2019 Handler Information
Entries will open on January 15th-19th. All will be treated with equal prioirty. Entries received after will be prioritized by postmark.
Join us in June!
The Vashon Sheepdog Classic has been raising funds for island youth programs since 2010. Your entries are a significant donation to our community. Over $120,000 has been given to various youth groups including Partners In Education. PIE has organized the Dog Sponsor program for years and we are thankful for your handler participation.
Our community enjoys VSDC and we hope you do too.
Photo: Joe Haynes and his 2015 "Smart Dog" Pepper together with their sponsor family.
Our community enjoys VSDC and we hope you do too.
Photo: Joe Haynes and his 2015 "Smart Dog" Pepper together with their sponsor family.
Trial Information and Entry Form
Judge: We are honored to have Angie Blackmore join us on Vashon island for the 2019 Vashon Sheepdog Classic.
Nursery/Pro-Novice Course: The trial will consist of a Pro-Novice and Nursery course on Thursday. The outrun is approximately 250 yards of rolling terrain. The drive will be approximately 150 yards total. Sheep will be fresh and challenging.
Open Course: We will have three one day Open trials. The outrun is approximately 425 yards over rolling terrain. The drive is approximately 350 yards in rolling terrain and several spots where dog or sheep are out of sight from handler. Course may have a shed, a pen, and a single or possibly a marked shed. Sheep will need to be remixed each day. We usually do this well before needed, usually at 1:00 each day.
Sheep: Wahl Family Meats of the Willamette Valley will be supplying the sheep this year. We expect approximately 300 to make the trip to Vashon Island. The Wahl Family supplies lamb to Umpqua Valley Lamb. Available in the Puget Sound area at PCC markets. To learn more: www.wahlfamilymeats.com
Entry: New Opening Dates for 2019 Entries! Entries open JANUARY 15-19TH. Entries received between those days will have first priority in the event. Entries will then be prioritized by postmark. If a draw needs to occur it will be done by handler.
Nursery/Pro-Novice Course: The trial will consist of a Pro-Novice and Nursery course on Thursday. The outrun is approximately 250 yards of rolling terrain. The drive will be approximately 150 yards total. Sheep will be fresh and challenging.
Open Course: We will have three one day Open trials. The outrun is approximately 425 yards over rolling terrain. The drive is approximately 350 yards in rolling terrain and several spots where dog or sheep are out of sight from handler. Course may have a shed, a pen, and a single or possibly a marked shed. Sheep will need to be remixed each day. We usually do this well before needed, usually at 1:00 each day.
Sheep: Wahl Family Meats of the Willamette Valley will be supplying the sheep this year. We expect approximately 300 to make the trip to Vashon Island. The Wahl Family supplies lamb to Umpqua Valley Lamb. Available in the Puget Sound area at PCC markets. To learn more: www.wahlfamilymeats.com
Entry: New Opening Dates for 2019 Entries! Entries open JANUARY 15-19TH. Entries received between those days will have first priority in the event. Entries will then be prioritized by postmark. If a draw needs to occur it will be done by handler.
2019 Entry--Click to download:
| 2019_entry_vsdc.pdf |
Handler Camp Directions: 2018 Camping will be at Paradise Ridge Horse Park 1/2 mile east of trial field.
- Here is the lowdown on what to expect at the Vashon Sheepdog Classic.
Volunteers:
We couldn’t run a trial like this without the help of our stock dog community. Many thanks to all willing to lend a hand.
Day Parking:
Parking at the trial field is available through the main gate and on the road. Since there is only one gate shared with people arriving on foot and handler cars/trucks,
Old Mill Road will be converted to a one-way road during the event. Traffic will flow SOUTH. Get onto Old Mill via SW 220th. If you downloaded directions from the website, this is the same route.
- No car access between 10am-4pm on Fri, Sat, Sun. Come early and park in handler area-- stay the day. Or park on the road near handler area.
- Due to the snug parking situation, only dog trailers will be allowed to park in the handler area. Larger trailers/horse trailers will not be permitted.
- Please bring ample shade and water for your dogs. Pop-ups are just fine but please park close to your neighbors.
Overnight Camping:
- Handlers Only: Camping for trailers and tents available at the Paradise Ridge Horse Park.
- If you are looking for a shower, there are free public showers at Dockton Marine Park (about 5 miles away) or you can use the locker room showers at the Vashon Athletic Club for a fee. VAC is between DIG Nursery and Mom's Deli & Grocery/ 76 Station on Vashon Highway just south of SW 188th St.
Walking Dogs:
There are some wonderful open spaces to run dogs on the island. We will have maps in your swag bags and would be happy to point you to trails and beaches.
Gray Muzzle Championship:
This class is for dogs 9 years and older. We will keep track of the senior dogs' scores and the high-combined senior dog will take home the Gray Muzzle Champion prize. You must indicate your dog's age on entry to participate.
Sportsmanship:
We expect a high level of sportsmanship. The judge will be supported if a handler needs to be disqualified for excessive yelling/screaming/anger directed at their dog, because their dog is over-heating and not allowed to go to water, and if their dog is chasing sheep or otherwise harassing them, with or without a grip.
Other stuff:
The word got out that this is a “must do” event and we are preparing for a large crowd of spectators. For those who have competed here before, you know that we have an engaged group of spectators who are quite outgoing and enjoy visiting with you.
If you and your dog would like quieter digs then please utilize the “handlers only” area behind the trees where there is ample room and lots of shade.
There will be a variety of photographers, videographers and press at the trial. All access will be controlled so you don’t need to worry or be surprised.
Partners In Education (PIE) has been running the “Smart Dogs for Smart Kids” sponsor program and they will be connecting you with your sponsor for photos and introductions. A listing of sponsored dogs will be out before the trial.
Dog poop:
Please pick up after your dogs in the handlers' parking area and the spectator area. Bags will be provided. There will be a small, fenced potty area at the end of handler parking zone. You can also potty your dogs in the handlers' area--just toss the waste over the fence (scoops provided).
