I'm entertaining the thought of a new dog. Something in between a family dog and a working dog, but will probably be more of a family pet as I don't have much experience training working dogs and we have worked cows for so long with out a dog. I know most of you have border collies or heelers, but I was thinking about an austrailian sheperd. Just wanted to get your opinions.
australian sheperds?
- Thread starter C-E
- Start date
Jassy
Well-known member
Me being a border collie fan will tell you...ANY breed of dog that is a herder type needs a job or they will get into more trouble than you can shake a stick at..lol They are a busy kind of dogs and although they can be fun as family pets...they still need a purpose to fullfill their nature. Trust me on this one...on days I don't go and check cattle...my borders are into all sorts of stuff...but as long as we do our routine checks...they're fine. If ya are looking for more of a family pet...choose something that doesn't need alot of attention...Good luck!
Faster horses
Well-known member
In your instance, I think Aussies will be better suited to your needs.
I know lots of calm, kid loving Aussies.
Not that Border Collies don't love kids, but it has been my
experience that they are really pretty busy dogs, as Jassy
pointed out.
We have a Blue Heeler-Aussie cross that is super sweet and is
more on the lazy side than the hyper side. He's just right for us.
He's a nice friend and he'll help work cattle. He's not crazy about
the horses tho. We think he may have gotten kicked at some time
when he was a pup.
I know lots of calm, kid loving Aussies.
Not that Border Collies don't love kids, but it has been my
experience that they are really pretty busy dogs, as Jassy
pointed out.
We have a Blue Heeler-Aussie cross that is super sweet and is
more on the lazy side than the hyper side. He's just right for us.
He's a nice friend and he'll help work cattle. He's not crazy about
the horses tho. We think he may have gotten kicked at some time
when he was a pup.
kolanuraven
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 27, 2005
- Messages
- 10,917
I kinda' rehab' Aussies and Heelers, etc.
Aussies are MUCH more calmer than Heelers BUT a few things to know.
#1...They will think you are GOD...plain and simple. They will do ANYTHING to please you
#2...Aussies get their feelings hurt really fast and remember it. So when you have to correct the dog for whatever....don't hit yell or scream like a maniac ( yes we've all done it!!) Correct stongly yet forcefully and mean it each and every time the same way if you have to repeat the correction
#3....YOU are the Alpha Dog!
#4 Working is a natural thing with these types of dogs...have a ' job' for them. Walking with you at a certain time.....whatever .....but they love routines. Left alone...they are so smart they will come up with ways to entertain themselves, this is usually not good when that happens!!!
:lol: :lol:
If you want to train it for cattle...working with an already trained dog is good....but natural ability will exist in 98% of the dogs naturally!
Finally....lots of dog cookies and " atta boy" when a job well done.
Aussies are MUCH more calmer than Heelers BUT a few things to know.
#1...They will think you are GOD...plain and simple. They will do ANYTHING to please you
#2...Aussies get their feelings hurt really fast and remember it. So when you have to correct the dog for whatever....don't hit yell or scream like a maniac ( yes we've all done it!!) Correct stongly yet forcefully and mean it each and every time the same way if you have to repeat the correction
#3....YOU are the Alpha Dog!
#4 Working is a natural thing with these types of dogs...have a ' job' for them. Walking with you at a certain time.....whatever .....but they love routines. Left alone...they are so smart they will come up with ways to entertain themselves, this is usually not good when that happens!!!
:lol: :lol:
If you want to train it for cattle...working with an already trained dog is good....but natural ability will exist in 98% of the dogs naturally!
Finally....lots of dog cookies and " atta boy" when a job well done.
I had a border aussie cross she would spend the whole day running from the house to the barn to the shop round and round chaseing birds.One day as I was coming down the road she was a 1/2 mile from home when I spotted her and she was running like heck to beat me home I tried to beat her but she had a shortcut as I came in the yard she was airborn slideing to a stop right in front of the door.She was'nt even panting when I walked up to her all I said to her was "Nice Try" she knew she was bad no sense making more of it.
