Pamela King's Blog
February 29, 2020
Hostie – A Dingo’s Career in Public Relations
In 1994 a five-week-old pup was selected to be the mascot for the AussieHost customer service training programme in the Macarthur region. She was named AussieHost but became known just as ‘Hostie’. She received socialisation from that age demonstrating the importance of early and constant contact with humans to overcome timidity in dingoes.
A photo shoot was held to launch her career. Ironically the location of the media shoot was in a building at one time occupied by the Pastures Protection Board (aka the Dingo Destruction Board)
She became an important member of the Public Relations teams for AussieHost, Macarthur Tourism and, of course, the Merigal Dingo Sanctuary. From eight weeks of age her duties were varied and she attended certificate presentations, cocktail parties, tourism expos and promotional days where she always remained very relaxed on all occasions.
She was a hit with everyone she met and was also my sponsored Dingo.
One public function was a naturalisation ceremony where she stole the show, not only from the new Australian citizens, but also the Mayor of Wollondilly.
After many years trying, the sanctuary was eventually given permission to have a display at the Sydney Royal Easter Show on the last day of the dog judging.
As usual Hostie, and her fellow PR dingoes, was her calm friendly self and greeted children enthusiastically.
There was only one problem taking Hostie out to events; she hated car travel. On our way home we were stopped at traffic lights, Hostie was perched on my companion’s lap when he wound the window down. Hostie shot out through the window! Fortunately, my friend had hold of her lead but she was out the car and he was inside and helpless to do anything. I jumped out the driver’s side, ran around to the other side just as the lights turned green. I took her lead, the passenger window was wound back up and Hostie returned to the car. To my surprise there was no horn honking while this was going on but a cheer went up as I got back in the car to drive off.
There was one other problem we had with Hostie. She shared her run with her mate Romulus (yes, his brother was Remus) and whenever we brought her back from an outing we had to stay in the run with them to prevent her from beating up on him. It was like she was the career wife and he was the house husband getting into trouble for not having completed all the housework.
One of the AussieHost certificate presentations was held at the Campbelltown Catholic Club. I rang the club and asked “Can I bring a Dingo to the presentation?” a brief moment of silence at the end of the phone was followed by “A what? I thought you said a Dingo” (giggles from the other end of the line.)
“I did.” was my reply. “I understand you may have rules about bringing animals into a food area but if there is some way of getting around it we would be very grateful.”
“Oh yes we do have rules that animals are not allowed in the dining area but a Dingo should be fine.”
All went well until the food was served. Everyone was lined up waiting to help themselves when Hostie decided she was the most important one there and tried to jump up on the food table.
A photo shoot was held to launch her career. Ironically the location of the media shoot was in a building at one time occupied by the Pastures Protection Board (aka the Dingo Destruction Board)
She became an important member of the Public Relations teams for AussieHost, Macarthur Tourism and, of course, the Merigal Dingo Sanctuary. From eight weeks of age her duties were varied and she attended certificate presentations, cocktail parties, tourism expos and promotional days where she always remained very relaxed on all occasions.
She was a hit with everyone she met and was also my sponsored Dingo.
One public function was a naturalisation ceremony where she stole the show, not only from the new Australian citizens, but also the Mayor of Wollondilly.
After many years trying, the sanctuary was eventually given permission to have a display at the Sydney Royal Easter Show on the last day of the dog judging.
As usual Hostie, and her fellow PR dingoes, was her calm friendly self and greeted children enthusiastically.
There was only one problem taking Hostie out to events; she hated car travel. On our way home we were stopped at traffic lights, Hostie was perched on my companion’s lap when he wound the window down. Hostie shot out through the window! Fortunately, my friend had hold of her lead but she was out the car and he was inside and helpless to do anything. I jumped out the driver’s side, ran around to the other side just as the lights turned green. I took her lead, the passenger window was wound back up and Hostie returned to the car. To my surprise there was no horn honking while this was going on but a cheer went up as I got back in the car to drive off.
There was one other problem we had with Hostie. She shared her run with her mate Romulus (yes, his brother was Remus) and whenever we brought her back from an outing we had to stay in the run with them to prevent her from beating up on him. It was like she was the career wife and he was the house husband getting into trouble for not having completed all the housework.
One of the AussieHost certificate presentations was held at the Campbelltown Catholic Club. I rang the club and asked “Can I bring a Dingo to the presentation?” a brief moment of silence at the end of the phone was followed by “A what? I thought you said a Dingo” (giggles from the other end of the line.)
“I did.” was my reply. “I understand you may have rules about bringing animals into a food area but if there is some way of getting around it we would be very grateful.”
“Oh yes we do have rules that animals are not allowed in the dining area but a Dingo should be fine.”
All went well until the food was served. Everyone was lined up waiting to help themselves when Hostie decided she was the most important one there and tried to jump up on the food table.
February 26, 2020
THE DUCK by Berenice Walters
Complaining continually about the pin-feathers, Bern* finally finished plucking the duck. Preparing it for cooking, I placed it in the sink while finding needle and thread to sew in the stuffing. The back door slammed shut and was followed by a stream of abuse from Bern who was mowing the back garden.
Sensing my Dingoes had ‘done it again', I dashed to the kitchen to find an incredibly cranky, but I think vaguely amused, Bern, standing on the steps with the duck, a trail of stuffing down the back steps. Napoleon had apparently grabbed the duck and run - and dropped it when caught in the act down the yard.
Having to go to a meeting the next day. I fed the dogs and prepared the contraceptive for the five bitches being treated, mixing it into five little balls. That’s right, Napoleon devoured these too when my back was turned.
I left a note for Bern saying that there was duck in the fridge for his tea. Arriving home late, the following note was on the table “Napoleon opened the fridge and nicked the WHOLE duck”.
*Bern was Berenice’s husband
Sensing my Dingoes had ‘done it again', I dashed to the kitchen to find an incredibly cranky, but I think vaguely amused, Bern, standing on the steps with the duck, a trail of stuffing down the back steps. Napoleon had apparently grabbed the duck and run - and dropped it when caught in the act down the yard.
Having to go to a meeting the next day. I fed the dogs and prepared the contraceptive for the five bitches being treated, mixing it into five little balls. That’s right, Napoleon devoured these too when my back was turned.
I left a note for Bern saying that there was duck in the fridge for his tea. Arriving home late, the following note was on the table “Napoleon opened the fridge and nicked the WHOLE duck”.
*Bern was Berenice’s husband
February 21, 2020
First Dingo to Join the Army
Berenice received many requests for a dingo but unless people were members of the society with facilities and experience to foster a Merigal dingo there was little chance of them achieving their wish.
One of the calls she received was from Major Terry Boyce Commanding Officer of the 3rd Field Regiment, Royal Australian Engineers seeking a regimental mascot.
It was agreed Napoleon’s son, 13-month-old son Boorooma would be suitable for the first dingo to become the mascot of an Australian Army regiment.Before they let him join the army he was taken rabbiting to familiarise him with gun shots. He then spent a couple of weeks in Sydney to test his adaptability. He took everything in his stride.
