Yard dogs to vie for top honours

A COMPETITION with a difference will take place during the forthcoming Australian Sheep and Wool Show, with working dogs to steal the spotlight for a moment.

The Central Victorian Yard Dog Championships, which are overseen by the Victorian Yard Utility and Farm Dog Association, will involve competitors and their dogs negotiating two courses, both designed to test their ability to steer sheep around them within a set time.

VYUFDA president Rod Cavill said the championships are one of the biggest trials in Victoria, drawing participants from all around the state, New South Wales and Tasmania.

“It’s a highly sought-after trophy,” he said. “I’ve been involved with yard dog trialling for a long time, and there’s a lot of interest in it now.”

Mr Cavill said he expects it to be a very open competition.

“It’s anyone’s game. You can have the best dog in the country but it may not perform on that day,” he said.

“Ideally, the dog needs to be a good all-round work dog, not too forceful, but still be able to push the sheep through the course.

“Millimetres matter. Sheep are very sensitive to dogs. The position of your dog on the sheep when you’re trying to get them in a gateway or up through the drench race, it has to be in the right position for the sheep to flow.”

The Central Victorian Yard Dog Championships takes place throughout the Australian Sheep and Wool Show weekend, from Friday 19 to Sunday 21 July.