Hangin' Tree Cowdogs - Gary Ericsson - Legacy Page

22/10/2023

If you all are not members of this page, please jump on over and give them a like, and help us grow this organization.

We cannot put into words how much we appreciate the folks that are behind this group and valuing the vision that Choc and Gary Ericsson had for the Hangin' Tree Cowdogs.

Please stay tuned for upcoming clinics, trials, and plans for next year's Ericsson Hangin' Tree Cowdog Memorial Trial.

19/10/2023

HC Cowdogs

Herman, you have asked us to find Dad's poem The Queensland Curse. This is a partial rendition of it him actually citing it until, well, the actual curse that finally called him home. I am not going to lament upon that, rather rejoice at hearing his voice. As his memorial gathering is tomorrow, I felt it was relevant for us all to close our eyes and picture him at the campfire sharing his wit and well...unpopular view on The Queensland curse.

19/10/2023

Howdy all!

It's been a bit silent on here, since April to be exact. Real truth, spring was a bit tough missing my folks on their one year passing. Then I was injured by a suspect, on the job, which caused some significant damage. This also lead me to medically retiring from 27 years of military service to our country, which was not easy to do. In fact, it was darn tough. Especially now with everything going on.

As I child, I knew I was destined to be a soldier and a police officer. I was truly blessed with the most supportive parents on the planet in this regard. My dad drove me several times a week to town, after we worked dogs and did chores, to a martial arts class. Then he patiently sat in the parking lot waiting while I learned one of many ways to protect myself and others. Even though I didn't want to be a cowboy, he was still my biggest fan even when I was on the other side of the planet. He wrote me weekly, and words cannot describe what it means to have those letters as they still carry me through on days that are tough. So much wisdom, and well, sass.

I'm through my first of three scheduled surgeries now. And with the support of my family, looking onward, to the next chapter of life.

This I know...
Families are forever, even when things get rocky, and I am thankful for our savior Jesus Christ.

With the help of my wife, I will be passing on more of Dad's legacy and lessons regarding the HTC's we all love. As well as being a gifted artist he was also a writer leaving behind YEARS of journals about all aspects of life, dogs, ranching, and so forth still relevant today.

Thank you to each of you for carrying on his legacy through careful breeding, training, and dna typing of the Hangin' Tree Cowdog.

08/04/2023

We would like to share a great song and video from Lee HDC Ranching about the dog we all love. Head over to the page and give it a like. 👍

Happy Easter and God Bless!
Con and Katheryn

28/03/2023

A great photo we found of Dad (Gary Ericsson), Scot, and Bear. The man in the photo with him is Jim Dobbs of Tri-Tronics Dog Collars (now Garmin).

They met at a stock dog clinic Dad was putting on at Pat Parelli's place. The Dobbs told him about their training devices and invited him out to their Tri-Tronics Training Center that was in Marysville, CA, at the time (about 1989-1990, from what I can remember).

Dad was so impressed with what he learned that he incorporated it into his own training program, including creating a leather chest pouch to hold the controllers (a cowboy needs his hands after all), as the 100As and 200s were quite large at the time (not like the Garmins today that fit in your back pocket).

With tips from Jim and incorporating his own training methods...he went on to win 1st place with Bear and 2nd place with Scot at the NAPSHA.

We will be sharing two articles soon. They were written by Gary Ericsson in the early 90s about his training with remote collars and what would become the precursor to him filming this information to teach others his own personal methodology and use of them with HTCs.

As we have a large box of training collars that were not only sent to Dad from various companies to test out, we also have some of his favorites, including the trusty old 100A.

My point is, it does not matter what kind of model you have or price point. The importance is the proper use of it as a training tool!

26/03/2023

Ohhhhhhh ladies of the cowdog world...this share is for you!

Save the date!

26/03/2023

Admiring some of the bazillion (pretty sure that's an accurate number) doodles Dad made.

Miss him, and his sage wisdom, every day.

08/03/2023

A recent article written for Farm Show that my wife and I granted an interview for:

