Working Stock Dogs

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In Australia, on the other hand, an aggressive driving dog is needed to move the often wild (or near-wild) cattle for long distances over vast grazing plains—and through skin-searing heat—to a market or pickup point. The Queensland blue heeler was developed to meet such needs, and is rapidly growing in popularity in the western United States.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Aggressiveness without viciousness is one of many qualities typical of a good stock dog. Others include the all-important desire to please the master (and therefore to put the herd where the owner wants it), eagerness to work, the habit of doing its job in silence unless circumstances demand otherwise, versatility, an even temperament, and stamina. Together with a strong herding or driving instinct and special "style", these qualities of character—rather than any particulars of conformation or color—are the goals of the reputable breeder. If it's a working dog you want, then, your best bet is to buy a pup of one of the popular stock varieties (see the accompanying sidebar) from just such a person.

Once you've selected the breed of dog that best suits your purposes, pick out a puppy that's robust, healthy, and outgoing. Some knowledgeable buyers—when examining a litter—always choose the first tailwagging pup to greet them, as it's likely to be the most fearless worker and the easiest to socialize (that is, to accustom to people). You should, of course, take the youngster to a vet to be certain that it is healthy and to begin its vaccination and worming programs (which may start before six weeks of age). Then—just as you'd do for any other pup—provide it with good food, fresh water, and a comfortable place to sleep. Give the animal a lot of attention, too . . . and when it's four to six months old, you can ease it into some basic instruction.

TRAINING

Most people don't begin stringent training until a pup is about nine months old, but there are many simple commands that even a "beginner" can learn. No matter what type of dog you own, it must be taught to respond—without hesitation—to the order "COME". Another important command, and one that's especially relevant to the stock dog, is "DOWN" ... which means "lie down this instant". "SIT" , "STAND", and "STAY" are also basics that will make any canine more enjoyable to live with.

There are many fine books on dog training techniques. The North American Sheep Dog Society (Dept. TMEN, 210 East Main Street, McLeansboro, Illinois 62859) carries some that are aimed specifically at training stock dogs: You can write the society for information and a list of titles and prices.

In general, however, the beginning owner/trainer should be aware that a dog associates a command with whatever it is doing at that moment, and that—for instance—if you continue shouting "COME!" to a runaway puppy, it might quite sensibly assume that you mean "gallop off into the trees". When training a young dog, keep the lessons short and end each session on a note of success, saying "good dog" when you stop. And finally, although it may take patience, you should remember that a puppy—like a child—cannot be truly disobedient (and therefore shouldn't be punished) until it fully understands what it is supposed to do.

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