4th Annual Cattle Dog Campout and Picnic (3rd year of attendance)

Photo by Laurie Sydorowicz

CATTLE DOGS EVERYWHERE
Another year in the books folks.   This past weekend we attended our 3rd Annual Cattle Dog Picnic.  Mama in her cast and all.

Angelyne

This year was by far the largest attendance. Additionally there was a guest speaker and performer with Eric and Angelyne-The Amazing Deaf Cattle Dog.
 http://www.amazingangelyne.com/.  Amazing!   

Cooling down in the pool

This breed is definitely like no other.  As I've mentioned in a previous post or two, I have always loved dogs. Day 1 of my life there was a dog.    When it came time to get my very own, I had always thought I'd end up with a Golden Retriever.   Alas that's not what happened.  When it came time for puppy child number 6, it wasn't planned to get a Heeler, that was just the breed of the puppy we were getting.   





And that is all they wrote.   Nothing against any other breed, but this sweet, faithful, incredibly smart, and loving breed is the best.   This weekend there were close to 100 cattle dogs and while each is different, the similarities are quite obvious as well.

The one down side of this trip was my cast.  Last year we walked around and spoke to so many different folks.  This year I was stuck in my seat and was lucky enough to talk to a few that stopped at our tent to chat.    

My favorite part of the whole time is watching my kiddoes play in the water. I've been wanting to take them to swim for weeks, but the cast limited my being able to go.   So it brings me such great joy to see them have the time of their lives playing fetch in the water.    Little Girl didn't quite get as into it as Baby Boy because Mamma was on the outside of the fence, but she did have fun.

I really get a great sense of joy watching my little ones have so much fun.

It would have been fantastic if my older 2 could have been with us, but they are not travelers and the ride down would have driven me insane.


And they're not as comfortable around a large number of people and dogs as the others are.  There would have been lots of barking. 

I'll need to take them all to the dog beach nearer to us.

Should you ever consider adopting or going to a breeder for an Australian Cattle Dog, I beg of you to do your research.   These 2 have been the toughest to adjust to, but OH SO WORTH it.   (when I don't want to kill them).

If you stumbled upon this by chance and have a Cattle Dog, definitely look up the Annual Cattle Dog Camp out and Picnic.   It really is wonderful to meet up and talk about this breed with those who understand.    Oh and the dogs you meet.   

I loved loved cuddling with this girl

Most of the sweetest ACD's I've encountered are the deaf and blind ones.  Oh, they melt my heart.   If you don't fall in love with them after cuddling with one of those....you're a lost cause ;)


CATTLE DOG RESCUE
Speaking of, a few things before I end ...First check out this wonderful organization.   If you have a few extra bucks, donate.  For $20 donation, get their 2018 calendar. My kiddoes make an appearance.   

This is a wonderful organization and when the time comes, we'll most likely go through them or a similar one to add to the family (Four is our hard limit..so this won't be for awhile)

Second, our kids are up for June 2019.  If you have Facebook, follow the link to vote for them. Voting ends midnight of June 30.
https://www.facebook.com/OCDRTeam/photos/a.983423788499686.1073741954.328089074033164/983436778498387/?type=3&theater

Also above I gave you the link to Eric & Angelyne's webpage. Here's the link to their Facebook page as well.  Seriously check them out.   Angelyne-the Amazing DEAF Cattle Dog


And finally if you're interested in attending a future Cattle Dog Picnic, follow here : Annual Cattle Dog Campout and Picnic.    Now let's check out some more photos...

Lada says SMILE!!!!!

Peryn

Loves that ball!!

This little dude -too cute

making new friends

ABSOLUTELY GOREGOUS.

This crew was pretty awesome.

Skye and Millie

This breed....

Hey! Before I post updates on the puppers goings ons, I wanted to talk about something we've discovered.

We've had our numerous fur children since 2000 when we first adopted Galen.   We adored the Old Guard very much and still miss them so freaking much.   Because of them, we've always talked about getting another "Eskimo/Collie" mix or Dutch Shepherd, but it was in the 'only if we find the right one' type of mindset.

Before we brought home Peryn, our knowledge of the Australian Cattle Dog was very minimal. We were aware of the breed and the very basics, but that was it.   Since bringing him home, we've done our research and joined the numerous groups to gleam as much information about him and now of course Lada.   

One thing we've come to discover, we love this breed.    Prior to Peryn, Rich had wanted a Husky, so having our half husky  half boxer mix was pretty close to it.  However after hanging out and learning from other Husky owners, we're quite happy with our half and half.  
We're totally in love with the Australian Cattle Dog.

Peryn has a lot to do with that, of course.   Lada as well, but Peryn is a character all his own.   He owns Mommy's heart.  Additionally, there is just something about this breed. They are so freaking smart and loving and I don't think I've come across one ACD that I do not like.

We attended our 2nd Annual Cattle Dog Cookout in June.  It was quite a blast and we got to interact more with everyone than we did last year.  Cattle dogs are just so regal and intelligent and..PSYCHO...or maybe that's just Lada.

Don't get us wrong, we still love all dogs and when and if the situation is right for it, we'll adopt another in need...but don't be surprised if it's another ACD.

