A Look Back at Hangin' Tree Dude and Modern Day Trialing

Pull your toes in or put your steel toed boots on! We are getting real in this episode and some topics may be uncomfortable.

In this particular episode of the Instinctive Australian Shepherd Podcast, the host, Jacque Tinker, engages in an insightful conversation with Jodi Tietjen, a guest who has extensive experience in working with dogs, particularly Australian Shepherds and Border Collies. Jodi shares her knowledge and expertise on training and breeding these dogs, highlighting the significance of preserving good lines in the breed. She explains how breeding practices can impact the health and temperament of the dogs, and how responsible breeding can help maintain the breed's integrity.

Moreover, the discussion sheds light on the importance of supporting and encouraging each other in the dog trialing and training community. Jodi shares her experiences of being a part of this community and how it has helped her grow as a handler and breeder. She emphasizes the significance of having a positive mindset and seeking out opportunities to learn and improve.

Overall, this episode offers valuable insights into the world of working dogs and the responsible breeding practices that are essential for maintaining the health and well-being of these animals. It also highlights the importance of community support and continuous learning in the pursuit of excellence in dog training and handling.

Time Stamps:

Jodi's first Australian Shepherd, Hangin' Tree Dude [00:02:29] Jodi talks about her first Australian Shepherd, Hangin' Tree Dude, and how he changed her life. She also discusses his strengths and weaknesses.

Breeding and preserving good lines in the Australian Shepherd breed [00:06:15] Jodi and Jacque discuss the importance of breeding and preserving good lines in the Australian Shepherd breed, specifically mentioning the impact of Hangin' Tree Dude on the breed.

Importance of Breeding Good Lines [00:07:38] Discussion on the influence of a male dog named Hangin' Tree Dude in working pedigrees and the importance of reproducing good dogs with good foundations.

Risk and Benefits of Line Breeding [00:09:21] The benefits and risks of line breeding, specifically breeding individuals that are tightly lined bred, and the importance of well-thought-out line breeding to get consistent traits.

Challenges of Finding Good Dogs to Breed To [00:12:01] The challenges of finding good dogs to breed to in the past, before the internet, and the difficulty of finding the exact cross that matches even with modern technology. The importance of line breeding to achieve consistency in working dogs.

Breeding and preserving good lines [00:14:09] Jodi talks about the importance of lime breeding in working dogs, specifically Australian Shepherds and Border Collies.

Culling and rehoming dogs [00:15:08] The conversation shifts to the topic of culling dogs that don't meet the necessary traits for working dogs, and how the process has changed over time to focus on rehoming instead.