JONGENSFONTEIN NEWS & VIDEO - A large number of sheep dogs and their handlers entered and tested their ability at the yearly WP Sheepdog Club trials on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 June.
It was presented on the farm Mooiuitsig near Jongensfontein. Participants traveled as far as Gauteng with their dogs.
This was one of nine regional competitions held across the country. A total of 35 dogs participated and impressed with their obedience and ability to work.
The dogs participate in four classes, namely beginners (for the less experienced handler and dog), juniors, seniors and top dogs (here the dog and handler's workability is tested to the utmost). The dog gets points according to a course that is set out in advance.
It must fetch the sheep for the handler in a line (the path is laid out in an imaginary triangle). After this, the dog drives the sheep away from the handler and then he or she must work with the handler to separate the sheep.
The final test is to get them in the pen. The evaluation takes place with a scoring system. Any mistake that is made causes the dog lose a point.
These dogs are specifically bred for their work ability and obedience. Handlers use hand signals or a special whistle to give the necessary instructions. The whistle works especially well when communicating with the dog over a long distance.
- Beginners: Yvan Fourie with Nic and Marijke Kleynhans with Meg.
- Juniors: Andrew Philip with Jaff; Gerry Staegemann with Gerry and Elsie Jammy with Pippin.
- Seniors: Pippa Philip with Peat; Jurie van der Vywer with Sissy and Jurie van der Vywer with Karoo.
- Top Dogs: Pippa Philip with Zan; Ragni Pretorius with Jack and Ragni Pretorius with Penny.
- Blombos Championship (Sunday)
- Beginners: Attie Gunter with Fitz; Yvan Fourie with Nic and Yvan Fourie with Becky.
- Juniors: Andrew Philip with Jaff; Gerry Staegemann with Sweep and Gerry Staegemann with Mac.
- Seniors: Jurie van der Vywer with Karoo; Jurie van der Vywer with Madonna and Ragni Pretorius with Fia.
- Top Dogs: Andrew Philip with Flint; Henry van der Merwe with Thomas and Henry van der Merwe with Lass
Watch a video below:
The winners from left too right is Jurie van der Vyver and Karoo (Seniors day 2), Pippa Philip with Peat (Seniors day 1) and Zan (Top dogs day 1), Andrew Philip with Jaff (Juniors day 1 and 2) and Flint (Top dogs day 2), Yvan Fourie and Nic (Beginners day 1). Attie Gunter and Fitz was absent.
ARTICLE, PHOTOS & VIDEO: LOUISE MOUTON, SUID-KAAP FORUM JOURNALIST
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