- All pups are sold with a C3 vaccination and require a booster on the suggested date on the vaccination certificate with either a C4 or C5. The puppy will then require an annual booster. All puppies undergo vet examination at time of vaccination.
- All puppies are wormed fortnightly from whelping to sale, and should be continued fortnightly till 12 weeks of age. Worming should then continue monthly till 6 months of age. Make sure you use an all wormer; puppies are very vulnerable to worm infections and if not treated can result in death.
- Heartworm is an issue in Australia. Dogs at the stud are regularly treated. Discuss treatment for heart worm with your vet when you get the booster vaccination.
- Working dogs are athletes, optimal health care is required to maintain stamina.
Training:
- Belrieve Kelpies need affection, bonding and work. They will not tolerate harsh handling and lack of communication. The more opportunities that you give the dog the better it will become.
- You have paid good money for a well bred dog, and if trained properly will save you many pains taking hours and money mustering. Remember they are the most under paid employee you have, so treat them with respect and love.
- If your young dog is sitting in the gateway and won’t move, don’t blame it, consider that you are the one in the wrong position, as they will naturally work opposite to you. Move to the gateway and let the dog go back and bring the mob through. YOU are the leader of the pack.
- All pups/dogs differ in their age they start to work and progress, so don’t expect too much too soon. Early starting doesn’t necessarily mean a better dog in the big picture, whilst belting and bad tempered handling can only retard progress.
- Ensure your pup/dog is taken out of the pen or off the chain every day to run, relax, play and familiarize.
- Try to work your pup/dog when you have sufficient time to control it without losing your temper and allow it to do its own thing. This is very important and can make or break a young dog.
- Working with your dog with others can lead to the young dog learning all of the bad habits of the older dog. Try to work your young dog by itself in close surrounds, and on soft stock, that won't fight or bully your pup/dog, until it has built sufficient confidence.
- Do not put your young dog in a difficult environment such as forcing yards or with cows and calves, until it is over twelve months of age. Many a promising young dog has been injurred or ruined by unnecessary exposure to situations it is not ready to handle.
- If your dog lacks stamina and you have checked nutrition and parasites, have it tested by a vet for heartworm.
- Try to assess the potential of your young dog for its most suited purpose such as paddock or yard work, and utilise these qualities to the fullest.
- An excellent way to start your pup is put it in a round yard or similar where the pup cannot get out with a few sheep or calves. Let him/her move the stock towards you, occasionally changing the direction so that he has to keep bringing them to you. Use a piece of poly as an extension of your arm to block him/her if he/she tries to cross between you and the stock.
Philip Edwards and Sophia Butler
Please don't hesistate to contact us for any questions
