Farmer Focus: Working dogs are worth the money
Joe Mault © Richard Stanton Have you ever tried to gather a flock of sheep without a dog? It’s hard work.
However, when you have a faithful canine friend, the job becomes so much easier – even if the dog might not always listen and “does its own thing”.
I have a young bitch in training now and the relationship we are building is very difficult to describe.
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Some days, I shout all sorts of insults at her because she’s not quite getting what I want her to do. Other days, she does exactly what I ask, and I want to run over and celebrate our success.
While it is a rollercoaster of emotions from my perspective, from her point of view, she just wants to do her best for me.
She is very loyal and it’s not her fault that she’s not “getting it”, but more my fault for not being clear enough with her.
The relationship that handlers build with their dogs is beautifully shown in some of the various sheepdog trials that are run across the country.
We hold an annual two-day event on our farm, which has been running for about 35 years.
This year, competitors from across the world have descended on Bryneglwys to try their luck against our course.
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The display of talented dogs and their handlers is something worth seeing.
The handlers can have complete control of a dog almost as though it’s in a trance – the dog is totally focused on the job in hand and will dance (literally) to the tune of the whistle. It’s mesmerising.
However, I’m reluctant to use some of these dogs on the farm as they would not be regarded as “strong” enough for some stroppy old Welsh ewe where sometimes strength might be needed.
I guess this is the difference between trial dogs and farm dogs, with some handlers referring to farm dogs having their own mind (is that the “not listening bit”?).
Either way, a working dog is special and should be regarded as such. Some of the recent online auctions have shown that many people agree, as they are willing to pay good money for one.
I’d also add that those who are saying working dogs are too expensive clearly haven’t gathered a flock without one recently.