Trials...: Highland Games trial entered!

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Highland Games trial entered!

Today I sent off our registration for the Mt. Vernon Highland Sheepdog Trial July 9-10. This is a special trial for me, as I've been attending the Highland Games and watching the sheepdog trials since before we ever adopted Rodeo. So I've been looking forward to competing in it.

Also, many of our friends who know and love Rodeo will be there, and it'll be the rare chance for them to watch him compete.

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Definitions

Gather: The dog goes out to the field and brings the sheep to the handler.

Outrun: The first part of the gather. The dog runs in a wide arc to the far side of the sheep.

Fetch: After the outrun, the dog brings the sheep to the handler, ideally in a straight line.

Drive: The dog pushes the sheep forward in a straight line, but not towards the handler.

Flank: Circling clockwise (come by) or counter-clockwise (away to me) around the sheep.

Balance Point: The point of maximum control over the sheep. Usually, the dog is on the opposite side of the sheep from the handler.

In-Balance Flank: A flank command that sends the dog towards the balance point, putting it in a better position to control the sheep.

Off-Balance Flank: A flank command that sends the dog away from the balance point. This is harder for the dog to accept because it must give up control.