'Tex' from Winslow x Luca 08 litter

          Tex is my first dog from working lines, and even though I’m a raw rookie when it comes to working stock with a dog, I can see that my pup has the makings of a successful working dog.  While I realize that his ultimate success in trialing will hinge on the experiences I give him, the training he has, the opportunities he has to work stock, and the relationship I build with him, it is clear that he is his father’s son.  I can see, even at this young age, traits in my pup that will allow him to be a successful stock dog.

          First, and foremost, Tex is incredibly smart.  He learned to “sit” after only three tries.  He is a thinker and a problem-solver.  I see this attribute in his play.  When he harasses my housecat or my older Aussie to the point that they are ready for revenge, the pup darts behind a couch or under a chair.  He has learned to drop to the ground when my older Aussie charges toward him when they are outside so that the older dog won’t bowl him over and send him rolling on the ground.  He loves paying 101 Things You Can Do With a Box, a clicker training game that allows dogs to work on problem solving.

          Second, Tex is fearless.  In the eighth, ninth, and tenth weeks of his life, I exposed him to many different things.  I have yet to come across anything he is afraid of.  He flew home from Texas in the cabin of an airplane.  He played in a creek, going out to the deep water to the point he almost had to swim.  He has attended puppy class.  Tex has been the “star” of Petco.  He is a people magnet, and when people don’t come up to him, Tex approaches them, sits, and looks up at them as if to say, “Here I am.  I’m cute.  Pet me.”  And, everyone he encounters does pet him.  Tex has interacted with other dogs and puppies.  When he was only eight weeks old, he attended his first “herding clinic.”  It was a clinic that taught ground work and manners for stock dogs—no stock involved.

          The next Winslide bred trait I see in my pup is that he is determined.  He will not quit when he puts his mind to something, whether that’s getting a toy away from my older Aussie, running to keep up with my older Aussie, or harassing the older Aussie.  Tex has a “never say die” and “take no prisoners” approach to life.  I love that about him.  I’m sure that attitude will transfer to the training and trial arena.

          Another trait that will make my Winslide pup a success on stock is that he wants to please.  He is so easy to work with and train because he has already bonded with me.

          There is no doubt this pup is a Winslide pup.  He has Winslow’s determination and drive coupled with Luca’s sweet disposition.  I look forward to learning with and from this pup as we begin our stock dog training.  I feel fortunate that my first trial dog is from a Winslow and Luca litter.  And, I’m grateful to Linda for trusting me with this wonderful boy.

Provided by puppy buyer, Donna M, 5-30-08

Tex and Ciaran 12-27-08