Beginners guide to utility trails

Beginners Guide to Utility Trials

Article by Lauren Vest

What is a Utility Trial?

So far, we have covered yard, three sheep and cattle trialling. Utility trials include a combination of elements from both yard trialling and three sheep trialling, with the aim to test the allround ability of dogs working sheep in both the yards and the paddock as you might need on a station. Sheep are worked both out in the paddock through obstacles that resemble a three sheep course, as well as through a simple yard course usually including a drench race and a draft. Generally, three or five sheep are worked outside in the paddock and a larger number of sheep are worked through the yard section. Utility trials require a dog to be able to settle and steer smaller numbers of sheep well enough to guide them through obstacles and around the course, as well as be forceful enough to push sheep through the tighter confines of the yard section. This contributes to smaller entry numbers at utility trials when compared to the other trialling disciplines, as dogs need to have a broader range of skills to complete a utility course successfully.

The first part of a utility course is the cast, which is usually as long as is practical within the grounds being used (often a country show arena/ring). As in a three sheep trial, the handler stands at a post and casts their dog in the direction of their choice around the sheep at the other end. The dog must lift the sheep calmly and bring them in as straight a line as possible to the handler. Points are lost for the sheep moving off course (away from the straight line between the starting point and the handlers post). There is a marked area around the handlers post called the delivery area and the sheep must be brought within this area before you can leave the post. Some utility trials differ in order from this point; however, most proceed into the yards from here. Generally, there are sheep already within the yard section waiting to be worked through, and you will either box your outside sheep into the yard mob or put them in a separate yard to be taken back outside once you complete the yard section.

The yard section is usually a simple version of a yard trial course, including a drench race that may require backing to fill or unload, and a draft section. Higher levels may include a trailer to load and unload. Usually, the yard sheep will stay in the yards for several runs being recycled, before they are swapped out. You will either draft the correct number of sheep out to take back outside or recover your original sheep from where they were placed, as you go on to complete the last paddock section of the course. The final paddock section usually resembles a three sheep course with obstacles that may include a gap or a race, corridors to keep your sheep within while moving between obstacles and a pen to finish the course. ach trial may add novel elements as they choose but these are the most common. Points are lost for sheep leaving the corridors, getting too far ahead or behind the handler or the sheep going around an obstacle rather than through. The handler will lose points if they do not walk a straight line between obstacles, leave the assigned point to stand at obstacles before the sheep are through or influence the sheep. The dog will lose points for tail turning, unwarranted biting or toileting on the course. The dog crossing between the sheep and the handler usually results in disqualification out in the paddock section and a points loss inside the yard section (though this is at each judge’s discretion). The trial is complete when the gate is closed on the pen with the sheep inside. The course is timed, which varies between trials but is usually around 15-20 minutes a run. If you run out of time before you complete the course, you will lose a set number of points for each obstacle left incomplete. Points start from 100 at the beginning of your run and are deducted for any errors as you proceed through the course.

Your dog should be well under control and experienced working sheep up close as well as at a fair distance from you, as both will be necessary to complete the course. You will need to be able to cast your dog up to a few hundred metres to find a small number of sheep and bring them to you calmly. A good stop command is essential as well as a steady or keep out command if needed, as small numbers of sheep can be very flighty and may need to be worked from quite a distance until they relax. The bulk of a utility trial is worked on balance but if sheep go off course you will often need to send or pull your dog off balance to correct it, so side commands are useful. In the yards you will usually need your dog to back the sheep, as well as be comfortable working in close pens without biting or crashing sheep about. A bark on command can be especially useful for the yard section.

What are the levels?

Handlers start at encourage level, until they win a certain number of encourage classes (often two or three) or one higher class trial. Dogs begin at maiden level, and as they win trials, move up to novice, improver and then open. Some utility trials run a nursery class as opposed to an encourage or maiden, which is also for dogs and/or handlers who have not won a trial. Double check eligibility with the organiser if you are not sure.

How do I enter my first trial?

Utility trials are usually run under the state yard or farm trial association as there are no utility trial specific associations. Events may be advertised on these state association websites or through relevant Facebook groups – If you are unsure where to start, I suggest calling a committee member of your state yard trialling association and they should be able to point you in the right direction. You will usually need to be a full or day member of the association to compete. Keep in mind that there are far less utility trials held compared to the other disciplines. Your dog does not need to be registered to enter a utility trial. Entry forms include contact details for trial organisers – do not hesitate to give them a call if you have questions about the levels, the rules or anything else. When you arrive at a trial, make sure your dog is always under control and does not go near the ring when someone else is working or near other people’s dogs when exercising. There will usually be a scorer’s tent or shed and this is where the draw will be posted, and questions can be asked. At the start of each class there will usually be a judge’s talk – this is where the judge will walk the competitors through the course and explain how they want you to work the course and any special instructions. This is also the time to ask the judge any questions you have, so do not miss the judge’s talk! Check things like where to stand at obstacles, where the corridors are, where the delivery area is, what the draft is and anything else you can think of. This is also a great time to introduce yourself to the judge and let them know you are a newcomer. They will usually be happy to help you while you are having your run if you get lost!

All that is left do to now is watch a few runs to get a feel for the course and then go out and have your go. Make sure you have emptied your dog out well before your run, as going to the toilet on course will lose you points. Try to relax and enjoy the experience – and prepare to get hooked!!

*This article is written from the perspective of someone who trials mostly in NSW – rules can differ slightly between states and trials, so make sure you clarify things you aren’t sure of with the judge or committee at the trial.