We love all our kiddoes, but since Peryn & Lada are younger and have so much more energy-we play with them a lot.  I think that interaction has helped build a bond.

Sadly, I see so many re homing posts about these guys (and Huskies too).  I really wish people would research a breed before bringing them home. No matter the breed, each dog is unique in their own way. However there are big parts of their personalities and mannerisms that they inherit from their breed.

Heelers, another name for ACDs, got that nickname because they tend to bite and nip at the heels of the cattle they're herding.  My dogs are nowhere near cattle, but watching them play with others you will see them go for the heel.  It's in there genes.  Additionally as puppies they were very nippy.  We've been able to get Peryn to stop his nipping and for the most part have it almost gone from Lada, but it's still there.  

Almost every re-homing post mentions they're being given up for nipping and biting. Education people!  This goes for EVERY dog you adopt.  That's another reason I will always highly recommend dog DNA tests.   Sometimes you need to know what you're working with. 

Lil ms Lada

Duchess for example.  She was adopted to us as a "Shepherd Mix".   After her DNA tests, she was discovered to be 50/50 Boxer/Husky (Boxsky).   This is important to us to know how to deal with her in certain situations and daily life.

For example,, she's s rough player.  We discovered this early on at the dog park and unfortunately scared away man other dog owners.  Through North Ohio Husky & Malamute Enthusiasts, we found a group where she can be herself and everyone understands. 

Additionally we can watch out for typical behaviors of the other breeds.   
I think EVERYONE should get to know the dogs they're bringing home. It can make all the difference.

So, as I said...we're in love with ACD's and while we know they're not for everyone, we love ours to death!

If you want more information, look it up or feel free to contact us with specific questions.

11 Weeks in.......

Today, April 23

I wish I could remember every thing he's done since we last blogged.   It's just been really crazy.  
I can tell you that we've started taking him to a dog park with the girls.  This place has been empty every time we've gone since day 1.

Knowing that, we've taken the 3 to the park.  It's been a joy to watch him run free and play with his sisters.  We took them earlier today.   Additionally he was up early and playing with Duchess for about 3 hours on and off this morning.   Thanks to all that, he's a pooped pup.   It's a nice little break from him.

Daddy has been taking them on walks lately. He takes the girls first and comes back to take Peryn.   It's great as it burns a lot of his energy. When he comes back, we just do a few rounds of fetch and soon he's calmer.    His walks have been getting longer and longer.

He's jumping on the higher bed now.  Athena can't even do that.  Duchess is no longer alone up there. It doesn't matter any ways as the bed is going bye bye tomorrow.   Duchess will not like that one bit.
The office is also the guest room and unfortunately the bed is too big for both my desk and a queen sized bed.   We'll need to look for something smaller.

Duchess and Peryn at the park

The girls are doing fine.   They tolerate their brother most days.   He is a handful and tends to bug them at moments when they're not having it. They put him in his place though.

He's holding it a lot longer.   Our friend who lets him out during the middle of the day was on vacation this past week.  We both had to be at work and that's about 9 hours in the crate.   Each time it was bone dry.   This dog can hold it almost all night and most ogrf the day, but can spend 30 mins outside and come back in to pee in the middle of the floor! I don't get it.

He's got the commands I taught him down now.  He finally FINALLY does paw.   Working with him on Stay & Come.     .......

He's grown so much.  It's like you close your eyes and boom! he's taller/longer.   He's now over 25 lbs.   He was under 9lbs when we brought him home 11 weeks ago.

Buddies

As of today he's also micro-chipped.  I want to make sure i get my baby back.......
Which leads me to this train of thought..
It is absolutely amazing how many people are taken with him.   Rich tells me every time he walks him someone stops him to ask about Peryn. It happened twice today when I went in to have him chipped.  

As a avid dog lover, I was aware of an Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler. When we went to pick him up, it was not a surprise about seeing the breed.   However I'd say almost 98% of the people we've come in contact with or who have seen his picture always ask what he is.  
I posed this question to the online group I belong to and it was mixed. Those down in Texas, where there are ranches galore, know the breed well. Actually most areas where there are farms or ranches with cattle or flocks to be herded, know of the breed.  The rest say they have the same reactions.

Duchess

I was used to the questions about Duchess, but now we get to deal with them about Peryn. In fact, at the drive through today someone was insanely curious about Duchess and then when they saw Peryn, they asked about him as well.   Poor Athena. Looking like the German Shepherd that you are doesn't make people ask about her.

Life is busy with 3 dogs again, but it's been pretty good.  Our only complaints is the chewing on EVERYTHING and the ninja poops.  Otherwise they are a great bunch that I adore.

Oh and MY complaint is Duchess and Peryn feel the need to wrestle on top of me. If they don't start there, they end there. My thighs are bruised up. My lower legs, which are extremely sensitive to begin with , are scratched up.  I have teeth marks from where they go to "bite" at each other and miss, getting me in the mean time.

Double Trouble

It was cute at first, no longer.  I dread and hate it. Even when I get out of the way, Peryn finds me and then uses me as a launch pad to dive at his sister.
It's irritating.

