(Before I start on dogs the big news, Kate has nearly finished her first year away at high school with a fantastic result. Academic award for high level of A's across all subjects. Congratulations girl, we are proud of you!!!)
Summer is here and has it hit with a bang, 38 most days means 5am starts to get the training done. We have started a 4 days on and 3 off with the dogs and it seems to be working. Jay has had his first look at paddock mustering and boy there was some fun to start with. He is so keen to work. Little Angel finally switched on and did she get going. Kate has a new addition in Gem, and all reports are good. She is home again for another weekend of training and I was very impressed with both the dog and of course her master. Bonnie is enjoying life without the pups and I am trying to just take her training that one step further.
Afternoons have been spent in the cool reading some interesting training books I borrowed. They are written by overseas trainers and I learnt a fair bit. Like us they have had their fair share of problems, puppy factories, trialling problems etc. There is much to learn when you make the decision to breed or buy a working dog and mistakes are easily made. I can't tell you how many different plans Kate and I have put in place and training methods we have changed. I beleive it is good to look at yourself as well as your dog when things are just not working. There is always room for improvement in us all.
Steve will be home soon and I dare say more cattle will be arriving. It is amazing how skinny some of the cows he is buying considering the year we have just had. Jack just loves the site of those roadtrains coming in! Our main news is my new sheep yards will finally be built, can't wait as it is so hard to work without them. My doopers are great and hopefully will expand on them next year.
Summer is here and has it hit with a bang, 38 most days means 5am starts to get the training done. We have started a 4 days on and 3 off with the dogs and it seems to be working. Jay has had his first look at paddock mustering and boy there was some fun to start with. He is so keen to work. Little Angel finally switched on and did she get going. Kate has a new addition in Gem, and all reports are good. She is home again for another weekend of training and I was very impressed with both the dog and of course her master. Bonnie is enjoying life without the pups and I am trying to just take her training that one step further.
Afternoons have been spent in the cool reading some interesting training books I borrowed. They are written by overseas trainers and I learnt a fair bit. Like us they have had their fair share of problems, puppy factories, trialling problems etc. There is much to learn when you make the decision to breed or buy a working dog and mistakes are easily made. I can't tell you how many different plans Kate and I have put in place and training methods we have changed. I beleive it is good to look at yourself as well as your dog when things are just not working. There is always room for improvement in us all.
Steve will be home soon and I dare say more cattle will be arriving. It is amazing how skinny some of the cows he is buying considering the year we have just had. Jack just loves the site of those roadtrains coming in! Our main news is my new sheep yards will finally be built, can't wait as it is so hard to work without them. My doopers are great and hopefully will expand on them next year.