We have a Border Collie now her feeling's get hurt very easy if you want her help don't hollar at her.If she get's pissed at you she will walk to the house very slowly to make sure you notice. Walk right up to the door and lay down.I swear if she had a middle finger she'd show it to you.She won't work bulls though one kicked in the head a few years ago and since then your on your own.
I've never owned a heeler I've been around them and they are a bit hard headed from what I've seen they don't seem to care if you hollar at them though and they are tough.
We have a Border Collie now her feeling's get hurt very easy if you want her help don't hollar at her.If she get's pissed at you she will walk to the house very slowly to make sure you notice. Walk right up to the door and lay down.I swear if she had a middle finger she'd show it to you.She won't work bulls though one kicked in the head a few years ago and since then your on your own.
I've never owned a heeler I've been around them and they are a bit hard headed from what I've seen they don't seem to care if you hollar at them though and they are tough.
cowwrangler
Well-known member
i have a border/assie cross, best cattle dog i ever had,not too hyper,but his feelings get hurt easy also,like when he cant ride in the tractor,he walks bak to the house looking back over his shoulder in case you change your mind,or else he will jump in threw the window of the pickup and wait
sic 'em reds
Well-known member
We raise and train Border Collies, so you can guess what breed I recommend.
If you have no experience training dogs, and don't really want a a dog to help all that much, try an animal shelter or find someone that has a working type dog that doesn't want to work. There are alot of dogs that won't work for one reason or another and they usually are given away or put down.
I would really recommend a dog of a breed that is not meant for herding. Like a lab or some type of bird dog. They make real good pets and you dont have to worry about them going out and working stock.
If you have no experience training dogs, and don't really want a a dog to help all that much, try an animal shelter or find someone that has a working type dog that doesn't want to work. There are alot of dogs that won't work for one reason or another and they usually are given away or put down.
I would really recommend a dog of a breed that is not meant for herding. Like a lab or some type of bird dog. They make real good pets and you dont have to worry about them going out and working stock.
I think I know what you're gettin at, but I've got to call exception to your comment. I inherited a Lab pup and he started followin my Aussie around. Didn't take him long to start & imitate the Aussie. I was pretty leary at first, but dang if he aint turned into a real decent stock dog. Not real quick, but alotta try. :wink: :lol:
kolanuraven
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 27, 2005
- Messages
- 10,917
If you are not familiar with working breeds.....DO NOT start out with a Heeler. They are 110% personality and strong will!!! :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
Goodpasture
Well-known member
From another forum:
PJ is from the Salina area over by Lake Hudson, east of Pryor. Let me know if you want to contact her. I bought a Dexter heifer from her last year.
copperhead46 said:
PJ is from the Salina area over by Lake Hudson, east of Pryor. Let me know if you want to contact her. I bought a Dexter heifer from her last year.
Faster horses
Well-known member
Sounds like a good deal to me. She's done a lot of necessary things already.
Thank you all for your comments. We currently have two house dogs one large (70 lbs) one small (10 lbs) that for various reasons (mainly my wife) are not allowed to go out and play with me. I do go out and feed every night and almost every other morning, as well as riding fence and checking cows so she (I think I've decided I want a female) would not be penned in the yard all day and would have a "job". Heelers have been ruled out for now as I don't need or want that much energy and I have a one yr old son. (Not that they would hurt him on purpose, but they have so much energy.)
I guess what I meant to ask is do aussies have as much instint as heelers? Will she learn to help with cattle with limited training? My father-in-law has two heelers that she would "work" with from time to time but they also have little training and are both young.
Also I considered a corgi but I think I would like something bigger that could keep up when I ride my "big circles".
