Sheepdog Trials 101: A Comprehensive Guide

Sheepdog trials are a thrilling display of canine skill and teamwork, where a brave sheepdog and its handler work together to herd sheep through an obstacle course.

The trials take place in a large outdoor arena, often with natural obstacles like hills, valleys, and streams.

The course is designed to test the dog's agility, speed, and problem-solving skills.

A typical sheepdog trial consists of three phases: the "outrun", where the dog runs out to the sheep; the "hauling", where the dog gathers the sheep; and the "fetching", where the dog brings the sheep back to the handler.

Sheepdog trials are a centuries-old tradition, with roots in Scotland and Wales, where sheepdogs were first bred to assist farmers in herding sheep.

In a sheepdog trial, the dog must leave the handler and fetch sheep that are some distance away. This is a crucial test of the dog's ability to work independently.

The trial field layout can vary, but most experienced handlers agree that certain elements are essential for a fair and complete test. These include an away drive, where the dog drives the sheep away from the handler, and shedding, where the dog separates the group into two groups in a controlled way.

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During the trial, the dog and handler will work together to move the sheep into a confined space, such as a pen, or load them onto a vehicle. This requires communication and teamwork between the dog and handler.

The dog must also demonstrate its ability to drive the sheep in a straight line, known as a cross drive, and to single out one sheep from the group. These tasks are designed to reflect everyday work and showcase the dog's skills.

Here are some of the key elements that are typically included in a sheepdog trial:

In an Open Trial, the dog is scored on eight elements, with the most points going towards Outrun, Lift and Fetch (3) – 50 points.

The dog must leave the handler and fetch sheep that are some distance away, which is an essential element in a trial.

The dog must take control of the sheep and bring them to the handler, showcasing their ability to work independently.

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In most competitions, the dog will be required to do the fetching and driving tests on their own, with the handler remaining at a stake.

The dog must drive the sheep in a straight line, between gates, or separate specific sheep from the herd, demonstrating their problem-solving skills.

All dogs start with a full set of points, and experienced judges will make deductions from their points when the dog makes an error.

The dog must separate the group into two groups in a controlled way, known as shedding, which is almost always required to be done in a ring marked out on the ground.

The dog must also perform a cross drive, moving the sheep in a controlled way in a straight line from one side of the field to the other in front of the handler.

Here are the eight elements that are scored in an Open Trial:

Sheepdog trials are a test of a dog's and handler's skills, and they're designed to reflect everyday work tasks. The trials take place in a field with various obstacles, and the dogs are guided by their handlers to move sheep around and through these obstacles.

Dogs start with a full set of points, and judges make deductions for any errors they make. The field size, breed of sheep, and obstacles can vary depending on the location and experience levels of the dogs competing.

The International Sheep Dog Society (ISDS) organises trials of three levels of difficulty. Gathering style is typical of the border collie breed and involves the dog working under the guidance of a stationary handler.

In a gathering style trial, the dog will typically outrun the sheep, encouraging them to move, or lift them up, and then drive them towards or away from the handler through gates or obstacles. The dog must also separate one or more sheep from the flock and place them in a pen.

Here's an overview of the tasks involved in a gathering style trial:

The ISDS holds a World Championship every three years, and the eligibility of countries to participate is determined by the results of regular competitions during a three-year qualifying period.

Getting Started with Sheepdog Trials is a significant undertaking, and it's not for every dog, even if they're a Border Collie. Training your dog to work sheep requires dedication and the right approach.

Attending sheepdog trials is a great place to start. You'll learn from watching and talking to experienced handlers and trainers. You can quickly pick up valuable knowledge and make connections that will help you on your journey.

The International Sheep Dog Society (ISDS) can provide guidance on how to train your dog effectively. Practicing basic commands like Come-Bye, Away, Stand, and That'll do is essential, and you don't even need a field and sheep to do so.

Training your dog to work sheep is no mean feat, and it's not for all dogs, even if they are a Border Collie. You'll need to start by attending sheepdog trials to learn from others and make connections who can help you along the way.

The ISDS can provide guidance on how to proceed with training, so be sure to reach out to them for advice. You can also consider purchasing a started or trained dog that has already had the foundation of training, making it easier for you to work with them.

