Welcome to Hardin's Aussies
The ASCA standard states “the Australian Shepherd is intelligent, primarily a working dog of strong herding and guardian instincts. He is an exceptional companion…” This is the standard at Hardin’s Aussies. The strong herding (working) instincts are critical to the average cattleman. Most cattlemen are not dog trainers. Therefore, they rely on the dog to know more than they do about gathering and controlling cattle. The dog’s intelligence, ability to evaluate situations and make good decisions are critical. There are a few other traits that I see slipping away in some Aussies. These are the traits are the ones that I have at the top of my genetic trait selection list:
Gathering Ability— the instinct to keep the stock together
Eye—concentration on the stock and power to move stock with eye
Power—the ability to move stock with sheer presence
Bite (Grip)—a tool that working dogs must have (when needed) to control cattle
The dogs that I have and are part of my breeding program have these traits.
One phrase that you will hear throughout this website over and over is:
You can’t push a rope.
If a dog doesn’t have the power, working instinct and bite (when needed),
there is no way that dog will effectively control cattle in
“The Real World.”
There are pedigrees for each dog; pictures, even pictures of the parents and offspring when available. Look for educational articles and web links that I think will be helpful to you. Join me for the next few minutes and discover why Hardin’s Aussies breed working Australian Shepherds for “The Real World.”
The following is a poem that appears in the front of one of my favorite dog training books, "Herding Dogs: Progressive Training," by Vergil S. Holland.
The words and meaning of this short story are so powerful and true about the relationship between a stockman and his dog.
It is included here for your enjoyment.
“Loyalty”GOD SUMMONED a beast from the fields and He said, “Behold people created in my image. Therefore, adore them. You shall protect them in the wilderness, shepherd their flocks , watch over their children, accompany them wherever they may go ~ even into civilization. You shall be a companion, an ally, a slave."To do these things," God said, "I endow you with instincts uncommon to other beasts: faithfulness, devotion and understanding surpassing that of people.Lest it impair your courage, you shall never foresee your death.Lest it impair your loyalty, you shall be blind to the faults of people.Lest it impair your understanding, you are denied the power of words.Let no fault of language cleave an accord beyond that of people with any other beast
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