His official name was Wooleston Boorooma, but the 350 men of the 3rd Field Regiment, Royal Australian Engineers, called him Bruiser. His army number was MAO117 and he was given the rank of Sapper. He proudly marched at the head of the regiment when on ceremonial parades.
Problems arose when the Queensland Government would not give permission for Boorooma to be with his regiment n Townsville but finally, with the help of Dr Norman Scott-Young, the local State MP, approval was received.
Boorooma settled easily into army. To avoid problems if he became a one-man dog he had four handlers. He flew in aircraft, rode in armoured vehicles and had rifles fired over his head. The soldiers welcomed him into their home where he was popular with the children.
But dingoes will be dingoes and he got black marks for chewing towels, boots and mattresses as well as running off with the hats of the duty picket.
He became the pride of the 3rd Field Regiment, who felt the full force of prejudice against him when the Canine Control Council refused to allow him to attend a local dog obedience club.
Major Boyce was quoted as saying, “Still the army looks after its own. I am not quite sure why they did that but we will be going to work on the problem whatever it is.
One of the calls she received was from Major Terry Boyce Commanding Officer of the 3rd Field Regiment, Royal Australian Engineers seeking a regimental mascot.
It was agreed Napoleon’s son, 13-month-old son Boorooma would be suitable for the first dingo to become the mascot of an Australian Army regiment.Before they let him join the army he was taken rabbiting to familiarise him with gun shots. He then spent a couple of weeks in Sydney to test his adaptability. He took everything in his stride.
His official name was Wooleston Boorooma, but the 350 men of the 3rd Field Regiment, Royal Australian Engineers, called him Bruiser. His army number was MAO117 and he was given the rank of Sapper. He proudly marched at the head of the regiment when on ceremonial parades.
Problems arose when the Queensland Government would not give permission for Boorooma to be with his regiment n Townsville but finally, with the help of Dr Norman Scott-Young, the local State MP, approval was received.
Boorooma settled easily into army. To avoid problems if he became a one-man dog he had four handlers. He flew in aircraft, rode in armoured vehicles and had rifles fired over his head. The soldiers welcomed him into their home where he was popular with the children.
But dingoes will be dingoes and he got black marks for chewing towels, boots and mattresses as well as running off with the hats of the duty picket.
He became the pride of the 3rd Field Regiment, who felt the full force of prejudice against him when the Canine Control Council refused to allow him to attend a local dog obedience club.
Major Boyce was quoted as saying, “Still the army looks after its own. I am not quite sure why they did that but we will be going to work on the problem whatever it is.
February 19, 2020
A Dingo Named Cornelius
A Queensland Insurance Company was confronted by a big problem back in the late1960s. A brand new Holden Monaro car was being assessed for an insurance claim. The car was a mess. Not only was the upholstery torn to pieces, the steering wheel was also destroyed. "It looks like a wild animal has got at it" commented an amazed agent.
Actually, a Dingo named Cornelius was responsible. He had become stressed at being left in the car while his owner dined. He did what came naturally. He chewed and dug at the car interior in an effort to be with his human.
*****
Fred Wirrer was a hardworking and imposing Austrian but there were none gentler in their love for wildlife. In 1969 he was hauling bauxite ore for a mining company at Weipa on the Cape York Peninsula in Far North Queensland when he came across a mother Dingo with her four pups on the side of the road. He hit the brakes bringing his 75-ton truck to a sudden halt.
The small family ran for cover but one pup got confused and ran in the opposite direction. Then another pup emerged. Fred bent down to pick them up just as the mother walked out from behind cover. She was limping badly as she walked towards the man with her pups. He squatted in front of her trying to explain he was going to take her two sons but he would take good care of them and if they wanted to return to her they could.
As Fred drove off he watched her in the rear view mirror fleeing into the bush with her remaining pups. She no longer limped.
He named the pups Cornelius and Rasputin and they became familiar sights around the area. When they grew older and more confident they would set off to explore. They always came back until one day Cornelius returned on his own. Perhaps he had made his decision to stay with the man he had formed such a strong bond with.
While working at Weipa Fred lived in one of the single accommodation units. After Fred left for work, Cornelius, at an inquisitive age, proceeded to 'explore' Fred's room. On Fred's return each night, there would be screams of "Oh, no. What have you done!!?" The dog's daytime activities was to chew everything within reach. After six months, everything Fred owned had Cornelius' identity mark on it!!
While Cornelius and Fred were getting to know each other, Berenice Walters also kept a Dingo, Dora, surrounded by a pall of secrecy. Branded as "vermin" by the farming community, its keeping was illegal, its destruction mandatory.
It was through author and filmmaker Lionel Hudson that these two Dingoes eventually met in 1975. One thing Berenice recalled on the two first meeting was Cornelius jumping clear over a two metre fence from a standing start.
It was obviously love at first sight for the two beautiful animals resulting in a litter of puppies named Napoleon, Montgomery, Rommel and Josephine.
It was Fred and Cornelius that inspired Berenice to step up her fight to exonerate the noble outcast and form the Australian Native Dog Training Society of New South Wales Limited - a non-profit public company with the sole aim of advancing the dingo cause.
The story of Dora and Cornelius’ meeting is told in the book “For the Love of a Dingo” but this is Cornelius and Fred’s story.
When the pups were old enough Rommel went to Lionel Hudson while Fred and Cornelius proudly took Montgomery home at six weeks old age, and the close relationship that developed between father and son broadened the knowledge of the parental roles of the Dingo. These observations were later backed up by Napoleon and Snowdrift at Merigal.
Fred took his two Dingoes to work with him and was amazed to see Cornelius quietly training his infant son Montgomery in bushcraft, tracking, hunting, defence.
Fascinated, Fred watched as Corny took his son to increasing distances from his car, then stand back to watch the pup back-track, not assisting him, but nearby to support him if the need arose. But tragedy struck before the young Dingo reached maturity. He contracted kennel cough, and following a long period of sickness and still in a weakened condition, was hit by a car and killed. Fred and Corny were heartbroken, but life went on together for another 9 years. They were inseparable.
*****
There are many stories about Cornelius and one of my favourites is the one about marijuana.
Fred was visiting a policeman friend who had a German Shepherd. He also kept a marijuana plant in his garden as a novelty. Both dogs played happily until the ever curious Cornelius, after sniffing the plant began chewing the marijuana leaves.
On another occasion Fred and Corny were visiting a friend. The man was very excited because his son, who never bothered with gardening in his whole life, was growing little plants and caring for them. "That's nice" said Fred. "What plants are they?" Then Cornelius trotted around the corner licking his chops and Fred knew instantly what the plants were. They raced around the house but all the little plants were gone. Corny had eaten them.
For the rest of his life, if there was marijuana about, the Dingo would find it and chomp away “Ah, well," Fred would say, "there is no law against dogs EATING marijuana, and Cornelius suffered no side effects.