I guess what I meant to ask is do aussies have as much instint as heelers? Will she learn to help with cattle with limited training? My father-in-law has two heelers that she would "work" with from time to time but they also have little training and are both young.
Also I considered a corgi but I think I would like something bigger that could keep up when I ride my "big circles".
kolanuraven
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 27, 2005
- Messages
- 10,917
With what you just described...I'd vote Aussie!!
They are tough and loveable and have instinct a-plenty, of course some better than others, but they've all got it!!!
Plus...they are great with kids and make excellent baby sitters!!!!
They are tough and loveable and have instinct a-plenty, of course some better than others, but they've all got it!!!
Plus...they are great with kids and make excellent baby sitters!!!!
Goodpasture
Well-known member
I sent her an email with the link to this thread. Let me know if you don't hear from her. I think Annemieke has her phone number, but she is on Cape Cod right now.C-E said:
C-E, From what I'm hearing, I'd agree with Kola on this also.
I'm not a dog-handler by any means, but I've always had dogs around the place & worked enuff different places to see differnt breeds in action.
I've had both Aussies & Heelers, but the Aussies seem to fit my program better. They're more laid-back, they seem to fit into both a cattle & horse operations and for me the most important thing is I don't have to pen them when they're not workin. They would just as soon lay in the shade & wait for me to get busy; not a whole lot of ambition otherwise :wink: But when I do ask for help they get to it. Not as strong as a Heeler or Border, but enuff to make my life easier.
I'm not a dog-handler by any means, but I've always had dogs around the place & worked enuff different places to see differnt breeds in action.
I've had both Aussies & Heelers, but the Aussies seem to fit my program better. They're more laid-back, they seem to fit into both a cattle & horse operations and for me the most important thing is I don't have to pen them when they're not workin. They would just as soon lay in the shade & wait for me to get busy; not a whole lot of ambition otherwise :wink: But when I do ask for help they get to it. Not as strong as a Heeler or Border, but enuff to make my life easier.
kolanuraven
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 27, 2005
- Messages
- 10,917
My final piece of advice may sound a bit odd....but first before you buy any dog... CHECK OUT THE LOCAL DOG SHELTER!! You'd be surprised what people buy and then turn in.
I've gotten 2 of my best cow dogs, both Aussies, from the local pound.
People who don't need them or understand them buy them as cute puppies...then when the 'real' dog comes out after the puppy stage...they just turn them in.
The dogs are usually young enough for you to still train to suit you and the best part is that someone has already gone thru the ' stupid puppy stage' for you.
It's worth a try and 45 mintues of your time just to ck it out.
Your perfect dog could be waiting on you right now!
I've gotten 2 of my best cow dogs, both Aussies, from the local pound.
People who don't need them or understand them buy them as cute puppies...then when the 'real' dog comes out after the puppy stage...they just turn them in.
The dogs are usually young enough for you to still train to suit you and the best part is that someone has already gone thru the ' stupid puppy stage' for you.
It's worth a try and 45 mintues of your time just to ck it out.
Your perfect dog could be waiting on you right now!
Faster horses
Well-known member
Kola, that is just an EXCELLENT idea.
My daughter got a really good dog from the pound. It happens a lot,
getting a really good one from the dog pound.
I sell Provipet dog food and on the front of the sack is a red border
collie that is an obstacle champion. That dog came from the pound...
and he's now famous.
I do think what the folks offered for $75 is a heck of a deal, though.
My daughter got a really good dog from the pound. It happens a lot,
getting a really good one from the dog pound.
I sell Provipet dog food and on the front of the sack is a red border
collie that is an obstacle champion. That dog came from the pound...
and he's now famous.
I do think what the folks offered for $75 is a heck of a deal, though.
kolanuraven
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 27, 2005
- Messages
- 10,917
Now the shelter has me on ' speed dial' anytime a cattle dog comes in!!!!
It has it's "ups and downs" for sure!!! :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
It has it's "ups and downs" for sure!!! :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: