WHEN the call was put out to see if people in southern NSW wanted to improve their ability to train dogs the interest that came back was overwhelming.
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With prices for top working dogs in excess of $20,000 the true value of these canines, that are an integral part of the agricultural sector, is really coming to the fore.
But not everyone wants to shell out big bucks on a cleverly-trained dog with stud potential.
There are those who have dogs that are capable but could be improved by some simple training techniques.
Pleasant Hills farmer Rick Clancy took the initiative to get the community together and host a dog training day at the Henty Machinery Field Days site.
The event was supported by the Henty Bendigo Bank and Downside Kelpie breeder and successful dog trial competitor Stephen Condell shared his knowledge of the industry.
“Today I am hoping to learn how to use a sheep dog properly … you don’t want to be frustrated and cranky,” Mr Clancy said.
“When the dog is working well for you you get to enjoy being a farmer,” he said.
Aside from the frustration factor Mr Clancy said everything became more efficient if a dog was well trained and capable.
“It just allows you to get the job done properly,” he said.
The event attracted 15 participants from Cookardinia through to Culcairn and Milbrulong.
“The aim is for the participants to condition a dog so it is working stock constructively,” said Mr Condell.
Mr Condell said the interest in dog training clinics was certainly growing and there was a demand for knowledge.
“Some people just want to learn to work sheep better and other people want to go into competition … what they learn today will lead them all over the place,” he said.
Mr Condell said the growing interest in top working dogs was well known within the industry and it wasn’t uncommon for people to pay upwards of $15,000 to secure a stud quality Kelpie.
“It is a good asset to the livestock program,” he said.
Brittany Scholz, 17, of Pleasant Hills participated in the clinic and said she was keen to learn techniques and skills to train her Kelpie Dozer.
, aged six months was considered young and she said it was a good opportunity to learn about training foundations.