From: kathy_buetow@QMS1.life.uiuc.edu (Kathy Buetow)
Subject: Defending my breed (was: shelter puppies)
Followup-To: rec.pets.dogs
Organization: University of Illinois at Urbana
Date: Mon, 9 Nov 1992 17:14:57 GMT

In a recent post, Betsy Weatherhead writes:

>But one of the highlights of this weekend actually came from talking with
>a woman and her friend who came in to see what was available.  She told me
>she was looking for a dog for her friend.  "Bad idea," I thought.  Then
>she explained to me why she, instead of her friend, was looking.  Mary
>is in a wheelchair and before bringing her in, she wanted to see if we
>had any appropriate animals and if there was wheelchair access.  "I was
>wrong, good idea," to myself.  They asked to see the Australian Cattle 
>Dog, and I held back a wince.  This is a very playful, fairly naughty two
>year old, who knew no commands, and loved to run behind people and nip
>at any part of them he could grab.  I took the ACD out for them to visit
>with and they soon recognized he was not the right dog.  "Whew. At least
>they have good judgement." 

Betsy, 

      This is not to flame you for the above statement...but I'm afraid
that someone who has read your own impression about ACDs (or this one
particular "teenage" Cattle Dog) may get some incorrect ideas about 
the breed.  As a person who is thoroughly and completely devoted to the 
Australian Cattle Dog, I would like to say a few things here:

The Australian Cattle Dog was bred as a "heeler".......their herding style
is going in and nipping the cattle's (or sheep's, or duck's, or pig's, or
vacuum 
cleaner's.....) back heels and then ducking quickly to avoid a retalitory 
kick.  Australian Cattle Dogs are *extremely* intelligent dogs and learn
"basic" obedience very quickly.  I have never had a nipping problem myself
as
it is very easy to teach puppies and/or adult Cattle Dogs that humans are 
not to be herded by nipping.  Discouraging nipping in no way "breaks their
spirit" or their instinct for herding.  A simple "No Bite" while gently
(but
firmly) holding the muzzle is all it takes.  Cattle Dogs do tend to be
"mouthy"
many of them show affection by what we call "chin chomps"....the Cattle
Dog nibbles on your chin or ear or nose.  Notice I said nibble......not
bite !!

Perhaps in the time the shelter's volunteers spend with each individual
dog,
someone should consider doing some basic obedience training with the dogs.
It would undoubtedly increase the "adoptability factor" of many of the dogs
there that are awaiting a new home !!
 
>I started to explain, that their friend probably needs a dog that's already
>well trained.  While we do get them in from time to time, we didn't have
>any at the moment.  I was about to offer to take their number when they
>interrupted me.  They explained to me how very self sufficient and active
>Mary is.  She goes for several hour "walks" every day, rain, snow or sleet. 
>She has great upper body strength, and their biggest concern was finding a
>dog that could keep up with her.  

Australian Cattle Dogs are being used more and more as companion dogs
for the physically challenged because of their relative size vs. strength,
their ability to learn quickly, and their willingness to serve.  I found
a "retired" ACD for an ex-student of mine who is in a wheelchair.  
Although "Gunner" was an older dog and had never even seen a wheelchair,
he adapted very quickly to living in a house full of active wheelchair
atheletes.  He even helped his "dad" train for this summer's Olympic
Games !!!!!  Australian Cattle Dogs are very, very versatile.  There are 
ACDs that are involved in K-9 corps, arson detection,  SAR, etc. There 
is a man out west that swears that the ACD is the best hunting dog in 
the world.  

As I said at the beginning of this note, I don't know how Betsy intended
her statement of "Whew. At least they have good judgement." ...........
[by not chosing the Cattle Dog], I certainly hope that as a shelter
volunteer she is not passing any personal breed prejudice (that most
often stems from lack of information or misinformation) on to people
who are seeking to adopt an animal (of *any* breed).  Once again, I 
am not posting this as a personal attack on Betsy.....I merely wanted to
defend my breed !!

Cattle Dog Kisses and Heeler Hugs to all !
Kathy
-------
Katwala Australian Cattle Dogs
Kathy_Buetow@QMS1.life.uiuc.edu
"Australian Cattle Dogs are not just a breed....they're a way of life !!!"