Fred found work operating a grader around Sydney. Sadly, Cornelius had to be was kennelled at night but he always accompanied Fred to work, sitting beside his man on a grader. When he got, bored Fred would say "All right, Corny, off you go mate but look after yourself”. Corny would wander around the area but was always there when the workers packed up.
One day while working at Windsor in far western Sydney, Cornelius did not return. Three days later he turned up at the kennels and let himself in. His paws were raw and bleeding.
Another time as Fred drove his grader, he could see Cornelius returning early, but there was something wrong. He seemed to be staggering. Fred took off in the grader across paddocks and road and just in time to see Corny hide under a bush. "I'll be right back," he told his stricken dog as he drove back to get his car and rush Corny to a local vet. He'd been shot, despite the fact he was wearing a collar, registration and name tags.
Fred's boss had other ideas. "Never mind your dog, you have got a job to do!" "Stick your job, my dog comes first" Fred replied. Cornelius had been shot with a .22 and the bullet stayed there as it was too risky to remove.
While was waiting for the vet to heal his best mate, Fred went looking for the shooter. He found an abattoir near where he believed Cornelius had been shot. In the rest room were six nervous men with a rifle. Fred saw red. The men all lied through their teeth. Fred restrained himself. If he took revenge it could call attention to him keeping a Dingo.
Corny recovered and was soon back on the grader with Fred. He still enjoyed runs but stayed closer to where Fred was working. Next job was a project at North Head, blasting rock. Before each charge was set off, a siren would sound twice. At the first hoot Cornelius was already racing back to the grader, by the second he was sitting close to Fred, shaking uncontrollably, waiting for the explosion, no doubt expecting it would bring a bullet slamming into his neck.
When working near the Fairfield golf course, Fred and Corny were lying in the grass soaking up the midday sun. As Fred turned his head a snake darted for his face. Fred stared helplessly as Corny lunged and caught the snake only a few centimetres from Fred's eyes. He flicked his head and the snake was dead. They celebrated with steaks. Medium rare for Fred, very rare for Cornelius.
Another time when Fred was working on a bulldozer near a rubbish tip he saw Corny approaching in the distance. Fred worried when he noticed Corny was walking strangely. As he got closer he noticed Corny was carrying something in his mouth. It was a tiny kitten that he laid it gently at Fred's feet. Tinkerbell, as she was called, joined Fred and Corny in their home. The dingo lavished his affection on the kitten who often went to sleep between his paws.
Fred and Cornelius did many pub crawls together; the dingo had an uncanny gift for nosing out the right atmosphere. If the pub was cosy with light-hearted people and good sorts, they would stay! By now more and more people who hated dingoes sight unseen started coming face to face with a real dingo, and were impressed. Cornelius was nothing like they had been led to believe: So where was the sulking coward with the shifty eyes? This bloke stood nobly, quietly unafraid. Suddenly people at the bar were remembering GOOD stories.
After Cornelius' death Fred and his wife visited Berenice. Dora was always very shy of strangers, but she approached Fred, lowered her head, and looked lovingly up at him with just the suggestion of a tail wag. It was obvious that seeing Fred brought memories back to her of her one and only true mate, Cornelius, her own Prince Charming.
Cornelius is now but a beautiful memory, but it is on such memories that wonderful dreams are made.
Actually, a Dingo named Cornelius was responsible. He had become stressed at being left in the car while his owner dined. He did what came naturally. He chewed and dug at the car interior in an effort to be with his human.
*****
Fred Wirrer was a hardworking and imposing Austrian but there were none gentler in their love for wildlife. In 1969 he was hauling bauxite ore for a mining company at Weipa on the Cape York Peninsula in Far North Queensland when he came across a mother Dingo with her four pups on the side of the road. He hit the brakes bringing his 75-ton truck to a sudden halt.
The small family ran for cover but one pup got confused and ran in the opposite direction. Then another pup emerged. Fred bent down to pick them up just as the mother walked out from behind cover. She was limping badly as she walked towards the man with her pups. He squatted in front of her trying to explain he was going to take her two sons but he would take good care of them and if they wanted to return to her they could.
As Fred drove off he watched her in the rear view mirror fleeing into the bush with her remaining pups. She no longer limped.
He named the pups Cornelius and Rasputin and they became familiar sights around the area. When they grew older and more confident they would set off to explore. They always came back until one day Cornelius returned on his own. Perhaps he had made his decision to stay with the man he had formed such a strong bond with.
While working at Weipa Fred lived in one of the single accommodation units. After Fred left for work, Cornelius, at an inquisitive age, proceeded to 'explore' Fred's room. On Fred's return each night, there would be screams of "Oh, no. What have you done!!?" The dog's daytime activities was to chew everything within reach. After six months, everything Fred owned had Cornelius' identity mark on it!!
While Cornelius and Fred were getting to know each other, Berenice Walters also kept a Dingo, Dora, surrounded by a pall of secrecy. Branded as "vermin" by the farming community, its keeping was illegal, its destruction mandatory.
It was through author and filmmaker Lionel Hudson that these two Dingoes eventually met in 1975. One thing Berenice recalled on the two first meeting was Cornelius jumping clear over a two metre fence from a standing start.
It was obviously love at first sight for the two beautiful animals resulting in a litter of puppies named Napoleon, Montgomery, Rommel and Josephine.
It was Fred and Cornelius that inspired Berenice to step up her fight to exonerate the noble outcast and form the Australian Native Dog Training Society of New South Wales Limited - a non-profit public company with the sole aim of advancing the dingo cause.
The story of Dora and Cornelius’ meeting is told in the book “For the Love of a Dingo” but this is Cornelius and Fred’s story.
When the pups were old enough Rommel went to Lionel Hudson while Fred and Cornelius proudly took Montgomery home at six weeks old age, and the close relationship that developed between father and son broadened the knowledge of the parental roles of the Dingo. These observations were later backed up by Napoleon and Snowdrift at Merigal.
Fred took his two Dingoes to work with him and was amazed to see Cornelius quietly training his infant son Montgomery in bushcraft, tracking, hunting, defence.
Fascinated, Fred watched as Corny took his son to increasing distances from his car, then stand back to watch the pup back-track, not assisting him, but nearby to support him if the need arose. But tragedy struck before the young Dingo reached maturity. He contracted kennel cough, and following a long period of sickness and still in a weakened condition, was hit by a car and killed. Fred and Corny were heartbroken, but life went on together for another 9 years. They were inseparable.
*****
There are many stories about Cornelius and one of my favourites is the one about marijuana.
Fred was visiting a policeman friend who had a German Shepherd. He also kept a marijuana plant in his garden as a novelty. Both dogs played happily until the ever curious Cornelius, after sniffing the plant began chewing the marijuana leaves.
On another occasion Fred and Corny were visiting a friend. The man was very excited because his son, who never bothered with gardening in his whole life, was growing little plants and caring for them. "That's nice" said Fred. "What plants are they?" Then Cornelius trotted around the corner licking his chops and Fred knew instantly what the plants were. They raced around the house but all the little plants were gone. Corny had eaten them.
