In 2003, Menalpyn began experimenting with a new livestock management system, using (kelpies bred to work cattle), as promoted by Neil and Helen McDonald from Sherwood, Keith, South Australia.

The system involves working the dogs in a manner that suits their natural wolf instincts, cutting down on training overhead and enabling one person to work a whole team of dogs relatively easily. Neil and Helen were also employed to educate the Menalpyn herd to work effectively with the dogs.

Blue (left) and tiger (right) herding the cattle; note how Tim is leading the herd

Most cattle management systems like this one require a lot of work to set up. However initial work for this system is kept to a minimum in a number of ways. Firstly, by using the dogs’ natural instincts and keeping it simple, you avoid having to do hours of extra training. Secondly, attending dog training schools at Sherwood Kelpies set up by Neil and Helen McDonald ensures you are correctly taking your place as the leader of the pack and directing the dogs effectively. And finally, the McDonalds offer their services to educate your herd so that the cattle learn to work effectively with the dogs.

Menalpyn’s herd was educated in late 2003, and as the herd is supplemented over the years with young cattle which have grown up with the dogs, the herd’s acceptance of the dogs will increase. The initial education of the herd was achieved with a large team of experienced dogs from Sherwood Kelpies. The dogs work the herd all day in shifts, until the leaders in the herd learn that instead of challenging the dogs, they can achieve release of pressure by walking towards the humans. Once the cattle have come to this conclusion, it is much easier for the farm’s own dogs to work them.

This system has the additional benefit that cattle come to feel release from pressure when walking towards humans, whereas uneducated cattle are conditioned to feel release when running from humans. If cattle are accustomed to moving towards humans to release pressure, they are calmer in the yards and less stressed during working. This means that working the cattle takes less time, and stress is significantly decreased during intensive times like calf marking and weaning. This is particularly important during artificial insemination and embryo implanting, where excess stress on the animal may reduce the likelihood of the insemination or implant taking; it is also important prior to transporting, when stress can reduce meat quality.

Using a team of dogs in this way has many benefits. Cattle are worked easily and calmly, and learn to be more relaxed around humans. This makes them adaptable to different situations, (i.e. feedlots, abattoirs) and also makes their care and maintenance simpler and more effective. Farmers have more time and are exposed to less physical danger from frightened, unpredictable animals. Also, the natural instincts of the dogs are used effectively, meaning that they enjoy their work, love working for their pack leader, and generally learn their responsibilities easily. The simplicity of the system means that one person can work a team of dogs, and control a large number of cattle by themselves.

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