O’Sullivans Transport Central Victorian Yard Dog Championships

This year the yard dog trial at Bendigo will attract the very best competition working dogs to the Central Victorian Yard Dog Championships, this event has become one premier trials on the calendar for both local and interstate competitors.

These competitors and their dogs are a highly trained unit, with the majority of the competitors working stock in their everyday lives but enjoy the travel and competition that comes with the sport. Those spectators watching the action, whether they are active stockpersons or interested onlookers will appreciate the skill of both the handler and their dogs. These highly trained dogs started as cute little puppies and over time have been nurtured and trained into these very skillful working dogs that are essential to the livestock industry.

There will be two courses operating each day, set up to showcase the working dogs ability to both gently move and at times use clever force to guide the sheep around the course within a set time frame.

Competitors and their dogs begin the course with 100 points and are carefully watched by the experienced judge, points are deducted for the various misdemeanours that may occur.

The Open/Championship judge is John Latty from Balmoral and the Maiden/ Novice Judge Adam James from Mortlake.

The Championship is decided over three rounds where consistency is the key and rewarded when scores are added to determine the winner.

Situated on the main arena near the ram shed, come and enjoy the age old skills of stockmen and women with their working dogs.

Judges:

• Open/Championship: Mr Josh Latty
• Maiden/ Novice: Mr Adam James