Well, I'll let you enjoy the pics of the pups....












On a sad note, four years ago I lost my little clown.  We said goodbye to my little buddy Goldberg. The first of my kiddos to leave me and the worst as it was so unexpected.   Here's a moment for my little BUG.

Week #3

Peryn

Well....I don't know where to begin ....so much I want to say.  First off, the snowy weather and these dogs have caused me some great stress.  The first few days after we brought Peryn home, I ended up falling on my back twice (in one day and within minutes of each other).  Then last week he got loose. After chasing him around and catching him, I slipped and fell down a hill incline and bruised my tailbone. This morning, landed on both knees.
I don't know if I'll be healthy enough to enjoy him.

The dogs are getting along famously. He absolutely positively loves his sisters. They're pretty taken with him too.  It's more than I could ask for.  Athena, who loves to play and loves puppies, is getting her fill.  They can go forever some days.    
Duchess, who only loves to play with his sister (who never wants to play with her) and roughly with bigger dogs has found her match.   The two of them go at it.  He loves her rough play and she loves being able to play.  I am pretty sure they're more physically and mentally active since he's come into their lives.   YAY!

He's still not sleeping through the night,but now his barks are only to let us know he needs to go out.  He sleeps the rest of the time.

With the sisters

Training....we're working on this.   We started bell training.  Galen was inadvertently trained this way when he was a pup. We're now doing it purposefully.   Fingers crossed.
House training ---yeah...this is going to be a tough one.

I started working on sit with him. He got it after 2 days.  Now whether or not he chooses to do it is another thing.  Next we're working on paw.    I want him to have 'sit' down before I work in Stay.
He watches the girls a lot, so that helps. Duchess is so well trained (thank you previous owners) so she is a good example to watch.

I don't like working from home anymore.  It was getting annoying with the sisters always wanting to go out.  He's worse. He has to go out and then he insists I be outside at the same time. It's freaking cold out.

He's a happy puppy that's for sure.  We've many nicknames for him: Blue Devil, Blue Ninja, Daredevil, and Kamikaze, just to name a few.   He's freaking fearless.  The rougher and tougher it is, the more he's interested.

Getting longer

ZZZZZZ

Neighbors have commented on how much he's grown.  It saddens me.  I like my cute little puppy. His ears are almost straight up.   Sigh.

Loves to lay on Mommy at night.

SO that's your update for now.   See you next time.

Two weeks in...

HELLO!  Welcome, welcome.   So we've had a busy week.

The kids are all getting along.  They play with him regularly and he hardly leaves them alone.   It's working out great. Athena gets her puppy and he burns off some energy.

Peryn & Dr Rick. 

We took him to the vet last Monday.  He weighed 9.6 lbs.  We also heard back from the woman who has his parents and he was born Jan 3. That makes him officially 8 weeks old tomorrow. The vet staff went nuts over him.  The one tech squealed, came up to me and took him from my arms. It was almost 10 minutes before I saw my puppy again.

It is freaking amazing how quickly he's grown in those 2 weeks since adoption.

Yeah and we're learning we're in for a ride. This dog is notoriously known for being a force to be reckoned with.  Training is going to be oh so much fun!
Everyone we've talked to with regards to the blue heeler have all said the same thing.   So not only did we take on a puppy, we've taken on a difficult puppy.

He's still quite a handful, but he's an affectionate adorable ball of fur.

Today, I took the girls to the dog park. We're trying to make sure they know they're still important.   They had a great time. In fact, they're not in the office with me. They're in their beds passed out while he is laying at my feet.

Adoption Day

With his toy

Eating from the big bowl.

2 weeks later at the bowl.

Lil pup, 2 weeks in.

Oh yes, I'm adorable.

my little lightening bolt

"As with dogs from other working breeds, the Australian Cattle Dog is energetic and intelligent with an independent streak. It responds well to structured training, particularly if it is interesting and challenging. It was originally bred to herd by biting, and is known to nip running children. It forms a strong attachment to its owners, and can be protective of them and their possessions. It is easy to groom and maintain, requiring little more than brushing during the shedding period. The most common health problems are deafness and progressive blindness (both hereditary conditions) and accidental injury; otherwise, it is a robust breed with a lifespan of 12 to 14 years."As with dogs from other working breeds, the Australian Cattle Dog is energetic and intelligent with an independent streak. It responds well to structured training, particularly if it is interesting and challenging. It was originally bred to herd by biting, and is known to nip running children. It forms a strong attachment to its owners, and can be protective of them and their possessions. It is easy to groom and maintain, requiring little more than brushing during the shedding period. The most common health problems are deafness and progressive blindness (both hereditary conditions) and accidental injury; otherwise, it is a robust breed with a lifespan of 12 to 14 years.(2016, February 19). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 01:12, February 22, 2016, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=APA_style&oldid=705722138

and introducing the lil' brother...

Yeah....you've read that right. The girls now have a little brother.  
He's 7 weeks old.  A little ball of fur.   Adopted this weekend. He a gorgeous little Australian Blue Heeler (Cattle Dog)

Yes, I'm adorable.

This is comfortable

My yummy burger.