Another fantastic Weekend @ DCs Madra Working dog schools. Fred and Catherine Rain who have the Lokabe working dog line came to show their expertise in Training working dogs. After having a 5-year break to look after the 3 children they are now keen to get back to trailing and training working dogs. And what a great team they make. With their combined experience, Fred’s in working dogs on livestock in everyday work and trailing while Catherine brings her dog Behavior and training expertise.

Some tip from the weekend.

• The explanation of the beam of communication between dog and handler and how you can make that grow.
• Being clear in your commands and consistant
• Don’t let your dog get their fix without you.
• Prevention is better thank fix.

Some interesting knew technic’s were shared. Side Holding, Stop Holding, Tight penning, Changing and following sides. With backing Fred showed how to use a double positive with praise which made real sense to me.

Some feedback from people and what they got out of the weekend.

• Jessica was real keen on the Side holding, reverse walk up, casting for her older dog and what the next steps are for her pup.
• Scott side holding, reverse walk up, stop exercise for clearing gates, and meeting the new contacts with in the class.
• Stacie got more confidence with having her dog working with her. Her little dog’s confidence grew over the weekend as well.
• Megan got some advice from Catherine on a solid stop for her dog Monty and to have more faith in her dog. She also brought her Cattle Dog Jess to get some tips from Catherine for Jess’s dog aggression.
• Jaime Walk in and reverse and side holding.
• Jenni Getting better at directing her dog. Her pups first look at sheep was this weekend and both Catherine and Fred where impress with the little 15 week old pup. I am bias as he is a DCs Madra pup. Jenni also liked meeting the people over the weekend and felt welcomed although she is not in the working dog circles.

A big thank you to Fred and Catherine for coming. They are keen to return.

And a big thank you to all the participants that made a very hot weekend enjoyable.

Another great weekend with a fabulous bunch of people looking to learn more about working dogs. This weekend we had all beginners with some young and older dogs. I was really happy to get some local people coming this time. Hopefully people will be back next year. Antony’s coming again.

Some Tips for Tom

• Dog should work the sheep whatever they are doing. If sheep are slow dog should still be working.
• Sacrifice the dog for the job OR the job for the dog. The later being the better option.
• Perfect practices makes perfect. Aim for the 1%.
• Minimal pressure for maximum response.
• The more dogs in a situation the less control you have.
• Give your dog time to bank what they have just learnt.

A hugh thank you to Antony coming for this weekend. He told us at the start that he is different to any other trainer and although I saw some similarities which were few. We look forward to seeing him and his dogs again in 2025.

The weather held well for us this weekend. Only a slight bit of rain on the Saturday afternoon which was just enough to cool thing’s down.

We had a totally new group of people this time. A couple city slickers with their dogs wanting to give them what they are breed for and learn more. The rest where stock people all at early stages of their dog handling journey. Some had been working dogs for a while but had never really understood the fundamentals of starting a dog well. Some had done a couple of schools and started trailing and wanted to get better. Regardless of at what stage, level and background everyone was very supportive and interested in each person’s experience.

One thing that really stood out this time and some time was spent on this, was lead work. Most had dogs that never walked on lead or pulled and were disrespectful. It was interesting to see how the dog’s changed once they started to walk nicely on lead. They were better in tuned with their owner and worked much better. Having a dog respond to you at the other end of the lead puts you as the handler into the dog’s head before they even go to stock.

Take away’s this time.

• Sheep stopped dog has right to move forward.
• Sheep moving dog stop’s.
• Sheep facing dog, dog has right to move forward.
• Sheep rare to dog and moving dog stops.
• Lead work is fundamental to dog relationship with handler.
• Make the work fun, however if the dog is being naughty deal with it quickly, effectively without anger and move on.

Thank you David for coming again. And thank you to Di, James, Mel, Jess, Ash, Jamie, Jack, George, Sofie, Erin & Laura for being great students.

Above David was kind enough to work my young pup as I have been unable to physically work him since February due to injury.

