Australian Shepherd herding photos

Once again I bring to you amazing herding photos taken from Punchline Aussies in their wonderful farm.

You really can see the joy of this lucky Australian Shepherd dogs doing what they do best.

Photos released by Punchline Aussies

Crufts 2009 and BBC

Well, today I read that BBC will not transmit this year the notorius event of Crufts ( you can see here the news http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2008/12_december/12/crufts.shtml)

Consider by many a event to big as the world dog show, it is a pity that has be banned and unconsidered by the notorious BBC network.

In spite of I always being complained by some point of the dog show organization, having a notorious lack of interested by the animal health and lack of sociability of some animals, that doesn’t mean that isn’t so sad such amazing event just be put aside.

Yes, maybe this will be the push to change mentalities and the way some breeds are seen when taken to dog shows and yes maybe people minds will change and not only the physical, but also the character, health and work components will become requirements to the main title.

Personaly, I am blessed by balanced healthy social dogs and I try to keep their social and work component, and I don’t see why the some shouldn’t be asked to the other breeders.

I also cannot understand why the so call “veterinarian inspection” in a dog show, beside checking vaccines and chip, don’t check the heart, breading, eyes, hears, temperature, like our one vets do in a checkup.

What I can say is that the BBC story, despite of pointing the finger to certain breeds and their prejudicial selection just because of looks, this story also brought to all of us breeders a curtain of undemanding the work we do.

And like there is breeders that don’t act in the proper way and should be punish, there are also the ones that fight to give a better quality of live to their dogs, perform health exams before breeding and give all possible conditions to a new coming litter, and this one’s deserve respect and consideration.

Time for photos of our Australian Shepherd and Golden Retriver

In the middle of the rain and win, I went to take photos with Australian Shepherd, Cookie, and Golden Retriever Brad and our puppy, Bianca, daughter of Bri

I hope you like it ...

Brad

Bianca

Cookie

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Back Stage of a Dog Show – 4º Chapter “Dog Show”

Continuing our last three weeks topics with the start at the Planning of a Dog Show, following List of Items necessary to take to a Dog Show, and finally Final Preparations we now go to the event itself.

As you can imagine a seven hour drive trip is not easy and when we drive alone, more difficult it becomes. But having dogs with you make thinks more enjoyable since you have to stop more times, walk with them and give them water, so in the end, the trip seams more light and enjoyable.

Anyway, like I said in the beginning of this set of posts, the main goal of this dog show is to achieve the long desired C.A.C.-Q.C. that give us, together with three C.A.C. the most wanted title of Champion of Portugal (CH PT) and so this dog show is extra important, since is one of three along the year that give us that chance.

Of course this means that everyone that desires the title, is there to try also to win, and that creates more competition and more difficult to get it.



For my enormous joy, Angel, my Red Merle Australian Shepherd was one of the ones granted with this prize.

And like in all of this important occasions a special thanks to some people is in order.

To our veterinarian, Dr. José Carlos of Zoolagos, that has the patience for all my questions and naughty behavior of my four leg children.

To our handling teacher, Joana Gonçalves, that has the patience to keep teaching and incentive me to continue going to this events.

To our training center, CIC Lagos, where my Angel goes to take out her stress and enormous energy.

And finally to this occasion washer and groomer that took the mud and dirt out of my dogs (and this time they were really dirty) Mr. Carlos Alves from Myfriend Petshop.

And finally I personally give a thank you to God who grant me the pleasure of sharing my live with this small four leg people who stand everything of their owner.

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Back Stage of a Dog Show – 3º Chapter “Final Preparations”

Continuing our last two weeks topics with the start at the Planning of a Dog Show, following List of Items necessary to take to a Dog Show we now go to the last details before we get in the car and go.

1º Training

As you can guess, at this time we already have some weeks of intense ring or handling training.

The main, in my opinion, is to make the dogs stay on the stand position for a long time and this has to be trained several times.

2º Clothe

Since I handle and show my dogs I have to be careful in choosing the clothes. If necessary it has to be send to the cleaner.

I start to use a different outfit out of the ring and during the trip.

3º Leashes, coolers and dog bowls

Yes yes it is straight forward ... but I once forgot the leashes and was quite upset with myself.
So has soon I can I put on my trip bag. Also take an extra leash just in case one breaks.

4º Sleeping bag and blankets

One of the pleasures of sleeping out of the house is to use the sleeping bag and make an adventure from that.

The blankets is for the dogs to have their one sleeping place and to cover the boxes at the exhibit if and unnecessary noise.

