Come watch these amazing dogs work!
Spectators are welcome to attend the event at any time.
The trial will take place from dawn to dusk each day. Friday will be the less expereinced dogs and the top level competitors will be on the field all day on Saturday and Sunday.
There will be a variety of craft and food booths onsite. In addition a shearing demonstration at noon on Saturday and Sunday.
Bring a picnic or enjoy the offerings at the trial site. Admission to the trial is $5.00. Children under 12 years of age are free.
Entrance to the field is on Old Mill Road. The field is located on the corner Old Mill Road & SW 220th. Parking for spectators is on Old Mill Road--on the road.
The trial will take place from dawn to dusk each day. Friday will be the less expereinced dogs and the top level competitors will be on the field all day on Saturday and Sunday.
There will be a variety of craft and food booths onsite. In addition a shearing demonstration at noon on Saturday and Sunday.
Bring a picnic or enjoy the offerings at the trial site. Admission to the trial is $5.00. Children under 12 years of age are free.
Entrance to the field is on Old Mill Road. The field is located on the corner Old Mill Road & SW 220th. Parking for spectators is on Old Mill Road--on the road.
Are Family Dogs Welcome?
Your well-behaved, friendly, quiet, and vaccinated dog is welcome to attend. Dogs who are overly enthusiastic about the event will be asked to stay in the car.
*Please keep your dog on a leash & don't forget to pick up after your dog.
For Your Safety!
Please do not approach or touch any of the working dogs without express permission of the handler. Many of these dogs are very intense--espcially at a competition.
Heidi Hanson and Pete 2010
We look forward to having you join us!
Several dogs from Vashon Island joining the 100 who will be in attendance from all over the Western US and Canada. Come on out and support the island dogs!
Bring a chair, binoculars, and dress for the weather.
Bring a chair, binoculars, and dress for the weather.
Explore the Area
One of our sponsors, Madrona Cove welcomes all Sheepdog spectators and participants to go for a walk on the community’s trails, and to enjoy the serenity of their private beach – dogs welcome! Click here for directions to Madrona Cove.
Where to Stay on Vashon Island
Swallow's Nest Guest Cottages
The Swallow's Nest affords travelers the opportunity to sojourn in a peaceful, country retreat. Eight charming cottages in four separate locations are furnished in a comfortable, warm, manner with plants, a rocking or arm chair, television, light cooking facilities, books, magazines, and a supply of tea, cocoa and fresh coffee. Two of the cottages have a magnificent view of Mount Rainier and the Puget Sound. Well behaved dogs are welcome with approval from management.
Lavender Hill Farm
Lavender Hill Farm welcomes sheepdog classic participants and spectators. This 6 bedroom, 3 bath 1930's farmhouse situated on the Burton Hill overlooking Quartermaster Harbor and Mt. Rainier is available for weekly or weekend rental. A gourmet kitchen, fireplace, gardens, as well as flat screen TVs, cable, wifi and two large tables for outdoor and indoor dining await our guests. All linens, towels and necessities provided. Well-behaved dogs permitted with approval. The farm sleeps up to 14 guests.
Visit www.vrbo.com/301090, www.lavenderhillvashon.com or call 323-376-6444 for rates.
Visit www.vrbo.com/301090, www.lavenderhillvashon.com or call 323-376-6444 for rates.
Bed & Breakfasts
Vashon has many B&B options to choose from. Please visit www.vashonchamber.com for more information on lodging and facilities.
www.vacationrentals.com/vashon
or
www.vrbo.com/vashon
www.vacationrentals.com/vashon
or
www.vrbo.com/vashon
What to expect at a sheepdog trial...
At a sheepdog trial you will have an opportunity to see dogs that work full time on farms and ranches as well as dogs that are from a non-farming households.
Regardless of the dog’s background the expectation is the same; the dog is to handle the sheep in a precise and efficient manner. The work of the dog should limit the stress of moving the sheep by maintaining a calm and forthright style.
