Stock Dog Trial Etiquette

Trial Etiquette

(an article I wrote for the LookBack June 2014)

At a trial recently, the conversation went something like this: “What are the proper things to do or not do at a dog trial?” This is a great question, especially given the number of new people starting out in the herding world, so I will try and make a list of some things to consider at a trial.
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Don’t complain to the trial host about conditions that were on the entry, or with the running order that is sent out before the trial. Putting on an trial takes a lot of effort and is stressful. Complaining about dust or mud in the parking area, or you think the sheep are the fault of your run doesn’t help the host want to ever do a trial again.
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Picking up your dog poop! If you have a designated dog area, please use it. Granted, your dog might go and you can’t find it, so pick up any poop you see then. It all helps! Most hosts have a scooper available and a place to dispose of it. Please don’t put bagged poop in with the scooped poop.
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Don’t litter. It’s just a given.
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If you think you had a problem with your run, go to the Trial (Course) Director and speak to them. Do not bombard the judge after hours. He or she has had a long day and would like to relax. If it is a problem, the Director will take care of it. The USBCHA rules state: No contestant, or other person, shall engage in any form of misconduct or harassment toward trial management, judges, or HA officials. Trial management has the right to disqualify or refuse entry to any contestant or other person for violation of this rule.
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Please respect the livestock. The thing that makes our sport work is having respect for all involved, especially the livestock.
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If you have a negative opinion about the person on the field or their dog, keep it to yourself. You won’t gain points for bad mouthing a run or handler while sitting under the handler’s tent.
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Don’t play ball, Frisbee or throw a stick, water bottle etc. Border Collies and other herding breeds are high-drive dogs. Throwing toys will only cause fights, barking, screaming and negativity. Save it for home if you do it.
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Generators : Usually 10 PM is the latest most people run them and 6 AM is the earliest. Just think of your neighbors. :-)
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A good plan is to take in a handling or judging clinic and read the USBCHA rules at www.usbcha.com/assoc/rules_sheep.html
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Keep your dog under control both on and off the Trial field.
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Try to keep a bitch in season away from other dogs
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Not everyone`s dogs want to play, so when walking yours please remember this.
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There is no place on the trial field for tempers or bad sportsmanship .
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Try and stay out of the blind while watching. This area is for handlers next in line for the field to stand with their dogs so that cannot see the sheep being exhausted off the field.
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If a handler is waiting to run and off by themselves, be understanding if they don’t want to join in conversation till after they run.
The main thing is to enjoy the trial, treat others as you would like to be treated and have fun!

Pictures From A Sunny November Day

Here are some pictures I took after I worked the Border Collies.

 Hank had a roll in the dust..not sure why but he thinks he's handsome 

 Wheeeeeeeeeeee up the hill

 and down the hill

Hank and Sage                                        Whatcha lookin' at? 

Sasha and Sonny                           The big white dogs  ♥♥♥♥♥♥

 Soulful eyes

 This replacement ewe with the distinct black spot is very distracting when I work them

 You guys see the dog?

Nope, just food 

A Nice Day for Driving

A Nice Day for Driving

My friend Nancy Barker came to visit for a couple days with her dogs Gwen and Billie. It was hot and smoky, not a great day to be outside so we decided to go on a small tour. Back road to Douglas Lake from Westwold and then lunch at the Quilchena Hotel.

Didn't get many scenery pictures because of the smoke but have a couple to share. 

The Quilchena Hotel established in 1908 by the Rose family, now owned by Douglas Lake Ranch

Quilchena Ranch and Hotel

The Douglas Lake Ranch still breeds their own ranch horses. The famous Peppy San was from Douglas Lake and the line still carries on. 

Baa Ram Ewe

Whatcha looking at?

Winter 2013

We were visiting at my mother-in-law's last night and she mentioned I hadn't blogged in a while. She is right so here is winter at our house today. I worked the Border Collies on the replacement ewes, we put a new bale in for them to eat and cleaned up the driveway a bit. Here are some pictures...

 Bred ewes watching Len with the tractor...it could be bringing FOOD!

 Replacement ewes better known as the Brillo-ettes

 Dinner for replacement ewes

 The piles of plowed snow are getting higher!

 Len dreams when he opens his eyes, he will be in Mexico on a beach

 One of the trial fields :(

 Plowing, plowing

 Handsome Sonny

 and the ever elegant Clarice

 Bet yells..I'm coming! Are we going to work again????

 Kip ready for take off

 Handsome Hank

That's all! Have a Merry Christmas!

Hay There !

We have decided to sell our haying equipment. Going to take live a little easier so thought I would throw on some pictures of what we have for sale. Phone or email me for prices....

This is the bale wagon and has our water tank in the back so looks a little odd. Easy to transport it that way. 

Evening Graze

It has been so hot here that the sheep go out in late evening to graze. There are 6 new replacement ewes and a wether that will be going in with the new ram when he gets here. They fit in like they have always been here.