Four-Legged Drover Story by KELLI FULKERSON
Total Page：16
File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb
58 February 2013 Stock Dog Series: Part 1 Four-legged Drover Story by KELLI FULKERSON For a dog, being man’s best friend may be the most satisfying job; however, one of the most traditional occupations for canines is herding. The stock dog — also referred to as herding, working or cattle dog — was originally developed to assist humans in the control and direction of livestock herds, says Deb Meier, editor of the Stockdog Journal. Herding breeds are born with the instinctive tendency to herd; but, because most stock dogs live as companion animals, they may never come in contact with livestock. “Truly it’s a shame,” says Meier. “There are so many producers out there that could use the help of a stock dog. They just don’t always understand the benefits.” How stock dogs can help Chosen well and Think of the times you have thought you could tackle a job in 15 minutes, only trained correctly, to spend two hours trying to accomplish the task. It’s common when working with a stock dog can be a cattle, whether you’re trying to administer valuable cowhand a vaccine, pull a newborn calf or rotate cattle to a new pasture. and companion. Of course, you could take on a hired PHOTO BY DYLAN HORSTMEYER HORSTMEYER DYLAN BY PHOTO hand, but that can become expensive, says Meier. She believes any task can be simplified with the help of a stock dog. When researching breeds of stock cattleman must first recognize the type of the dogs to come out and do the job all “Producers don’t have time to coddle dogs, there are many traits that are herding that they use when moving their through instinct. It doesn’t work like that.” all the livestock they have,” said Meier. important to look for — temperament, cattle. There are three different types of This is where age at selection factors “It’s their moral obligation to ensure their energy level, compatibility with children, herding: driving, mustering and boundary. in, she mentions. If you want to train your animals are receiving the best care, but ease of training and grooming needs. Driving is the style that is most stock dog yourself, or if you want to select what if they had a four-legged partner Some breeds of dogs will have a strong commonly used in the Midwest, says Meier. the specific trainer, it is a smart choice to to help?” will and can become aggressive and This is the style that dogs use when taking purchase a puppy. This ensures that you A good stock dog can easily replace the territorial. This is not ideal for the first- cattle through gates and pens and when are providing the training for the dog just efforts of multiple helpers when it comes to time stock-dog owner, notes Meier. If they moving cattle from one part of the pasture as you want. Puppies won’t be ready for moving cattle, says Meier. Stock become aggressive with you, to another without human assistance. training until at least 6 months of age. dogs can gather your entire they are almost certainly “Driving is a quick and easy way to Some experts suggest waiting until at least herd, move them wherever Getting to know going to become aggressive move cattle from place to place, and 12 months of age before beginning to they need to go, separate out with your cattle. there is no extra manpower or horse (pun train a puppy. individuals, hold them in place, breeders before Getting to know intended) needed,” says Meier. “It’s good to let a dog grow up with and, most importantly, protect breeders before purchasing When a dog is used to muster, they you,” says Meier. “It gives the pup an your backside. purchasing a a dog is crucial. If there are must retrieve the cattle from far away opportunity to learn your moods and There are many factors to dog is crucial. any complications with the areas of the property and return them characteristics so that when they are consider when purchasing a dog, it is important to know to their master. This method is typically trained, they respond directly to you and stock dog. Meier encourages what the breeder is willing seen in areas with large open pastures or your behaviors.” all interested producers to do their to do to compensate you for your dog, rugged mountain terrain, says Meier. If age isn’t a concern, there is always homework beforehand. Things to keep in says Meier. There are rescue organizations Boundary herding requires the dog the option of buying an older adult dog mind include environment, breed, herding for some breeds, which may provide an to provide an artificial fence around the that has already been trained and has some style, age and training. alternative to purchasing directly through perimeter of the cattle, keeping them experience under its belt. a breeder. from wandering out of the producers’ Environment and breed Make sure to talk to other producers designated area. This method is rarely Stock dog ownership Just like selecting the right cattle breed, in your area who use stock dogs. They seen in the cattle industry, says Meier. A stock dog, like any other purchase on selecting the right breed of dog is vital to will be able to offer insight about their Before purchasing a stock dog, evaluate a livestock operation, is an investment, says their success within your operation. experiences with dogs and breeds that your herding style and select a breed that Meier. A stock dog is only as good as its The American Kennel Club (AKC) have worked for them. fits your needs, she says. handler, so make sure you are ready for the currently recognizes 25 breeds in task of a stock dog on your operation. its “herding” groups, though many Herding style Training and age “The time stock dogs helped us save other breeds can exhibit herding and The speed and agility that a dog brings In order to use a stock dog, the dog was well worth any amount of money,” says droving instincts. These dogs vary in to the table is something that can never must first undergo a high level of training. Meier. “Our dogs are our companions and size, appearance and country of origin. be matched by a human, says Meier. Each It’s a step cattlemen often fail to take. tools to better utilize our time and money.” However, they all share the trait of being breed differs in its strengths and herding “That is the biggest mistake that we see able to successfully herd livestock. style. In selecting a breed of dog, a producers make,” says Meier. “They expect February 2013 59 Sample of herding breeds Many breeds of dogs are recog- nized for their herding and droving instincts. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes 25 in its herding* group. Here is a sample of the differ- ent breeds mentioned by the AKC, United Kennel Club and the Ameri- can Herding Breed Association. © AKC BLOOM MARY BY PHOTOS Australian Cattle Dog* Australian Shepherd* Bearded Collie* Beauceron* Belgian Malinois* Belgian Sheepdog* Belgian Tervuren* Bernese Mountain Dog Border Collie* Bouvier des Flandres* Boxers Briard* Canaan Dog* Cardigan Welsh Corgi* Collie* PHOTO COURTESY AKC COURTESY PHOTO Finnish Lapphund* German Shepherd Dog* Giant Schnauzer Greater Swiss Mountain Dog PHOTO BY JAY SCHUFF COURTESY AKC COURTESY SCHUFF JAY BY PHOTO Entlebucher Mountain Dog* PHOTO BY ELSE TURNER ELSE BY PHOTO Kerry Blue Terrier Norwegian Buhund* Old English Sheepdog* Pembroke Welsh Corgi* © PHOTO BY BRYNHILDUR INGA BY PHOTO JANES CHRISTIAN BY PHOTO Icelandic Sheepdog* Polish Lowland Sheepdog* Puli* Pyrenean Shepherd* Rottweiler PHOTO COURTESY AKC COURTESY PHOTO Samoyeds Shetland Sheepdog* Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier* Standard Schnauzer Swedish Vallhund*.