USBHCA Judging Guidelines

Note: In February and August 2018, the Board of Directors voted to move judging guidelines previously in the USBCHA Rules to this Judging Guidelines. Those changes are highlighted in blue.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION

2 GENERAL

2.2 DISQUALIFICATIONS AND RETIRES

2.3 RERUNS

2.4 DECORUM, SPORTSMANSHIP & HUMANE RULES

3 SCORING A NATIONAL STYLE COURSE

3.1 OUTRUN (20 POINTS)

3.2 LIFT (10 POINTS)

3.3 FETCH (20 POINTS)

3.4 DRIVE (30 POINTS)

3.5 SHEDDING (10 POINTS)

3.6 PENNING (10 POINTS)

3.7 SINGLE (10 POINTS)

4 INTERNATIONAL GATHER (170 TOTAL POINTS)

1 INTRODUCTION

The stockdog trials sanctioned by the USBCHA (HA) are modeled directly after trials in Britain where both sheepdog trials and the Border Collie originated. The “Rules for Trials” and “Notes for the Guidance of Judges” developed by the ISDS are recognized by the HA as the foundation of how HA trials are to be run and judged.

The ISDS notes for judges, while brilliantly written and based on a long and proven history are, nevertheless, somewhat vague and open to misinterpretation. The notes lack details regarding the specifics of scoring. This has resulted in a large variation in scoring amongst judges and, in some cases, errors. To remedy this, the HA has assembled these Judging Guidelines. They attempt to standardize the way trials are judged by providing more detail and specifics on the numerous situations that can occur and how they should be scored. They should be of great value to educate both judges and competitors.

These guidelines were generated by a collaborative effort of a number of well-known handlers and judges. They are not intended as hard and fast rules that must be strictly obeyed on all occasions. As noted in the ISDS guidelines “Judges must take into consideration all the relevant circumstances and adjust deductions accordingly”. The HA cannot overstate this point. In the event, however, that a judge wishes to make a significant departure from these guidelines, handlers should be informed of this at the handlers’ meeting.

The HA believes that the future of Sheepdog Trials in North America is dependent upon judges of experience and integrity who are prepared to study and understand these Guidelines and then apply them impartially.

2 GENERAL

The object of a Trial Course is to test the ability of a dog to manage stock (sheep or goats) properly under the differing circumstances that may be encountered in everyday work. Hence the various tests such as Gathering, Driving, Shedding, Singling and Penning are all tasks that may be necessary as the shepherd goes about his or her daily work. The guiding philosophy behind judging a run should always be related to the practical aspects of real farm work. The Judges Responsibilities

Seeing that every competitor has a fair chance
Scoring each run to the same standard
Seeing that secretary/scribe is accurate in recording scores and keeping time
Disqualifying runs that violate certain rules on a consistent basis

2.2 Disqualifications and Retires

Runs can be prematurely terminated by the handler as a “Retire” (RT) or by the Judge as a “disqualification” (DQ). If the judge disqualifies a run, the judge or secretary or course director will notify the handler who should promptly exhaust the stock and leave the field.

Runs which result in a RT or DQ will receive no total score.

2.3 Reruns

If the Handler deems that he should have a rerun, the handler may indicate such to the judge up until the stock have completed the turn at the completion of the fetch. If no such request is made prior to the completion of the turn, then the handler has accepted the stock and may not later request a rerun. The judge may grant a rerun at any point during the run. When a rerun is granted, the score from the first run will be used up to the point where the judge feels that the condition requiring a rerun first affected the dog’s performance. Under no circumstances after the run may the handler approach the judge to request a rerun. This could result in DQ of all the handler’s dogs from the entire trial. The request must be made to the Course Director or a member of the Trial Committee.

With few exceptions left to the judge’s discretion, a rerun should be given if the wrong number of sheep has been let out, sheep are incorrectly marked, or one or more sheep is unsound for working. In these cases, the judge shall decide if the rerun will commence at the beginning and, if not, at which point it will start. If decided that the rerun starts at any point other than the beginning, the points scored up to the point of rerun shall stand.

