AUSDS Inc. ‘Stock Dog Challenges’ Article by Mitch Bennett and Lawson Gulliver
T
he Australian Utility Stock Dog Society Inc. is pleased to report, with the easing of Covid restrictions, that two successful ‘Stock Dog Challenges’ were able to be held. Even with short notice, volunteers got on board, both sheep and cattle where made available, and willing competitors entered their dogs in the test of the ‘all-round’ utility stock dog. On the 27th March at the local Racecourse Recreation Reserve of Chiltern in Victoria, there were a total of 30 runs for the one-day event. Sheep proved to be tricky out in the paddock section, but it was great to see many of the dogs accomplish the various obstacles including the ‘Drive Away’. A holding cage for the sheep was used at the end of the long cast to ensure that the dogs cast far enough before the sheep were released. The sheep worked well through the yards, and respected yard trial judge, Roland Pell, commented “It took me a while to comprehend the AUSDS system, but I like it, and would be pleased to judge and compete in future events”. Andrew Newell judged the cattle section – the cattle were tough, yet the calm strong dogs were able to handle them.
Guyra Level 1 - Jeremy Grills, Grace Halsted, Chris Egan and Judges John Rosten, Ian Berry, Jeff Ritchie.
Chiltern - Rod Cavanagh, Lawson Gulliver, Roland Pell, Darren Harcoan, Justin McDonald, Aoidh Doyle, Andrew Newell.
PLACEGETTERS WERE: Chiltern Level 1; 1st Justin McDonald with Molly, 2nd Darren Harcoan with Wyanbah Trigger, and 3rd Darren Harcoan with Wyanbah Kenny Chiltern Level 2; 1st Darren Harcoan with Wyanbah Trigger, 2nd Darren Harcoan with Wyanbah Kenny, and 3rd Aoidh Doyle with Whisper Elvis. On the 10th and 11th of April at Lock Roger’s property, ‘Stratton’, Guyra NSW, the other ‘Stock Dog Challenge’ was held with a total of 41 runs over the two-day period. It was pleasing to see the amount of nominations received from younger handlers who worked their ‘everyday’ stock dogs. The long cast was a real challenge. Due to the wonderful autumn season and green feed, the dogs had to be cast out on the ‘blind’. It was terrific to see many of the dogs gathering the sheep and bringing them back to their handler naturally. The judge, Jeff Ritchie, just loved this aspect as well as the varying tests of the paddock
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