooka Meg with 165, while Steven Wilksch and Jones Rose was 4th and Adrian Carpenter 5th with Bamma George. Bree Cudmore, a well-known female trialer enjoyed travelling to WA for the event to meet people she had heard of and to compete. “I’ve really enjoyed the trial,” said Bree. “It has been a massive challenge. The course was really well set up and it didn’t need to be too technical as the sheep caused the chaos.” “My success was varied throughout the week, but I was really happy with how most of my dogs worked and I can’t fault their dedication, they all worked very hard for me, but for some it just wasn’t their day. Sometimes you would think you had it, but then you didn’t and that’s dog trialing I guess,” laughs Bree. “It’s really good to see more and more women handlers making their way through the ranks. When I first started

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Results

2024 Hypro Premium National Yard Dog Championship there wasn’t so many girls in the sport, though that has changed, and you see more coming through, it’s great to see.” NSW competitors Dean Incher and Justin Tombs took out the coveted Interstate Challenge with Tasmanians Simon Bowden and Tim Hall in 2nd place. Victoria represented by Bree Cudmore and Aoidh Doyle followed in 3rd place with South Australia’s Lee Mickan 4th, Nigel Armstrong and Allan Dunn WA 5th and Queensland’s Errol Gill and Callum Storey 6th. President of the WA Yard Utility Association Rod Forsyth told Rural Focus (voice of agriculture radio program) how thrilled the committee were with the event. “The Trial went absolutely fantastically,” said Rod. “The weather put it on for us and the Mobrup Polocrosse committee treated us to 5-star accommodation and meals and the sheep, and the dogs put on a great display for us all.” “It was really hard work for the judges to find the eventual winner with so many dogs,” said Rod, “Overall it was a great event.”

1. Aoidh Doyle (VIC) - Whisper Snip 166.5 2. Dean Incher (NSW) - Rafa 154 3. Mitch Jubb (VIC) - Hopkinsriver Karma 149 4. Tim Hall (TAS) - Hilton Park Dusty 148 =5. Dean Incher (NSW) - Hulk 142.5 =5. Lee Mickan (SA) - Waramara Joker 142.5 =7. Darren Jenke (SA) - Gameon Cheeky 141 =7. Bree Cudmore (VIC) - Larnach Moana 141

2024 Midland Stock Yards Preliminary Open Event

1. Darren Jenke (SA) - Gameon Cheeky 154.5 2. Bree Cudmore (VIC) - Vera Slim 153.5 3. Simon Bowden (TAS) - Fouroaks Butch 152.5 4. Dean Incher (NSW) - Hulk 151.

2024 Cooperative Bulk Handling Improver Event

1. Tony Overton (NSW) - Gwydir Zeva 136.5 2. Gary White (NSW) - Whites Pint 128 3. Karyn Buller (WA) - Boonining Turbo 127 4. Kevin Howell (NSW) - Karana Ned V 108.5 5. Rex Hocking (SA) - Washpool Genie 72.5

2024 Stretches Novice Event

1. Kevin Howell (NSW) Karana Ned V 178 2. Bree Cudmore (VIC) Rousabout Cherry 166 3. Adrian Carpenter (TAS) Kamarooka Meg 165 4. Steven Wilksch (SA) Jones Rose 162 5. Adrian Carpenter (TAS) Bamma George 156

Where to this time..? Honoring a Legacy: Peter Moore Memorial Charity Dog Trial

Article by Laura McKillop | Photos by ABC Central West & Amy Kerr

n the heart of Tarana, surrounded by beautiful landscapes and gentle breezes, something special is happening. Dog handlers from all over the Central West have come to this peaceful place to honor a yard trials legend, Peter Moore. Almost three weeks before the trial, Peter Moore sadly passed away at the age of 65 after a long battle with cancer. However, his spirit still resonates strongly with those who knew him, especially in the close-knit community of Tarana.

For two decades, Peter was the driving force behind the Tarana Yard Trial, and many other local trials. Prior to that, he held the esteemed position of President of the Australian Yard Dog Association, leaving an indelible mark on the community. Graham Fletcher, a lifelong friend of Peter and a prominent figure in the local area, reminisces about their shared journey. “Pete, with cancer, was in palliative care, and we were at his bedside quite a bit, holding his hand in the last few days, he said, ‘Fletch, this trial needs to happen, it needs to go on,” says Graham.

