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south east Indiana | I work basically alone with the help of the dogs. They are invaluable to me. It simply depends on how much you move your stock and work them - worm, run them through a chute ect as to how much you could used a dog. When I need to medicate one or a few I don't have to bring everyone to the barn to get that done. I figure that is lots less stress if sorting the ones I need is done right. Even if I need to bring 20 in to get two it is so much easier than bringing 100 in to get the two. WIth my sheep I just have the dog hold the flock up to the fence or in a corner if one is close and grap the one or two I need and treat them there. It is pretty quick most of the time. I never worry about the stock getting out. My dogs could fix that in a minute. Animals pushing in to get buckets of grain was a royal PIA. Now the dog just moves them back and releases them when I say.
As far as being loose. I am a bit paranoid I will admit. I have worked as a vet tech and saw Lots of dogs run over and swore it would never be mine. All mine are put up unless I am with them or we are working together. No vehicles are allowed in the yard with dogs loose. It is pretty easy to get a kennel and make a nice yard so the dog has some room. I know lots of dogs that learn to stay out of the way but there is always a chance and I am not willing to take that with my dogs. I
If you would only use a dog once a month and it isn't going to be part of the family then I would say it would be unfair to leave it sit in a kennel all that time. My gang is my family so I spend a ton of time with them. It is your relationship with your dog that will make it go the extra mile for you. I have had more than 1 dog step in and save me from serious injury or worse. I don't go toward the barn or in the pasture without one by my side. You never know when you need him - plus I don't want to walk back to the kennel to get one:-)
There is a TON of difference between a dog and a Good one. The good ones come with a pricetag but they can do lots more than a tractor or combine ...There is a big difference in people who use dogs and train dogs also. Again you have to hunt for the good one. I know folks across the country so if you want to take a look and see what is out there I would happily point you in the right direction
Denice | |
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new discussion forum about working stockdogs
