Tips for Clan Kelpie Owners
Good dogs respond to firm, consistent treatment with loyalty and companionship. Unlike a tractor, a busy working dog does not give of his best if he is switched on only when wanted, and switched off to be left on the chain for the rest of the time.
Busy dog owners, by investing a very small amount of time and thought may gain more from their dog by adapting some of these suggestions to their own situation.
- Feed your dog yourself as often as possible.
- Take dog (and chain) if doing station jobs and if necessary, tie him up while fixing windmills, fencing etc.
- Insist dog learns to "sit" before eating or before being let off the chain.
- When pup shows first interest in working, try and avoid reprimand at this time. If the pup is in the way, catch it, pat it, restrain it and praise it.
- Pups can be taught the meaning of "come" and "sit" with the aid of a long, strong string to insist on obedience. This can be most effective if taught before they are first tied up.
- Clan dogs have been selected for strong instincts to herd and hold so they can assist commercial stockmen achieve low-stress stockhandling with a minimum of commands, one such skilled-stockman is Bud Williams.
- Take every opportunity to praise and caress as reward for good work.
Moira at at Charleville Dog Auction 1990 with Clan Glow
Working Kelpie Council Annual Field Trial; held Toowoomba 1995.
Moira McDowall being presented with the Bullenbong Trophy
by Carl Carlon President of the W.K.C.
(photo: Vern Thorpe. Iowa. USA.)
Working Kelpie Council Annual Field Trial; held Toowoomba. Q. 1995.
Angus McDowall presented with 2nd prize (equal) ribbon in the Novice event,
for two dogs, (“ Clan Happy”,& her uncle “Clan Shaka II”)
by WKC great; Les Tarrant.
This was particularly significant, as both dogs carried a wealth of
Les’s “Rockybar” kelpie bloodlines.
(photo Vern Thorpe. Iowa. USA.)