Got some pics of our current Koolies that are in training as a team of trick, doggy dancing & demonstration performers.


Left to Right - Shay, Cooinda, Keira (background) & Radar.
I'd like to know what has the 3 hearing dogs in the foreground so concerned about


Shay & Keira (deaf)


Cooinda & Radar (rescue).


Craig running 3 huskies on sunset tonight.

Hi Mushoz

What a wonderful collection of koolies! Could you refresh us on their origins, I assume they have a diverse background all are quite different from each other. Are there any similarities in their temperament or abilities considering they are from a diverse background. Of course the deafie is going to be different.

Also love the sunset photo, it looks like a great pastime, so relaxing.

Sure.

Keira (Deafie) - is a rescue, she initially came from Wollongong, rescued by DCH Animal Adoptions & sent to fosterer Liz Grewal in Coffs Harbour then to me.
Radar - rescued via the Rescue Coolibah Coolies is involved with (mental blank), he came from Sydney pound & fostered in West Wyalong then to me. He's a cross with with a heeler or something...something working as he's shaping up for an excellent worker (cattle).
Cooinda - is from Tjukurpa. He's on trial but will be staying as we love him.
Shay - is from Wilja Koolies, Cowra.

Temperament wise, Keira & Shay are very much the same, very excitable. Shay is still finding her feet here, she isn't as confident as the others but smartest out of the lot. Shay was bred for cattle, she is currently terrified of horses, her first encounter with a mini horse wasn't a pleasant one, she will tag along working a few calves today to see how calves appear to her.

Keira is wonderful, very excitable around people but very smart & able to do what she is asked, she has a lot more training than the others & is very clever. She also has great work instinct & ethic, if she sees something she can work that is her focus for hours until you drag her away, she would make an excellent sheepdog in yards. Being deaf means that for now she has to look for handsignals which is hard for a dog completely focussed on the stock.

Radar is a goof ball, both he & Shay are less than a year old so got some maturing to do. Radar is more distracted than the others & needs firmer training to get him to focus but when you get his focus he is exceptional. He is presently learning to work cattle & has heaps of bark & force & a natural header.

Cooinda, he is a lump of a dog, big boy! But he is very soft natured, meaning well in everything he does & wanting to be a lap dog first & foremost. He has the smarts & talent for advanced work but he just needs to find a little confidence in obedience work as 'sit stays' he sees as punishment & gets all wobbly & submissive, but he's understanding now he's not in trouble (god bless him) he's just being asked to stay there...he's making great progress & dogs like him are ideal for what I do with trick & stunt work etc. as they want to make sure they get it right so they please you not get the treat.
He too is showing promise on cattle, he has had instinct triggered in him from tagging along with the other dogs & he's not yet sure what to do with it LOL! He's got great sudden bark & force & moves with calmness for cattle.

Thanks for sharing these, they are beaut pics....

Thanks Mushoz, very interesting! Next question, considering you are practiced with other breeds, how similar are they? Can you recognize breed traits from them? I am interested because you have collected them over a relatively short period, they are all finding their feet with you, but are not yet fully moulded by you. I am interested to know considering their diverse genetic background how much the Koolie breed can be credited with, if you see what I mean?

I think I understand.....if you mean what stands out across the lot that I could say may be breed traits? if so;

*All forthcoming in giving affection & being friendly even if underconfident or meeting strangers.
*Outgoing, exciteable & energetic BUT have an off button.
*Would ideally love to be in your pocket at every moment, but when they can't they entertain themselves happily.
*Eager to learn & highly intelligent, you just have to give them a basic understanding of what you want & they do the rest & retain it immediately.
*Complete dislike to being in trouble if any way shape or form.
*Desire to please.
*Brilliant speed & ability to stop, turn & take off unlike any breed I have seen, plus stamina.
*Ability to adapt effortlessly to whatever situation they are in.

I'll add others if I think of them...

Thanks Mushoz, exactly what I was looking for!! If you think of any more would certainly be interested to know. It helps a great deal because I have only had koolie working dogs and often get calls from people wanting to know "What is a Koolie?" As I haven't had a kelpie and only a BC/Koolie cross I can only go on what others have told me. Quite a few ex kelpie owners have told me they will never go back. I was thinking of doing an article for the club website on "What is a Koolie?" This will help a lot, but if anyone else can add to the list I would greatly appreciate it.