5º Money and Documents

At this stage is to put the necessary amount and dogs, car and exhibit documents at our travel bag.

Don’t forget to check if all vaccines are up to date.

6º Fuel

Fill the car deposit on the day before and you avoid that extra minutes at the beginning of the trip.

Ok, now it is just go to the road and bring lots of prizes.

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Playing on water

To take the stress out I took the kids to a walk and they found some water, this was the result ....

Back Stage of a Dog Show – 2º Chapter “List of Items”

Continuing our last week topic with the Planning of a Dog Show, we now go to do a list of items that we need to take and buy to that dog show.

1º Cleaning the Dogs

Well I think this is the real bases of presenting your dog, the bath.
Since this is a very long trip and I will work full time, this time I decided to ask some professional help to clean my dogs.

But usually this means buying shampoo, conditioner and softener. And be prepare to spend 3 to 4 hours preparing each dog.

In each case I always take with me cleaning towels (the some we use on babies) and conditioner to give shine to the fur before we enter the ring.

Brushes, combs and scissors are always mandatory items to take.

List: shampoo, softener, conditioner, cleaning towels, brushes, combs and scissors

2º Trip safety

I always take a medicine kit with me (I learned that with a dear friend and dog lover), because with dogs we never know and it isn’t the first time they step on something and get hurt.

So before I go I always check if it has all necessary items for the dogs and for people.

List: dressings, gauze, disinfectant, anti-inflammatory, bandages, aspirin, cotton, alcohol

3º Food, Water and Drinks

Ok, you might think, I will buy something or off course we must take food.

But for me it is always a planning ahead since not all food are proper to take for quick or trip meals and you should always take plenty of water and some juices for you, since a dog show is a very long hours standing on your feet.

I also think that an exhibit food, is expensive and isn’t 100 % safe and becoming ill isn’t part of my plans.

Also if you spend a night out, you must take food for your dogs and of course this is mandatory.
Since I also worry with the long hours my dogs are on travel and sometimes waiting to get in, I also take some treats to keep they interested and happy.

List: sandwiches, juice, water, food for dogs, cookies, fruit, biscuits, coffee, treats,…

Ok this is my list of what I have to check and stock before I go on my way

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Back Stage of a Dog Show – 1º Chapter “Planning”

This time I decided to do an exhaustive report and exam of what it cost to plan and then go to a Dog Show. I hope in the end the reader can understand what it takes to work and show dogs and all the effort and sacrifice necessary to do it.

So let’s start for the beginning.

1º Choosing to go or not to the Dog Show

Well this Dog Show is the first of 3 exhibits were a dog can win the Champion title or if you prefer the CAC-QC.
So it is natural to make an extra effort to go or you will lose your chance.

I will not bother you saying what I did and what I didn’t do to join the amount necessary to go to this dog show. I will just say that after a lot of analyzing and thinking the decision to go was taken.

2º Planning the time and costs

The next step is to take an idea of time and cost it will take to arrive to the dog show.
At this case, since I am in Algarve and I must go to Porto, it will be something like 7h drive with 3 stop of about 20-30 min for people and dogs to rest and walk a bit, distance 562 km

The Toll will be around 37.55 EUR and Petrol 51.69 EUR

Since I have to go and come back I put 200 EUR – 14h drive just to do this trip

3º Firs preparation - CAR

Since it is a long way I decided to do a full check up to my car, to be prepare and not have surprises (imagine to be broken on the road with 3 dogs). This was a cost of about 165 €

4º Now to pay the dog show and send our inscription in the first deed line

1 hour in the post office and 65 €

5º Find a place to sleep

Since I am not that crazy, make 14 h drive without a rest it is out of the question. So I asked a friend if I could sleep over the night before the dog show and since she kindly said yes, one less expense and something less to be stress about.

Ok this is the first steps for preparing to a dog show and everything is on the move !

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Dog Behaviour

On the 27 of December I went to Educacão to the Dog Behaviour Module lecture by Dr. Gonçalo da Graça Pereira

In general was very well lecture module with a good overview of problems and possible resolution solutions.

My favorite was the overview of puppy stages and tips to best socialize and stimulate the puppies at this important stage.

Also the overview of the owners and dogs interaction, and the problems that can happen with bad communication was a good element for us worried owners.

Once again Educacão deserves a big congratulation for this training course.

