SHEEP DOG’S TRICKS

Wanganui Chronicle, 24 June 1948, Page 4

SHEEP DOG’S TRICKS

TAIHAPE MAN’S GENERAL HAIG AT TRIALS PERFORMANCE DELIGHTS THE CROWD. “Many people believe that a sheep dog is broken in with bashings and abuse I think that will have demonstrated what kindness can do,” said Mr. L. A. Charleson, chairman of the New Zealand association executive, after a convinced circle of spectators had watched Mr. H. H. Harris, of Talhape, put his slight, smoothcoated collie General Haig, through a display of tricks at the dog trials at North Taieri, recently, reports the "Otago Daily Times." Dogs that have been taught to roll

over, sit on chairs, climb ladders and walk on their hind legs are few, if not rare. But in a working sheep dog such versatility is no less than remarkable. For anyone who saw General Haig go through his paces, the popular idea that sheep dogs are reared with a rod of iron, lean rations and raucous bawlings was rudely dispelled.

General Haig ran through his repertoire with seemingly sheer delight, barking freely between acts. The most significant point was his lack of canine obsequiousness to the commands given by his master with quiet-voiced instructions, a minimum of semaphore, and modulated whistle pitches. .While other dogs watched, both children and adults could not help but let escape involuntary gasps of delight at the more touching moments when seated on a chair General Haig received with upraised paw the hand of a small boy, and again when he moved up to a girl toddler, his head bowed, eyes raised, for another handshake.

Walking stick in mouth. General Haig ended his performance by standing on his hind legs for a “salute” to his audience. He gave the stick in perfect manner to his master, and as they moved away side l}v side, Mr. Harris wielded the stick inches from the dogs head and tail, “Never had a crack,” he said "doesn’t know what a crack is . . . .” In different circumstances it would have sounded like a showman’s patter. But to those who saw the unflinching General Haig it was truly a demonstration of what kindness can do.