For the rest of his life, if there was marijuana about, the Dingo would find it and chomp away “Ah, well," Fred would say, "there is no law against dogs EATING marijuana, and Cornelius suffered no side effects.
Fred found work operating a grader around Sydney. Sadly, Cornelius had to be was kennelled at night but he always accompanied Fred to work, sitting beside his man on a grader. When he got, bored Fred would say "All right, Corny, off you go mate but look after yourself”. Corny would wander around the area but was always there when the workers packed up.
One day while working at Windsor in far western Sydney, Cornelius did not return. Three days later he turned up at the kennels and let himself in. His paws were raw and bleeding.
Another time as Fred drove his grader, he could see Cornelius returning early, but there was something wrong. He seemed to be staggering. Fred took off in the grader across paddocks and road and just in time to see Corny hide under a bush. "I'll be right back," he told his stricken dog as he drove back to get his car and rush Corny to a local vet. He'd been shot, despite the fact he was wearing a collar, registration and name tags.
Fred's boss had other ideas. "Never mind your dog, you have got a job to do!" "Stick your job, my dog comes first" Fred replied. Cornelius had been shot with a .22 and the bullet stayed there as it was too risky to remove.
While was waiting for the vet to heal his best mate, Fred went looking for the shooter. He found an abattoir near where he believed Cornelius had been shot. In the rest room were six nervous men with a rifle. Fred saw red. The men all lied through their teeth. Fred restrained himself. If he took revenge it could call attention to him keeping a Dingo.
Corny recovered and was soon back on the grader with Fred. He still enjoyed runs but stayed closer to where Fred was working. Next job was a project at North Head, blasting rock. Before each charge was set off, a siren would sound twice. At the first hoot Cornelius was already racing back to the grader, by the second he was sitting close to Fred, shaking uncontrollably, waiting for the explosion, no doubt expecting it would bring a bullet slamming into his neck.
When working near the Fairfield golf course, Fred and Corny were lying in the grass soaking up the midday sun. As Fred turned his head a snake darted for his face. Fred stared helplessly as Corny lunged and caught the snake only a few centimetres from Fred's eyes. He flicked his head and the snake was dead. They celebrated with steaks. Medium rare for Fred, very rare for Cornelius.
Another time when Fred was working on a bulldozer near a rubbish tip he saw Corny approaching in the distance. Fred worried when he noticed Corny was walking strangely. As he got closer he noticed Corny was carrying something in his mouth. It was a tiny kitten that he laid it gently at Fred's feet. Tinkerbell, as she was called, joined Fred and Corny in their home. The dingo lavished his affection on the kitten who often went to sleep between his paws.
Fred and Cornelius did many pub crawls together; the dingo had an uncanny gift for nosing out the right atmosphere. If the pub was cosy with light-hearted people and good sorts, they would stay! By now more and more people who hated dingoes sight unseen started coming face to face with a real dingo, and were impressed. Cornelius was nothing like they had been led to believe: So where was the sulking coward with the shifty eyes? This bloke stood nobly, quietly unafraid. Suddenly people at the bar were remembering GOOD stories.
After Cornelius' death Fred and his wife visited Berenice. Dora was always very shy of strangers, but she approached Fred, lowered her head, and looked lovingly up at him with just the suggestion of a tail wag. It was obvious that seeing Fred brought memories back to her of her one and only true mate, Cornelius, her own Prince Charming.
Cornelius is now but a beautiful memory, but it is on such memories that wonderful dreams are made.
February 15, 2020
Berenice’s Love for Napoleon
Dora was Berenice Walters’ first dingo, captured in the wild and presented to Berenice as a terrified furry bundle. Although Dora was kept illegally at the time, Berenice loved, cared for and trained her young dingo.
Napoleon was Dora’s son and quite possibly Berenice’s greatest love. Through observation and sharing her life with dingoes she began to dispel myths and educate the public on the truth about the dingo. Her Tribute to Napoleon following his passing not only demonstrates her immense love but great insight into living with a Dingo as well as their personality and traits.
When Napoleon passed away Berenice wrote:
We called him Napoleon and looking across the room now I can still see him sitting in 'his' chair. It was his for the term of his life with us and universally recognised as Napoleon's chair. If I cast my eyes around the room, I can see the place where he died as I hysterically tried to revive him, pleading with him to live.
How I cherished that dog. Our house was his 'kennel' and he was always an important family member. He had his diplomatic and carefully worked out method of ensuring visitors respected his position.
That did not mean he did not misbehave when not under surveillance. Oh no. How many plants he dug up and presented to us as if he thought we had lost them - how many sets of leather back key rings were chewed up along with elastic sided leather boots and shoes, how many birds and stray cats he killed, hens when he got amongst them, we lost count. But these misdemeanours did not diminish my love and respect for him.
On the 19th January, 1985 the Committee Meeting of the ANDTS adjourned for 5 minutes to pay tribute to Napoleon who had died suddenly on the 16th January, 1985.
This was Berenice’s tribute:
In his lifetime, Napoleon set a beautiful example to which we could all well pledge our lives. He was love, kindness and charity personified. The weaknesses and imperfections of humans were not a part of his ethereal being. His goodness far outweighed the many problems his keeping entailed.
Napoleon was always very fair. He bore no grudges or nastiness, and was at all times anxious to respond happily with appreciation to any little kindness or affection shown to him, irrespective of any hurt he may have received, or stresses endured. He was quiet and unobtrusive, but when stressed through family upsets, reacted in the only way he knew by redirecting attention to himself by asking for his 'cup of tea'.
For 9½ years my family's whole existence was centred round the needs of Napoleon, both physically and mentally, but he was always there to be loved, and to love, to comfort us when in need, to share our happiness’s, to welcome us joyfully home, and to share our troubles by being close.
Those he accepted and loved were blessed with an indescribable feeling of wonder that this unworldly being should so honour them. If he did not like or trust anyone, he fear fully retreated to our bedroom - he just kept out of the way.
All Napoleon asked in return was to be respected and loved as a close family member. His goodness and nobility affected all who knew him, and he was loved.
I often wondered why I was chosen to be the soul partner in such a beautiful relationship. The joys of the last nine years are indescribable, as is the sorrow and loneliness I now feel at his loss.
But the spirit of Napoleon will live on, to inspire all who were privileged to know him to strive for a better understanding and fairer deal for all his kind.
Napoleon had one great gift, LOVE, and he gave this freely to Bern and I 24 hours a day, to our family, and to children in particular, everywhere.
No greater gift can any being give.
****
Dora and Napoleon’s stories, along with Snowgoose, are told in the book For the Love of a Dingo, in both print and eBook editions. Visit www.pam.id.au for purchase information.
Napoleon was Dora’s son and quite possibly Berenice’s greatest love. Through observation and sharing her life with dingoes she began to dispel myths and educate the public on the truth about the dingo. Her Tribute to Napoleon following his passing not only demonstrates her immense love but great insight into living with a Dingo as well as their personality and traits.
