Merrimajeel Working Stock Dogs

18/06/2026

Why We Chose Mothers Best & Why It Works for Our Dogs.

People often ask why we feed Mother's Best Pet Nutrition and the answer is pretty simple, we didn't choose it because of advertising, hype or because everyone else was feeding it.

We chose it because we trialled it, put it to the test and let our dogs tell us whether it worked.

One Dog Changed Our Approach.
One of the biggest tests for any dog food in our kennel wasn't our hardest worker, it was one of our fussiest dogs.

A few years ago, we nearly lost her. Following that experience, we became extremely particular about what we fed her. We were determined to find a food that wouldn't upset her stomach, would help maintain her condition and provide the nutrition she needed to stay healthy and thrive.

Like many dogs with sensitive digestive systems, she could be difficult to keep in condition. If a feed didn't agree with her, we'd know about it fairly quickly.
When we trialled Mother’s Best, she was the dog we watched closely.

To our surprise, she took to it exceptionally well. Her digestion remained stable, she maintained condition and she continued to thrive on it. For us, that was a huge tick of approval because if a feed can work for one of the most sensitive and fussy dogs in the team, it's certainly worth taking notice of.

We Wanted Honesty.
One of the biggest things we were looking for wasn't flashy marketing or fancy packaging, it was honesty.

Over the years we've heard plenty of claims about feeds being "premium", "high performance" or "the best on the market". The question we always ask is:

If it says it does it, does it actually deliver?

That's why we trialled Mother’s Best across our team before making any decisions. We wanted to see the results for ourselves, not just read the hype on a bag.

What We Were Looking For.
As both working stockdogs and hunting dogs, our dogs place huge demands on their bodies. Whether they're covering kilometres in the paddock, backing sheep through yards, hunting in demanding conditions and rough country, travelling long distances or spending long days on the job, they need a feed that consistently performs.

Our expectations are high, and we were looking for:
✔ Consistency from bag to bag
✔ High nutritional value
✔ Reliable energy levels
✔ The ability to maintain weight and muscle condition
✔ Good digestion and nutrient absorption
✔ Quality ingredients
✔ A feed suitable for both working and hunting dogs
✔ Support for recovery after hard work

Why Mother’s Best Stood Out.
One of the biggest things we noticed throughout the trial period and now was and is consistency.
The dogs have maintained condition exceptionally well without us constantly having to adjust feeding rates or add alternative feed sources to keep weight on them.

For us, maintaining weight and muscle condition is one of the biggest indicators of a quality feed along with stool quality. A working dog carrying too little condition can struggle to perform, recover slower and become more susceptible to fatigue and injury.

We found Mother’s Best provided a steady foundation that helped our dogs maintain healthy body weight, muscle tone and performance, even during demanding workloads.

Nutrition Is a Priority.
Feed is fuel and quality fuel matters.
We place a huge amount of importance on what goes into our dogs. It's not about simply filling a bowl—it's about providing the nutrients needed to support performance, recovery, muscle development, immune function and long-term health.

The nutritional profile of Mother’s Best aligned with what we were looking for and complemented the rest of our feeding program.

The Results Spoke for Themselves.
After feeding it across different ages, workloads and breeds of dogs, we were and are confident in the results.

We saw healthy coats, stable digestion, maintained condition, strong energy levels, quality stools and dogs that continued to perform day after day.

Most importantly, what was written on the bag matched what we were seeing in the kennel, the paddock and the yards.

At the end of the day, we weren't looking for marketing hype. We were looking for honesty, integrity, consistency, quality nutrition and real-world results.

The dogs are the real judges of any feed and for us, Mother’s Best delivered on what it promised.

That’s a win for our camp.

😊👍

17/06/2026

It is with great respect that we remember Tim Austin, a legendary figure in the world of Australian Kelpies and the founder of the iconic Elfinvale Stud who passed away peacefully in Port Fairy.

We had the absolute pleasure of meeting Tim a few years ago in Port Fairy and we loved every minute of sitting and chatting about kelpies.

