Welcome to Rhodes' Cowdogs, my name is Nicole Rhodes and I strive to raise and train the best working dog that I can. My breed of choice is the Hangin' Tree Cowdog, a sturdy medium sized dog, with the heart and stamina to go all day. I have high expectations of my dogs and train each to a high standard of work. I don't put up with foolishness, poor work ethic, or weak dogs. I believe a dog should work steadily behind his stock and not chase or run them. I raise one or two litters a year and pay special attention to matching up bitches and dogs with complimentary working traits.

Why use dogs on your cattle operation? A good, well trained, cowdog can cover ground faster and influence stock more effectivly than several people. A good dog will always be there when you need him and won't complain about the hours or lack of pay! A dog may be an initial monetary investment but will pay that back over the course of his life with many hours of hard work and a dog costs little to maintain.

Training a cowdog: On a limited basis I take in outside dogs to be trained. I charge a fee on a weekly basis instead of monthly like most trainers, that way if at which point I don't feel your dog is learning at an acceptable rate, you are not out as much money and I am not out as much time! Call for availability.

Handling a cowdog: One of the most important aspects of having a good dog, is understanding how to use him, and how to influence his behavoirs to suit the way you want to handle your cattle. It doesn't matter how good a dog you buy, how well trained, or how much you paid for him, if you don't know how to use him! Not understanding how to use the dog will mean failure. The most trouble people have with their new dogs are not knowing how to solve the problems that may come up. Nicole is happy to help teach you to understand how to handle your new dog or pup, feel free to call with any questions.

Stay tuned to this column for new updates to the website!

February 4, 2012: Tess was bred to Cowboy on January 19th. Should be a lot of pups in March!

January 11, 2012: Added some information about my new dog Tess, from Fred Todd in CA to the cowdog section of the site.

January 08, 2012: Wow have I been lazy updating this. New info in the HTC Cowdogs section. Queen was bred to Jazz on January 4th, puppies hopefully will arive around March 7th!

June 22, 2010: New photos and videos added to the dog pages. New photo gallery added to site.