The Hangin’ Tree Cowdog a Cowboy’s true Helper
By Carolyn White
Although a hanging tree was once associated with outlaws, today it’s the name of a new breed of working dog.
The Hangin’ Tree was developed by the late Gary Ericsson in the 1980’s and named after his ranch’s brand. A cowboy, rancher, and internationally recognized artist from Salmon, Idaho, Ericsson held a master’s degree in Vocational Agriculture. He understood the value of a good stock dog for gathering, sorting, and holding sheep.
During the twenty-six years Ericsson raised Australian shepherds, one of the standouts was a male called Hangin’ Tree Buddy. The dog not only worked reliably in tough situations, but was mentally tough, smart, fast, and aggressive on cattle. Crossing him with his best producing female, Zephyr’s Angel Blue, he took the pick of the litter and named it Hangin’ Tree Black Bear.
In 1989, Bear won the Idaho State Stock Dog Finals. Another Ericsson-bred dog named Hangin’ Tree Red Zephyr, handled by Gary’s younger son, Con, was also winning many high school trials. The two males became the foundation sires for Gary’s vision of a whole new breed of dog. He wrote down what he wanted to create:
• A cowdog that is a gathering, retrieving, herding type dog.
• A tough aggressive dog that has the courage to stand up to and handle all types of stock.
• An intelligent dog that is easy to train.
• A dog with good disposition that is not overly sensitive.
• A short or slick haired dog that can stand the heat when needed and shed burs and mud with minimal coat maintenance.
• A dog with good bone structure that can take the abuse from being kicked and run over.
• A dog that is deep and wide in the chest with endurance that will stay with you when the going gets tough.
• A dog that can wind and trail cattle
With the help of his oldest son, Choc, Ericsson started breeding selectively to get the exact type of dog he had in mind. Daughter-in-law Katheryn says, “He never did anything without a reason, and meticulously selected the genes for his new breed, crossing the best to the best over a period of four to five years.”
The result of selective breeding was The Hangin’ Tree Cowdog, and it’s three-eighths Border collie, one-fourth Kelpie, one-fourth Australian shepherd, and one-eighth Catahoula. “The four breeds he used were specifically and carefully chosen,” Con says. “Hangin’ Trees are multi-faceted and highly intelligent. They have a strong work drive and exceptional endurance—additionally, a toughness to work the wildest of cattle and the sensitivity to work everything from sheep to young ducks.
“However,” Con advises, “they are not house pets. They are a working person's companion, held to a standard, and are considered the ultimate tool for working stock.”
“I really love mine,” says Cedaredge, Colorado resident Shay Marah, who got her first Hangin’ Tree Cowdog, Gypsy, three years ago. “The thing I like most is her personality and how easy she was to train.” Shay is also impressed at how versatile Gypsy is at both heading and heeling cattle.
It took several generations of only keeping the dogs that exhibited exactly the traits Gary Ericsson was seeking. Outside of his original stock, most of today's dogs have been bred with subpar standards. All true Hangin’ Tree Cowdog should be registered with the HTC Association, whereby they will be DNA typed, and must meet a standard of qualifications, before they can be fully registered. That DNA should trace the dogs back to Gary's original lines.
Unfortunately, says Katheryn, “We are seeing many people crossing the dogs with other breeds such as Heeler's, which my father-in-law could not tolerate.”
Once his standards were met, Ericsson began travelling around the US entering his dogs in all of the open trials within the Stock Dog and ABC (American Border Collie) competitions. When he consistently won, including the 1991 Supreme Champion at NAPSHA (The North American Professional Stock Dog Handlers Association) and the North American Grand Championship, people began standing up and noticing. Ranchers and livestock owners then wanted a Hangin’ Tree Cowdog of their own.
How much does a Hangin’ Tree usually sell for? “Gary's untrained pups would get approximately $2000—on up to several thousand if he kept the dog, trained it, and then sold it. He also took on dogs from many of the large ranchers to evaluate and train. He would tell them immediately if the dog was worth keeping.”
As his Hangin’ Tree breed began growing in popularity, Gary took the proceeds from the sale of Bear (who went for $40k), sales of his paintings, and what he’d earned from his wins, and purchased equipment to begin videoing his training techniques. The family still has the originals, all of them copyrighted. The videos include instruction on Handling Cattle with Stock dogs, Cowboys and Stock dogs, Remote Training, and many other topics.
Additionally, Gary and Choc started a Nationally syndicated small magazine called The North American Cowdog, which was dedicated to improving working stock dogs. It had a large fan base, subscription pool, and advertisers. Although no longer in print, “They are highly sought-after collectors' pieces now as they contain a plethora of Gary's original training notes, sketches for proper trial courses, pictures of him winning competitions, trialing, and training,” Katheryn says. “The magazine also contained articles about other stock dog champions, plus lists of trusted breeders and ranchers.”
Along with his wife, Donna, Gary Ericsson left Idaho and moved to Oklahoma in 1994. They settled on 800 acres near Coalgate. Eventually, the couple downsized going into retirement and then purchased a small ranchette in Ada. In 2019, they moved in with Con and Katheryn due to declining health.
Choc Ericsson, a senior Agent with the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, was tragically killed in the line of duty on November 18, 2005. Gary passed away on February 24, 2022, at age 82. The Hangin Tree Cowdogs they created, however, will continue to carry on their legacies.

