About Wendy Grudin Expertise I will answer any general or specific questions regarding Australian Cattle Dogs(conformation, behavior, showing in either obedience or conformation). I cannot give any comments or recommendations re:AKC judges,as that would be considered a conflict of interest.
Experience I have owned, bred and shown ACDs for the past 13 years, and I am a licensed conformation judge (AKC) for the breed. I have owned and operated an all breed training center for the past 22 years.
Publications Dog World magazine(cover article on the Australian Cattle Dog, March, 1995)
Question My 1 1/2 year old ACD loves to herd horses, cattle and goats. With larger animals he tends to get afraid and back down when it faces him or walks forewords. What can I do to make him lounge at the cow (or horse/goat) to make it run? Also, with the goats he will put his hole mouth around it's neck and it looks like his biting, but he's not clamping. What can I do to make him bark more and bit/nibble less??? Thanks!
Answer Hi Holly, My expertise is more in the lines of conformation and obedience, but I will give you some ideas on where to get the info. you need.First , get the book "Herding Dogs" by Vergil Holland. Go to the site addall.com and enter the name of the book. This site will tell you where do get the best price.This book covers everything you need to know to help with your dog's herding adverture.Another thing to consider is your dog's age. At 1 1/2 years, the dog is still too young to be seen as mentally mature. My male ACD who is titled in conformation, obedience and herding did not reach maturity till he was 22 months old.When you attempt any of the excercises in the Holland book....and if the dog does not seem to "get it"...wait a couple of days and go back and try again. I hope this info. has been helpful to you...and should you have other questions re: obedience,etc. please do not hesitate to email me again.
