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Aussie workers - a dog for the job

Unlike other domesticated animals put to work or used for food production, dogs have a unique position in our lives, as faithful companion and best friend. We usually own them simply because we love them, they need serve no other purpose, however there are dogs who are trained to perform specialised tasks and whose services to man cannot be overlooked.

In Australia the most common working dogs are those that work with livestock. Australia has developed breeds of dogs, the Australian Kelpie and Australian Cattle Dog and the Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog to work in our unique climate and conditions. Of sheep dogs, the Kelpie is one of the best in the world. A good Kelpie can do the work of six men. As Australian as a kangaroo, the Australian Kelpie has a natural instinct and aptitude for the working of sheep, both in open country or in yards, and is renowned for the way in which he runs over the sheep’s backs.

A “true blue” Aussie, the Australian Cattle Dog’s prime function is the movement and control of cattle in both confined and wide, open spaces. Always alert, extremely intelligent, watchful and courageous, this breed is a tribute to the ability of the Australian stockmen who knew what they wanted in a cattle dog and set about producing it.

The rarer Stumpy was bred to do similar work to his better known cousin, the Australian Cattle Dog, and his courage and tenacity are second to none. He has a distinctive appearance that led to his unusual name as he has a gene for a natural bob tail.

Not all Australian breeds were developed to work sheep and cattle. The Australian Terrier evolved from a variety of British terriers that had been brought out to Australia by settlers. Specifically bred for Australian conditions, this hard-bitten tough little terrier was used for everything from guarding the farms and mines to hunting, and killing rats and snakes. Believed to be basically a cross between the Australian Terrier and the Yorkshire Terrier, the Australian Silky Terrier was bred to fill the need for a small terrier which would be suited to life in a small house or cottage but, at the same time, would be effective in hunting and killing domestic rodents.

It is important to remember that not all working dogs can adjust well to suburban, backyard living. Extremely active dogs such as sheep and cattle dogs often become bored if they have little to occupy them. If you want a working dog as a pet, it is important to consider how well they will adapt to your environment. If you are not sure seek advice from your vet and other people experienced in dog breeds.

A new pet? Never say never!

Saying goodbye to a loved pet can be one of the most difficult steps an owner takes.

Dogs and cats, in particular, give us years of unconditional love and companionship and when they die many people report that they feel a much higher than expected sense of loss and grief.

“Many people initially believe that they could never have a pet again, because the sense of loss is so great,” says Dr Emma Whiston, who owns and operates the veterinary service, My Best Friend, which provides end of life care for elderly and terminally ill pets, and bereavement support for their owners.

“Some people question if they can ever love another animal and others feel betrayal and disloyalty to the animal who has died if they bring another pet into their home. Some say they’ll never get another pet because it would be too painful to experience this same level of grief again,” says Dr Whiston.

So how do you know when you are ready for a new pet? Dr Whiston says that the two
most important aspects are that the decision has to come from your heart and the timing has to feel right to you.

“I find it helps people to think of it as starting again with a new pet, rather than replacing their old pet because you can never replace the unique role each pet plays in our lives.

“Once the initial shock and grief of a pet’s death have passed, many people do start to think about getting another pet and there are important considerations – such as your lifestyle and what you are looking for in a pet - to take into account,” says Dr Whiston.

“It is very likely that you will be at a different stage in your life than the one in which you acquired your previous pet so consider the type of pet – and even the breed – that suits your current lifestyle.

“With children in the house, many people are happy to have an active dog that the kids can run around with but on the other hand your new best friend might be a quiet dog that is happy to spend time indoors with you.

“You may also want to consider adopting a pet that is past the puppy or kitten stage.
There are many adult animals in shelters who need a permanent and caring home and
who have great love to give in return. Many people report that this is also an effective way of getting past concerns about house training a new pet,” Dr Whiston says.

If a friend or family member has lost their pet, it is best to let them wait until they feel it is the right time to get a new pet, Dr Whiston cautions.

“Never try to talk a friend or family member into getting another pet. Well-meaning
people sometimes even obtain a new pet for their friend or family member to help them
get over their grief but this can be a real problem if the person is not ready to bond with a pet or if their lifestyle is no longer suited to a pet.

“It is perfectly natural to mourn the loss of a beloved pet and only you will know when you are ready to move on with another pet. My advice to anyone at this difficult time is to remember that the mutual love, trust and companionship they enjoyed with their previous pet is waiting for them when they are ready to find their new best friend,” says Dr Whiston.

For information on finding the pet that may be suited to your lifestyle, visit Select-a-Pet.