When a rerun is granted, the handler shall send the dog in the same direction as the original run unless otherwise instructed by the Judge.

2.4 Decorum, Sportsmanship & Humane Rules

Any conduct not in the best interests of the sport either before, during or after a run can result in a DQ, the handler being reported to the HA, or removal of the handler from the trial field, or all three. This includes unsportsmanlike conduct such as foul or abusive language or actions, any loud remarks made about the judging within earshot of the judge, encouraging aggressive behavior toward the stock by the dog, or deliberate abuse of the stock or dog by the handler. Handlers are possible role models for the general public who admire their abilities with their dogs and their performances on the trial field. Handlers should treat their sport, their fellow competitors, the stock, their dogs and the judge with the same respect that they would like to receive. The good conduct and sportsmanship of dog handlers has been admired for centuries and it is the responsibility of every handler to protect that image. Handlers should try to take defeat with the same grace as they enjoy success.

Handlers should identify themselves and their dogs to the judge or the judge’s secretary when requested to do so. Under no circumstances, however, should handlers approach the judge while the judge is working, for discussions on any subject. Handlers should not make any comments in earshot of the judge that could possibly be construed as efforts to influence the judge’s scoring or represent an opinion of the handler about the judge’s scores or abilities. Such behavior could result in an immediate DQ and reporting to the HA for disciplinary action where such action appears appropriate.

Water shall always be available on the field for cooling a dog. Handlers should be allowed to direct a dog to the water and the dog use the water with no points penalty. Handlers should not leave the post to go to the water with the dog. However, if the handler is moving to the shedding ring or moving to the pen, he/she may detour to the water but should not continue to work. The clock will not be stopped. Actions of the stock are still being judged and may result in a loss of points, up to disqualification, if the stock leaves the trial area.

At the recommendation of the veterinarian, course director, or at the discretion of the judge, a sick or injured dog will not be allowed to compete.

2.5 Course Set-up

The judge should have an opportunity to examine the course and suggest any alterations that the judge thinks would improve the trial. Special consideration should be given to the judge’s opinion in areas in which the judge feels that the nature of the course could affect the ability to adequately judge the work of the dogs. However, the setting up of the course is the responsibility of the local organizing committee or trial manager and they will have the final determination as to the layout of the course.

2.6 Stock Handling

Excessive chasing of the stock by the dog is abusive to the stock and such actions can result in disqualification. While grips should generally be disqualified, it is possible that aggressive behavior by the stock toward the dog will sometimes leave the dog with no alternative except to grip. In such a case, provided the grip is appropriate, it should not be penalized. In such cases, the judge must consider whether prior actions by the dog have caused this behavior in the stock. If the judge deems that the dog has caused this behavior, the dog can be disqualified.

In situations where, after a prolonged period of effort the dog is unable to shift the stock, the judge may disqualify the team.

2.7 Touching Sheep

In any USBCHA sanctioned trial, a handler who touches the sheep shall be penalized by loss of points as the judge thinks appropriate in the circumstances.

2.8 Command

In considering “Command,” the handler who gives fewer commands and who works the dog quietly shall be preferred to the handler who over-commands and works the dog noisily, to be judged with regard to the circumstances. In the case of a dog, its obedience to commands given shall be the sole consideration. The points for “Command” are included in the points awarded for each phase of work.

2.9 Style

Style maybe otherwise defined as a dog’s attitude to his work and his method of doing it. His attention should be on his master’s commands. Inattention, turning away from his sheep, unsteadiness or rashness all amount to poor style and should be penalized. As with command, style is included in the points allowed for each phase of the work.

3 SCORING A NATIONAL STYLE COURSE

3.1 Outrun (20 points)

The set-out crew should keep the stock settled at a location as near the “set-out post” as possible. The crew should attempt to keep the stock in that general area until the competing dog either affects the stock on his outrun by coming in tight or straight or the dog has completed his outrun and is ready to begin his lift. The harder the stock is to hold the quieter the set-out dog and handler must be.

