Scanning time on Waipaoa
Wet weather no barrier to progress
Even in wet weather the cadets on hostel are able to keep busy on projects that they have planned. Senior cadet Nick Herries decided that the hostel vehicle loading ramp and several gate sites needed re-metaling so set too clearing all the mud out in order to make way for some metal. To get the job done Nick had to organize a tractor and trailer and transport metal from a site several kilometers away; good experience!
Waipaoa's dog training program a success
To a young shepherd training and breaking in your first dog is a very special milestone and Waipaoa's junior cadets are doing just that. March 2010 saw five young heading pups introduced to their new owners and start a very special journey of friendship and learning. The cadets will be taught how to rear and teach there pups basic commands by the training managers wife Diane Burkin who owns her own dogs and is a qualified vet nurse. This sometimes is easier said than done given that on a few occasions pups and cadets were seen to be running in all directions not quite sure about who was leading who! From a training perspective; this is all part of the experience for both pup and owner. With these first initial learning curves overcome the pups are now under good command with the next stage of the training under way. Station owner Rob Telfer and Stock manager Dave Stuart now have the task of introducing the cadets to the disciplines of training a dog to work stock. The cadets couldn't be in better hands as both men have a wealth of experience in dog trialing and stock-work.