When Napoleon passed away Berenice wrote:
We called him Napoleon and looking across the room now I can still see him sitting in 'his' chair. It was his for the term of his life with us and universally recognised as Napoleon's chair. If I cast my eyes around the room, I can see the place where he died as I hysterically tried to revive him, pleading with him to live.
How I cherished that dog. Our house was his 'kennel' and he was always an important family member. He had his diplomatic and carefully worked out method of ensuring visitors respected his position.
That did not mean he did not misbehave when not under surveillance. Oh no. How many plants he dug up and presented to us as if he thought we had lost them - how many sets of leather back key rings were chewed up along with elastic sided leather boots and shoes, how many birds and stray cats he killed, hens when he got amongst them, we lost count. But these misdemeanours did not diminish my love and respect for him.
On the 19th January, 1985 the Committee Meeting of the ANDTS adjourned for 5 minutes to pay tribute to Napoleon who had died suddenly on the 16th January, 1985.
This was Berenice’s tribute:
In his lifetime, Napoleon set a beautiful example to which we could all well pledge our lives. He was love, kindness and charity personified. The weaknesses and imperfections of humans were not a part of his ethereal being. His goodness far outweighed the many problems his keeping entailed.
Napoleon was always very fair. He bore no grudges or nastiness, and was at all times anxious to respond happily with appreciation to any little kindness or affection shown to him, irrespective of any hurt he may have received, or stresses endured. He was quiet and unobtrusive, but when stressed through family upsets, reacted in the only way he knew by redirecting attention to himself by asking for his 'cup of tea'.
For 9½ years my family's whole existence was centred round the needs of Napoleon, both physically and mentally, but he was always there to be loved, and to love, to comfort us when in need, to share our happiness’s, to welcome us joyfully home, and to share our troubles by being close.
Those he accepted and loved were blessed with an indescribable feeling of wonder that this unworldly being should so honour them. If he did not like or trust anyone, he fear fully retreated to our bedroom - he just kept out of the way.
All Napoleon asked in return was to be respected and loved as a close family member. His goodness and nobility affected all who knew him, and he was loved.
I often wondered why I was chosen to be the soul partner in such a beautiful relationship. The joys of the last nine years are indescribable, as is the sorrow and loneliness I now feel at his loss.
But the spirit of Napoleon will live on, to inspire all who were privileged to know him to strive for a better understanding and fairer deal for all his kind.
Napoleon had one great gift, LOVE, and he gave this freely to Bern and I 24 hours a day, to our family, and to children in particular, everywhere.
No greater gift can any being give.
****
Dora and Napoleon’s stories, along with Snowgoose, are told in the book For the Love of a Dingo, in both print and eBook editions. Visit www.pam.id.au for purchase information.
February 12, 2020
Training of Dingoes
In relation to training dingoes and their lack of concentration, Berenice believed it is due to the dingo’s “extreme concentration needed for survival. She felt that this understanding could be the key needed to “get through”.
She expressed this opinion in 1979, at the same time that a dingo was being trained at a Seeing Eye School. She recorded that she did not expect them to succeed and that it was being tried due to a large sum of money being donated for the project. As it turns out she was right and the project was not successful.
She did, however, believe that dingoes were suitable for providing disability support in other ways and for tracking. John Hogan and his hearing assistance dingo Donna certainly proved her first point.
In 1978 Ministerial approval was granted for Sergeant N. Kleidon of the Fairbairn RAAF Base, ACT to keep and train one dingo. The dingo, Wellington provided by the Australian Native Dog Training Society of NSW Ltd. He became, at that time, Australia's only "official" dingo.
Wellington, affectionately known as Boots, was given the rank of Honorary Leading Aircraftsman Boots and trained at RAAF's Police Dog Training Centre at Toowoomba, Queensland. After initially showing promise in tracking, unfortunately, Boots did not make the grade.
Berenice herself had success training her dingoes in the 1970s. Napoleon and Snowgoose both topped their classes at dog training and she worked Dora off 400 metre recalls for an episode of a Big Country.
She was disappointed that other dingoes did not emulate that success later on. I believe that this may have been due to her greater understanding and relationship with the dingoes at that time.
She expressed this opinion in 1979, at the same time that a dingo was being trained at a Seeing Eye School. She recorded that she did not expect them to succeed and that it was being tried due to a large sum of money being donated for the project. As it turns out she was right and the project was not successful.
She did, however, believe that dingoes were suitable for providing disability support in other ways and for tracking. John Hogan and his hearing assistance dingo Donna certainly proved her first point.
In 1978 Ministerial approval was granted for Sergeant N. Kleidon of the Fairbairn RAAF Base, ACT to keep and train one dingo. The dingo, Wellington provided by the Australian Native Dog Training Society of NSW Ltd. He became, at that time, Australia's only "official" dingo.
Wellington, affectionately known as Boots, was given the rank of Honorary Leading Aircraftsman Boots and trained at RAAF's Police Dog Training Centre at Toowoomba, Queensland. After initially showing promise in tracking, unfortunately, Boots did not make the grade.
Berenice herself had success training her dingoes in the 1970s. Napoleon and Snowgoose both topped their classes at dog training and she worked Dora off 400 metre recalls for an episode of a Big Country.
She was disappointed that other dingoes did not emulate that success later on. I believe that this may have been due to her greater understanding and relationship with the dingoes at that time.
February 7, 2020
Berenice Walters - Gifted and Devoted Horsewoman
Another little known fact about Berenice Walters, the Dingo Lady, is that she was a very accomplished and devoted horsewoman.
Her first horse was Gai who she loved passionately. In the 1940s Berenice and her friends would ride from Maroubra to La Perouse and onto Dolls Point. They seldom came across traffic and the only spend up was a milkshake on the way home.
In today’s Sydney, that is a distance of 21.4 kms and would take 30 minutes in a car.
Her first horse was Gai who she loved passionately. In the 1940s Berenice and her friends would ride from Maroubra to La Perouse and onto Dolls Point. They seldom came across traffic and the only spend up was a milkshake on the way home.
In today’s Sydney, that is a distance of 21.4 kms and would take 30 minutes in a car.
February 1, 2020
Humpty-do, Humpty-Two and Humpty Snowman
Mrs Pestalozzi of Switzerland had been a member of the Australian Native Dog Training Society since 1977 and kept Dingoes in her home for fourteen years. When Berenice travelled to Europe in 1987 she stayed with Elizabeth and her family and was impressed with Elizabeth’s dedication to her Dingoes. In 1989, Elizabeth’s dingoes were ageing and she requested special permission from the society for her to foster a Dingo pup.
Elizabeth and her family flew out to Australia to meet their pup. While passing over the Northern Territory she was intrigued by the town name of Humpty Doo and decided that would be the name of her pup.
The family spent three days at the Society's Headquarters getting to know the dingoes and, in particular, their pup.
At the time the Dingo was universally classed as 'noxious' in Australia but when Humpty-Do was set to leave Australia, he suddenly became 'protected native fauna' under Federal law, and a Permit would not be issued.