AROUND THE GROUNDS Indeed, Peter’s wish is being honoured in a manner befitting his legacy. The Tarana Yard Trial, an event he nurtured and cherished, will now carry his name in perpetuity. Starting next year, it will be known as the “Peter Moore Memorial Charity Dog Trial,” a touching reminder of the values he stood for. But beyond the accolades and the renaming, there lies a deeper significance to this gathering. All funds raised during the event are dedicated to supporting local individuals, clubs, or anyone facing hardship in the community.

Held annually over the Easter Long Weekend just outside the local pub, is a delightful event for those unfamiliar with it. With refreshing cold beers, tantalizing food offerings, and an atmosphere that beckons you to mark it on your calendar, it’s truly a trial worth experiencing. Moreover, the event isn’t just about enjoyment; it also serves a noble purpose.

For those who knew Peter Moore, his absence is felt, yet his presence looms large throughout his local Bathurst regions working dog trials and community. His spirit remains intertwined with the very fabric of the event he helped cultivate. And as long as dogs bark and handlers tread these hallowed grounds, his memory will endure, a guiding light for generations to come.

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Manilla Agriculture Show Yard Dog Trials 9th March 2024

nce again the Manilla Agriculture Show’s yard dog trials proved very popular with competitors and spectators. In the first class of the day the “Ross Steward Memorial Maiden”, Gunnedah grazier Ian Gardner’s kelpie “Whiskey”, showed excellent control over the merino hoggets that were supplied by the Gallagher family. Ian Gardner then showed his expertise in stock handling partnered with his black and tan kelpie “Hank” for Ian’s second win of the day, the Novice yard trial.

Article & Photos by Barbara Lee

M & M Stockyards sponsored the speed trial, where Manilla resident Blake Ruttley and his kelpie “Molly” demonstrated excellent control over the young sheep and completed the course in the fastest time of 1 minute 46 seconds. The challenge of holding the sheep, loading the drenching race, drafting and then loading onto and off a trailer prior to penning again, was appreciated by the large number of spectators. Blake and “Molly” then went on to win the “Peter Jones Memorial” Local dog trial before his wife, Emilie showed how “Molly” was a little super star by winning the “Bree Taber Beginners Local Dog Trial”. Thank you to local businesses for sponsoring the yard dog trials, M & M Stockyards; The North Store (Transwest Fuel); W & C Northey Excavations; Howards Hay; The Red Door Butchers. Thank you to Gerard Gallagher for providing the sheep for the yard trials, also the judges, scorers and yard men who kept the sheep flowing through the yards throughout the day.

Maiden & Novice Winner Ian Gardner with Judge Ed Wall

Peter Murphy in the Speed Trial

AROUND THE GROUNDS Clint Aspinall & Dodge

Local Winner & Placegetters

Results Ross Stewart Memorial Maiden Yard Dog Trial 1. Ian Gardner – Whiskey 2. Clint Aspinall - Rose 3. Peter Murphy – Gunn

Novice Yard Dog Trial Speed Trial Winner and Placegetters

1. Ian Gardner – Hank 2. Ian Gardner – Whiskey 3. Clint Aspinall – Dodge

M & M Stockyards Speed Trial 1. Blake Ruttley – Molly 2. Ian Gardner – Hank 3. Ed Wall – Duke

Peter Jones Memorial Local Yard Dog Trial 1. Black Ruttley – Molly 2. Leanne King – Jed 3. Katie King – Tarnie

Peter Jones Memorial Local Yard Dog Trial 1. Emilie Ruttley - Molly

2024 National

Kelpie Field Trial

Article by Angie White | Photos by WA Working Sheep Dog Association

The 2024 National Kelpie Field Trial was held in April at “Binnaburra” the home of Gordon and Sara Curtis at Kellerberrin Western Australia.

to regroup and make the 400km trek to Kellerberrin,” said WA Secretary Karyn Buller, “and the WA Association was very happy with how the event went.”

