Aglink Farm Dog Series

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 1, Issue 16, 20 September 1983, Page 17

Aglink Farm Dog Series

More than 250,000 working farm dogs play a vita! role in New Zealand's agriculturai labour force.

wnne oreeaing piays a big part, the way it is trained and looked after can make or break a good working dog. Dr Clive Dalton, a scientist at the Ruakura Agriculturai Research Centre, has recently completed a series of eight Aglinks on farm dogs in New Zealand. "The training of a working dog is based on the relationship between the trainer and the animal," Dr Dalton says. "All trainers agree it is a waste of time to attempt to train a dog that doesn't have the genetic ability to learn the tasks expected of it. As this factor cannot be judged in a weaned pup, heavy reliance has to be put on the parents' pedigree and performance. "In a highly selected strain of working dogs it is the trainer who usually limits the dog's capabilities — ^ and there is a very wide range of dog training abilities. "Anyone who has little patience and a short temper, and who does not really like dogs, should never attempt to train a young pup. The dog is very responsive to the moods of it's trainer." The first Aglink in the series, FFF695, is an introduction to farm dogs. It describes New Zealand's major working breeds and describes what to look for when buying a dog. Frocuring a dog, especially if it is to be your first dog, can cause some concern, says Dr Dalton. Frospective owners should consider whether to buy a pup, a "half-broken" dog, a fully trained dog bought privately, or a trained dog bought at a sale. Each has its advantages and disadvantages according to the experience of the owner. The second Aglink in the series, FFF696, covers the mating, birth and weaning of farm dogs. It includes behavioural information which can help to ensure good management practices and the effective socialisation of pups to other dogs and people. Although they are carnivores, dogs can survive on a wide range of diets, both animal and vegetable. The feeding of working dogs is the subject of the third Aglink in the series, FFF697. "The dog is the classic scavenger," Dr Dalton says. "In the wild as pack animals they are used to irregular feeding. The domestic working dog, however, must begiven a balanced diet which is adequate for its state of growth, its work output and pregnancy requirements. "A well-varied diet is the way to ensure that a dog obtains the proper balance of protein, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins." The training of farm dogs is the subject of the fourth and fifth Aglinks in the series, FFF699 and FFF700.

Dr Dalton discussed the early training of dogs, when and how to start them working, basie routines, and some refined skills. "The working dog has been selected for for its ability to perform 'work' routines in actual farm situations,"Dr Dalton says. Aglink FFF701 describes a breeding programme designed to produce this ability. "In estimating a dog's potential usefulness, its owner is constantly forced to decide whether its performance isdue to its genetic makeup or to its environment (rearing and training as well as its relationship with the handler)." The all-important subjects of general management, housing and welfare are discussed in Aglink FFF702. "The dog's housing needs are simple but it is alarming to see how often they are not being met," Dr Dalton says. "A clean, dry, warm, ventilated house that is protected from draughts and has a comfortable bed is all that is required. "Fresh, clean water should be available at all times. There should also be adequate inspection facilities and easy access to the dog for administering any necessary treatment." The final Aglink in the series, FPF704, outlines the owner's legal responsibilitiies. According to Dr Dalton the main responsibilities under the Dog Control and Hydatids

Act 1 982 are: • Ensure it is registered and keep the certificate in a safe place; • Have collars, discs or tags for all dogs and make sure they wear them; • Notify any changes of address; • Make sure discs or labels are not tampered with; • Fresent all dogs for regular treatment; • House them well; and • Feed them properly. Copies of this series are available from all MAF offices.