We were very fortunate to get David back for another weekend. David lives and works on a large sheep station in Nyngan NSW. He occasionally hits the trail ground, but usually likes mucking about with his dogs at home. He has handy Kelpies but has been known to have a Collie or two in his pack.

We had a large school of 15 people. Many return customers and some new people with this being their first weekend away learning about training their dogs.

Some of the wisdom and demo’s that David went through that were explained either differently too what I have heard in the past or just differently.

• Have a young pup learn to wait at distance.
• Have a pup understand proper balance and not just all work.
• Sheep should move dog.
• If dog has the head they walk in. If they have the rear stop until sheep tell dog to move.

It was a little cold over the weekend, however the rain held until everyone left. Phew!

It was great to see the people and dogs that have been here before come back and see just how well they are doing. David was impressed with the quality of dogs and the improvements he has seen from last visit with us.

Black and Tan Vs Red (1 Blue). We had a fun biding challenge going on between some of the dogs.

Only a couple of Collies this time. We lent one of our trained bitches to a lady so she could have the time when working the stock to understand and process what was actually happening. It’s hard for a raw beginner to start with a young pup or harder dog to take in all that is happening as it all happens so fast. A trained dog can help slow it all down.

We had a lot of young dogs this time. And our mascot Presious was back for a visit. The most chill Fenchie you will ever meet.

What a great start to the Easter Long weekend. Robert was kind enough to come back to do some working dog education.

We had some repeat customers and new beginners this weekend which was a great mix. Included were people working on larger stock properties, weekend warriors and hobby farmers. Predominantly Kelpies this weekend although there were some Koolies and one Cattle Dog that attended.

Robert went through how he sees the difference between Nature and Temperament of a dog, and what he looks for. We had some interesting discussions on breeding.

When people come to Roberts weekend’s I do tell them to be prepared as he has a different mindset to most when working with dogs. Things that I noted on what was covered.

All work with a dog is to be a call to you not a push. The difference in how the dog behaves was demonstrated using both.

Your dog needs to understand at the get go how to be careful. A dog also needs to be able to present itself to you. It was demonstrated how different a dog will work with you if it knows how to do this.

A recall and a come to you command are 2 different things. This was a bit mind blowing for some.

A soft start gives a soft end. Something that is particularly important when you start to get your dog out on big casts.

Protect your sheep at all times. Your dog needs to understand that they are yours and not his. This comes in line with the be careful.

Weening dogs of your blocking tool. This was demonstrated as well as when you start to get a young dog out of the smaller practice yard.

How to start a young dog to back, untie a knot in the mod, getting a dog to push between sheep and panels in yard, starting sides, looking for sheep that may have split from the mob.

We also had 2 dogs that where reactive at the school. One which I thought was going to prove to be a big issue. Robert had in hand within minutes. Jess behaved over all really well and her owner was really happy with her being around so many dogs and that she started to work.

The other dog was an unexpected can you help Robert; I’ve got one that is dog and people aggressive. And he sure did. It was a bit emotional for Bow’s owner to watch Robert get bitten and still work through the dog’s fear. By the end of the weekend this little 5-year-old Kelpie had been walked and patted by just about everyone. She showed what a good little worker she was and even started to actually look around instead of hiding from what was going on around her. Robert left her owner with some sound tips to take away to continue to help Bow.

We received some excellent feedback on Roberts school. Yet again a mix of stockmen and weekend warriors. Both learning lots of new things. We had a nice mix of dogs from young pups to older dogs. Kelpies and Collies.

Robert homed in on the importance of foundation and getting young dogs out to do basic stock work with-out commands. The 2 main things being pups / dogs need to be careful and come when called. He explained how to soften a dog’s mind so that its ready to work with you. He showed how to have a dog present itself to you, so that it engages with you.

An important lesson that people commented on was supporting your dog particularly after correction. Let the dog know when it has done something that you want it to do.