This year’s winner was Irish lad Aoidh Doyle with his dog Whisper Snip. This gave Aoidh and Snip two Australian titles in a space of ten days, a history making and previously unheard of result with the same dog, which highlights the skills and all-round consistency of Snip as a working dog and Aoidh as her handler.

“Wednesday morning kicked off with the Australasian Event. This event is a utility trial for working dogs and Kelpies that are not registered with the Working Kelpie Council, with not a large field, the Border Collies dominated the placings and local Simon Leaning took out 1st place.”

The trial itself attracted 28 dedicated kelpie breeders from five states with 76 kelpies competing in the Championships, 54 dogs in the Novice and eleven in the Australasian event.

“Wednesday afternoon was the start of the National novice kelpie field trial with 54 novice dogs entering the event, this is the leadup to the National Kelpie Field Championship with the kelpies having to show their skill set in both paddock and yards.”

“On the completion of the AYDC everyone had a few days

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AROUND THE GROUNDS “The dogs set off on a long cast to bring 3 sheep to the handler, they then had 16 big woolly wethers to put through a yard course then back out onto the ground with the three sheep to position them through three obstacles, the alternate goal was to pen them, which not many people achieved not through lack of trying but each competitor only had a time of 16 minute to complete the course,” says Ms. Buller.

“Snip, who is 5 years old, is a consistent all-rounder, capable of tackling any type of trial. She is very biddable and easy to work and just a lovely dog. We have had some great successes this year.” added Aoidh.

As the weather warmed up so did the competition as competitors and dogs took on the sheep for the coveted Championship title.

“It’s been a few years since I have been able to participate in the NKFT so to host it in WA was a fantastic opportunity,” said Simon. “The set up at ‘Binnaburra’ was first class.”

“The Championship final saw a mixture of states, Gary White from NSW with two kelpies, Ken Atherton WA, Aoidh Doyle Vic, Nan Lloyd WA going in on top score with 85, Kevin Howell NSW and Adrian Carpenter TAS. After some stiff rivalry once again Aoidh Doyle and his kelpie Whisper Snip came out on top,” said Ms. Buller.

“I have always considered the Utility trial to be the ultimate test of a dog. The big cast and course combined with the tricky sheep were quite a challenge so for a young dog like Marionvale Woody to perform so well was quite a thrill,” he said.

“I was really happy to score the shield for the National Kelpie Trial this year, said winner Aoidh Doyle of Victoria. “The sheep were tough but with fresh sheep every run, same as the Australian Yard Trial, it put us all on a level playing field of not having a clue of what we would get,” laughs Aoidh. “I really enjoyed seeing some of Australia’s best Kelpies in action and seeing the way other handlers got around the course.”

Simon Leaning who took out both the Novice and Australasian events with his Dogs Woody and Di, enjoyed the trial and getting to catch up with friends.

“His pen under pressure was the only difference between first and second in a hotly contested final,” added Simon. Working Kelpie Council representative Barbara Cooper travelled from Castle Hill in NSW accompanied by her daughter Sue. 99 year old Barbara sat to watch the kelpies in action enjoying catching up with all the competitors. Barbara has dedicated her life to the Working Kelpie Council volunteering her time and energy into making the association what it is today – one of the largest member associations in Australia.

Barbara judged the Bradley Sisters Memorial Trophy for Best Type Kelpie (assisted by Mandy & Sandy Carlon) which was won by Rod Cavill of Victoria and his dog Tundabardi Mate.” The Australasian was judged by Richard McGuire, Novice Judge was Nigel Armstrong and National Kelpie Trial Judge was Grant Cooke. WA locals with years of judging experience. Adrian Carpenter of Tasmania travelled over to attend the trial making it his third time in WA for the event and enjoyed watching everyone work. “It was a great spot to hold the trial, the sheep were testing but that was good. I liked how the course was set up and Gordon and the WA crew did a great job over the course of the trial to get it all organised,” said Adrian. Amongst the jest and comradery of the event were great displays of stockmanship, sportsmanship and outstanding work from dogs and handlers. Veteran trialers Kevin Howell and Rex Hocking made the journey across the Nullabor to compete, and everyone admires their competitive spirit, tenacity and dedication to the sport and of course Rex’s jokes. “Kevin and I love travelling all around Australia competing in the N.K.F.T,” said Kay Howell. “It is the ultimate trial for him.” “We love the friendships of our beautiful friend’s - it is what I love the most. Sitting around the campfire with friends what else could you ask for.” “We just travelled across the Nullabor for the 7th time to compete. Kevin came away with equal 6th in the NKFT and 1st in the Novice Australian Yard Championships. Utility trialing is Kevin’s passion, and he is so fortunate to still be able to live his dream in his 83rd year,” said Kay. The friendship between Kevin and Kay and Rex and Kay is what trialing is all about as years spent together have formed great bonds and many memories, one of the fantastic upsides of dogs. A huge congratulations to the WA organizing team for all of their efforts in running not just the Kelpie Trial but The Australian Yard Trial also. These volunteers put in huge efforts and long hours in the pursuit of trialing and everyone is grateful for their time and energy. Preparations begin in earnest now for next year’s NKFT to be hosted by Queensland.

