I have always had them. They are my dog of choice because they are faithful, loyal workers.

How do you work so many dogs?

I swap and change them a bit. The older dogs, Bob and Auto, can work together but the younger dogs I work one at a time.

Tell me about old Bob.

He is an excellent, goodthinking worker and a smart dog. He knows where to go to block the sheep without being told, he is just a damn good old dog. He is the boss dog and doesn't mind chewing the other dogs' ears to let them know, either. He is the grandfather of the pups. He doesn't have any bad habits, that's why he is still here.

(Jim tells Bob to speak up, and Bob lets out a couple of barks just to let Jim know he understands.)

How did he get his name?

He was named after the bloke I got my first dog off. I like to name my dogs after people or things.

Auto got her name because when she was a pup someone drained the transmission oil out of one of the tractors and left it on the ground. She drank the whole lot.

Is Auto a friendly dog?

Her tails wags from the back of her head when she sees you.

How do you train your dogs?

They just do it naturally, you just have to know how to bring it out in them. They have a natural instinct to bring stock to you. The best thing I ever did was go to dog handling school myself.

Are all your dogs working dogs?

They certainly are. They will work sheep, cattle, horses, and cars if you let them.

How do you get them out of the habit of chasing cars?

You growl at them a few times, and if that doesn't work a rifle crack over their head soon stops them.

(When Country News arrived at Jim's property one mischievous but very cute pup (Ginger) was hanging out of the driver's side of the ute. He had his eyes on the sheep and was desperately wanting to get out and do a bit of work. A couple of toots on the horn by Ginger soon got our attention, and he joined his little mate Silver where they decided to have a bit of a wrestle before they settled in to watch the sheep.)

Words:

Sophie Bruns

Pictures:

Julie Mercer