Once the competing dog is sent on his outrun, there should be no whistling, shouting, waving of sticks or rash behavior by either the setout crew or their dogs. If it is necessary to recall the setout dog prior to the lift it should be without affecting the stock. Any of the aforementioned acts could result in not giving the competitor a fair chance to show the dog. Consideration should be given to the behavior of the stock. In scoring the outrun, lift and fetch, the judge must also consider the behavior of the set-out crew.

The dog must be positioned close to the handler/post. The handler will remain at the post from the commencement of the run and remain at the post until the first of the stock enters the shedding ring when a shed is required after the drive. The dog should run out, either right or left, in a cast that is neither too straight nor too wide, arriving behind his stock at a sufficient distance from them not to disturb them. Should the stock have moved, or be moving from the post, the correct end to the outrun should be when the dog is in a position to bring them straight to the first obstacle. A command by whistle should be considered the same as a spoken command. The dog should not stop and should not cut in. It is obviously more serious if a dog stops on his outrun than if he receives a re-direction without stopping and judges should mark accordingly.

Waiting for the stock to settle after being set out is permitted. However, the handler should be

at the post and ready to send the dog as soon as possible. A good outrun should be the shape of one side of a pear with the blunt end of the pear at the stock’s end of the course (an outrun in the shape of a half circle is also be acceptable). The dog should finish the outrun far enough away from the stock so as not to disturb them. The outrun lasts from the time the dog is set in motion until the dog is in a position to lift the stock. The fence may interfere with the distance the dog can keep from the stock. Any penalties assessed will need to take this into account if it proves to be a factor.

Most judges do not judge the outrun until the lift is complete, as often the lift will indicate if the dog has run out to the correct place. If the dog walks straight toward the stock and they do not lift straight to the handler (or the first obstacle) then the dog may not have stopped in the correct place on his outrun.

Dog set up more than four yards from the handler.	1-2 points
Dog set up more than 10 yards from the handler.	3-10 points
Dog sent before the handler reaches the post.	1-2 points
Handler slingshots the dog from behind him at the beginning of the outrun.	0-2 points
Dog runs too square at the beginning of the outrun.	1-4 points
Dog runs straight up the field (minimum 10 points).	10-19 points
Dog crosses the centerline of the field in front of the handler (minimum 10 points).	10-19 points
Dog runs too wide (minimum 1/2 point).	½ -10 points
Dog runs to exhaust pen.	4-10 points
Dog recalled to post and re-sent.	19 points
Dog that is stopped or stops himself and is re-directed (minimum of 2 points).	2-4 points
Dog that is given a stop whistle and re-direct before stopping (minimum of 2 points).	2-4 points
Dog that is re-directed on the run (minimum 1/2 point).	½ -3 points
Dog that is given whistle to keep going in the same direction.	½ -2 points
Dog stops short (i.e.…. 11:00 or 1:00) or is stopped by the handler causing the stock to lift off-line.	1-2 points
Dog stops short as above and receives a re-direct.	1 point (plus points for stopping short)
Dog stops short between 3:00 and 1:00 or 9:00 and 11:00 causing the stock to lift off-line.	2-4 points
Dog stops short as above and receives a re-direct.	1-2 points (plus points for stopping short)
Dog over runs.	1-5 points
Dog off course.	5 points-DQ
Dog walks the last part of the outrun (i.e. 20 yards).	1-3 points
Dog buzzing stock on the outrun and causing them to lift off-line.	3-8 points
Dog is tight at the end of the outrun and disturbs the stock.	2-5 points
Dog runs to holding pen but comes to stock with 1-2 commands.	3-6 points
Dog runs to holding pen and requires many commands to come to the stock.	5-15 points
Dog stops to sniff the se-out dog.	1-3 points
Dog performing bodily functions on the course (This is the same point deduction no matter where on the course it might occur).	3-6 points
Dog spinning on the outrun.	2-4 points.
Dog turning tail at any time.	2-5 points
Dog turns around on the outrun and starts back to the handler.	4-8 points
Dog turns around on the outrun and comes back some distance to the handler.	8-12 points

3.2 LIFT (10 points)

At the end of the outrun, whether the dog has come to a full stop or merely slowed down, his approach to the stock should be smooth, cautious and steady. The main feature of the “lift” is an ability to take control in a firm and quiet manner without disturbing the stock.