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Results National Kelpie Field Trial Championship 21st April 2024 Working Kelpie Council (76 dogs) 1. Aoidh Doyle & Whisper Snip - 122 (Vic) 2. Nan Lloyd & Kumbark Lexi - 117 (WA) 3. Adrian Carpenter & Wyanbah Monster - 114 (TAS) 4. Gary White & Whites Broke - 106 (NSW) 5. Ken Atherton & Ramulam Prickles - 80 (WA) =6. Gary White & Whites Billy - 57 (NSW) =6. Kevin Howell & Karana Roy IV - 57 (NSW)

National Novice Kelpie Field Trial (54 dogs)

1. Simon Leaning & Marionvale Woody - 127 (WA) 2. Adrian Carpenter & Wyanbah Monster - 113 (TAS) 3. Adrian Carpenter & Tumutvalley Sue II - 91 (TAS) 4. Rex Hocking & Washpool Tabitha - 78 (SA) 5. Gordon Curtis & Binnaburra Chloe II - 71 (WA) 6. Rod Cavill & Tundabardi Mate - 68 (VIC) 7. Tony Overton & Gwydir Zeva - 57 (NSW)

Australasian Championships (11 dogs) 1. Simon Leaning & Marionvale Di (WA) 2. Grant Cooke & Pendalup Gilbert (WA) 3. Grant Cooke & Grassvalley Bluey (WA)

NKFT Championship Shield - Aoidh Doyle VIC Prendercast Memorial Breeder of the Winning Dog - Aoidh Doyle VIC C.J Butler Memorial (highest individual score) Nan Lloyd (85) WA Capree Kelpie Stud Perpetual Trophy (fastest time over the course) - Nan Lloyd WA Lorna Browning Perpetual Trophy (lady working the highest scoring dog) - Kumbark Lexi & Nan Lloyd WA Frank Scanlon Perpetual (best cast, lift and draw) - Tara Herbert WA Coleman Noakes Memorial (highest scoring novice dog) - Ramulam Prickles (57), Ken Atherton WA Les Tarrant Rockybar (best outside work in the opinion of the judge) - Bree Cudmore VIC Scoriochre Trophy (most effective yard performance) - Adrian Carpenter TAS Bullenbong Trophy (highest scoring novice dog worked by a novice handler) - Daniel Beard WA

AROUND THE GROUNDS

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An American View of the National Kelpie Field Trial Dave Viklund, from Double V Stockdogs, Oregon USA attended the National Kelpie Trial recently in WA. Dave is a well-known and respected trainer in the US and also travels to Australia bi-annually to train working dogs. Gary ran a School at Dave and wife Trudy’s home several years ago and we got to see him in action. Jason and Lee Crockford hosted Dave at the NKFT. Here are some of his insights.

“I was excited to be able to put faces to names we hear thrown around when discussion of Kelpies, Kelpie Studs and pedigrees are had. I was also very pleased to be able to see dogs from studs that we don’t really hear about because they have not focused on exporting to the Americas.

“I was asked by Angie White to write my thoughts as a foreigner attending the National Kelpie Field Trial.

“The National Kelpie Field Trial is a utility trial. A utility trial has elements of yard work as well as out work.