Happy Holidays 2008

Herding on Snow

The owner of this video and also owner of the marvelous Australian Shepherd that you see working, enjoy so much the herding training, then even in a freezing cold she continuous to work and train her Aussies.

And if you see it closely, you can also see the concentration and straight work that this Australian Shepherd does, ignoring the cold and weather.

An example and for sure a role model to follow by me and all Aussie lovers through the world.

Video gently shared by Kelly Hughes of Punchline Aussies

Christmas Lights in Loulé, Algarve

This weekend we went to take our traditional Christmas walk and see the Christmas lights.

Since a friend told me that Loulé is the town in Algarve that has one of the best Christmas lights, we, in spite of the rainy weather, went to visit and see for our selves.

Brad, our Golden Retriever, was our four leg companion, who was more interested in smells and live his mark that in this strange human habit.











Other trips and walks:

• Dog trekking to a museum


• Dog trekking in Almada


• 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


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

Adventure on the storm

On this weekend we had a storm in Portugal. It created snow, hail, heavy rain and big lightening.

As a natural Portuguese I decided to ignore the warnings forecasts and went to the road thinking nothing will happen. So as agreed I went to Serra-a-Velha to meat another dog lover and visit her dream farm.
Of course I didn’t know that the all mountain only had earth roads and that some forest destruction (they told it was to clean and plant again) was going on.

In a Sunny day I believe it would be a very pleasant journey, but in a storm weather, in a mountain with little cell phone coverage was an adventure.

So me, a friend, two Golden Retriever, Brad and Bri, and an Australian Shepherd, Teco, arrived to that muddy road and after some frustrating cell phone call attempts we saw a house in the end of a inclined road and thought it must be it. Not only it wasn’t, as it happens when we try to get out, our car flooded on the mud and slide to the edge of the cliff.

Ok ! At this point we decided that we need help, so we get out of the car, take the dogs and wallets out into the rain, put some stones behind the wheels and went walk in the muddy rainy road to find some help.

I can honestly say I was very upset with the thought of my car sliding out to the cliff and watching my neat dogs becoming muddy brown didn’t help a bit. Ok they were happy, but my feat, cloth and dogs were all muddy, so my thought was, if I get out of this one I will have a lot of washing and cleaning to do. I know, what a crazy thought to have at the time …

Anyway and there we went walking, catching rain, seeing my dogs take mud baths and suddenly there was a white car which I ask to stop and help and the guy said he would try to get help. Ok that was great, but we couldn’t be on the rain waiting, so we keep on walking under the rain, on the muddy road, watching my dogs taking more mud baths … until another car come by and this guy went with us to see the situation.

When we arrived to my car the first guy was there with a tractor and after analysis they decided to tide a rope and I would let my car slide until the beginning of the road and hopefully with the help of the rope it wouldn’t go off the cliff. At this moment hail, lightening started to fall and I was really worried about the cliff … but as you guessed this worked and me, my very dark brown dogs and my very wet friend get out with a big thanks to this very nice guys.

Well I arrived to my lovely Algarve town, toke the dogs to the sea and let them take most of the mud. And yes they were very happy dogs, since they run and play in the mud as dogs love to do and in the end they had a sea bath.
Me and my friend were very tired persons that hopefully learn their lesson about stormy trips.

What you should know before breeding

Well I read somewhere a story about a couple that had bought 2 very expensive high pedigree dogs hopping at the end of two years start earning some money with the litters. You can imagine how the story ends … lot of money and time spend.

Ok with now having puppies with 7 weeks, I can honestly say that I am going through a period like that couple. But in my case, I only intend to earn enough to pay my expenses and it will be far from that.

What I learn ? well breeding is not for someone that as soft hart, full time job and with lot of silly other expenses like rent, schooling, car, veterinary, other dogs and food.

I began to make a journal of my expenses and at this point I had to gave up, since I was starting to feel miserable and very poor.

But money considerations apart, you also should know that if you have a full time job, prepare your self for not sleeping well, having to get up 1,30 h early, no time do lunch and having no time for your self at the end of the day. At this stage the puppies don’t want to be in the litter box, so you can imagine what is to have 8 healthy big golden retriever puppies running around the house.

Of course you also have to count with annoying phone calls, emails and responses to adds that drives you nuts. You will hear and read everything you can imagine !!!

Oh, and don’t forget to put together newspaper one year in advance and that way you don’t have to ask every one you know for newspapers please.

Of course it is a joy to see them play, having 8 puppies asking for attention and when you give newspapers, to have 8 chewing machines enjoying the world in destroying does lovely “diapers”.