Berenice wrote, on behalf of the Australian Native Dog Training Society, to Senator Graham Richardson, Federal Minister for the Environment, applying for an export licence for a Dingo to go to Switzerland. Unfortunately, by the time a permit was issued ‘Humpty’ was several months old and it was considered he would not cope well with the long plane trip and unlikely settle in well with his new family.
The following year a permit was granted for Humpty’s son, Humpty-Two, to make the trip but he came down with a virus.
In 1992, Humpty Snowman, a son of Snowdrift and Sunny, finally left Sydney on a QANTAS flight to Switzerland. He was the first Dingo to be (legally) exported to a private person overseas and proved to be a very good ambassador for his country.
When the Pestalozzis moved to the south of France, Australian tourists were amazed to see a Dingo accompanying his "family" on outings. They stared in disbelief at what they thought was a dog that looked like a Dingo, and incredulous at being told; "Yes, he is a Dingo; and a very much loved one".
Our globe-trotting Dingo completely accepted his European lifestyle and adapted brilliantly to a life of luxury; although he has been reluctant to do more than paddle in the swimming pool with the children.
Humpty-Snowman had weeks of socialising before leaving and his owners said he was afraid of nothing; that is until he heard church bells ringing. He came to a sudden halt when he heard them, but soon satisfied himself that they were a natural part of that environment and grew to accept them.
Incidentally, it was Humpty Snowman’s sister, Wattle, who starred in the TV show, Talk to the Animals. She was the Dingo who crawled over Dr Harry Cooper's back and knocked off his glasses.
Missing out on becoming the first dingo to be exported overseas, ‘Twoey’ settled into life at the Merigal Dingo Sanctuary and from a pup was the companion of the beautiful Snowqueen. She reared him to be 'her' man, and, while she disciplined him when necessary, always tried to give him confidence and to accept responsibility - to act as a 'man', her future mate.
He matured into a magnificent Dingo. His intelligence, glorious head, brilliant colour and wonderfully agile and active body made him a 'Dingo of distinction'.
By 1999 ‘Twoey’ suffered from diabetes and was receiving daily insulin injections.
Snowqueen was born at Healesville Sanctuary in 1989 under a breeding agreement shared with MERIGAL. The gentle ‘Queenie’ was a favourite with everyone and greeted visitors with excitement and affection.
However, she retained a strong, wild, or natural side to her personality and at times caused enormous anxiety amongst those charged with her care. She would constantly look to escape peering longingly towards the adjacent forest. She developed into a highly experienced escapologist, using her talents at jumping, digging and tearing to their utmost. Her pups also learnt the 'arts' of escaping, leading much frustration in trying to outwit this smart family.
http://dingolady.blogspot.com.au/2016...
Elizabeth and her family flew out to Australia to meet their pup. While passing over the Northern Territory she was intrigued by the town name of Humpty Doo and decided that would be the name of her pup.
The family spent three days at the Society's Headquarters getting to know the dingoes and, in particular, their pup.
At the time the Dingo was universally classed as 'noxious' in Australia but when Humpty-Do was set to leave Australia, he suddenly became 'protected native fauna' under Federal law, and a Permit would not be issued.
Berenice wrote, on behalf of the Australian Native Dog Training Society, to Senator Graham Richardson, Federal Minister for the Environment, applying for an export licence for a Dingo to go to Switzerland. Unfortunately, by the time a permit was issued ‘Humpty’ was several months old and it was considered he would not cope well with the long plane trip and unlikely settle in well with his new family.
The following year a permit was granted for Humpty’s son, Humpty-Two, to make the trip but he came down with a virus.
In 1992, Humpty Snowman, a son of Snowdrift and Sunny, finally left Sydney on a QANTAS flight to Switzerland. He was the first Dingo to be (legally) exported to a private person overseas and proved to be a very good ambassador for his country.
When the Pestalozzis moved to the south of France, Australian tourists were amazed to see a Dingo accompanying his "family" on outings. They stared in disbelief at what they thought was a dog that looked like a Dingo, and incredulous at being told; "Yes, he is a Dingo; and a very much loved one".
Our globe-trotting Dingo completely accepted his European lifestyle and adapted brilliantly to a life of luxury; although he has been reluctant to do more than paddle in the swimming pool with the children.
Humpty-Snowman had weeks of socialising before leaving and his owners said he was afraid of nothing; that is until he heard church bells ringing. He came to a sudden halt when he heard them, but soon satisfied himself that they were a natural part of that environment and grew to accept them.
Incidentally, it was Humpty Snowman’s sister, Wattle, who starred in the TV show, Talk to the Animals. She was the Dingo who crawled over Dr Harry Cooper's back and knocked off his glasses.
Missing out on becoming the first dingo to be exported overseas, ‘Twoey’ settled into life at the Merigal Dingo Sanctuary and from a pup was the companion of the beautiful Snowqueen. She reared him to be 'her' man, and, while she disciplined him when necessary, always tried to give him confidence and to accept responsibility - to act as a 'man', her future mate.
He matured into a magnificent Dingo. His intelligence, glorious head, brilliant colour and wonderfully agile and active body made him a 'Dingo of distinction'.
By 1999 ‘Twoey’ suffered from diabetes and was receiving daily insulin injections.
Snowqueen was born at Healesville Sanctuary in 1989 under a breeding agreement shared with MERIGAL. The gentle ‘Queenie’ was a favourite with everyone and greeted visitors with excitement and affection.
However, she retained a strong, wild, or natural side to her personality and at times caused enormous anxiety amongst those charged with her care. She would constantly look to escape peering longingly towards the adjacent forest. She developed into a highly experienced escapologist, using her talents at jumping, digging and tearing to their utmost. Her pups also learnt the 'arts' of escaping, leading much frustration in trying to outwit this smart family.
http://dingolady.blogspot.com.au/2016...
January 29, 2020
Berenice Walters, Australian Cattle Dog Breeder
Not many people know that before committing her life to dingoes Berenice Walters and her husband were leading breeders of Australian Cattle Dogs for 25 years.
They bred dogs that were both exceptional working dogs and champions in the show ring.
Her interest in registered Australian Cattle Dogs started in 1952 when she and her husband, Bern, purchased a pup and founded Wooleston Kennels.
They first noticed "show" cattle dogs at the Moss Vale show. Noticing some were very dark, almost black heavily built dogs, they wondered what they were. Generally, they were much larger and heavier than the Wooleston working cattle dogs - and yet they resembled them. They learnt that there were two types of cattle dogs – these show dogs and the lighter built working dogs. Bern made his mind there and then that they would beat them at their own game with dogs bred exclusively from working stock.
This was not only the start of a new era for the Walters but the start of a new line of Australian Cattle Dogs that dominated the show ring for twenty years.
Wooleston was the first to export Australian Cattle Dogs to the USA in 1969 and both Berenice and Bern were active members of the Australian Cattle Dog Club.