The dog should not rush in and thus startle the stock and should not lie back and require numerous commands before getting the stock to move.

Judges will deduct points for excessive commands, rash or rough work, slowness of approach, and any other faults. The stock should be lifted directly toward the first obstacle on the course (fetch gates or handlers’ post if there is no fetch gate).

In scoring faults, consideration should be given to whether there is heavy pressure back to the set-out pen, wool blindness, rough terrain, lifting hungry stock off feed, or interference from the set-out crew or their dogs.

Dog doesn’t lift the stock straight toward the fetch gates.	0-3 points
Dog lifts stock back toward the let-out pen.	3-5 points
Dog rushes in and splits the stock.	4-9 points
Dog rushes the stock causing them to start too quickly.	2-8 points
Dog grips because it can’t shift the stock.	5 points -DQ
Dog lifts stock too slowly (without commands).	1-5 points
Dog requires excessive commands to lift the stock (more than one or two commands). Per commands after the first two.	1/2-1 point
Dog flanks to move the stock. Per flank.	1-3 points

3.3 FETCH (20 points)

Once the stock is on the move (lifted), they should be brought at a steady pace and in a straight line from the place of lifting through the gates and thereafter in a straight line to the handler. If the stock were spotted off line, they should not be brought back on line, but if the dog forces them off line by being tight on his outrun, they should be brought on line before beginning the fetch.

The dog should not hurry or over-flank the stock, especially if this means causing the stock to cross the course in a zigzag movement. Judges should consider all the relevant circumstances contributing to the missing of the gate and adjust their scoring accordingly.

The fetch ends when the stock has passed around behind the handler as close to the post as practical. If the stock initially misses the turn (goes on the wrong side of the post), the handler should make a reasonable attempt to get the stock around the post correctly before going on with the drive. If the handler is unable to get the sheep around the post in correct direction, the judge will deduct points for the missed obstacle as is appropriate and will continue to score the run.

The whole work should be in a steady smooth manner. Over flanking, unsteadiness, rushing, missing gates, deviation from line, and other faults will all be penalized, considering the disposition of the stock and the circumstances at hand. As with all parts of the course, failure to complete this phase of work before going on to the next phase will result in disqualification.

Dog fetches the stock down the field too fast.	1-4 points
Dog chases stock down the field.	4-8 points
Dog brings the stock too slowly. (Time should sort out this problem).	0 points
Dog allows the stock to stop. Per stop.	0-1 point
Stock is off line all the way from the lift to the handler.	8-19 points
Off the required line all the way but hit the fetch gates.	10-16 points
Off line slightly then back on line.	1 point
10-30 yards off line and back on line quickly.	1-4 points
10-30 yards off line and allowed to remain off line for some distance.	2-8 points
Miss the fetch gates. Per head (minimum 1 point) (not to exceed 8 points for a missed panel).	1-2 points
Stock misses the fetch gates and then handler retries the gate. Deduction above for missing the gate plus.	3-5 points
Dog turning in circles or turning tail (this is the same deduction no matter where on the course It might occur). Per turn.	2-5 points
Dog allowing stock to spread out through lack of pressure.	1-3 points
Stock being allowed to graze through lack of pressure from the dog. Per stop.	1-2 points
Dog flanking excessively behind the stock instead of walking on. Per flank.	1/2-1 point
Handler commanding excessively.	1-4 points
Dog comes around in front of the stock (out of control). (Minimum deduction 3 points).	3-10 points
Dog circling stock. (Minimum deduction 3 points).	4-10 points
Dog turning stock back toward the set-out. (Minimum deduction 1 point).	1-8 points
Dog turning back for non-existent stock. (Minimum 2 points).	2-6 points
All stock going the wrong way around the post and continuing on with the drive.	8-10 points
All stock go the wrong way around the post and are brought back and taken around the post correctly.	2-6 points
All stock go part way around the post in the wrong direction and are brought back and taken around the post correctly.	1-5 points
If a legitimate effort has been made to turn the post but all the stock turn in front of the post.	6-12 points
One head goes around the post and the others don’t. Per head. (not to exceed 8 points).	2-3 points
All the stock go around the post but the turn is wide.	1-6 points
Dog leaves the stock and starts back to the handler.	1-10 points
Dog brings the stock back through the obstacle. Per head. (not to exceed 8 points).	1-2 points
If no attempt is made to turn the post.	DQ

