Page's Working Dog Centre: Ron learns a thing or two about sheep dogs in the Flinders Ranges region of South Australia
A mob of sheep set against the backdrop of the southern Flinders Ranges is a classic Australian scene, which we came across a few kilometres from Melrose. But for the two sheep dogs in charge, there's plenty of work to be done. They make an impressive tag team operation as they keep the sheep in check and on course.
To find out how they learned their craft we need to leave the open paddock and head to a specially built training ring. The undercover enclosure is the office of Ben Page who runs Page's Working Dog Centre. His dog-training courses are a hit with mobs of tourists.
"Arguably the Australian Kelpie is the all round the best herding dog in the world," said Ben. "They're exported overseas, they're used on reindeer, goats, cattle, sheep. They're used on ducks and we've even got some clients that actually have trained kelpies to round up free ranging chooks."
They are a versatile breed all right - one brought out to Australia in the 1870s. The breed is a genetic offshoot of the lupus or European wolf and that explains their amazing capacity to herd animals and work in teams.
The best way to understand the training process is to see it in action starting with a young pup like Flash. She's a 10-week bundle of energy who wants to do something - if only she knew what it was.
Flash is certainly eager but a little unsure of her role in the yard. She's loving it and so are the kids but fast forward a little to Sonny Boy; Flash's older brother and we begin to see the power of just one extra session in the ring.
"Sonny Boy is just twelve weeks old. This is only the second time that he's been in this pen and as you can see some things come very naturally."
Sonny Boy is getting the hang of this sheep herding caper but again, he's a work in progress like all of Ben's dogs, including Tinkabell, a ten month old kelpie.
As we all know, Tinkabell was one of the fairies in the tale of Peter Pan but no waving of the wand could make this ten month old dog a natural in the ring. It's more like a wave of the rake under the watchful eye of dog whisperer Ben Page. For a couple of bucks from the local hardware store Ben extends his reach over his trainees.
"The garden rake is an extension of my hand."
Ben has the gift of a good stockman and his show is well worth a visit. Page's Working Dog Centre is about ten minutes drive from Melrose on the Wilmington Road. Ben Page runs regular classes during the school holidays. To book contact 8667 5484. If you have any further questions please email info@postcards-sa.com.au
Page's Working Dog Centre
10 minutes drive ex Melrose
On Wilmington Road
Regular classes in school holidays
Ph (08) 8667 5484Published 24th Sept 2006