SIDEBAR: Gary Ericsson stock dog training videos are available for $45 through FaceBook at Hangin’ Tree Cowdogs – Gary Ericsson – Legacy Page. If interested, send a private message, and you will be directed to the payment link, which provides invoicing, insurance, and tracking information.

Send a message to learn more

15/01/2023

Just a heads-up to our fellow ranching and farming families.

🚨New FDA LAWS ‼️JUNE 1,2023 is creeping up on us, here is the official list of of Meds you will NOT be able to get OTC anymore🚨You will have to go to a Vet.

Q: Which antimicrobial active ingredients are affected
by the change?

A: The following is a list of ingredients that
are affected by this change:

• Sulfisoxazole
• Oxytetracycline, Polymyxin B
• Oxytetracycline
• Sulfamethazine
• Sulfabromomethazine
• Erythromycin
• Tylosin
• Sulfadimethoxine
• Sulfomyxin
• Sulfachlorpyridazine
• Spectinomycin
• Lincomycin
• Chlortetracycline
• Penicillin G Procaine, Novobiocin
• Dihydrostreptomycin, Penicillin G Procaine
• Tetracycline
• Penicillin G Procaine
• Dihydrostreptomycin
• Penicillin G Benzathine, Penicillin G Procaine
• Gentamicin
• Cephapirin
• Cephapirin Benzathine

19/12/2022

Make sure you put straw in the dog boxes and get all of your animals ready. Probably wouldn't hurt to make preparations should the power go out in spots.

Everyone stay warm and safe.

19/12/2022

We've been shipping video orders (received within normal post office hours) out the same day of receipt. Priority mail going out today shows a Delivery Date: 12/23/2022 per USPS.

Still one more day to get them before Christmas as a gift (barring blizzards and all of the weather anomalies being predicted).
📫❄️

09/12/2022

The vaccine is currently only about 30% effective, according to our vet, but that is better than nothing. Due to the low shelf life, many vets do not keep it on hand and it is being ordered. Absolutely recommend your pups at the VERY least get an updated kennel cough shot. Pneumonia is the primary concern in severe cases. Again, most dogs pull through just fine.

Symptoms are much like in human flu. Running nose, eyes, fever, and then the cough hits. Any dogs exhibiting these should be quarantined. Don't forget to handwash. Clean kennels, food bowls, and boots with a dilution of clorox & water.

All our best.

08/12/2022

Dog influenza is rearing its head again. Texas has been very hard hit and there are cases now being reported in Oklahoma. (Do a quick google search for the latest news and numbers).

It's a virus, so general supportive care. There is a flu shot (2 stage) as well as the kennel cough shot.

Take care out there!

01/12/2022

For Daniel. Congratulations on your first pup forthcoming in March.

The New Man's Dogs by
Gary Ericsson

Your cowdogs are there as you saddle
the boss gives them a skeptical eye.
He says they won't help much with these cattle
but I guess you can give them a try.

The Boss takes the lead through a section of range
which these cowboys are fixing to gather.
You've been trotting for miles through country that's strange
and your horse is beginning to lather.

He turns the men off by ones and twos
with instructions to bring the cows in.
In the chunk of rough country he marks off for you,
you hope you can hold up your end.

Now I'm here to tell all your readers
this is the toughest country you ever saw.
The ridges are covered with cedars
and there's grapevines and rocks in the draws.

You know that the cattle are in here
you can see they've been grazing in places.
Then you cross the tracks of a big steer
but it's so thick you can't see 20 paces.

Your dogs are out front and they're trackin'
while you follow along like your led.
When all at once you hear the brush crackin'
and you yell at your dogs "Get ahead!"

Well, you soon hear those mama cows "Beller"
and you know that your dogs have 'em stopped.
Them cows thought the dogs were sure killers
when they turned 'em around like a top.

But the dogs are just holding them steady
they bark so you'll know where they are.
These cattle don't run but they're ready
But, these dogs won't let them get far.

It's down through the canyon that you're taking this bunch
you tell one dog to get back and lead out.
But when he heads for the ridge you've sure got a hunch
that he's found some more cattle no doubt.

These cattle you're moving they sure try to run
but your other dog holds them with ease.
For him to stay with this bunch ain't as much fun
as that dog that's a splittin' the breeze.

You can hear brush cracken' again and rocks start to crash
as your dog races hard for the lead.
It took him aways, but he got them at last
He's one of those "Hangin' Tree" breed.