Tim was a true pioneer of the breed. For decades, he was synonymous with the development and promotion of the Working Kelpie, famously known for his deep connection with his dogs. His legacy is one of dedication to the land and the remarkable working dogs that have helped build Australia’s agricultural heritage.
From his early days captured in iconic images of him riding his motorcycle with his Kelpie studs to the establishment of Elfinvale in 1956, Tim’s passion for breeding intelligent, capable, and loyal working dogs left an indelible mark on the industry. Today, his son Tom Austin continues that proud legacy at the Elfinvale Stud in Melville Forest, carrying forward the principles and the bloodlines that Tim spent his life refining.

He will be remembered by the many farmers, breeders, and dog enthusiasts whose lives and livelihoods were improved by his work and his commitment to the Kelpie breed. Our thoughts are with his family and all those who had the privilege of knowing him

In the studs 70th year Elfinvale’s Founding Stud Principal - Tim Austin - passed away peacefully in Pt Fairy aged 91. Tim made an enormous contribution to the pastoral industry through his breeding, training and marketing of the Australian kelpie.
He leaves a lasting legacy.

17/06/2026

Axel!
Big Axe!!

Axe joined us 11 years ago as an 8 week old pup. A working dog of another type, not for stock but to aid in the control of feral pigs and to assist in the conservation of our native fauna, flora and ecosystems.

As you can imagine, Axel’s workload has been physically demanding over the course of his employment but he is still out there doing what he loves albeit a lot slower and pulls up very stiff and sore the next day after riding the quad over rough country, jumping on and off and dealing with the everyday physical workload his lifestyle demands.

We are very excited to be trialling Axel on TuffRock Australia’s SUPERTUFF w/- Kakadu Plum Vit C Superfood supplement to assist the big fella’s recovery after a big day out bush and to get him ready for the next outing.

Tuffrock Australia’s SUPERTUFF formula is an all natural, all Australian formula designed to support the key systems that drive performance and wellbeing - digestion, structure, condition, nutrient utilisation as well as support for joints, ligaments, cartilage and tendons.

We will provide regular updates on Axe’s progress over the course of the next three months to highlight his progress on the SUPERTUFF supplement and show how it can be of benefit to the senior dogs in your camp.

Tuffrock Australia has a range of canine products that support not only your senior members, but can also be utilised across all life stages to enhance and ensure optimal health and nutrition.






🐕🐗👍

17/06/2026

Jessica Hough takes for the question.

🐕 WORKING STOCKDOG FIRST AID KIT

🩺 Assessment & Monitoring
Used to assess your dog's condition and monitor changes until veterinary care is available.
•Digital thermometer
•Lubricant sachets
•Stethoscope
•Penlight/head torch
•Notepad and pencil
•Individual dog weight and medical records
•Emergency veterinary contact list

🩸 Trauma & Bleeding Control
For managing cuts, lacerations, puncture wounds and major bleeding.
•Hemostatic gauze (QuikClot)
•Emergency trauma dressing
•Sterile gauze rolls
•Non-adherent wound dressings
•Pressure bandages
•Vet Wrap (multiple sizes)
•Medical tape
•Sterile saline wash bottles
•Trauma shears
•Nitrile gloves

🦴 Fractures & Orthopaedic Injuries
Provides temporary stabilisation of suspected fractures and serious limb injuries.
•SAM splint
•Triangular bandages
•Cohesive bandage
•Sling material
•Additional Vet Wrap

👁 Eye Injury Kit
Eye injuries are one of the most common working dog emergencies.
•Sterile saline eye wash
•Eye bath cup
•Lubricating eye gel
•Sterile eye pads
•Soft or inflatable Elizabethan collar

🐍 Snake Bite Kit
An absolute necessity for Australian conditions.
•Heavy compression bandages
•Permanent marker
•Snake bite instruction card
**Remember:
•Keep the dog calm
•Apply pressure immobilisation
•Restrict movement
•Seek veterinary treatment immediately

🕷 Tick, Insect & Allergy Management
For managing bites, stings and tick-related emergencies.
•Tick removal tool
•Fine-point tweezers
•Antihistamine (under veterinary guidance)
•Sting relief wipes

🌾 Grass Seed & Foreign Body Kit
Designed to help identify and manage foreign material before complications develop.
•Fine forceps
•Magnifying glass
•Sterile saline
•Sterile lubricant
**Common areas affected:
•Eyes
•Ears
•Feet
•Armpits
•Groin