3.4 DRIVE (30 points)

The “Drive” usually takes place in a triangular pattern and can be run either from the left to right or right to left. The first leg of the triangle starts immediately as the stock pass behind the handler. The stock is required to go in a straight line to the first set of gates.

Having either made or missed the first gate, the stock should be turned immediately on to a direct line across the course to the second set of gates. When these gates are either made or missed, the stock should then be turned as neatly as possible on to a straight line to the shedding ring or pen, whichever is required. The dog should show obvious ability to drive steadily without excessive commands. Reasonable turns at the post and at both gates are expected. Good handling in difficult situations will be taken into consideration by the judge. As in the fetch, the gates are guides to the alignment of the stock. Throughout the drive, the stock should be kept moving gently. Bursts of speed and subsequent stopping are not desirable and should be penalized. If a gate is missed, the judge must consider all the relevant circumstances contributing to the miss and adjust deductions accordingly. The handler must remain at the post until the stock enters the shedding ring when a shed is required after the drive.

When the drive is followed by a pen, the handler may proceed to the pen after the stock have made or missed the final drive obstacle. However the drive is not completed until the stock are in what the judge deems to be the penning area. When the shed follows the drive, the handler will remain at the post until the first of the stock has entered the shedding area.

Any deviation from line, missing gates, rashness, circling stock or other faults will be penalized with due consideration to the disposition of the stock and all other circumstances. An honest attempt must be made for each drive obstacle. If the dog is unable to drive the stock to, through or past an obstacle, it may not proceed without loss of points and may be asked to retire.

Dog flanking back around the handler to start the drive.	0-1 point
Handler moving more than 4 yards from the post.	1-3 points
Dog repeatedly looking back at the handler. Per look.	0-1 point
Dog turning right around and looking at the handler.	1-3 points
Dog turning to look at the handler and then continuing around to make a complete circle.	2-5 points
Dog moves the stock too fast.	1-4 points
Dog moves the stock too slowly. (Time should sort out this problem.)	0 points
Lack of pressure from the dog allows the stock to stop. Per stop.	0-1 points
Off line slightly then back on line.	1 point
10-30 yards off line and allowed to remain off line for some distance.	2-8 points
Dog turning in circles or turning tail. Per turn.	3-5 points
Dog allowing stock to spread out through lack of pressure.	1-3 points
Stock being allowed to graze through lack of pressure from the dog. Per stop.	1-2 points
Dog flanking excessively behind the stock instead of walking on.	1-8 points
Handler commanding excessively.	1-4 points
Dog comes around in front of the stock (out of control). (Minimum deduction 3 points).	3-10 points
Dog then turns the stock and drives them in the wrong direction on the course. Additional deduction.	2-8 points
Dog circling stock. (Minimum deduction 3 points).	3-10 points
Dog turning back to non-existent stock. (Minimum 2 points).	2-6 points
Stock miss gate. Per head (not to exceed 8 points for a missed panel).	1-2 points
Stock is brought back through the gate the wrong way. Per head (not to exceed 8 points for a missed panel).	1-2 points
Stock miss the gate and the handler retries the Gate. Deduction above for missing the gate plus additional points.	3-5 points
Wide turn at the gates.	1-4 points
Stock turns the wrong way after the obstacle.	1-5 points
Handler leaves the post before the stock is in the shedding area.	1-2 points
Handler enters the shedding ring before the first of the stock is in the ring.	2-4 points

3.5 SHEDDING (10 points)

There should be a clearly designated area for shedding. Although circumstances may dictate a smaller area or an unmarked ring, it is preferable that such an area be clearly marked and should measure 40 yards in diameter. When the shed is after the pen, the handler will proceed to the shedding ring, leaving the dog to bring the stock from the pen to the ring. The handler is forbidden to assist the dog in moving the stock. When the shed follows the drive, the handler will remain at the post until the first of the stock have entered the shedding area.