Well, he turns them and sends them back to ya
but, they're running as hard as they can.
You're hoping they won't run right through ya
they don't have much respect for a man.

Well, you're popping your chaps with your catch rope
to keep 'em from coming too fast.
You call your other dog and you sure hope
that he won't let any get past.

They bring them right in to your hold up
but one bull don't even slow down.
Yet he ain't gone ten jumps til "yer ol' pup"
just flips him right out on the ground.

The bulls gets up slow and befuddled
with some blood dripping off from his chin.
He gets himself back in the huddle
and you can bet he won't come out again.

Now you drift this bunch on down the canyon
and they travel as nice as you please.
Cuz your quick thinking four legged companions
won't let them escape in the trees.

These cattle are spoiled not wild
thick brush can make 'me like that.
They're like an undisciplined child
who will cheat at the drop of a hat.

As you drifted 'em down through the grape vines and rocks
without you even saying a word.
The dogs gathered up some more loose stock
and throwed 'em on into your herd.

Now, you expected the crew to all be there
as they knew the lay of the land.
But you couldn't catch sight of 'em nowhere
not even a track in the sand.

About this time you're starting to worry
that maybe you've reached the wrong place.
You've sure gathered this bunch in hurry
but it may all blow up in your face.

But pretty soon here comes a rider
who's gathered one cow and her calf.
It's a stumbling along close beside her
and he says all the others got past.

The rest of the boys showed up disgusted
the boss has tied two cows up to trees.
All their best efforts went busted
and they just can't believe what they see.

For the new man has got all the cattle
without a scratch or a tear in his shirt.
He's just taking his ease in his saddle
and letting his dogs do the work.

Well, the boss says that tomorrow morning
we will work this wild country again.
Then he holds out his hand without warning
and says, "we'll just help this man's dogs bring 'em in".

*All rights reserved. Copyright. Hangin' Tree Enterprises, LLC and Gary Ericsson

01/12/2022

We've had numerous people inquiring if Dad's original training DVD's are still available and the answer is Yes. He had posted a description of them a couple years back that I will share again below. Lastly, we have uncovered a couple of his previous videos that include working and training horses as well as 3 other dog videos. Once I have a moment to watch them, they may be released at a future date. PM for any questions.

#1 Training the Working Stockdog - From Puppies to Finished Stock Dogs: This video takes you step-by-step through the training of the Stockdog. It covers everything from Puppies to the Finished Stockdog (Five plus hours as the crow flies)

#2 Solving Stockdog Problems & Gathering Wild Cattle: Two hours of solving problems such as an over aggressive dog or starting a timid one...plus many more tips. There is also a bonus hour filmed in the high rugged Mountains catching wild cattle, tying them to trees, leading, and dog breaking (Three hours)

#3 Training the Hangin' Tree Cowdog & Using the Remote Trainer: This DVD covers such things as teaching commands, backing the dog off of stock, teaching it to "hit" both heads and heels on cattle, teaching to trail and find cattle, teaching the dog to load in the pickup truck, plus how to set and use the remote trainer in a positive and humane fashion for optimum results.

#4 Cowboys and Cowdogs: This is a tribute to Cowboys across the Country and their Dogs. The DVD contains short cameo appearances of many of the good Cowboy dog handlers and the dogs they were using from Canada down to Louisiana as well as from Alabama across to California. (Two hours)

#5 Handling Cattle with Stockdogs: Learn how to correctly handle all types of cattle the smoothest and easiest way. Watch and learn how to set things up so that you and your dogs win every time.

24/11/2022

This is our first Thanksgiving without Grammy and Papa.

That being said, I smile over the memories I have and the many life lessons I am thankful they gave me. I was truly blessed to know the love of my parents which made me the husband and father I am. My heart is full.

Please take a moment to slow down, embrace life, and love those closest to you. Be thankful in all things.

Take care Pards and wishing each of you a Happy Thanksgiving!!
Con

19/11/2022

All gave some, some gave all.

18/11/2022

Still carry your cuffs with me on every shift.

Son, brother, husband, father, friend...you are with us always.

03/11/2022

Got a new pup you're working like we are with Bucc?

Here's a quick video of Papa teaching our Hangin' Tree Anne "Bonny" control. She was the last HTC he worked with physically but I can still hear him instructing me.

One of his many enduring habits was to cut through the kitchen, even with a dog on a leash, instead of going down the hallway around the corner. We still chuckle and smile when one of us bang the "meanest toe grabbing chairs".

We miss you everyday Papa but feel you and Momma all around us.

03/11/2022

Many congratulations to The Dagley's!!!

25/10/2022

Many congratulations to The Dagley's and all of their dogs, especially with Tuck being injured and still finishing strong. A true testament to the breed standard and his trainer David!

