A trip to the São Domingos Mine with our Australian Shepherd

Me, my son and Teco, my Australian Shepherd, in São Domingos Mines

On this weekend me, my son and my Australian Shepherd, Teco went to visit some friends in the little-known fluvial rural town of São Domingos Mine.

Teco, my Australian Shepherd, in São Domingos Mines

The trip was a long one, since we are more then 2 hours drive distance. But for sure it is worth it, since the peaceful town and quite fresh waters, gave to us an excellent day.

Me, my son in São Domingos Mines

A little information about this town:

Me, my son and Teco, my Australian Shepherd, in a visit to the mines

This town has been now renovated and has to offer five stars accommodation, a well signal visit to the mines ruins and restaurants with traditional gastronomy.




For those who don’t like the heavy tourist season, the month of July and August are a big No, since its terribly full of people. But in the remaining year is a lovely very quite town to visit and if you are lucky with the weather then you will be all day enjoying the quite waters.


The mines were exploited initially by the Romans. They were re-discovered in the middle of the XIX century and functioned until the mid-XX century, under concession to an English company. To stress the importance of the mines, James Mason, one of the partners in the business, received titles of the nobility from Dom Luís and Dom Carlos, namely those of Baron of Pomarão, Viscount of Mason of São Domingos and Count of Pomarão.

Other trips and travel:

• Dog trekking to a museum


• Dog trekking in Almada


• Dog Trekking in Serra de Sintra


• Alcochete - goldens and aussies


• Economic Trips with Dogs


• An Australian Shepherd in Salema Beach


• An Australian Shepherd in Armona Island


• Dogs in Meia Praia


• Silves, a visit to medieval times with Cookie, our Aussie


• Two Golden Retriever in Monchique


• Taking a Golden Retriever to the fortress of Sagres


• A walk with my Australian Shepherd through Luz, Algarve Portugal


• A Walk with Brad, our Golden Retriever through Lagos


• Portugal Algarve, Amado Beach with our Golden Retriever and Australian Shepherd

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New article: Dogs and children

On the 1 of June we celebrated the Children Day and I choose to publish an article about what I do regarding taking care of my dogs and children.

A) Bring a Dog to a family with children

B) Children and strange dogs on the street

C) Bring a baby into a family with dogs

To read the article click here or see our website

How an Australian Shepherd came to my life

How an Australian Shepherd came to my life

The decision to keep an Australian Shepherd was more driven by love then by rationality.

But let star by the beginning. A friend at a time ask me to keep a small Aussie until a owner would be found for the puppy.


As a favor I accept her request and driven by curiosity I start to google search what was the characteristics of the breed. I would have to stay that I was scare by what I read and my first feeling was to help this friend to find has soon as possible an owner to the puppy.
I have to add that the main thing that scare me was the time needed to take care of this working breed and the tendency that they had for destruction when didn’t get the attention.
At the time I was out of home about 12 hours a day, so for my point of view was quite impossible to fill the Australian Shepherd request for attention.


When Teco came my first thought was that he seamed a pom-pom or a teddy bear all full of fluffy hair. I carefully introduce him to the two Golden Retriever that I had, since it would be their task to take care of him when I was away at work.

This small Australian Shepherd was a patience test, since he was full of energy and every thing was good to play, steal and start a game (see this story that I did at the time).
But little by little this little Aussie enter my heart with is adoration eyes, will to play and always good mode that made me laugh.

The games and little commands that I started to teach him were always eager and joyfully accepted. He was always hoping, asking and happy for a little of attention and always giving a big reward with is happiness, following me everywhere.

Also it isn’t a breed that drives away when call. Wanting and keeping always close to the owner when in big walks and giving his full attention in training or in games.

Well after about two months I was surrender to this puppy and for my big happiness my friend allowed me to keep the little Aussie and he becomes my working companion.

Teco today I considered my DOG, the one that I trust and enjoy to take every place with me. He only fails a little in that period of the females when his male hormones speak louder … but oh well a men thing …



After three Australian Shepherd later and big changes in my life, I still consider that a Australian Shepherd is a dog for a special owner. I don’t personally advise easily an Australian Shepherd and requests a lot for possible owners.

What happens when you have one toy and 5 playing dogs ?

I am lucky to have such wonderful four leg family of Golden Retriever and Australian Shepherd.

In the video below you can see why I think that way ….

Our Golden Retriever, Brad,made 3 years this weekend - Happy Birthday !!

Happy Birthday Brad !!

Taking a Golden Retriever to the fortress of Sagres

Bri, my Golden Retriever in Sagres, Algarve
Sagres is a memorial place, with it’s high rocks, scary sea fronts and position in the most western point of Europe.

