Dogs and farms are synonymous. If you haven’t brought a dog with you onto your property, the chances are you will soon buy one. In selecting a farm dog you have to be very clear on what you want it for. Do you want a working animal, a pet, or a combination of both?
On small properties, it is usually a combination. Remember, all dogs over six months of age must be registered with your local council.
Working breeds:
The three most common working breeds are the Kelpie, Border Collie and Cattle Dog. The Kelpie and Border Collie are the breeds preferred on small properties. They work stock by herding and can be used on a variety of stock from poultry to the house cow. By herding they tend to keep stock quiet and under control in confined areas. The Cattle Dog is more aggressive, works stock by forcing, and may scatter stock.
Non-working breeds:
Many non-working dogs find their way onto small farms. These dogs have more problems than working dogs. They tend to be more of a hindrance around stock and are therefore better kept away. They can be a nuisance by annoying neighbours’ stock too.
In long-haired breeds, problems can arise if grass seed penetrates the ears, feet and coat. Periodic clipping and grooming are necessary to prevent matting of the hair. Selection of the right dog can avoid a lot of unnecessary problems, which few of us want or have the time to deal with effectively.
Basic care:
Once you have selected your dog, supply it with the basic necessities of water, food and shelter.
Water should be clean and replaced regularly. Plastic ice cream containers make suitable water bowls. There are many prepared dog foods on the market. They are free of diseases and parasites and have been prepared to a nutritional standard. However, it does not hurt to vary your dog’s diet, especially with a bone now and then. Bones help strengthen and clean the teeth and help prevent boredom, especially if dogs are chained for extensive periods. The practice of feeding offal (that is, gut and body organs from slaughtered or dead animals) is extremely dangerous.
It helps spread the hydatid tapeworm of dogs. Humans, particularly children, can then be infected and sometimes die from hydatid disease. Feeding offal also encourages your dog to become a scavenger and rubbish bin raider.
Dogs like to have a place to retreat to from the elements, A kennel should have weather-proof walls and roof. The opening should occupy less than half of one wall for protection against droughts and rain. Position the kennel to avoid water runoff, direct sun and strong winds.
Confining your dog:
Farm dogs, unlike their urban companions, lack the confinement of the household fence. Unchecked dogs can become a headache for your neighbours and an unwanted expense for you when paying for injured or killed stock. Farm dogs must be enclosed within a ‘secure fence or leashed at their kennel. Dogs left to roam free can end up killing poultry and other stock, chasing vehicles, mustering stock or starting fights. Just because your dog is asleep at your back door when you get up, it doesn’t mean that it has not been up to some mischief during the night. Dogs on leashes require regular exercise. Let them run but under surveillance.
A bitch on heat is a common problem on the farm and can be a problem for a good distance around. You can give the dog a medication available through your local veterinary surgeon but a knowledge of the expected time of heat may be required. A second method is to restrict the bitch in a secure cage.
Health care:
Most of the common diseases can be prevented by vaccination and worming. Vaccinate against canine distemper, canine infectious hepatitis and canine parvovirus. A suggested vaccination program comprises a temporary vaccine at eight weeks of age, a permanent vaccine at 14 weeks of age, and then an annual vaccination. A program can be worked out for your dog by your veterinary surgeon.
External parasites such as fleas and ticks can be dealt with by regularly washing in a medicated bath. Internal parasites can be successfully treated by a regular worming program. The most common types of internal parasites are roundworm, hookworm, whipworm and tapeworms. There are many worming medications, each with its own recommendations for treatment.
A simple word of warning when giving medications—take time to read the label and the accompanying literature carefully. Seek professional advice if in doubt. Always wash your hands after handling dogs.
Training:
A good farm dog is an asset. You can be proud of a well trained dog. Even if it is not a working dog trained to handle stock, your dog should be taught obedience, even though the best trained dog can get into mischief when out of your control. Think ahead when purchasing a replacement dog. Your present dog can help with the preliminary training of the new pup.
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