Their most famous dog was Wooleston Blue Jock who reigned as the top Australian Cattle Dog between 1966 and 1974. He was seven time runner up Best in Show for All Breeds and five times Best in Show at Australian Cattle Dog Specialist Shows. In 1967 he won Best of Breed at the Sydney Royal Easter Show over 150 other Australian Cattle Dogs. In fact, he won Best Australian Working Dog at Sydney and Brisbane Royals, Best of Breed at Melbourne Royal and was three times Reserve Challenge at Sydney Royal.
This is certainly a turn around after Bernice showed one of their dogs in the 1954 Sydney Royal Easter Show and a woman, commented, “Oh, I did not know you could show street dogs at a Royal!”
Jock’s father, Wooleston Blue Jack, had also been a champion show dog and worker. According to A Dog Called Blue by Noreen R Clark in 2003, most, if not all, Australian Cattle Dogs whelped since 1990 are descended from Wooleston Blue Jack.
They bred dogs that were both exceptional working dogs and champions in the show ring.
Her interest in registered Australian Cattle Dogs started in 1952 when she and her husband, Bern, purchased a pup and founded Wooleston Kennels.
They first noticed "show" cattle dogs at the Moss Vale show. Noticing some were very dark, almost black heavily built dogs, they wondered what they were. Generally, they were much larger and heavier than the Wooleston working cattle dogs - and yet they resembled them. They learnt that there were two types of cattle dogs – these show dogs and the lighter built working dogs. Bern made his mind there and then that they would beat them at their own game with dogs bred exclusively from working stock.
This was not only the start of a new era for the Walters but the start of a new line of Australian Cattle Dogs that dominated the show ring for twenty years.
Wooleston was the first to export Australian Cattle Dogs to the USA in 1969 and both Berenice and Bern were active members of the Australian Cattle Dog Club.
Their most famous dog was Wooleston Blue Jock who reigned as the top Australian Cattle Dog between 1966 and 1974. He was seven time runner up Best in Show for All Breeds and five times Best in Show at Australian Cattle Dog Specialist Shows. In 1967 he won Best of Breed at the Sydney Royal Easter Show over 150 other Australian Cattle Dogs. In fact, he won Best Australian Working Dog at Sydney and Brisbane Royals, Best of Breed at Melbourne Royal and was three times Reserve Challenge at Sydney Royal.
This is certainly a turn around after Bernice showed one of their dogs in the 1954 Sydney Royal Easter Show and a woman, commented, “Oh, I did not know you could show street dogs at a Royal!”
Jock’s father, Wooleston Blue Jack, had also been a champion show dog and worker. According to A Dog Called Blue by Noreen R Clark in 2003, most, if not all, Australian Cattle Dogs whelped since 1990 are descended from Wooleston Blue Jack.
January 25, 2020
A Brief Guide to Characteristics, Development and Trainability of the Dingo.
The following is an extract from an article Berenice Walters wrote in 1980. I am always amazed at how much she learnt about the dingo through observation and being part of the daily lives of her dingoes. Remember very little was written about the dingo up to this time unless it was based on stories spread by graziers and doggers. Laurie Corbett’s book was not published until 1996.
**********
In these pioneering days of the conditioning and training of the Dingo, many of the highly developed behavioural peculiarities are a source of interest.
The bow, gape, mouthing, play-nodding, grins, round-eyed stare, are mostly found in other wild or primitive breeds such as the wolf, pariah, and coyote, the Basenji and Telomian. However, the playful kangaroo-like wrestling with the front feet, tail grabbing, hamstringing, rump biting (that is, attack from the rear), would seem to be peculiar to certain varieties of the Dingo, no doubt due to the hunting methods used to disable the kangaroo. This attack 'from the rear' can have some surprising consequences.
We now have four accounts of a Dingo, greatly outclassed in a fight, taking hold of the adversary's testes. In this event, care must be taken not to drag the dog away, as fatal injury could be incurred. The Dingo’s hold would seem to be aimed at disabling his opponent, rather than maiming him. An attack of this nature was first recorded in 1788 when a Dingo bitch attacked a French fox-dog that was put with her (Bradley's Journal). On a more humorous note, most members have put it on record that they have been bitten on the bottom in play.
The cat-like qualities of the Dingo set it apart from the wolf and most other domestic breeds, and are of particular interest, but do, of course, introduce many problems. The ability to use the paws like hands to open doors and gates necessitates suitable latches. When taught to beg it is fascinating to see Dingo extend the hand (paw) to take the goodie. Being able to climb and spring like a cat all runs must be covered or capped, also footings to prevent digging. Like the Basenji, the Dingo frequently licks himself clean, and it is essential to use a non-poisonous rinse when bathing. During the summer months, it is also necessary to protect his highly sensitive ears with a deterrent to prevent attack by flies.
Ideally, the breed should live in the house as one of the family, taking part in all activities and outings. Being very sensitive, care must be taken at all times to understand your dingo and avoid conditions where problems could arise.
He must have his rights and responsibilities and clearly understand what he can and can't do. Anything new arouses his curiosity and he will probably pull it apart if given the chance - clothes on the line, slippers, hoses, money (notes), tissues, toilet rolls, shoes (particularly elastic sided boots), are his favourites. He should be provided with his own toys, never given old shoes (how is he to know which are old and which are new).
Nothing pleases him more than to sleep in master’s bed, head on pillow, or curled up close to him in a tight ball. Sleeping with Dingo is very warm and comfortable in winter, but the continual circling; around and flopping down against your body, the battle to prevent yourself being pushed onto the floor, can cause sleepless nights.
Although affectionate and loyal, seldom demonstrative, devotion is shown in many quiet ways like gently laying his head on your knees and looking up into your eyes with complete adoration, or when driving, unobtrusively resting his chin on your shoulder for a few moments.
The breed as a whole is cautious and continual and regular socialising with strange places and people is an essential daily routine. Care must be taken always to foster mutual confidence, respect and trust. Training and handling must at all times be gentle and firm, and should start with regular handling from birth to give confidence and humanise. The discipline of confinement, firstly in the whelping box, then kennel or room, later in the yard or garden is crucial. At no time should he be put into an insecure yard, or one with a low fence. Praise when doing the right thing is of utmost importance at all times. The command 'NO' must be given and applied firmly when DOING something wrong like 'killing' your expensive slipper (and it’s your fault for leaving it where he could get it) or tearing your washing from the line. Compensate with 'Good Boy' as soon as he stops. At all times endeavour to avoid situations where problems could arise.
Never strike your dog. Never try to train him if you don't feel well or are impatient. It could take months to overcome the result of a hasty action on your part. Also, in an atmosphere of tension your dog is more likely to do wrong because he will react to your impatience however well you may think you have it under control. Never force your dog into a panicky situation. Confidence must be built up with patience and understanding. The Dingo never forgets a fearful experience. If he is frightened, pick him up and give him the security of your body rather than a dark corner he will naturally seek. Time needs to be given the dog to adjust to a change of environment. Given time to size up the situation for himself, he usually accepts. If your dog does wrong, don’t call him to you to chastise him, as in actual fact, you would be punishing him for coming to you.
