2017 March April

BD.16.163 DOCK DIVING
COMMITTEE
Motion by Gibson; second by Silveira
to allow Heidi Mobley to create a Dock
Diving Committee and move forward
with investigation. Approve: Unanimous;
motion carries.
BOD HOLIDAY BREAK
The Board observes a holiday break from
December 20, 2016 until January 2, 2017.
STRATEGIC PLAN
Gibson led the discussion. There has
been pushback from some committees
regarding their task to designate three goals
for the committee for the upcoming year.
The Board reaffirmed its desire to focus
the work of the committees by utilizing
the Strategic Plan. Each committee must
submit its three goals for the year.
Officer Reports
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OPEN ITEMS
Gibson read off a list of items awaiting resolution and who is
responsible for each.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 pm.
30 AUSSIE TIMES March-April 2017
Working Description of the Australian Shepherd
INTRODUCTION
The Australian Shepherd was developed in the 19th and 20th centuries as a general-purpose ranch and farm dog in the American West, where a tough, enduring,
versatile stockdog with an honest work ethic was required. His usual work included moving very large herds of sheep and cattle from summer to winter grazing
grounds and back, flushing range cattle out of heavy brush, and moving livestock in tight quarters such as chutes and alleys. These kinds of jobs are still where
Australian Shepherds excel and are most valued.
The Australian Shepherd is categorized as one of the Loose-Eyed breeds of stockdogs. He is a confident, authoritative worker with a unique style that differs from
Strong-Eyed breeds. He is agile, upright and close-working, and exhibits these distinctive traits while maintaining the ability and versatility to control all types of
livestock in an efficient and deliberate manner.
The Australian Shepherd excels at controlling large and/or slow-moving flocks of sheep and herds of cattle, and is highly regarded for his superior ability to effectively
manage livestock in tightly confined spaces. The Australian Shepherd is powerful and intense by nature easily learning the appropriate force and distance needed
for the type of livestock being worked. Utilizing a loose-eyed approach to stock, a working Australian Shepherd will often display wear, grip, and/or an authoritative
bark, as well as eye when necessary, to handle their stock.
WEAR
The Australian Shepherd’s wear is smooth, balanced, and ground covering as the dog moves easily from side to side at the back of the stock, keeping his herd or
flock together and moving forward. This is a very natural movement for an Australian Shepherd, and one that he can continue doing for hours at a time.
GRIP
The Australian Shepherd will only use grip to move reluctant or challenging stock. The ideal Australian Shepherd naturally grips at both the head and heel, coming
in low and hard on the heels to move cattle, or going to the head and gripping the nose or poll to turn an animal back to the herd.
BARK
The Australian Shepherd may bark to move stock or to face a challenge. His bark is conservative and should be authoritative when used. While the Australian
Shepherd’s grip typically affects a single animal, his bark can influence a whole herd, and is most effective when stock has come to a standstill such as in crowded
alleyways. The Australian Shepherd’s bark is particularly useful when gathering cattle from thick brush.
EYE
Since the Australian Shepherd is a loose-eyed working dog, he prefers to use his authority and presence to move livestock. However, if challenged, he may use eye
in a direct and deliberate way until the challenge is over.