Having gotten the stock suitably positioned the dog should come in and take off the required stock and, once having taken them off, the dog must have them under control before the shed can be deemed satisfactory. Too much assistance on the part of the handler should be penalized as not allowing the dog to demonstrate his shedding ability to the judge. Nevertheless, the circumstances at hand should determine the appropriate point deduction. When the judge is requiring the last animals be shed, the judge should clearly explain to competitors how the judge is judging this work.

The dog must take full control of the shed stock to the judge’s satisfaction, otherwise the shed will not be deemed satisfactory and the shed should be penalized or the handler asked to reshed by the judge. Shedding must be done within the ring. Sheds performed outside the shedding area should not be accepted but must be repeated in the shedding area. Judges will apply suitable penalty in the case of ragged work, sheep moving out of the ring, splitting the stock incorrectly, when the shed is done by the handler, when opportunity to shed is missed etc. The test here being to ensure that the dog can shed off and control the required sheep.

On completion of the shedding, the dog will reunite all of the sheep, not necessarily within the ring but in a practical and workmanlike manner, and the handler must proceed to the pen, leaving the dog to bring the sheep to the pen.

Stock leave the ring. Per head.	½ -2 points
Dog chasing stock out of the ring. Per head.	1 point
Dog coming in between the handler and the stock before there is a shed.	2-5 points
Missed opportunity to shed.	1-3 points
Shed tried but not accomplished.	3-5 points
Handler provided too much assistance in making the shed and shed completed.	1-5 points
Handler provided too much assistance in holding, wearing or stopping the stock before or after the dog comes in for the shed.	1-5 points
Handler asking the dog repeatedly to come in because of hesitation or slowness on the dog’s part.	1-5 points
Dog flagging tail as he comes in to shed.	1-2 points
Dog turning on the wrong stock before turning to the correct stock.	2-5 points
Dog looking at the wrong stock on the way in on the shed.	0-2 points
Shed stock out of the ring before the dog is in control.	1-5 points
Unwanted stock is out of the ring before the dog has turned toward the shed stock.	2-5 points
Some or all of the stock are out of the ring when the dog is asked to shed. Dog must re-shed the stock in the ring.	3-5 points
Handler slow to ask the dog in on an opportunity.	1-3 points
Shed stock is allowed to rejoin the others before the shed is accepted by the judge. Must re-shed.	3-5 points

3.6 PENNING (10 points)

On completion of the shed, the handler must proceed to the pen, leaving the dog to bring the stock. The handler is forbidden to assist the dog in driving the stock to the pen. The handler will keep hold of the gate rope (6 ft. long) until the dog works the sheep into the pen and the gate is closed. The handler may assist the dog, but over assistance should be penalized, as should stock circling the pen or making breaks away from the pen, unsteadiness, rashness, slackness, or any other fault shown by the dog. Scoring for the pen begins when the stock is within 10 yards of the pen, or it is obvious that the penning has begun, in cases of the pen following the drive. When the pen follows the shed, the pen begins upon the judge’s acceptance of the shed. The pen is completed when the stock has been removed and the pen gate has been closed and fastened.

