Trials...: Rocky Ewe this weekend

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Rocky Ewe this weekend

So we're off tomorrow to Judy Norris' Rocky Ewe trial in Yelm, Washington.

I searched high and low for a hotel that would take dogs, and found a few but nothing that looked very satisfying. I even considered camping though it would likely be cold and wet.

Finally I remembered my love of hostels and discovered Chez Cascadia in Olympia, about a 45 minute drive from the trial site. To my surprise and delight, they take dogs for an additional charge of $5/night. The private room was taken so I'll be sleeping in one of the dorm-style rooms, but I don't mind and it will cut down expenses.

Much better than a hotel.

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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.