Rhodes & Tracy Skinner

My first dog was Grits. She was an English CanHardely. Because you could hardly tell what she was. I have loved dogs ever since. My first Australian Shepherd was Prince. He was a beautiful black tri that was wired for sound and speed! I wound up with Prince because his family could not control him at all. I did not need him or want him, but it was a take him or watch him go to the pound situation. . At the time, I had a Labrador Retriever and a Jack Russell. I was dog poor. I had learned some training techniques with the Lab, and a friend was sure I could do something with Prince. It only took a few days and Prince and I were pals. He was super biddable and got along with the whole family. I have owned Australian shepherds ever since. For years, I have raised CKC Aussies. It has been a bunch of fun and there have been some really great pets come off the farm. In the last two years, my daughter and son in law have introduced me to field trials and the world of working Aussies. I never thought Aussies could get better, but I have had a ball searching for and acquiring the blood lines for the all new and improved Cedar Valley Aussies that are ASCA registered. I look forward to seeing where this dog trail leads us.

-Rhodes Skinner