Well deserved!

We had a good day here at the Hangin Tree Cowdog Futurity. David and his dogs made it to the finals in every class! Little Joe is sitting in 2nd in the Futurity Class. Mr. Tucket is sitting in 1st in the Supreme Class, Maturity Class, and the Horsback Class. And Stoney is sitting in 3rd in the Maturity class.
They’ll be competing against some really good dogs in the finals tomorrow, so I don’t know where we’ll end up. But I’m so proud of David and his dogs for getting to the finals. David did an amazing job training these dogs, they are a great team! -Susanna Dagley

25/10/2022

Congratulations to all of the finalists.

28/09/2022

Good day folks.

Just a friendly reminder from Hangin' Tree Enterprises, LLC. and the Estate of Gary and Donna Ericsson...

ALL video's, pen/ink drawings, paintings, sculptures, bronzes, belt buckles, leatherwork, carvings, silversmith work, three dimensional art, poems, short stories, the Hangin' Tree Logo, Gary Ericsson family brand, use of the name Hangin' Tree to name a dog, etc. ANYTHING WITH GARY ERICSSON's SIGNATURE AND COPYRIGHT SYMBOL is prohibited for use unless authorized by the Estate (those named therein) in writing.

All videos and images of the Hangin' Tree Cowdog/Stockdog created by Gary Ericsson are copyrighted with the US Copyright office.

Respectfully,
Executor of the Estate

Type of Work: Visual Material
Registration Number: VAu001466735

Description: Electronic file (eService)
Copyright Claimant: Gary Ericsson. Address: Mounds, OK, 74047, United States.

Authorship on Application: Gary Ericsson; Citizenship: United States. Authorship: 2 Dimensional Artwork.
Rights and Permissions: Hangin’ Tree Enterprises, LLC, , Mounds, OK, 74047, United States

Contents: Hangin’ Tree Cowdogs 1 - Original Painting Gary Ericsson.
Hangin’ Tree Cowdogs 2 - Original Painting Gary Ericsson.
Hangin’ Tree Cowdogs 3 - Original Painting Gary Ericsson.
Hangin’ Tree Cowdogs 4 - Original Painting Gary Ericsson.
Hangin’ Tree Cowdogs 5 - Original Painting Gary Ericsson.
Hangin’ Tree Cowdogs 6 - Original Painting Gary Ericsson.
Hangin’ Tree Cowdogs 7 - Original Painting Gary Ericsson.
Hangin’ Tree Cowdogs 8 - Original Painting Gary Ericsson.
Hangin’ Tree Cowdogs 9 - Original Painting Gary Ericsson.
Hangin’ Tree Cowdogs 10 - Original Painting Gary Ericsson.
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Type of Work: Motion Picture
Registration Number: PAu004145839
Application Title: Training the working Stockdog from puppies to finished stock dogs and Other Works.

Description: 13 videodiscs (DVD)
Copyright Claimant: Gary Ericsson. Address: Mounds, OK, 74047.

Authorship on Application: Gary Ericsson; Citizenship: United States. Authorship: Audiovisual Works.
Rights and Permissions: Hangin’ Tree Enterprises, LLC,
Copyright Note: C.O. correspondence.

Contents: Training the working Stockdog from puppies to finished stock dogs.
Handling Cattle With Stockdogs.
Solving Stockdogs Problems and Gathering Wild Cattle.
Cowboys and Cowdogs.
Training the Hangin’ Tree Cowdog and Using the Remote Trainer.
Starting the Cowboys Horse.
March 2001 Training the Working Stockdog.
Hangin’ Tree Cowdogs.
HTC April 2001.
Training the Working Stockdog.
Names: Ericsson, Gary

25/07/2022

Happy heavenly birthday Dad. We love you.
The Ericsson's

21/05/2022

Last Day of Police Week. My brother my hero always.

21/05/2022

Today and everyday, we honor...

From the Havamal (parts of 77 & 78)

Døyr fe, døyr frender
— (Cattle die, kinsmen die)
Døyr sjølv det sama
— (You yourself will also die)
men ordet om deg aldreg døyr
— (but the word about you will never die)
vinn du et gjetord gjevt
— (if you win a good reputation)
Eg veit et som aldreg døyr
— (I know one that never dies)
dom om daudan kvar
— (the reputation of those who died)

21/05/2022

A moment to remember...

(Towards the end of the video, those of you that have an HTC, will start to hear a familiar whine. Yes, Mom and Dad, those were some HTC's in Charlie's truck. Cannot think of a more perfect hymn than that. What an amazing legacy.)