LOXTON’S Lee Mickan has been teaching young dogs new tricks for the past two decades, with his team of working dogs one of the most valuable assets across many Riverland livestock properties.
Originally from Pinnaroo, Mr Mickan and his pack of eight dogs work the Riverland together as part of his Livestock Contracting business.
Though beginning with kelpies — receiving his first pup at the age of 19 — overtime Mr Mickan’s team has also come to include border collies that work mainly sheep, but also cattle and goats.
“It’s been 26 years since my first dog, and I still love the training,” he said.
“I don’t believe there is much of a difference between kelpies and border collies.
“There is good and bad in both breeds, and it is very much down to the individual dog and its temperament.
“I have a strong team of up to eight dogs, with our one senior dog Toby working part time — he loves the work so much, so we can’t retire him completely.
“He has a good and strong natural bark, so he’s always a great help.”
Along with their work on the ground, Mr Mickan and his pack are also renowned titleholders of many dog and sheep trials across the country, with his six-year-old kelpie Gus set to compete in the Australian Utility Champion for South Australia this month.
“We compete in all forms of sheep training — I have lost count how many opens I may have won,” he said.
“Currently, we have five state Yard titles, one state Utility title, and have been runners up on numerous occasions.
“Many people often ask me if I have two teams of dogs: one for the work, and another for show.
“But the thing is, if the dog isn’t cut out for the job, they will never be cut out for competition.”
To maintain the quality of dog needed, Mr Mickan said he and his family have been breeding dogs for the past 15 years, keeping one pup from every litter before selling the rest to other local farmers and dog lovers.
“I like a dog with plenty of presence and has a natural herding instinct,” he said.
“It’s great when he can hop in the pen and the sheep are scared of him.
“I also look for a dog who has a lot of drive as it’s really important because these dogs are going flat out day in and day out — they’re the ultimate athletes.”
“I also like long legs and lean bodies — it makes for tall dogs who are very agile.
“Placid natures are a must for our team, especially concerning our demonstrations and competitions— we just want to have good dogs that everyone wants to come up to, give them a pat, and talk to.”
Beginning the training when the dog reaches between three to four months old, Mr Mickan said it can take up to eight months to have a confident and competent working dog ready on the job.
“The dogs really start their training by four months old when their legs are a little bit longer and they can keep up with a few quiet lambs — we want to build their confidence from the word go,”
“When they have all the basics, then they come along on the job which makes it all worth it — there is nothing like taking your best mates to work every day.”