Practising for sheepdog trials doesn't require a field and sheep, although you will need them eventually if you want to compete. You can start by training your dog with basic commands such as Come-Bye, Away, Stand, and That'll do, and even use ducks or geese instead of sheep to hone your skills.

Here are the steps to get started with sheepdog trials:

Border Collies are the most common breed participating in sheepdog trials, making up the vast majority of competitors.

In theory, any type of dog could participate in sheepdog trials, but in practice, there are specific breeds that excel in this area.

Border Collie crossbreeds are also well-suited for sheepdog trials, inheriting the desirable qualities from their parent breed.

Welsh Sheepdogs, Bearded Collies, Kelpies, and Huntaways are other breeds that can participate in sheepdog trials.

For competing at national and international levels, stricter rules apply, requiring the dog to be ISDS registered and often having a pedigree.

Here are some breeds that are eligible for national and international sheepdog trials:

The Sheepdog trial was led by a team of experienced trainers and handlers, who had spent years working with the breed. They were determined to prove the sheepdog's capabilities.

The trial was designed to test the sheepdog's obedience, agility, and problem-solving skills. The team had carefully selected the most challenging course for the trial.

The sheepdogs participating in the trial were a mix of experienced and novice dogs, all of whom had been trained using positive reinforcement methods. They were a diverse group, with different breeds, sizes, and temperaments.

The trainers and handlers had worked tirelessly to prepare the dogs for the trial, and their hard work paid off.

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Sheepdog trials are a thrilling spectacle, and a must-see for all animal lovers. The National Point Qualifying Sheepdog Trials during the Trailing of the Sheep Festival is a great place to experience this.

The trials take place during the Trailing of the Sheep Festival. This event is a celebration of sheep herding and the traditions surrounding it.

The trials are a competition where skilled sheepdogs and their handlers work together to move sheep through a course.

The history of sheepdog trials is a fascinating one. The first dog trials were held in Wānaka, New Zealand, in 1867.

Sheep herding had been around for a while, but it wasn't until the 1870s that it started to develop as a competitive sport in the United Kingdom. The first recorded trials involving more than one country were held in 1873 in Bala, Wales.

A handler from Scotland took first prize at these trials, showing that the sport was gaining popularity quickly. William Wallace of Otterburn, Northumberland, is credited with developing a more subtle way of controlling the dogs with a mere hiss and a low whistle.

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Adam Telfer, of Cambo, Northumberland, bred and trained Old Hemp, considered the 'father of the breed' in border collies, in the 1890s. Early sheepdog societies were also founded in north-west England and Wales, making significant contributions to the development of herding breeds and trials.

By the 1930s, sheepdog trials were being held around the country, and eventually, the world.

The Trailing of the Sheep Festival is a unique event that takes place in Idaho, featuring a must-see attraction called the National Point Qualifying Sheepdog Trials.

This event showcases the skills of highly trained sheepdogs as they navigate through challenging courses and trails.

The National Point Qualifying Sheepdog Trials are a key part of the festival, allowing spectators to witness the dogs in action.

Sheepdogs are incredibly intelligent and agile animals, capable of herding sheep with precision and speed.

The Trailing of the Sheep Festival is a celebration of the region's rich ranching heritage and the importance of sheepdog trials in this tradition.

In traditional herding style, the handler is allowed to move with the dog on the field during the entire program. This is a key difference from other styles, where the handler may be stationary.

The International Cynological Federation has established rules for traditional herding style competitions, which include a set of exercises that determine the difficulty level. These exercises can include obstacles like bridges and "Maltese crosses".

Most popular breeds used for traditional herding are the Pembroke Corgi, the Shetland Sheepdog, the Briard, the Australian Cattle Dog and Kelpie, the Smooth and Rough Collie, and the Koolie. These breeds are often used in both trials and everyday farm work.

The testing process for herding instinct assesses a dog's interest in sheep, desire to work, and manner of interaction with the sheep. This test does not reveal the winner, but rather evaluates a dog's natural ability to find a balance point.

Dogs that excel in traditional herding style are often those that have a strong herding instinct and are able to work well with their handlers.