Handler assists the dog in getting the stock from the shedding ring to the pen.	3-8 points
Stock breaks around the pen. Per head.	½ -1 point
Stock gets out of the working area at the mouth of the pen.	1-3 points
Stock goes into the pen and then gets back out before the gate is closed.	2-5 points
Bumping stock with the gate.	1-3 points
Hitting stock hard with the gate. (Minimum 5 points)	5 points-DQ
Touching stock with crook or cane.	5 points-DQ
Hitting stock with crook or cane.	DQ
Stock goes into the pen with the dog way out of contact.	1-3 points
Dog circles the pen opposite direction to the stock to prevent the stock from going around the pen.	1-3 points
When the shed follows the pen and the handler must go into the pen to assist the dog in bringing out the sheep.	0-1 point
Dog giving ground as a result of being pressured by the stock.	1-5 points
Handler jumping, shouting, stamping while the dog lies back doing nothing.	1-4 points
Handler closes the pen gate before all the stock is penned.	DQ
Handler lets go of the rope accidentally.	0-1 point
Handler lets go of the rope to assist the dog.	DQ
Stock become entangled in the rope and the handler doesn’t let go of the rope to release the stock in a reasonable manner.	5 points-DQ
Handler fails to close the gate once the stock is penned. Stock must be re-penned.	3-5 points
Handler slams the gate in an unsportsmanlike manner.	2-5 points
After the handler leaves the pen, having made a reasonable attempt to close and secure the gate, it re-opens.	0 point
A poor attempt is made to close the pen gate and it re-opens.	1-2 points
No attempt is made to close the pen gate after the pen is completed and the sheep are removed.	2-5 points
Pen gate is nearly closed to keep some of the stock in the pen while the others are being worked.	0-1 point

3.7 SINGLE (10 points)

There should be a clearly designated area for singling. Although circumstances may dictate a smaller area or an unmarked ring, it is preferable that such an area is clearly marked and should measure 40 yards in diameter. When the single is after the pen, the handler will proceed to the shedding ring, leaving the dog to bring the stock from the pen to the ring. Again, the handler is forbidden to assist the dog in moving the stock. When the single follows the drive, the handler will remain at the post until the first of the stock has entered the shedding area.

One head will be shed off within the shedding area and thereafter worn (inside or outside the ring) to the judge’s satisfaction. The cut off must be done within the ring, but the wearing may be outside or inside the ring, the test being the dog’s ability to hold or completely control a single. While shedding is a partnership between the handler and the dog, too much assistance on the part of the handler should be penalized as not allowing the dog to demonstrate his shedding ability to the judge. Handlers are forbidden to assist the dog in driving off or attempting to drive off the single any distance or by forcing the stock onto the dog. When the judge is requiring the last one be shed, the judge should clearly explain to competitors how the judge is judging this work.

If the judge feels that the dog has not been fairly tested owing to the disposition and action of the sheep he may order the handler to collect the stock again and shed off and wear any other animal. As with the shed the dog, not the handler, should come in and cut off the single. The greatest help the handler can give the dog is by getting out of the way and allowing the dog room to prove his ability to take off and wear a single. It is essential that the dog should be able to keep the single away from the remainder and the judge should not express satisfaction until the dog has been thoroughly tested. The judge when deciding whether the single has been effectively completed should consider the behavior of the stock.

Dog crosses between the handler and the stock either in the ring or on the way from the pen to the ring.	2-5 points
Dog crosses between the sheep and the shedding area on the way from the pen to the shedding area.	1-2 points
Dog turns the sheep around the pen before bringing them to the shedding area.	2-4 points
Dog does not bring the stock directly into the shedding area.	2-4 points
Stock leaves the ring. Per head.	1/2-2 points
Dog chasing stock out of the ring.	1-5 points
Missed an opportunity to shed.	1-3 points
Shed tried but not accomplished.	3-5 points
Handler provided too much assistance in making the shed and shed completed.	1-5 points
Handler provided too much assistance in holding, wearing or stopping the stock before or after the dog comes in for the shed.	1-5 points
Handler asking the dog repeatedly to come in because of hesitation or slowness on the dog’s part.	1-5 points
Dog flagging tail as he comes in to shed.	1-2 points
Dog turning on the wrong animals before turning on to the correct stock.	2-5 points
Dog looking at the wrong group on the way in on the shed.	0-2 points
Shed animals out of the ring before the dog is in control.	1-5 points
Unwanted stock is out of the ring before the dog has turned toward the shed stock.	2-5 points
Some or all of the stock are out of the ring when the dog is asked to shed. Dog must re-shed the stock in the ring.	3-5 points
Handler is slow to ask a dog in on an opportunity.	1-3 points
Shed stock is allowed to rejoin the others before the shed is accepted by the judge. Must re-shed.	3-5 points

4 INTERNATIONAL GATHER (170 TOTAL POINTS)

International gather or double lift competition requires a dog to be cast in a predetermined direction to gather the first lot of animals. The stock will be brought through the fetch gates to a turn-back post located approximately twenty (20) or more yards through the gates. The dog is to leave the group at the point and cast out in the opposite direction of the first outrun to gather the second lot of animals.

