If you are concerned about your point standing, and need to know which trials are going to be higher point qualifiers due to entries, please call Molly 7 days prior to the trial to confirm entry numbers to date for each trial.
"Caroline" photo by Sally Hull
NEW SERVICE! Please see Upcoming Events for links to individual trial entry forms!
Articles
Stock dogs compete for best in the west
Co-operator reporter Lorraine Stevenson paid a visit to the Western Canadian Stock Dog Championship near Eriksdale, Man., on Sept. 26-28 ("Stock dog trials showcase Canadian talent," Manitoba Co-operator, Oct. 9, 2008, page 21). The Manitoba Stock Dog Association hosted the 30th annual event, which included about two dozen competitors and their dogs. Top spots went to Danue Frew and dog Bram of Gull Lake, Sask., in the nursery category (five dogs); Bev Sommer and dog Jed of Pleasantdale, Sask., in the pro-novice (jackpot) category (12 dogs); and Norm Sommer with dog Jock, also of Pleasantdale, in the open double lift finals.
Agripost article by Debbie Chikousky
Anyone that has ever used a good stock dog knows they are invaluable on the farm. Up until January 2008 Manitoba was the home to two stock dog associations, the Interlake Stock Dog Association and the Manitoba Stock Dog Association (MSDA). They have now become one, forming the new Manitoba Stock Dog Association. Rick Willetts, president of the new group, views the amalgamation as a way to make us more recognizable with other provinces. There are currently twenty members province wide all of which use Border Collies. Membership is open to individuals ($20.00 per year) and families (2 adults and 2 children under 18 for $30.00 a year).
Although the members of the MSDA are avid dog trial enthusiasts, Willetts insists that the "emphasis of MSDA is not on trialing".The goals of the MSDA are to promote stress free handling of livestock through the use of properly trained stock dogs, and to educate owners on proper training practices.Dog trials are a tool used to achieve these goals, "a way to measure yourself and your dogs training progress through competition with other members".
The MSDA also hosts fun days and clinics throughout the year.Willetts suggests that anyone that is interested in purchasing a stock dog should attend one of these first and observe.This would enable potential owners to "understand what the dogs are trying to do".While buying a ready trained dog is preferred by inexperienced owners "people have to recognize that they will also have to be trained to communicate with the dog".
Stock Dog Trials currently planned for 2008 are on June 7 at 6:00 pm at the Brandon arena, and June 13 and 14 at 5:00 pm at Lundar Fair.MSDA is also hosting the Western Canadian Champion stock dog trials in Eriksdale MB on September 26,27, and 28.To enter in any of these competitions contact Rick Willetts 1-204-739-2642 or Ed Hunter 1-204-838-2174.
2011 National Sheepdog Finals Blog This link is to a blog profiling the handlers going to the US Border Collie Handler's Association National Finals in September. There are some Canadians being profiled in the most recent posts. The last post was about Amanda Milliken of Kingston, ON. I just read the most recent one about Scott and Jenny Glen (Alberta, woot woot!) There is some pretty sage advice in there for anyone in this hobby. Plus it's just more enjoyable reading about herding, for the obsessed. Nice write-up Jenny!
'He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.' --- Author Unknown
