Sheepdog
Sheepdogs are dogs used to herd livestock, selected over the centuries to easily move livestock such as sheep, cows and goats with the least possible stress.
In Italy the term is used to indicate the practice of training these dogs, aimed at participation in what in the United Kingdom are called Sheepdog Trials.
The dog moves a flock of sheep following the commands of the handler, simulating the main figures of farm work.
The course is divided into different phases to which a score is assigned. The most precise dog that loses the least number of points on each exercise, wins the trial.
There are two main types of tests:
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Collecting Style : ONLY for Border Collie
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Traditional Style : All other breeds
The Collecting Style trials are based on the Trials that are organised in the UK and Ireland and from which the rules are taken.
The trial scheme is more or less always the same, adapting the course to the terrain on which it is carried out and to the judge's directions. The handler will remain at the post (⬟ in the figure below), usually marked by a pole planted in the ground, from the commencement of the run.
The distance between the post and the sheep depend on the category from 100 to 300 linear metres.
The first part is called Outrun: the dog is sent away to collect sheep.
The run begins when the dog receives the command to start from the handler and moves away from the post. He must widen outwards so that he can get behind the sheep without disturbing them on the way. The ideal trajectory resembles an "upside down half pear".
The second part is the Lift , the dog first contact with the sheep. After outrunning and arriving behind the sheep, the dog approach should be smooth, cautious and steady, directing sheep towards the handler.
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At this point the sheep must be brought at a steady pace and in a straight line from the place of lifting to the fetch gate and thereafter in a straight line to the handler/post.
Next part is called Drive, the dog drives the sheep away from the handler.
The first leg of the drive starts immediately the sheep have passed behind the handler/post.
The drive can run from left to right or right to left according to the course and the decision of the trials committee.
Having driven the sheep through the first set of gates they should be turned immediately on to a direct line across the course to the second set of gates. When through these gates they should then be turned as neatly as possible on to a straight line to the shedding ring.
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The Shedding Ring is a 40 yard diameter circle marked-out on the ground.
Shedding necessitates negotiation of the sheep within the ring by the handler and dog to the best position for effecting the deliberate shed by the dog of two unmarked sheep.
​On completion of the shedding the dog will reunite all of the sheep, not necessarily within the ring but in a practical and workman like manner, and the handler must proceed to the pen, leaving the dog to bring the sheep to the pen. The pen is an enclosure into which the sheep must be entered.
The handler holds a rope which is attached to the pen gate until the dog have guided the sheep into the pen and the gate is closed.
Last part is called Single. It's similar to shedding, but more difficult: a marked sheep must be separated from the main group and driven away.
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Every trial has a maximum time available, that can change according to type and difficulties of the run.
Usually the time limit is 15 minutes.
No points will be awarded for any phases of the work that have not been completed within the prescribed time limit.
Points for every section:
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Outrun: 20 Points
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Lift: 10 Points
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Fetch: 20 Points
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Drive: 30 Points
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Shed: 10 Points
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Pen: 10 Points
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Single: 10 Points