🐾 Paw & Pad Repair Kit
A working dog earns its keep with its feet.
•Paw balm
•Zinc oxide cream
•Non-stick dressings
•Vet Wrap
•Protective dog booties
•Duct tape

🌡 Heat Stress & Dehydration Management
Heat stress is one of the leading causes of preventable working dog emergencies in Australia.
•Electrolyte replacement powder
•Oral syringes
•Cooling towels
•Spray bottle
•Digital thermometer
•Shade tarp or shelter
**Watch for:
•Excessive panting
•Brick-red gums
•Weakness
•Staggering
•Collapse

💊 Medications & Supportive Care
All medications should be discussed with your veterinarian.
•Antihistamine
•Veterinary-prescribed pain relief
•Activated charcoal (when advised)
•Glucose gel or honey sachets
•Electrolyte powder
•Eye lubricant
•Paw balm

🛠 Instruments & Tools
General-purpose equipment used during treatment and injury management.
•Bandage scissors
•Hemostats/locking forceps
•Tweezers
•Tick remover
•Nail clippers
•Oral syringes (5ml, 10ml and 20ml)
•Cotton balls
•Cotton swabs
•Cable ties
•Multi-tool
•Permanent marker

🚑 Recovery, Safety & Transport
Equipment for safely handling and transporting injured dogs.
•Basket muzzle
•Slip lead
•Spare lead
•Spare collar
•Emergency blanket
•Dog stretcher or carry harness (dependent on size and weight of dog and injury)
•Tie-down straps
•Head torch
•Spare batteries
•Water containers

📋 Documentation & Emergency Information
Important information that should accompany every working dog.
•Veterinary first aid guide
•Individual dog medical records
•Vaccination records
•Medication records
•Microchip details
•Emergency contact list
•Property GPS coordinates and access details

***This section is important as some sheep or cattle stationsfeedlots have Utes and or areas where you'll find these items, they are usually in a locked cabinet/toolbox.

🚜 Ute or Station-Based Advanced Trauma Kit
•Oxygen cylinder and canine mask (under supervision unless trained)
•IV fluid administration equipment (trained personnel only)
•Clippers
•Skin stapler and staple remover
•Suture kit (trained personnel only)
•Veterinary-prescribed emergency medications
•Portable crate for injured dogs

This is only a guide and it should be tailored to your needs and necessities that you need in the areas you are working.

Remember it is also very vital for you to carry a snake bite first aid kit and a complete first aid kit for yourself. You can find these online.

The Dog kit you'll have to buy items separately as online have basic animal first aid kits, I highly recommend to make your own up.

***The image is generated to give you a reference to save

16/06/2026

Big news from Merrimajeel Working Stock Dogs! 🐾

We have been busy behind the scenes, pouring our energy into researching top-tier bloodlines and consulting with esteemed breeders to ensure the future of our breeding program.

We are excited to about our finalised pairings for the upcoming season, as we move into a new chapter focused on producing pups that possess the perfect combination of paddock and yard ability:

The Lees Hairy: We have officially selected her sire. We are particularly pleased with this pairing, as he possesses outstanding traits in both paddock and yard work, and has produced outstanding dogs with proven records, ensuring we continue to build on the strong work ethic our kennel is known for.

The Lees May: We are thrilled to have been granted the opportunity to breed with her this year. A special thank you to The Lee’s Working Dogs, who hold her breeding rights, for making this possible. We have selected a sire for her who excels in both environments with strong bloodlines going back through the pedigree, and we are confident this pairing will produce versatile pups with the talent to excel anywhere.

Stay tuned for more updates and the official announcements closer to our joining dates. We couldn't be more excited for the future of our kennel

15/06/2026

Bootz –
AKA Bootzie,
AKA Pumbar Dusty Bootz 🐾

Eleven years ago, we were lucky enough to be gifted Bootz by the wonderful Manuela Curtis from Tumbarumba, NSW, after we lost our Kelpie, Gogetta Dusty, in a freak station accident.

From the moment he arrived, Bootz was a bold pup with a huge personality, endless drive, and a gutsy attitude. Looking back now, he may have made an outstanding cowdog, but with our lack of experience and knowledge at the time, that path was never explored.