“My understanding is each of the seven states takes a turn hosting. This year’s trial was held in Western Australia. It was a thrill for me to be able to see a different part of Australia while at the same time getting to see Working Kelpies trialling.

“The owner of the facility, Gordon, said the cast (outrun to us) was about 190 metres or about 209 yards. The cast was the first part of the trial and, like here, this was followed by a straight draw (fetch) but to a handler ring rather than a post.

AROUND THE GROUNDS “One cross was allowed on the cast, but a second cross was a DQ. Once the sheep entered the ring the handler could proceed to walk a line with the dog holding the sheep within 10 meters to the left of the walking handler. “The handler was not allowed to change their pace once they set out walking until they got to the gate to put the sheep into a pen on the side of the Yards. I should have written this when it was fresher in my mind because at this point there was some fancy rule to keep the handler from being able to assist too much with this pen (something about keeping a knee on the gate). “Once the sheep were penned the handler brought their dog to a gate and waited to enter the yard once the crew had turned out 15 sheep. One of the big rules that would have been easy to foul here is the cross. The dog could not even enter this gate stepping between handler and sheep. The dogs were allowed to cross in the race and in the sort but not again in the bigger yard. “It was interesting to watch the strategies the handlers used getting their dog into the tub leading to the race when they were not sure if this was a place the dogs could cross. When the dog and handler were in the yards, they gathered the sheep to a gate to a squeeze tub leading to the race (chute). The handler was to stand at the gate once they set it how they wanted and could only assist the dog with voice commands. They could not change the gate, position at the gate, or shepherd the sheep to help the dog. When the sheep were in the tub the handler closed the gate then had to stand there waiting until the dog got between the sheep and the race gate.

The handler then was able to go set the race gate, take a step back and set the dog to work filling the race by flanking, backing etc. The handler again was not able to move to help the dog until the race was filled and the dog had room to enter the back of the race, clear of the gate so the handler could close the race with dog and sheep inside. Walking to the front of the race the handler could open the front gate if they had room. If they didn’t have room to open the gate, the dog had to come up and make room for the gate to be opened. With the gate open the handler was to take a step back and not move while the dog emptied the race into another tub. This tub led to the sort. The dog, again, had to go up and clear the gate into the sorting race before the handler could leave the last gate they had just closed (front race gate). At this gate the handler had to figure out a strategy for how full they were going to fill the sorting race to enable a smooth flow once they started the sort (a sheep delay when they opened the sort gate would start the judge taking points as well as breaks in the flow of movement). “They were to sort the first two and the last three into the main yard. The middle ten were into another pen off the end of the sorting race, a two-way sort. The sheep were then combined in the yard and moved towards the let-out gate. “At this point a single cross of the dog between handler and sheep could again result in a DQ. I watched a handler stop their dog when it had cleared the let-out gate, then they walked along the wall of the yards: walking behind the dog as they went to the gate resulting in a DQ for crossing. A sad moment for sure, who would have thought a cross was a simple as stepping behind a dog rather than in front of.

With the sheep put back in the pens the handler and dog then went to get the three sheep they had penned earlier so they could finish the out work. Taking these sheep out, careful not to cross, they proceeded to walk a line (same rules sheep within 10 meters this time to the right of the handler and handler not changing pace once pace was set) fetching the sheep to a small wall of panels with an opening in the middle large enough for the three sheep to enter at once. They could not start this obstacle until the handler was in a ring holding onto a post. They were warned to be careful to not influence the sheep to enter the obstacle, it had to be done with the dog only. “The warning even went so far to say if they had to shoo flies from their face to do it only while the sheep were looking way. When all three sheep were through the obstacle the handler had another walk on the line with sheep within 10 metres of their right side to the next obstacle. “This obstacle was a Tawonga Trap - a series of panels on either side of a short-closed alley. The handler was to stand in a ring again holding a post while the dog put the

sheep into the trap. When the sheep were in the trap the dog was to hold them while the handler went to the gate to let them out, hopefully without pushing them back on top of the dog out of the trap. “The dog brought the sheep through the trap and covered them, again without crossing between handler and sheep. With the sheep out of the trap the handler was to close the gate walk back to the ring and post before proceeding to walk another line, with sheep within 10 metres of their right side to the pen. “This pen was open and had a ring with a post for the handler to stand at and hold onto while the dog penned the sheep. When the sheep were penned the handler could leave the post and ring while the dog held the sheep in until the gate was closed. Time ended at this point. They were given 16 minutes to finish the course. All elements had to be fully accomplished, not nearly and moving on. “So, what does this fellow from the Americas think about the National Kelpie Field Trial?

