Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine - June 2018

Story by - Steph Olive

are eicient rather than obsessive about their work - stock of-

ten settle quickly for them. hey are a loose to medium eyed

breed, capable of seeing and reacting to a herd of hundreds

of cattle and directing their attention to just those requir-

ing it, allowing them to work efectively, day in and day out.

hey are generally considered a close worker but can be taught

to work wider. Scott Lithgow, in “Training and Working Dogs

for Quiet Conident Control of Stock” discusses how a good

ACD should both head and heel and there are keen breeders

preserving this working style. hey can work individually, or

be a very useful member of a team. hey respond well to be-

ing shown what is needed - an ACD needs to see purpose to

the job, but once he sees it, he is committed to the task. If you

want him to back sheep, just show him and he will have a go.

Soness or shyness is not an issue with these dogs. here are

quite a few employed at American rodeos to clear the bulls

from the arena, much to the delight of the crowds.

In summary, while some people feel the best way to start an

ACD is with a shotgun, there are many more with a so afec-

tion for the breed and those who enjoy training and working

them. A well-bred, well trained ACD is a willing, useful and

intelligent partner.

Ref: ACDCA Working Breed Standard

Scott Lithgow ‘Training and Working Dogs for Quiet Condent

Control of Stock’

ANKC Breed Standard

Cheryl Edwards ‘Old Timers’

ping the heels of anything that moves, not just cattle! Training
is essential to ensure the dog distinguishes between what is
and isn’t livestock to be worked.

As a companion, one of the nicest aspects of these dogs is their
mateship, they live to please you and will have your back when
needed. hey have a highly developed 6th sense.

Working style:
he ACD is an intelligent, independent thinker and once
trained, is capable of carrying out routine tasks without su-
pervision and problem solving. Individual dogs may pre-
dominantly fetch or drive – work style varies according to
heritage, age, training technique, and the livestock the dog is
started on. ACDs that fetch (yes, they do exist!) usually ex-
hibit very keen natural balance. hey are a steady worker and

http://www.stockdogs.com.au AWSDM 51