Just because a dog bites the nose and heels of an animal does not make him a cattle dog. He can have balance, speed, eye and concentration, and still not make a good tough farm dog. All of the above are great but if he doesn`t have confidence when working cattle he is not the help he could be. I have said for many years lack of confidence or fear, which usually is the same thing, will overcome all training. I see it all the time in dogs that look real good on broke or gentle cattle but just don`t have what it takes to stay hooked when the stock are rank.
- By: L.R. Alexander
My name is Richard Brandon and I operate Brandon Farm in Greene County Tennessee. The farm was established in 1938 by my grandfather; my father Carl operated it for many years as a dairy and beef operation. Today I raise feeder steers, sheep and sell hay.
Growing up we always had some type of collie or heeler on the farm. They had no training and were no help moving cattle which we did frequently on foot. I recall my brother and myself gathering cattle that had gotten out on foot many Sunday afternoons. Several years ago I was introduced to the Border Collie breed and saw the value of a trained dog that could handle cattle. I learned very early thru trial and error that not all were cut out to be true cowdogs or dogs with the confidence and bite needed to work fresh cattle efficiently. This type of dog is a valuable asset to any operation.
I began cattle trialing in 2003. My dogs have qualified and competed in the USBCHA National Cattledog Finals which is the premier cattledog championship in the US for the past 6 years. My dog Dan won the Reserve Nursery Championship in 2006 and last year Cuz finished 5th in the Nursery Finals and 19th in the Open Finals. You can see Cuz`s 5th place run on his page.
Brandon Farm host several USBCHA sanctioned cattledog trials each year including The US Southern Cattledog Championship which is held in October. Some of the nation's top cattledogs and handlers compete at this event each year. Spectators are always welcome to attend any of these events. For more info click on Trial Info.
What's happening in the USBCHA Cattledog Program?
by: Richard Brandon
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