Presentation – Softening the dogs mind and having them engaged with you to work

There was talk about everyday stock work and about hitting the trial ground. Those that came now understand not to stand around like a stiff prick. Help your dog when needed.

Those that came will understand the last comment. I can’t thank Robert enough for coming to me and asking if he could do a school here. His method of handling dogs is very different and unique to others I have seen. I always pick up something knew when we chat.

Pups are now 3 months old. This will be last update here.

JimB is working with a contract shearer in South Australia, who is very happy with his new paddock dog. Mischief is living with a pack of fly ball competitors. She is doing well with her training. She has two special friends in her pack. Digger is staying. It was a close race between him and Jimb on who I’d keep. Diggers showing me that he will be like his dad which is want I wanted. Plus he is very bonded with me. Zoe is to become a 3 sheep trailer. She is very social and is already hitting the trial grounds to get exposed to what she will be doing later. Don is out on Dorper / cattle station and is already pulling sheep of fence both directions in training and is showing some style which, his owner is happy with.

Time	Pup	Color / ID	Birth Weight
8:00 am	Campbell	Tri / Dog	190g
8:30am	Winta	White & Black – / Bitch (Mini Ember)	170g
11:06 am	Ewe	All White / Bitch	169g
12:33 pm	Digger	White & Black / Dog (Mini Jet)	206g
3:00 pm	Jim	White & Black / Dog (spot on back)	169g

Pups will experienced ENS. ENS stimulates neural pathways in neonate puppies creating enhanced neural capacities for later development. Pups will also be exposed to sound desensitization.

