A weekend celebrating working dogs

THE bond between handler and dog will be on full display when the Deans Marsh Sheep Dog Trials return later this month.

Running from Friday, January 16 to January 18, the trials will take place at Deans Marsh Recreation Reserve, drawing competitors and spectators from across Australia for three days of skill, strategy and community spirit.

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the well-loved rural event, which was born from a passion for working dogs and encouragement from the wider trialling community.

Event organiser Jill Stewart said the trials’ longevity and growing reputation could be credited to the strong community backing behind the event.

“All of the trailers say to us that the community feel here is higher than just about anywhere else they go,” she said.

“We get more spectators than anywhere else they go apart from the championships in Port Fairy, and our community really joins in.”

Across the weekend, dogs and handlers will work three sheep through a series of obstacles under strict time limits, showcasing precision, instinct and communication.

“[Working dogs] help farmers all around Australia and have for many, many years,” Stewart said.

“It’s showing the skill and the training and the natural instinct of the dog to move sheep and bring it to its owner.

“When you’re only moving three sheep and you’ve got to put them through a whole row of obstacles and you’ve got a time limit to do that within, your dog’s got to be even more highly trained.”

She said the unpredictability of sheep adds to the spectacle.

“It’s fun to watch because you never know what the sheep are going to do,” Stewart said.

“You get some sheep out there that go ‘Well, I don’t want to move even if the dog’s telling me’, or it’ll run in the opposite direction. And every now and then you’ll get a dog that thinks it knows better than its owner.

“Often you see people on the sidelines telling the sheep off – ‘Don’t go over there’. Trying to get them in the gate at the pen is always a lot of fun because they often dodge around the side.

“You can hear everybody groan when that happens.”

A learner section on Friday night will again give newcomers a chance to try trialling in a supported environment. Those interested in participating must register their attendance with Stewart at least three days beforehand, and dogs must have experience with sheep.

Sunday will also feature the popular Deans Marsh Market, running from 10am to 2pm in the adjacent car park and reserve.

Stallholders will include local growers, producers and artists.