In nice calm days a walk to the fort of Sagres is recommended to the all family and allows us to go back in time to the glorious discoveries times.

I took my son and my Golden Retriever, Bri, to a visit in this remarkable place and my son love the sea views, the fort high walls and canons.

So it was a well spent day for all of us !

Me and Bri, my Golden Retriever, in Sagres, Algarve

Other trips and travel:

• Dog trekking to a museum


• Dog trekking in Almada


• Dog Trekking in Serra de Sintra


• Alcochete - goldens and aussies


• Economic Trips with Dogs


• An Australian Shepherd in Salema Beach


• An Australian Shepherd in Armona Island


• Dogs in Meia Praia


• Silves, a visit to medieval times with Cookie, our Aussie


• Two Golden Retriever in Monchique


• A trip to the São Domingos Mine with our Australian Shepherd


• A walk with my Australian Shepherd through Luz, Algarve Portugal


• A Walk with Brad, our Golden Retriever through Lagos


• Portugal Algarve, Amado Beach with our Golden Retriever and Australian Shepherd

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A walk with my Australian Shepherd through Luz, Algarve Portugal

This time me and my Australian Shepherd, Cookie, went to visit the famous Praia da Luz, located in Algarve Portugal.

This area is known by the famous Black Rock formation that is believed to be created by volcanic activity from Monchique.

Luz has a pedestrian walk around the beach that we went through and were we only hear the English and German language. Makes us wondering if we are still in Portugal.

The beach is surrounded by palm trees that complete its oriental beauty. All access to the beach are forbidden to dogs and so we stay on the side walk (the funny thing is for loose dogs this forbidden sign wasn’t well respected).

And that is it, a positive experience for Cookie and me, since it was first walk made for just us two.

Other trips and travel:

• Dog trekking in Almada



• Dog Trekking in Serra de Sintra


• Alcochete - goldens and aussies


• Economic Trips with Dogs


• An Australian Shepherd in Salema Beach


• An Australian Shepherd in Armona Island


• Dogs in Meia Praia


• Silves, a visit to medieval times with Cookie, our Aussie



• Two Golden Retriever in Monchique


• A trip to the São Domingos Mine with our Australian Shepherd


• Taking a Golden Retriever to the fortress of Sagres


• A Walk with Brad, our Golden Retriever through Lagos


• Portugal Algarve, Amado Beach with our Golden Retriever and Australian Shepherd

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>> Back to Australian Shepherd, Golden Retriever and Portuguese Water Dog Blog Homepage <<

Canine demonstration in Externato da Torraltinha

On the 7 of May, Teco, my Australian Shepherd, and me went to a demonstration organized by our Canine Training Center of Lagos, were we learn and practice agility and obedience.

The demonstration showed to the children at the school Externato da Torraltinha, obedience, search and rescue and gave the children the chance to touch and pet different type of dogs.

I hope the children love it, since I know we did !

Other activities:

• Demos in VI Animal Show


• Herding with an Australian Shepherd SummerDogCamp 2010


• 115th and 116th Lisbon International Dog Show


• CNEMA 2010 - Portuguese Breeds and Agility !


• Spring Trophy – Agility Alenquer


• Belém - First Agility Experience


• Obedience Competition in Lagos 2009


• International Dog Show of Santarém 2009


• Scruffts 2009
• 
  
• Lisbon International Dog Show 2009


• Portie and Aussies in Algarve Dog Show
• 
  
• Obedience 100 Secrets


• Obedience Seminar


• Agility Workshop


• Cookie achieved Excellent in Obedience Class I


• Dog Show Int Vila Franca Xira 2009


• Workshop in Dog Behaviour on Educacão


• Dog Show Int Norte 2009


• Dog show Sousel 2008


• Teco acomplished Excelent in Obedience class I


• International Dog Show of Estoril


• Australian Shepherd in Herding Training Curse by Educacão


• Australian Shepherd and Golden Retriever in Sweet Fair at Lagos


• Lisbon and Mediterrânea dog show with our Aussies


• Angel and Teco, the two ambassador of our family


• Aussies and Golden in Dog Show at Elvas 2008
• 
  
• Herding with our Australian Shepherd in Montemor-oNovo


• Australian Shepherd, Angel and Teco, on the 5º Journey


• In school with our Australian Shepherd

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Aussies and Golden in Dog Show at Elvas 2008

On this weekend we went to Elvas, Portugal, for the 20º International Dog Show, where I token the 3 Australian Shepherd: Teco, Angel and Cookie and Golden Retriever, Bri.


All the Australian Shepherd behaved very well, with natural and joy, achieving very good classifications.