Instead, we learnt together.

A strong-willed young dog paired with an amateur handler made for plenty of challenges. There were frustrations, mistakes, lessons, and plenty of determination from both of us along the way.

Bootz and I worked everywhere from abattoirs and feedlots to farms. He was a stubborn young dog—and if we're being honest, he still is! But one thing nobody could ever question was his work ethic. From first light until dark, he'd keep going and often be the last dog standing.

Years of hard work in yards, countless sheep pushed up to drafts, and endless hours on livestock have taken their toll on his body. These days, Bootz can get sore through his back end, which isn't surprising considering the workload he's carried throughout his life.

Today, he enjoys the occasional trial and still likes doing things his own way. Thankfully, time has taught me patience. The things that once left me frustrated and in tears for days now simply make me laugh. Those who know Bootz know exactly what I mean—there's only one Bootzie!

We're now trialling Bootz on TUFFROCK Super Tuff with KAKADU Plum - All in one premium Health Supplement, it helps gut health, mobility, condition, and feed efficiency, naturally.
We are excited to see how he responds. We have no doubt after talking with long term advocates that it will help support his comfort and mobility as he continues to enjoy life and the work he loves.

Stay tuned over the coming weeks as we share his progress and results.

A dog with heart, grit, determination, and enough character to keep us all entertained for a lifetime. That's Bootz. Thankyou TuffRock Australia ❤️🐾

15/06/2026

Breeding Working Dogs – More Than Just Putting Two Good Dogs Together

One thing we've noticed in the working dog industry is the growing number of people breeding dogs with very little experience or understanding of what goes into producing quality working stockdogs.

Just because Bob is a great dog and Sally is winning everything doesn't automatically mean they'll produce outstanding pups together. Breeding isn't that simple.

A successful mating takes time, patience, research, and often extensive discussions between breeders and owners. Temperament, work style, strengths, weaknesses, genetics, trainability, stock sense, soundness, and suitability all need to be considered. Even after all that planning, there are no guarantees. Sometimes only one pup from an entire litter may prove to be the game-changer you're hoping for in your breeding program.

Many respected breeders aren't breeding for profit. They're breeding to find the next generation of dogs for their own team. In many cases, the pups offered for sale are simply the ones they don't have room to keep themselves, not because they're poor quality. Other breeders may repeat a mating and offer an entire litter for sale because that particular joining has consistently produced quality workers in the past.

Breeding working dogs should never be about chasing money, popularity, social media attention, or breeding because your dog happens to be a good worker. It should be about preserving and improving generations of proven working genetics.

The reality is that every breeding decision has the potential to influence the future of the breed. That's why the best breeders spend years learning, listening, observing, making mistakes, and refining their programs before they ever consider themselves knowledgeable.

Good breeding isn't luck. It's the result of experience, honesty, careful planning, and a genuine commitment to producing better working dogs for the future.

At Merrimajeel Working Stockdogs, we believe breeding should always have a purpose, and that purpose should be producing capable, sound, trainable working dogs that can get the job done when it matters most. 🐕🐑🐄🐐🐂

15/06/2026

COMMUNAL FEEDING – A CRITICAL LESSON FOR WORKING PUPS

One of the most important lessons a breeder can teach a litter of working pups has nothing to do with stock work, obedience, or genetics. It starts around the feed bowl.

Communal feeding plays a vital role in the social development of puppies. From an early age, pups learn to eat alongside their littermates, share space, read body language, and develop confidence around food. These are valuable life skills that can influence how they interact with other dogs for the rest of their lives.

Working dogs rarely live in isolation. Many will go on to be part of a team, travelling together, working together, and often being fed in close proximity to one another. A pup that has not learned appropriate feeding manners can become a management issue for its future owner.

Whilst some puppies are naturally more dominant or possess a stronger prey drive, which can present as food aggression, it is important that breeders identify these behaviours early and actively work to reduce them before pups leave for their new homes.

Food aggression should never be dismissed as "just being a tough pup." Left unchecked, it can escalate into serious problems later in life. An aggressive dog around feed can create tension throughout a team, lead to fights, injuries, stress amongst other dogs, and additional challenges for handlers.