There is so much to learn about different approaches to handling dogs and livestock with so much overlap even in the differences. “I enjoyed getting to talk to people from all over the country and hear different ideas of getting the tasks done and hear a little of how they do things. I went hoping to find a very specific type of dog. I did not find it but saw lots of good parts; dogs and handlers that I want to watch more. “It was good to see old friends and meet new ones. There were way too many rules that are different than ours for me to remember them all. On top of new rules for me, apparently the rules are not the same for every state. I watched the office crew trying to make sense of the rules that had to be followed from WA as well as rules that were required by Working Kelpie Council. Also got to see rules that were made with certain competitors in mind. “I was interested to see in the out work they blocked and allowed sheep to choose the obstacle rather than pushing them through it. I rarely saw a handler ask their dog forward outside of the yards. Timing and placement were much different than I am used to. The set-out system was fascinating. They were turned out from a race and guided using ribbons on a line.

“I really liked the attitude of most of the competitors. They were there to compete but did not let the competition get in the way of enjoying each other and feeling joy in the success of others. Barbara Cooper, 99 years old and still attended the National Kelpie Field Trial as a representative of WKC, travelled with family from the other side of the country. “The fact that each part of the course had a point value (I believe outwork was worth 70 and yard 30) you could be pointed beyond what was available. There were people that had zero points left by the time they were in the yard. I have never been to a trial that you could simply point out. Judges started pointing at the send and kept the clicker clicking until there were no points left or the course was finished, Amazing! “Was it worth going to? Absolutely! My only regret is I wish I had a dog there to compete with!

Words & Photos collated by Angie White

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Business Directory

QUALITY AUSTRALIAN MADE WORKING DOG COLLARS

“Tough dog collars and accessories made to last” Jess Smith - 0448 294 151 - icenfiredogcollars@outlook.com www.icenfiredogcollars.com

Living in the Lucky Country

SCAN THE QR CODE TO BROWSE OUR FULL RANGE OF DOG COLLARS & LEADS

angus barrett saddlery & leather goods www.angusbarrett.com.au

If you’re into outback life, this book has it all. Horse breaking, shearing, scrubbers, brumbies, a picnic race day, horse shows, working dogs, a little romance, and a whole lot more. While the characters are fictional,all the horses and working dogs are based on actual animals.

$30.00 including postage Think Like a Canine

A concise and down-to-earth guide to training working and livestock guarding dogs.

$25.00 including postage

Reasonable Force Crime in the Outback A novella or short novel inspired by the author’s experience in the Police Force in the 1970s

$25.00 including postage

Available From Ken Sykes kwsykes@bigpond.com

Breeders Directory

AWSDM

INGREDIENT

KANGAROO MEAT

ENDURO PLUS

Are you struggling maintaining weight on your working dogs? Switch to a product that delivers the results you need. Meat Protein Source - Kangaroo High Calorie Formulation - Value for money per serve Endurance Enhancing Ingredients Produces the Enduro Shine on your Dogs coat.

! e g n a R l l u F

15mm Biscuit size

INGREDIENT

KANGAROO MEAT

ENDURO FULLBOAR

Best Suited for Higher Output Working, Hunting and Performance Dogs Meat Protein Source - Kangaroo Proven to add and maintain weight Delivers Extra Energy and Added Performance Amino Acids - to aid muscle recovery High Calorie Formulation - great value per feed, feed less, get more Produces the Enduro Shine on your Dogs Coat. 15mm Biscuit size

A comprehensive online resource, dedicated to the training and use of working stock dogs.. Structured, step by step instruction

Problem solving & success tips

Lots of different dogs

Q & A, feedback, and an interactive community

Real, practical stock work

Money back, satisfaction guarantee!

‘Work on your dog, and your dog gets better. Work on yourself, and all your dogs get better.’