Does every herding dog have the instinct?
Not automatically. The driving instinct is tested, and within the same breed there are big differences. Many show lines have lost it almost entirely.
Herding and livestock
Sheepdog Trials
The oldest canine competition in the world, practically unchanged in over a century: the dog gathers sheep from the far end of the field, drives them through a course and pens them, directed by whistles.
About the discipline
What Sheepdog Trials are
Sheep herding trials appeared in Britain in the nineteenth century, as a way of comparing farm dogs. The structure of the trial has stayed remarkably constant ever since.
The dog starts beside the handler, runs out wide to get behind the sheep, gathers them and brings them towards the human. Then comes driving through gates and, finally, penning.
Communication is by whistle and voice command, at distances of hundreds of metres. It is the most spectacular demonstration of distance work in the canine world.
How it works in practice
The phases of a classic trial
- outrun: the wide run to get behind the sheep
- lift: taking control of the flock calmly
- fetch: bringing the sheep towards the handler in a straight line
- drive: steering the flock through gates
- shed: separating specific sheep from the flock
- pen: closing the sheep into the pen
- all directed by whistle, from a distance
Which dogs it suits
- border collies, principally
- herding breeds with a strong driving instinct
- handlers with access to livestock and a farm
It cannot be practised without regular access to sheep and without guidance from someone experienced. It is a discipline tied to rural life.
What you need
- access to a flock and to ground
- a shepherd's crook, used as an extension of the arm
- knowledge of the traditional whistle commands
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Sheepdog Trials
Why whistles?
Because the sound carries clearly over hundreds of metres, better than the voice, and because it allows distinct commands that are hard to confuse.
Can I start without a farm?
With great difficulty. There are introductory clinics at farms offering such services, but consistent practice requires regular access to livestock.
The rule figures on this page come from ISDS - International Sheep Dog Society. Rules change and federations differ - always check the rulebook of the competition you are entering.
From the same category
Related sports
Herding Trials
Trials in controlling a flock or herd.
Cattle Dog Trials
Driving cattle.
Duck Herding
Steering ducks through obstacles.
We do not run Sheepdog Trials
This page is informational. We work in mantrailing, search and rescue and preparation for the TSAC and BH exams - but if you want an honest opinion on what would suit your dog, write to us anytime.