Searching for the right dog

[Amy_Nia]

Soon my parents and I will be moving. We plan to buy land and start up a horse facility and later a cattle ranch once we are more stable. I have looked at a number of herding dogs and I have dearly fallen for the Australian Koolie. I've tried joining two forums specifically for Australian Koolies but for some reason one I was denied while the other would not accept members. So I've joined more generalized forums about dogs.

I've done a lot of research on the dogs and think that it is the dog that I want. I was hoping for personal feed back however.

Do they work good around horses? is probably my main concern.

How well have they worked for you if you own one.

 

[DogstarAcademy]

Aren't Coolies a German breed? Or am I confused?

They're one of my friend's favorite breeds, and I think they look like really neat dogs. However, like all the high-octane mostly-working herding breeds, I think they can be a REALLY tough choice for equestrian facilities unless the owners are REALLY committed to training and preferably have a lot of experience setting dogs up to succeed and learn to make good choices. If everyone is NOT on board with setting up the dog very well to succeed, a dog with strong herding drive can be a serious liability.

 

[Dakotah]

I know a lady who has one and she was veryyyy sweet and not your typical Coolie.

I think I would suggest an Aussie. They are awesome awesome dogs.

 

[adojrts]

I agree, the kind of dog you get would depend on the kind of facility you plan running.
Nothing worse than boarding your horse some place and they have untrained dogs, esp high drive dogs.

 

[Amy_Nia]

I would be spending a large amount with training, there would be no worry in that. I would never put a dog up for failure, that's why they would be very socialized to horses before I ever opened the facility to the public and started.

I would be looking around the area to not only socialize the dog to the different animals but looking for puppy classes, trainers, and anything else I think may help the puppy and I to become more responsible around animals and situations that involve animals.

DogstarAcademy: Aren't Coolies a German breed? Or am I confused?

No and Yes. It depends on what you think of. From what I've read through C/Koolies were breed by many German settlers but they were in Australia.

Dakotah: I think I would suggest an Aussie. They are awesome awesome dogs.

I've looked into them and that would be my second choice for a herding dog. That's why I'm looking at every possible aspect.

adojrts: I agree, the kind of dog you get would depend on the kind of facility you plan running.
Nothing worse than boarding your horse some place and they have untrained dogs, esp high drive dogs.

It would be a equestrian facility. However I plan to have cattle, just a few, on the grounds to work horses on cattle. Also later on (not sure on time period) we would be purchasing more property to start on beef cattle.

 

[DogstarAcademy]

Well... how much experience do you have with actual working dogs? It's NOT that novices can't do things right, it's just that there's a certain amount of learning curve that you kinda have to learn the hard way when people tell you these seemingly tiny things are important, you blow them off, and then you have to fix a bad habit. Not a huge deal with most performance dogs. But when you throw horses (and other pepole's horses, especially, and ESPECIALLY if you're talking high-dollar cutting or roping horses that belong to other people) into the equation.... a screw up isn't going to mean a dog that likes to chase chickens- a screw up may mean someone's horse gets run through a fence and you've now got a huge vet bill and a VERY pissed off client.

I'm not saying don't look at this breed, or other working herding breeds, but I'd very seriously consider getting a lower-drive, middle-aged dog FIRST for a 'general farm dog' and adding a coolie in a few years when you've got more experience AND when you know a little more about what you actually NEED from a farm dog.

 

[Amy_Nia]

Unfortunately I don't have any. I'm strict with myself when working with animals. If I don't listen I know i can screw up the animal and make a bad habit. You either learn it the hard way or watch others learn it the hard way (thankfully I've only watched others) when working with horses. I'm not saying dogs are like horses but the concept of not being the best listener for them so they can learn is the same.

:yikes: oh I wish I can become that good that I get top end horses at my barn. I do understand the importance though.

I wish the owner of the barn I board at had a bit more obedience in his dog. The dog where I'm at is a great dog, don't get me wrong. He saved a horse from colic because he warned people about it. However one time he was in the arena with my horse while she was rolling and he thought she was going down in colic and charged at her. She ignored him and in turn he bit at her ear. Luckily she shows no fear for the dog but that was no acceptable for him to do so.

I've also thought of that as well. I've looked at a lot of different options and dogs. I'm asking around to find out the thoughts of others and their opinion on the matter.

 

[Renee750il]

I'd have to second the advice about going with an Australian Shepherd. They're less hard-headed than many other herding breeds, usually dazzlingly intelligent and much more forgiving of the novice owner.

Going to a rescue and adopting either a grown or a young adult dog is a good idea as well.

 

[Amy_Nia]

I appreciate everyone's feed back. A number of you had suggested Aussie first. As I stated before it's my second choice. So now I'd like to hear from Aussie owners.

Pros and Cons of having them.

I've looked both dogs up extensively so please don't tell me to do so. I want to hear it first hand, there's only so much 'breed standards' can actually tell you.

 

[Aston]

Australian Sheperd no doubt. Second option Border Collie.

They are both wonderful working breeds, they love to be among cattle and they are for sure the best choice. They are very energetic and learn very quickly . If you choose one of this, make sure with the breeder that their parents are working dogs and not show dogs.

 

[Lizmo]

Both Aussies and Border Collies work cattle just fine.

But, to that, I hope you will find a trainer or go to clinics, read books, watch videos, talk to reputable people about what is involved with training a dog for cow work (it's different than for sheep).

I'm going to suggest you go to http://www.bordercollie.org/boards/index.php

They will give you expert advice on Border Collies/Aussies and working. There are even a few who have Koolies.