When a dog cannot be trusted around food, owners are often forced to feed separately, kennel separately, or constantly manage situations that could have been minimised through early intervention. Whilst some dogs may always require additional management, reputable breeders should be doing everything possible during the developmental stages to establish positive feeding behaviours and identify pups that may need extra attention.

Communal feeding also allows breeders to observe their litter closely. It highlights confidence levels, social interactions, food drive, and any emerging behavioural concerns. These observations provide valuable insight into each pup's temperament and future suitability for different working environments.

At the end of the day, raising working dogs is about more than producing pups with ability. It's about giving them the best possible foundation for life. Communal feeding is a simple but powerful tool that helps develop well-adjusted dogs capable of living and working harmoniously within a team.

Like every aspect of puppy development, these lessons matter. The effort invested by breeders in those early weeks often pays dividends for the owners, handlers, and dogs for years to come.

Our bred pups once weaned off their mother are fed on Mother’s Best Pet Nutrition and given the best start to their lives.


Mother's Best Pet Nutrition

15/06/2026

**Introducing Barney 🐾**
AKA Skyblue Barney Banana
AKA BARNDOG

We purchased Barney 11 years ago from Skyblue Kelpies. Jason originally bought him as a hunting dog, but he showed so much promise as a pup that we decided to give him a go on sheep. He started off well and showed plenty of natural talent, but before long our daughter took a shine to the cute red and tan youngster and the two quickly formed a strong bond.

While Barney had ability, he probably wasn't quite cut out for the tough day-to-day life of a working dog. Looking back, introducing him to weaners may have helped settle him and build his confidence. His working career was short-lived, and he soon found his true calling as our daughter's loyal sidekick.

He's been an integral part of our daughter’s life and has been a big support in more ways than you could ever imagine, now he's a big part in not just our daughters life but also her partners life.

Over the years Barney has certainly kept life interesting. He's used up more than a few of his nine lives—eating things he shouldn't and ending up in surgery, taking on a car and ending up in surgery again, and repeatedly finding new ways to give his owner a fright. Despite it all, he's still here, still going, and still very much Barney.

Now at 11 years of age, Barney is one of the dogs we're trialling **TuffRock Australia's SUPER-TUFF with Kakadu Plum All-in-One Premium Health Supplement** on. We're looking forward to seeing the results, so stay tuned for updates on this colourful character. Thankyou TuffRock Australia 🐕❤️

15/06/2026

Travelling With Working Dogs – Preparation Matters
Travelling with working dogs requires more than simply loading them up and heading down the road. Whether you're attending a trial, training day, contract job or farm visit, planning ahead is essential for the welfare of your dogs and the success of the trip.

🐾 Before You Arrive
Never assume it's acceptable to let your dogs out for a run. Always touch base with the landowner or property manager and ask where dogs can be exercised safely. Be aware of stock movements, sensitive areas, neighbouring properties and any restrictions that may be in place.

🐾 Baiting Programs
Always ask about current or recent baiting activities in the area. This simple conversation could save your dog's life. Don't assume a property is safe just because you've visited before.

🐾 Muzzles and Property Requirements
Some properties, accommodation providers or events may require dogs to be muzzled in certain situations. Clarify expectations beforehand so there are no surprises when you arrive.

🐾 Communication With Other Contractors
If multiple handlers or contractors are working together, communication is critical. Discuss dog management, housing arrangements and exercise areas before commencing work.

🐾 Bi***es in Season – The Big One
This is one topic that cannot be overlooked. If you have a bitch in season, advise others well before arrival. Likewise, ask other contractors if they are bringing a bitch in season.

When you're travelling away from home, leaving a bitch behind often isn't an option. Failure to communicate can create significant disruptions, tension between handlers and unnecessary distractions for dogs that are expected to be working. A simple conversation beforehand can prevent a lot of drama later.

🐾 Essentials to Pack
• Fresh water and bowls
• Sufficient feed for the entire trip
• Leads, collars and identification
• First aid supplies
• Bedding and shelter
• Any medications required

At the end of the day, working dogs are athletes and valued members of the team. A little planning, communication and consideration goes a long way towards ensuring everyone arrives safely, works