But I think when this is over, the puppies happy with their new owners and I will be able to enjoy a full, silent, restful night I will think more then half a dozen times before having news puppies at the house.

Water Parks and Dogs

You can say lousy bad things about the Americans and even start to say to your family and friends that they are convinced and bla bla bla … But why I don’t see such a wonderful event and initiative in our sunny European lands, that grab about the sunny sky and blue waters.
At this moment I really wish to be also an American …

November means fun in the water! Broward County Parks and Recreation Division is hosting the K-9 Water Festivals!

All dogs, 4 months and older are invited to have a splashing good time at selected county parks. The parks will provide plenty of toys and balls during the festivals. “Doggie” Ice cream, food and beverages for human consumption will be available for sale.

Source: http://southfloridapets.blogspot.com/

More information: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/entertainment/events/sfl-1027-water-park-dogs,0,454512.story

Hopefully maybe this call of attention will reach some of our tourist providers and will make them think in new ways to improve and continue to work also in low season. I believe that the market exist, what doesn’t exist is initiative and will to be different in this corner of Europe.

For me I only have left the opportunity of delight with this wonderful photos, genteelly given by Amy of Mercury Aussies, with her Australian Shepherd having a great time in the water parks.

Dog show Sousel 2008

My Australian Shepherd, on this weekend, went to the dog show of Sousel where the achieved the fowling results:

• Teco: R.C.A.C.
• Angel: C.A.C.
• Cookie: 2º Junior

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
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• 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


• 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
• 
  
• 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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Teco acomplished Excelent in Obedience class I

Yesterday, at 26 of October, I and Teco, my Australian Shepherd, went with the team of CIC Lagos to our first Obedience Competition.

We compete on class I, also known as COB – Certificate of Basic Obedience, and acomplished Excelent in the end wich will allows to proceed to the next level.

So I think after a long trip of more then 300 km, 3 hours drive, more then 5 hours waiting to get in, Teco deserves a big big hug, kisses and praize to accomplish such a good score.

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


• 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
• 
  
• 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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Video of golden retriever puppies

See how cute and responsive they are ate 3 weeks

Happy Birthday Cookie for your 1º Birthday

Videos od the golden retriever litter

Fresh and taken today here are two videos of the Golden Retriever born at 26 of September 2008

To see more photos of the puppies with 16 days go to our website www.casacalado.com, section litter (page3)

Sydney the Sailorman

On this weekend we had the pleasure to meet one more job for an Australian Shepherd.

Sydney is an Aussie that since the two months of age leaves on a catamaran boat with is owners and he is a really good sailor.

We had a special invitation to meet the sailorman and the four went to a aussie walk. What a lovely breed since the four get along just like they new each other for ever.

If you wish to see more photos of the lovely Sydney and its home just visit the website, http://www.criens.nl/lambada/

26 September 2008 - 8 Golden Retriever puppies

8 Golden Retriever puppies arrived to our home - 5 females and 3 males

To see more photos go to our website, litter section !

What to do when everything starts to fail

Unfortunately every day the news about world economy makes us fear the day to day life.

If every month families were becoming aware of their shorter income the future perspectives are that will be lesser.

In this moments, where decrease costs become necessary, people look at their pet and can only see money instead of their loyalty companions that don’t have any idea of what is happening on their owners minds.

Well at this moments we must be rational since breeding animals it is a bad option when society is in financial crises, and delivery our friends to cannels not only implies given up our friends but also increase the cannel problems that already face overload of animals by people that choose this as their first option of reducing costs.

Even that many don’t approve what I will say, I think there are always a lot of measures we can take before getting drastic. This measurements can be by using public transports, walk instead of using gyms, eat lest expensive meals, like sup, giving up outside vacations, going to coffee shops, cinema or other leisure places.

If you took the options above you can also reduce fix costs like water, electricity and gas, just by unplugging unused electric appliances, recycle dish and vegetable washing water, use of less consuming lamps, etc.

If even so you face problems in your monthly costs, you can also cut in unnecessary food like sweets, juices and other. Don’t forget that 1 kg of rice lasts and it is healthy and natural. Bread is still a good meal base. And lest expensive products, like fruit and vegetables, are a healthy less expensive choice.

If after all of the above you still have problems … well if the belly is full, water exists, there is a roof and the family is still there, none of your four leg friends will complain or blame for not having treats or having a cheaper food.

Remember that better days will come and there is no better pleasure that having our best friend to enjoy it.

Happy Birthday Angel