When the first lot has been taken through the fetch gate to the turn-back post and the dog redirected for his second lot, the first lot might wander off the course. If so, when the second lot has reached the turn-back post (or it more suitable a point nearer the handler), the dog should be sent to bring the first lot back on to the course and to join with the second lot. At no time should the second group of animals be driven off the course to join up with others, which have strayed.

4.1 On the Turn-Back

Once the stock has reached the post inside the fetch gates, the first fetch is completed. Commands and actions of the dog should then be deducted from the second outrun. However, if the dog continues to work the stock while being directed toward his second lot, the actions of the stock may require additional deductions from the fetch score as well as deductions from the second outrun.

All of the deductions in the regular judging sections apply to the Double Lift with the following additions and changes. However, with the greater distances and larger number of stock involved, the deductions for redirects on the outruns and missing panels should be reduced depending upon the distances involved and number of animals.

4.2 Second Outrun

Dog crossing the course (the line for purposes of determining cross-overs on the second outrun is from the center of the back of the first group of animals straight back to the center of the front of the second group of animals.)	10-19 points
Dog may receive one command for going back and one directional command without penalty. Additional commands should be penalized per command.	1/2-1 point
Dog starts back for the second group of animals and then returns to the first group.	3-6 points
Dog must be called back to the handler and then cast off after the second group of animals.	19 points-DQ

4.3 Fetches & Drive

INTERNATIONAL DRIVE (40 Points): Both lots of sheep will be driven around a triangular course consisting of two sets of drive gates and will be completed when the sheep enter the shedding ring.

Dog deliberately brings the first group of animals off line before he accepts the command to go back for the second lot of animals.

3-8 points

Second group are deliberately fetched off line to join the first group (depending upon how far off line).

1-8 points

Missing an obstacle. Per head.

1/2 – 1 point

4.4 Shed

INTERNATIONAL SHEDDING (20 points): The unmarked sheep are to be shed off within the ring. The shedding must be done by the sheep being passed between the dog and handler with the dog being brought in to stop and turn back any marked sheep. If the sheep are passed between man and dog in the approved manner, it is occasionally possible to get rid of a considerable number, and provided the dog and man are properly positioned and the dog stops any marked sheep that tries to join with the unmarked lot, this is acceptable. There is no rule against the handler changing sides, but judges will assess whether a competitor who does so, or is compelled by circumstances to do so, can be as good as one who does not change over. If a marked sheep escapes to join a group of unmarked sheep, that group must be brought back into the shedding ring and reunited with the remaining sheep before the shedding can proceed.

Handler and dog change sides. Per occurrence.	1-2 points
Shedding off unwanted animals and driving them away, rather than running the animals off between the dog and handler. Per occurrence-per head.	1-2 points
Marked animal leaves the ring and joins the unmarked animals. Group that the marked animal has joined must be regrouped in the ring before shedding can continue.	3-6 points
Stock outside the shedding ring per sheep.	up to ½ per head
Maneuvering all the collared stock to one end and shedding them off. Must re-shed.	5-6 points
Excessive maneuvering of the stock while they are grouped to sort the collared from the uncollared.	1-5 points
Shed stock rejoin the stock in the ring.	1-3 points
While penning, a collared animal breaks away and rejoins the uncollared animals. The handler must re-shed. Any points lost while penning should still be deducted from the pen should the pen be completed.	3-6 points
While penning, an uncollared animal attempts to join the collared animals and the dog must be turned on to the uncollared animals.	0 points

4.5 PEN

INTERNATIONAL PENNING (10 Points): The five marked sheep shall be penned in the same manner as described in the qualifying trials and so forth.

While penning, an uncollared animal rejoins the collared animals. The handler must re-shed.	2-4 points
Handler leaves the pen to prevent uncollared animals from joining collared animals.	5-9 points

Sheepdog Judging Guidelines PDF