Link to Parents details below

Pups 2022

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Week 4 – 5 Below

Pup	Milestones	Personality Growth	Estimated Adult Weight – Kilo	Worming Date – Drontal 2nd July mum was wormed again 16th July mum had a top up worming
Campbell	Day 12 – eyes starting to open Pups starting to urinate on their own Week 4 – For all pups eating solids. Exploring outside the Whelping box. Playing with each other and interacting with me. Teeth are coming in so chewing has started	Week 1 – Loves his food Week 2 – Still loves his food Week 3 – Campbell is starting to stand up for himself. Over getting beaten up by his sister. Week 4 – Campbell is a bit of an explorer. He’s interested in his surroundings outside the whelping box. He is always full speed ahead. Week 5 – Campbell is the clown of the little pack. As he gets bigger I am sure he is the one that is going to get himself into trouble. He does give the best cuddles though. Week 6 – Campbell just loves life. He’s is just such a happy pup. He loves the tunnel in the yard. Week 7 – Campbell had a one-on-one adventure at the shearing shed. He got to play with some wool which he loved. He had a very in-depth chat with his Uncle Harvey. It was so cute watching them, as if they were looking into a mirror. He loves to play in the tunnel. Week 8 – Campbell – Is good at sitting at your feet without jumping up. He’s still a very energetic and clumsy pup. Just full of life. He is a blocker when walking.	37Kilo	1st worming 9th July 2nd worming 18th July 3rd worming 26th July 4th worming 1st Aug 8th Aug Vaccination. M/Chip & worming 15th Aug wormed
Winta	Day 12 – eyes starting to open Pups starting to urinate on their own Starting to really use back legs to walk around. Week 4 – For all pups eating solids. Exploring outside the Whelping box. Playing with each other and interacting with me. Teeth are coming in so chewing has started	Week 1 – Has fire Week 2 – Tough, Beats up Campbell Week 3 – Winta is a tough cookie. Week 4 – Winta is still a tough cookie. She is starting to bite a bit so is learning NO early. Week 5 – Winta has become a little timid and shy. Probably as the boys are taking her on now. Week 6 – Winta has come out of her shell again and is the best at sitting to get a biscuit. She loves sitting with Jim in the tyre and playing. Week 7 – Winta is the most patient to sit at my feet to get a treat. She is a very even-tempered girl. She loves to play with Jim in the tyre. Week 8 – Winta – is a very even headed girl. She does like to ankle bite and pull on my jeans which we are working on.	35Kilo	1st worming 9th July 2nd worming 18th July 3rd worming 26th July 4th worming 1st Aug 8th Aug Vaccination. M/Chip & worming 15th Aug wormed
Ewe	Day 12 – 1st pup starting to open eyes Pups starting to urinate on their own. Week 4 – For all pups eating solids. Exploring outside the Whelping box. Playing with each other and interacting with me. Teeth are coming in so chewing has started	Week 1 – Fighter Week 2 – Strong – 1st to have eyes open Week 3 – Ewe is getting huge. She is a real guts. Week 4 – Ewe is a very sweet pup. She is the snuggler at the moment. Week 5 – Ewe is a sweet girl. She holds her own with the rough boys but prefers to stay out of the rough and tumble. Week 6 – Ewe loves the ball pit. More often than not I’ll hear her playing in there. Week 7 – Ewe – had two washes this week and got used to the hair dryer she was such a brave girl. She had a good chat with her dad, and loved to play and pull-on Poppy’s tail when she came into the yard for a visit. Week 8 – Ewe – likes to sit at your feet when she’s had enough play and rest her head on your shoe. She’s done it to both Owen and me.	31Kilo	1st worming 9th July 2nd worming 18th July 3rd worming 26th July 4th worming 1st Aug 8th Aug Vaccination. M/Chip & worming 15th Aug wormed
Digger	Day 12 – eyes starting to open Pups starting to urinate on their own Starting to really use back legs to walk around Week 4 – For all pups eating solids. Exploring outside the Whelping box. Playing with each other and interacting with me. Teeth are coming in so chewing has started	Week 1 – Calm Week 2 – Calm front row forward Week 3– Digger has nearly climbed out of the whelping box a couple of times. Week 4 – Digger has climbed out of the whelping box and spent a night with mum and Jim away from the others. He like Campbell is adventurous. Week 5 – Digger looks for attention and loves it when he gets it. Week 6 – Digger is living up to his name, making a little hole in corner of the yard. Week 7 – Digger is the best at coming when he is called. He loves playing in the tunnel with Campbell. Week 8 – Digger – Like Campbell, Digger is good at sitting at your feet to say hello without jumping up. He and Campbell are best buds and tend to hang together. He like Jim will chase the Magpies out the of puppy yard although he doesn’t bark like Jim.	37Kilo	1st worming 9th July 2nd worming 18th July 3rd worming 26th July 4th worming 1st Aug 8th Aug Vaccination. M/Chip & worming 15th Aug wormed
Jim	Day 12 – eyes starting to open Pups starting to urinate on their own Week 4 – For all pups eating solids. Exploring outside the Whelping box. Playing with each other and interacting with me. Teeth are coming in so chewing has started	Week 1 – Calm loner Week 2 – Calm – 2nd to have eyes open Week -3 Jim is a little behind the others and is a quite placid boy. week 4 – Jim has climbed out of the whelping box and spent a night with mum and Digger away from the others. He is catching up with the others in his play and interactions. He is a bit of a loner Week 5 – Jim has become the bully of the little pack. He is the smallest, so he’s had to learn to stand up for himself. Week 6 – Jim is not as much a bully now, they others have all decided to stand up to him so it’s a level playing field. He small in stature but a solid little dude. Week 7 – Jim had a lovely photo shoot with his Uncle Tas. He also got a wash this week and had a go with the dryer. More to see how he reacted, which was all curiosity.  He loves the cable straps and having a tug of war. He had a special visit to another vet clinic to say hello to some of the staff. He won some hearts that’s for sure.  Week 8 – Jim – Is becoming a lovely pup. He’s not the bully of the little pack anymore. He’s curious and loves to play with Winta and Ewe. He’s taken it up to bark and chase the Magpies out of the puppy yard.	37Kilo	1st worming 9th July 2nd worming 18th July 3rd worming 26th July 4th worming 1st Aug 8th Aug Vaccination. M/Chip & worming 15th Aug wormed

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