FARMERS and their dogs will showcase their skills in the yard dog trials starting Friday at Tyntynder Oval.
While the experienced teams will take the field early, beginners and intermediates will get their chance in the yards Friday evening and on Saturday.
Yard dog chief steward Noel Templeton said that the trials showcase a refined skill to calmly and quietly move livestock.
“It’s about putting less stress on the stock – you don’t need all the shouting and barking to move stuck, you can do it in a controlled manner,” he said.
“The trials help to hone trainers’ skills, because it’s different to working the dog in the yard or at home, with that little bit of time pressure and people watching them.”
The competition will include five different classes: the Encouragement Trial, Novice Trial, Improver Trial, Local Trial and Open Trial.
The Local Trial is open to local teams who want to test their skills, and Mr Templeton encourages anyone interested to get involved.
The trials will predominantly feature kelpies and border collies, but trainers can enter other breeds of dogs.
The event is affiliated with the Victorian Yard Dog Association and as such will be conducted under the association rules.