The Misty Isle course will be based on the classic international courses used throughout the United Kingdom, the US, and Canada. Each segment of the course platforms a strong partnership between the dog and the handler. It is almost a 50% spilt in the teamwork of handler & dog. And that is not just reserved for competitions. The partnership becomes very clear when practical work is being done on the farm or ranch.
In order to become a good trial dog the owner must be committed to training their dog several times a week, if not more. It takes time, patience, and practice to help a dog reach the level of ability you will see.
Regardless of the dog’s background the expectation is the same; the dog is to handle the sheep in a precise and efficient manner. The work of the dog should limit the stress of moving the sheep by maintaining a calm and forthright style.
The Misty Isle course will be based on the classic international courses used throughout the United Kingdom, the US, and Canada. Each segment of the course platforms a strong partnership between the dog and the handler. It is almost a 50% spilt in the teamwork of handler & dog. And that is not just reserved for competitions. The partnership becomes very clear when practical work is being done on the farm or ranch.
In order to become a good trial dog the owner must be committed to training their dog several times a week, if not more. It takes time, patience, and practice to help a dog reach the level of ability you will see.
How are the dogs judged?
Everyone starts out with an allotted amount of points and the judge begins to deduct points for errors in the work. The sheep needed to be treated with respect and kindness--a "grip" or a dog that bites a sheep is, in almost all cases, cause for a quick disqualification.
The Judged Phases of Work:
The Outrun (20 points): This is when the dog leaves the handler’s feet and sets off to gather the sheep set at the end of the field. They will need to run approximately 300 yards to reach the sheep at Misty Isle Farm. The Outrun should be “pear” shaped. It needs to be wide and deep enough not to disturb the sheep until they are behind them and able to bring them in a direct line back toward their handler.
The Lift(10 points): The lift is one of the most important aspects of the run because it is when the dog first makes contact with the sheep and establishes their relationship. It may only take seconds but it can make or break the success of the run.
The Fetch(20 points): The Fetch is the line of travel once the sheep have begun their travel toward the handler. It should be as efficient and straight as possible. Many times their are gates that the sheep need to pass through half way down the fetch-line. The sheep are then brought behind the handler and begin the Drive.
The Drive(30 points): The next segment of work is the Drive. This is where the dogs show their ability to keep control of the sheep while taking directional cues from the handler to move the sheep through a series of gates. Swerving about or other wasteful movements can cause point deductions, as does missing the gates.
The Pen(10 points): Once the drive is complete and the dog has returned the sheep to the handler they need to work together to put the sheep in a pen.
The Shed(10 points): The team must split off two sheep as the judge has directed. In most cases it is the two back sheep that the dog needs to split and take control. Similar to cutting horses holding a cow, the dog needs to out maneuver the chosen sheep.
The Judged Phases of Work:
The Outrun (20 points): This is when the dog leaves the handler’s feet and sets off to gather the sheep set at the end of the field. They will need to run approximately 300 yards to reach the sheep at Misty Isle Farm. The Outrun should be “pear” shaped. It needs to be wide and deep enough not to disturb the sheep until they are behind them and able to bring them in a direct line back toward their handler.
The Lift(10 points): The lift is one of the most important aspects of the run because it is when the dog first makes contact with the sheep and establishes their relationship. It may only take seconds but it can make or break the success of the run.
The Fetch(20 points): The Fetch is the line of travel once the sheep have begun their travel toward the handler. It should be as efficient and straight as possible. Many times their are gates that the sheep need to pass through half way down the fetch-line. The sheep are then brought behind the handler and begin the Drive.
The Drive(30 points): The next segment of work is the Drive. This is where the dogs show their ability to keep control of the sheep while taking directional cues from the handler to move the sheep through a series of gates. Swerving about or other wasteful movements can cause point deductions, as does missing the gates.
The Pen(10 points): Once the drive is complete and the dog has returned the sheep to the handler they need to work together to put the sheep in a pen.
The Shed(10 points): The team must split off two sheep as the judge has directed. In most cases it is the two back sheep that the dog needs to split and take control. Similar to cutting horses holding a cow, the dog needs to out maneuver the chosen sheep.
