Primitive Working Dogs Can Be A Rancher's Best Friend! - Canaan Dog

by Michelle Harrington
(Raven, Alberta)

My late husband Larry and I had a passion for preserving a rare breed, especially one that had a potential to assist man in a working capacity. The ancient Israelites were said to have used the Canaan Dog as their guard and herd dog.

Our move from Unionville, Ontario to Raven, Alberta presented us with an opportunity to work our Canaan crew in a real-life setting assisting our neighbour with ranch chores.

Our two eldest dogs, Maccabee and Cybelle, had formal training and trialing experience on sheep back east. Our newest addition, puppy "Ash" was introduced to her first herding experience on cattle, and, to our delight, was a hit on working the bovines.

There is no greater joy or reward then watching your dogs working abilities put to use - especially, to help out a new friend!

Our ranching neighbour had brought in 80 cow-calf pairs to free-range until ready for market. On several occasions, some of the moms and their juniors had escaped onto the road and into our quarter. Our Macc alerted us, and was more than willing to drive them patiently back to their quarters. This was the start of a new friendship with our ranching neighbour, and a wonderful working partnership for our dogs.

Throughout the year, our Canaan crew was entrusted to assist with many chores, moving the herd to their rotational grazing zones and watering hole, moving them off the gas compressor station, rounding up strays, and keeping those pesky coyotes off the calves!

The final ranch chore of the season was their greatest contribution. All three dogs were called upon to help drive, shed calves, and round up any "escapees" who bolted from the herd. All the training, determination, stamina, and courage unfolded in the final chore. At the end of the job, the ocean-wide grin on our neighbour, and the satisfied smiles on the dogs, was all that I needed to see - my crew " were working dogs - with a touch of a primitive edge."

" That'll do dogs, that'll do" - until this spring, when they are hired back to help our neighbour protect and work his next investment! The crew and I will be there in full force, and learning much more than the previous year!

Kudos to my pariah pooches, Maccabee "Macc", Cybelle "Cybs" and Asherah "Ash" - who offer their loyalty, and much insight into the working potential of the primitive dog.

Visit my crew for more ranching stories at:
http://sufatsheleg.jimdo.com/

Michelle Harrington
Sufat Sheleg Canaan Dogs
Raven, Alberta