Though readily trainable, the Dingo, being strongly individualistic and curious, is easily distracted, his concentration more on survival factors (hunting) usually making it a difficult breed to control off-lead in particular. When recalled he will usually come when he is ready, seldom immediately, sometimes keeping close but just out of reach, till HE is ready to go back on the lead. Mostly this is part of a game, but this ‘catch me if you can attitude can be very frustrating at times, and your sense of humour sorely tried. During the breeding season, this condition can worsen. However, patience and perseverance usually win out and the outcome is a very loyal, loving though seldom demonstrative, companion, quiet, relaxed and restful, but capable of bursts of incredible activity and destruction if not supervised. Training of your Dingo fosters a mutual understanding and trust but is unlikely to be a contender for a top obedience worker.
The key to successful training is regular and continual socialising , regular and varied short training sessions with plenty of praise and play, patience and diplomacy rather than force, and a sense of humour - and the fostering of a close relationship by sharing interests with this highly intelligent and social breed. BEWARE OF BOREDOM AND OVERTRAINING. HIS SPIRIT IS EASILY SQUASHED.
Like children the dingo’s his high degree of intelligence, strong reasoning powers, independence, vital need of security, make his keeping at all times a responsibility, and dedication to his welfare and training a necessity.
For the dedicated, the Dingo can prove an interesting and challenging companion, and a continual source of wonder.
The love and trust of a Dingo do not come free; through understanding, respect and love that is shared only, will he respond to his 'human family’, and his full potential as a friend and companion develop.
**********
In these pioneering days of the conditioning and training of the Dingo, many of the highly developed behavioural peculiarities are a source of interest.
The bow, gape, mouthing, play-nodding, grins, round-eyed stare, are mostly found in other wild or primitive breeds such as the wolf, pariah, and coyote, the Basenji and Telomian. However, the playful kangaroo-like wrestling with the front feet, tail grabbing, hamstringing, rump biting (that is, attack from the rear), would seem to be peculiar to certain varieties of the Dingo, no doubt due to the hunting methods used to disable the kangaroo. This attack 'from the rear' can have some surprising consequences.
We now have four accounts of a Dingo, greatly outclassed in a fight, taking hold of the adversary's testes. In this event, care must be taken not to drag the dog away, as fatal injury could be incurred. The Dingo’s hold would seem to be aimed at disabling his opponent, rather than maiming him. An attack of this nature was first recorded in 1788 when a Dingo bitch attacked a French fox-dog that was put with her (Bradley's Journal). On a more humorous note, most members have put it on record that they have been bitten on the bottom in play.
The cat-like qualities of the Dingo set it apart from the wolf and most other domestic breeds, and are of particular interest, but do, of course, introduce many problems. The ability to use the paws like hands to open doors and gates necessitates suitable latches. When taught to beg it is fascinating to see Dingo extend the hand (paw) to take the goodie. Being able to climb and spring like a cat all runs must be covered or capped, also footings to prevent digging. Like the Basenji, the Dingo frequently licks himself clean, and it is essential to use a non-poisonous rinse when bathing. During the summer months, it is also necessary to protect his highly sensitive ears with a deterrent to prevent attack by flies.
Ideally, the breed should live in the house as one of the family, taking part in all activities and outings. Being very sensitive, care must be taken at all times to understand your dingo and avoid conditions where problems could arise.
He must have his rights and responsibilities and clearly understand what he can and can't do. Anything new arouses his curiosity and he will probably pull it apart if given the chance - clothes on the line, slippers, hoses, money (notes), tissues, toilet rolls, shoes (particularly elastic sided boots), are his favourites. He should be provided with his own toys, never given old shoes (how is he to know which are old and which are new).
Nothing pleases him more than to sleep in master’s bed, head on pillow, or curled up close to him in a tight ball. Sleeping with Dingo is very warm and comfortable in winter, but the continual circling; around and flopping down against your body, the battle to prevent yourself being pushed onto the floor, can cause sleepless nights.
Although affectionate and loyal, seldom demonstrative, devotion is shown in many quiet ways like gently laying his head on your knees and looking up into your eyes with complete adoration, or when driving, unobtrusively resting his chin on your shoulder for a few moments.
The breed as a whole is cautious and continual and regular socialising with strange places and people is an essential daily routine. Care must be taken always to foster mutual confidence, respect and trust. Training and handling must at all times be gentle and firm, and should start with regular handling from birth to give confidence and humanise. The discipline of confinement, firstly in the whelping box, then kennel or room, later in the yard or garden is crucial. At no time should he be put into an insecure yard, or one with a low fence. Praise when doing the right thing is of utmost importance at all times. The command 'NO' must be given and applied firmly when DOING something wrong like 'killing' your expensive slipper (and it’s your fault for leaving it where he could get it) or tearing your washing from the line. Compensate with 'Good Boy' as soon as he stops. At all times endeavour to avoid situations where problems could arise.
Never strike your dog. Never try to train him if you don't feel well or are impatient. It could take months to overcome the result of a hasty action on your part. Also, in an atmosphere of tension your dog is more likely to do wrong because he will react to your impatience however well you may think you have it under control. Never force your dog into a panicky situation. Confidence must be built up with patience and understanding. The Dingo never forgets a fearful experience. If he is frightened, pick him up and give him the security of your body rather than a dark corner he will naturally seek. Time needs to be given the dog to adjust to a change of environment. Given time to size up the situation for himself, he usually accepts. If your dog does wrong, don’t call him to you to chastise him, as in actual fact, you would be punishing him for coming to you.
Though readily trainable, the Dingo, being strongly individualistic and curious, is easily distracted, his concentration more on survival factors (hunting) usually making it a difficult breed to control off-lead in particular. When recalled he will usually come when he is ready, seldom immediately, sometimes keeping close but just out of reach, till HE is ready to go back on the lead. Mostly this is part of a game, but this ‘catch me if you can attitude can be very frustrating at times, and your sense of humour sorely tried. During the breeding season, this condition can worsen. However, patience and perseverance usually win out and the outcome is a very loyal, loving though seldom demonstrative, companion, quiet, relaxed and restful, but capable of bursts of incredible activity and destruction if not supervised. Training of your Dingo fosters a mutual understanding and trust but is unlikely to be a contender for a top obedience worker.
The key to successful training is regular and continual socialising , regular and varied short training sessions with plenty of praise and play, patience and diplomacy rather than force, and a sense of humour - and the fostering of a close relationship by sharing interests with this highly intelligent and social breed. BEWARE OF BOREDOM AND OVERTRAINING. HIS SPIRIT IS EASILY SQUASHED.
Like children the dingo’s his high degree of intelligence, strong reasoning powers, independence, vital need of security, make his keeping at all times a responsibility, and dedication to his welfare and training a necessity.
For the dedicated, the Dingo can prove an interesting and challenging companion, and a continual source of wonder.
The love and trust of a Dingo do not come free; through understanding, respect and love that is shared only, will he respond to his 'human family’, and his full potential as a friend and companion develop.
