Tracking is also a performance event that Aussies can compete in. Th is requires a dog that understands his job is to follow the scent and not the critters. Aussies seem to be able to follow direction and concentrate on the job at hand, as long as the reward equals the job. So a good reward is to take him out hunting as soon as the glove has been located. Earthdog is the venue most Aussies are suited for. Following a rat scent down a hole and locating a rat at the end of the tunnel can be the ideal exercise an Aussie needs. In addition lure coursing for those that prefer above ground chase fits the Aussie to a T.
For those for whom competition is not interesting, Th e Australian Terrier is par- ticularly suited to therapy work. Th e typ- ical Aussie loves children. Th ey are study enough to interact with boisterous kids and small enough not to intimidate cau- tious children. Th ey are also very good with the elderly, intuitively knowing how active or quiet to be. Th ey are great in nursing homes. All in all, the Australian Terrier is a cheerful willing terrier, one that values working with his human. If you foster a good working relationship with your Aussie he or she will reward you with any silliness
you choose to impose on them. Th ey do want to work closely in concert with their people, sleeping at night in bed with you and working during the day, side by side. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Heather Rife, DVM has shown dogs in performance and conformation since the age of 9. She has titled dogs in tracking, agility, obedience, earthdog, rally, coursing and barn hunt. Currently she is owned by two Aus- tralian Terriers, Ch. Redwing Its All About Me, MJ, MX, TD, aka Martha, and Gr CH Merrigangs Wild N Crazy Guy, EE4, ME, MJ, MX, RN RATO.
“AUSSIES SEEM TO BE ABLE TO FOLLOW DIRECTION AND CONCENTRATE ON THE JOB AT HAND, AS LONG AS THE REWARD EQUALS THE JOB.”
210 • S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE , A PRIL 2015
Powered by FlippingBook