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Do i have enough work for a sheepdog

  • 12-07-2023 08:48AM
    #1
    JayBally
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21 ✭


    I am running 85 ewes on fragmented land in different blocks - i am on my own 90 percent of the time and to move sheep anywhere i am trying to organise help or load into trailers.


    My question is is 85 ewes enough to justify having a sheepdog? i dont want to have the case where a dog is not being worked enough and then issues arise?



Comments

  • #2
    weatherbyfoxer
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,716 ✭✭✭weatherbyfoxer


    It's not the amount of ewes you have but the amount of times a week you move them that will tell you if you have the work for one



  • #3
    arctictree
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,469 ✭✭✭arctictree


    I have roughly the same amount of ewes and have a dog. Shes a great help as I can handle the sheep with just her. And she doesnt moan that shes too busy or its too wet etc !



  • #4
    farawaygrass
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,099 ✭✭✭farawaygrass


    if possible try get a dog content to potter around the yard with you or wait at the house door while you have tea. Nothing worse than a dog going out on its own working sheep or a dog you need to keep tied when not working.



  • #5
    kk.man
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 4,400 ✭✭✭kk.man


    I had a dog who waited for me to get home so their might be a chance to move cattle or sheep. Even of you offered her food work came first. In fairness she never attempted to work without me. A good one will know alot more than we give them credit for. Sadly mine passed away and I won't be getting another.



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