I have a 5 month old australian shepherd puppy. I need to find information on starting him on sheep (I have sheep which are not dog trained) and whether or not neutering him will affect his herding capabilities. Any leads or information will be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

-- karen horniak (msmikey@hotmail.com), November 02, 1999

Answers

We have 2 8 yr. old Australian Shepherds, fixed females, neither are herd trained but I do run them with my cows now and then, they have a natural instinct but formal training would be helpful. Good luck with them they are wonderful dogs. You might look around on the www to see what is out there.

-- Bob Henderson (redgate@echoweb.net), November 04, 1999.

Alpine Press publishes a book, "Sheepdog Training, An All-Breed Approach" by Mari Taggart. I found it very helpful and was able to train my dogs using this book having never seen a dog herd sheep before, only cows. I also didn't know that sheep were born with tails, was I surpised with my first lamb! I am sure my dogs would be better in the hands of someone with experience, but we get the job done.

-- Christina Florschutz (flrschtz@seapac.net), November 06, 1999.

I have a 1 and half year old mixed breed that I work my horses with. She is excellent at stopping them and getting them moving but I find it hard to control her urge to get in front of them and turn them. I can drop her from any distance that she can hear me at but it's not a useable option because several of the horses will stomp her if she is down in front of them. Also I can't get her to go out to them and bring them to me. I was originally afraid to teach her to do this because I didn't want her to stampede them over me so I corrected her for this and expected her to come without bringing the horses, however now that she has shown she is good I would like to encourage this. Any ideas?

-- Keri Basham (klbash@hotmail.com), November 07, 1999.

There is a book called "The Farmer's Dog" the ad says it is the best book for training working dogs for both cattle and sheep. I have not received it yet, Alaska mail and all, but I hope it can help me train my two female Aussies. One likes to herd moose and the other one ran a bear off for me. I would like to see them work with more traditional livestock. I have never sent them after any animals on the property other than squirrels. Boy, does Mouse hate squirrels. Anyway, back to the book. It's from Diamond Farm Book Publishers. www.diamondfarm.com Hope this helps. I love my Aussies anytime you want to talk about yours feel free to drop me a line. Good luck. "

-- Jody Hildebrand (chitina@alaska.net), January 29, 2000.

I have a 7 year old Aussie. You made a wonderful choice. Cheyenne just loves "her animals". She has gone as far as helping me with an injured piglet. When my sow had her last litter, one little one was injured playing. Not too bad, but it needed attention and there was a possibility infection could set in. While the piglet would come to me, sit on my lap and play, she would not let me clean her wound. Cheyenne found the injury, and immediatly started to clean it, This the piglet accepted. Cheyenne would take it upon herself several times a day to check the piglet (who was staying in the house) and clean the wound. The result, is a healthy, happy, totally healed piglet, who is being groomed to be a breeder now, thanks to Cheyenne. As far as training, do you have any shearing fesivals in your area? That is a great place to get information about dog training, especially as some have hearding demonstrations.

-- Kim Marie Pezza (homesteadtraders@hotmail.com), May 16, 2000.

I know this is an old post, but you may still check it from time to time and find me. I have Aussies and love the breed, obviously. There is a ton of information available to you through the Australian Shepherd Club of AMerica (ASCA) Their URL is http://www.asca.org. Phone # is (979)778-1082. They can put you in touch with people in your area who are putting on stock trials, etc. There is nothing we like better than to stand around and talk "dogs". My club, the Diamond State Australian Shepherd club is putting on our first stock trial in February of 2001 in Arkansas, either in Mt. Ida or Benton. If you can't find anything through ASCA, let me know on e-mail and I will get more names and numbers for you. We are always thrilled to showcase the versatility of the breed. Now for the important stuff. What color, name, etc? I have a black-tri female and her red tri son. She is spayed now. Not a good working dog--long story. He shows some promise and will go to his first stock day next month. He will have a chance to see sheep for the first time. Wish me luck! Nothing can humble you like a dog who won't mind. Have fun with your Aussie. Melina ps-You'll hear a hundred different answers to the neutering question. My opinion, if he's not the best dog you've ever seen, and wouldn't really contribute to the breed, neuter him. We already have millions of good dogs. Ask most men, they'll tell you different, usually while crossing their legs.

-- melina bush (goatgal1@juno.com), September 02, 2000.