Spectrum 388. The power of the dog

Where would the farmer or hunter be without their faithful four-footed friends? Footrot Flats cartoonist Murray Ball and others look at the dog in the service of man.

Includes actuality of sheep dogs and farmers working sheep, gun dogs and duck hunters with duck calls.

A farmer 'Fred' calls and whistles unsuccessfully for his dog, 'Gumboot.'
Hunter Alan Wilkes and his labrador 'Zara' wait for ducks in a maimai.
Jock King fondly recalls his first dog, which he trained as a young shepherd during The Depression.

The appeal of Footrot Flats star character "Dog", is explained by his creator, cartoonist Murray Ball, who also pays tribute to the working dogs of New Zealand farms.

'Queen', a dog owned by Gary Brennan is a dog trials winner. She and Gary are heard at work.

The brutal ill-treatment of dogs is recalled by Jock King, who once fought a man who was beating a dog.

Gary Brennan talks about how a good puppy is selected for working sheep and the differences between working on South Island and North Island farms.

The difference between huntaways and heading dogs is explained.

Jock King talks about the companionship dogs and horses gave him when shepherding in remote country.