To Cookie, being her first time, deserves a special congratulations, since she was in the same lever as experience dogs, showing good movement, standing and patience to be still until the end.


Teco and Cookie also had the chance to be in young handlers competition.





Were Cookie and her young handler, Ana Pombeiro achieved a excellent 6º place.

Pretty good for the second handler time and first dog show for Cookie.

My Bri, Golden Retriever, had the judgement were the judge give her the remark of excellent temperament, very good colour and coat, an excellent family dog.

Other activities:

• Demos in VI Animal Show


• Herding with an Australian Shepherd SummerDogCamp 2010


• 115th and 116th Lisbon International Dog Show


• CNEMA 2010 - Portuguese Breeds and Agility !


• Spring Trophy – Agility Alenquer


• Belém - First Agility Experience


• Obedience Competition in Lagos 2009


• International Dog Show of Santarém 2009


• Scruffts 2009
• 
  
• Lisbon International Dog Show 2009


• Portie and Aussies in Algarve Dog Show
• 
  
• Obedience 100 Secrets


• Obedience Seminar


• Agility Workshop


• Cookie achieved Excellent in Obedience Class I


• Dog Show Int Vila Franca Xira 2009


• Workshop in Dog Behaviour on Educacão


• Dog Show Int Norte 2009


• Dog show Sousel 2008


• Teco acomplished Excelent in Obedience class I


• International Dog Show of Estoril


• Australian Shepherd in Herding Training Curse by Educacão


• Australian Shepherd and Golden Retriever in Sweet Fair at Lagos


• Lisbon and Mediterrânea dog show with our Aussies


• Angel and Teco, the two ambassador of our family


• Canine demonstration in Externato da Torraltinha


• Herding with our Australian Shepherd in Montemor-oNovo


• Australian Shepherd, Angel and Teco, on the 5º Journey


• In school with our Australian Shepherd

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>> Go back to the Home page of the Australian Shepherd, Golden Retriever and Portuguese Water Dog blog <<

Australian Shepherd and Golden Retriever playing in the middle of flowers

On this weekend I lost a special person in my life, my father, that teach me the love, respect and special care to all leaving creatures.

In one of his last days, his thoughts were for the creatures, that he took care and the request that we would keep take care of them.

For this special men, witch was a great lost to all of us I dedicate the following sequence of spring pictures and the movie below of pure joy of life.

A walk with Brad, our Golden Retriever through Lagos

Brad, my Golden Retriever, in Lagos, Algarve

In a beautiful sunny day I decide to take a walk in one of our Portuguese historical towns with my Golden Retriever Brad.

Brad behaved perfectly and received a lot of complements of the British tourists that visit us at this time of year. I can say he is a very lovely and tender representative of his breed in Portuguese lands.

I hope you can enjoy the video and photos of this walk.

Now a little history about this town - Portugal, Algarve - Lagos:

The city of Lagos is an ancient maritime town with more than 2,000 years of history.

It is known by it’s important strategic point during the 15th century period of Portuguese exploration..

It was also through Lagos that the first African slaves entered post-mediaeval Europe. There is a 17th century building standing on the exact site where the first slave markets were held in the 15th century. As the major sponsor of these expeditions, Prince Henry received one fifth of the selling price of the slaves. After his death the town began to slumber as the Royal family lost interest in the Algarve. All major trading houses then took up residence in Lisbon.

The old Portuguese town was a very beautiful city with many monuments until it was destroyed by the earthquake and tsunami of 1755. But it still preserves some rebuilt walls from the 16th century, a governor's castle from the 17th, and the site of what is believed to have been the first black slave market in Europe (the Mercado de Escravos, opened in 1444).

Other trips and travel:

• Dog trekking in Almada


• Dog Trekking in Serra de Sintra


• Alcochete - goldens and aussies


• Economic Trips with Dogs


• An Australian Shepherd in Salema Beach


• An Australian Shepherd in Armona Island


• Dogs in Meia Praia


• Silves, a visit to medieval times with Cookie, our Aussie


• Two Golden Retriever in Monchique


• A trip to the São Domingos Mine with our Australian Shepherd


• Taking a Golden Retriever to the fortress of Sagres


• A walk with my Australian Shepherd through Luz, Algarve Portugal


• Portugal Algarve, Amado Beach with our Golden Retriever and Australian Shepherd

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Herding with our Australian Shepherd in Montemor-oNovo

On the Last Weekend there was an International Meeting of shepherd dogs in Montemor-o-Novo, Portugal, and we had the chance to go on the 25 of April to try out the initial herding with our Australian Shepherd.

So we pack everything in and there we went for about a 4 hour drive.




We went through beautiful green fields and could enjoy our Alentejo after a rain season that left full of yellow and purple flours in the meddle of green plains and oak trees.

Herdade do Freixo is a big ecological farm and in the words of my son was full of animals, like pigs, sheep, donkeys and a few horses that gave a characteristically smell.




After a small debate about the state of herding initiatives and schools in Portugal, a nice couple of Trás-os-Montes (way north of Portugal) that has a hotel and farm, Quinta Equestre da Sardoeira ,by them self were kind to give me and my Australian Shepherd an introduction to herding.




As expected, Teco who had the chance to try and enjoy before herding, was exited enough to jump over the gate near the sheep and show what is truly brave full heart of an Australian Shepherd. This is my BOY !!!

Angel was interested but thinking, what is intend to do with this ? and she just kept looking at me for a hint and I was like “how can I explain …”

Cookie was also interested but she thought that they were to big … I suppose they are for a 6 month puppy.



In the end, like always I just had the feeling if I had the chance of go to a school I could teach my aussies to herd, since they have the interest and the feeling in the right place.





Other activities:

• Demos in VI Animal Show


• Herding with an Australian Shepherd SummerDogCamp 2010


• 115th and 116th Lisbon International Dog Show


• CNEMA 2010 - Portuguese Breeds and Agility !


• Spring Trophy – Agility Alenquer


• Belém - First Agility Experience


• Obedience Competition in Lagos 2009


• International Dog Show of Santarém 2009


• Scruffts 2009
• 
  
• Lisbon International Dog Show 2009


• Portie and Aussies in Algarve Dog Show
• 
  
• Obedience 100 Secrets


• Obedience Seminar


• Agility Workshop


• Cookie achieved Excellent in Obedience Class I


• Dog Show Int Vila Franca Xira 2009


• Workshop in Dog Behaviour on Educacão


• Dog Show Int Norte 2009


• Dog show Sousel 2008


• Teco acomplished Excelent in Obedience class I


• International Dog Show of Estoril


• Australian Shepherd in Herding Training Curse by Educacão


• Australian Shepherd and Golden Retriever in Sweet Fair at Lagos


• Lisbon and Mediterrânea dog show with our Aussies


• Angel and Teco, the two ambassador of our family


• Canine demonstration in Externato da Torraltinha


• Aussies and Golden in Dog Show at Elvas 2008
• 
  
• Australian Shepherd, Angel and Teco, on the 5º Journey


• In school with our Australian Shepherd

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International Encounter of Shepherd Dogs

To not be missed : International Encounter of Shepherd Dogs

Punchline Australian Shepherd herding with Cows

The Australian Shepherd, has a natural versatile stock dog, is a breed promoted by the Australian Shepherd Club of America. They encourage the beginning dog and handler to start training herding and go further in trials and competitions in order to keep the genetic heritage and balanced versatile dogs.

This is the testimonial and photos gently provided by Kelly Hughes, of Punchline Australian Shepherd, that took one of her boys to a first lesson in working with cows.
“
Here are a few shots of JR working cows. Since he's just beginning to learn how to drive, most of the session was spent teaching him how to push from behind, but also hold their heads..
“

Portugal Algarve, Amado Beach with our Golden Retriever and Australian Shepherd

After a week of being closed at home I decided to take my children to a different walk.

Brad, my Golden Retriever, in Amado Beach, Algarve

In an adventure in Western Algarve, I, my son and my Australian Shepherd and Golden Retriever went to visit the famous surf beach, Amado Beach.

My son runing after the Golden Retriever and Australian Shepherd dogs, in Amado Beach, Algarve

Located in the road to Aljezur it is a lovely beach surrounded by amazing rocks, wild sea and green fields.

I can really see why it was chosen by surf schools, tour guide visits and surf teams and competitions.

I leave you with the amazing photos.

Other trips and travel:

• Dog trekking to a museum


• Dog trekking in Almada


• Dog Trekking in Serra de Sintra


• Alcochete - goldens and aussies


• Economic Trips with Dogs


• An Australian Shepherd in Salema Beach


• An Australian Shepherd in Armona Island


• Dogs in Meia Praia


• Silves, a visit to medieval times with Cookie, our Aussie


• Two Golden Retriever in Monchique


• A trip to the São Domingos Mine with our Australian Shepherd


• Taking a Golden Retriever to the fortress of Sagres


• A walk with my Australian Shepherd through Luz, Algarve Portugal


• A Walk with Brad, our Golden Retriever through Lagos

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>> Back to Australian Shepherd, Golden Retriever and Portuguese Water Dog Blog Homepage <<