#sheepdogtrials — Public Fediverse posts

The Australian National Sheep Dog Trial Championships wrapped up a couple of weeks back, with Ramulam Prickles being crowned champion. The result was quite the upset for border collie enthusiasts, as this is the first time in 70(ish?) years that a kelpie has taken the top spot.

Nevertheless, our champion remains nonchalant, taking the first available opportunity to leave the award ceremony and seek out some more sheep.

This photo was taken immediately after the award presentation. It had been a long and busy week for everyone, especially for the dogs and handlers who had competed in the finals, but our champ still looks bright eyed and ready to go.

#DogsOfMastodon #DogsOfFedi #Dogs #WorkingDogs #SheepdogTrials #AustralianKelpie #Sheepdog #Photography

The Australian National Sheep Dog Trial Championships wrapped up a couple of weeks back, with Ramulam Prickles being crowned champion. The result was quite the upset for border collie enthusiasts, as this is the first time in 70(ish?) years that a kelpie has taken the top spot.

Nevertheless, our champion remains nonchalant, taking the first available opportunity to leave the award ceremony and seek out some more sheep.

This photo was taken immediately after the award presentation. It had been a long and busy week for everyone, especially for the dogs and handlers who had competed in the finals, but our champ still looks bright eyed and ready to go.

#DogsOfMastodon #DogsOfFedi #Dogs #WorkingDogs #SheepdogTrials #AustralianKelpie #Sheepdog #Photography

The Australian National Sheep Dog Trial Championships wrapped up a couple of weeks back, with Ramulam Prickles being crowned champion. The result was quite the upset for border collie enthusiasts, as this is the first time in 70(ish?) years that a kelpie has taken the top spot.

Nevertheless, our champion remains nonchalant, taking the first available opportunity to leave the award ceremony and seek out some more sheep.

This photo was taken immediately after the award presentation. It had been a long and busy week for everyone, especially for the dogs and handlers who had competed in the finals, but our champ still looks bright eyed and ready to go.

#DogsOfMastodon #DogsOfFedi #Dogs #WorkingDogs #SheepdogTrials #AustralianKelpie #Sheepdog #Photography

The Australian National Sheep Dog Trial Championships wrapped up a couple of weeks back, with Ramulam Prickles being crowned champion. The result was quite the upset for border collie enthusiasts, as this is the first time in 70(ish?) years that a kelpie has taken the top spot.

Nevertheless, our champion remains nonchalant, taking the first available opportunity to leave the award ceremony and seek out some more sheep.

This photo was taken immediately after the award presentation. It had been a long and busy week for everyone, especially for the dogs and handlers who had competed in the finals, but our champ still looks bright eyed and ready to go.

#DogsOfMastodon #DogsOfFedi #Dogs #WorkingDogs #SheepdogTrials #AustralianKelpie #Sheepdog #Photography

The Australian National Sheep Dog Trial Championships wrapped up a couple of weeks back, with Ramulam Prickles being crowned champion. The result was quite the upset for border collie enthusiasts, as this is the first time in 70(ish?) years that a kelpie has taken the top spot.

Nevertheless, our champion remains nonchalant, taking the first available opportunity to leave the award ceremony and seek out some more sheep.

This photo was taken immediately after the award presentation. It had been a long and busy week for everyone, especially for the dogs and handlers who had competed in the finals, but our champ still looks bright eyed and ready to go.

#DogsOfMastodon #DogsOfFedi #Dogs #WorkingDogs #SheepdogTrials #AustralianKelpie #Sheepdog #Photography

Back at the yard trials again, we have an Australian Kelpie called Boof.

It was a hot, dry day and the sheep were being particularly cantankerous, but Boof took it all in his stride. With confidence, and a relaxed style, he was able to read the sheep and preempt every move. Slowly and calmly he guided the sheep with far more considered and methodical movements than some of the younger dogs were able to muster.

I feel this photo captures some of that easy-going and confident nature; no fear, no aggression, just getting the job done.

#DogsOfFedi #DogsOfMastodon #Dogs #WorkingDogs #Photography #Sheep #SheepdogTrials #AustralianKelpie #Sheepdog

This is Lulu, a competitor in a recent yard dog trial. I really love this shot showing her running across the sheep. These dogs have such personality and it really comes out when they're working.

Lulu was excited, alert and energetic, while remaining calm and under control. I think this can really be seen in the attitude of the sheep who are completely nonplussed by her running along their backs.

#Dogs #DogsOfMastodon #SheepDogs #Sheep #SheepdogTrials #WorkingDogs #Photography

After a busy couple of months at work, I have finally managed to squeeze in some dog photography.

Last weekend I swung past some yard dog trials being run at the local agricultural show. I'd never been to a yard trial before and I wasn't prepared for how different it would be to photograph (compared to the sheepdog trials I'm used to).

The smaller field allowed me to get much closer to the action, but the dogs were faster, and right in among the sheep, making it difficult to keep them in frame.

Nevertheless, out of over 4,000 photos from the day, I managed to get a few that I'm pretty happy with. Now I just need to find the time to edit them and get them uploaded...

#Dogs #DogsOfMastodon #SheepDogs #Sheep #SheepdogTrials
#WorkingDogs
#Photography

This fella's name is Boof, which certainly appeared to be an aptonym. I think this is probably one of my favourite dog names as it conveys a strong sense of personality which, in this case, the bearer was more than happy to lean into.

I got quite a few photos of this pup and not one of them was bad. Always showing off those bright eyes, pricked ears and flashing a smile, he hadn't allowed his tripedal configuration to slow him down; on the contrary, the 25% weight saving seems to have boosted his vigour. Which is lucky, because if there is one thing a Kelpie needs, it's more energy...

#Dogs #DogsOfMastodon #SheepDogs #SheepdogTrials #WorkingDogs #Photography

At a recent dog trial I promised a number of people that I would share my photos with them. While I'm normally extremely slow at editing my pics, I made a real effort this time to send them through as quickly as possible. And I've done it! I avoided procrastination and got photos out to everyone on my list! A rare achievement.

Oh wait, what about these lists from all the other shows I've been to? Maybe I should do something about that...

Nah! I'll edit some photos for Mastodon instead! Damn procrastination always wins in the end.

Here is the product of my procrastination. I can't remember this fella's name, but I met him at the 2023 Australian National Sheep Dog Trial Championship. I took quite a few shots across the day and every time he looked this happy.

His fur is a great colour to begin with, but the low sun gives it that extra shine.

#Dogs #DogsOfMastodon #SheepDogs #SheepdogTrials #WorkingDogs #Photography

They say to never work with kids or animals, but I don't think this applies to working dogs. Working dog owners are always keen to show off how well behaved and intelligent their dogs are, and the dogs are all too ready to oblige.

This is Eddie. He was such a pleasure to photograph. With a quick: 'go over there, sit down and look at the camera' from his owner I had the exact pose I was after. If only it were that easy with humans.

I can never hide how impressed I am at a dog's comprehension, and the dog can never hide how pleased they are that they managed to impress me!

#Dogs #DogsOfMastodon #SheepDogs #SheepdogTrials #WorkingDogs #Photography #BorderCollie

More dog trialling!

The weather's been getting a bit chilly to be standing out in a paddock with a camera, but I was silly enough to give it a go anyway.

This pup is called Bob and he has eyes that can stare into your soul. He's only a couple of months old but every time I saw him he was intently focused on one thing or another.

I can only imagine what a handful he'd be at home.

#Dogs #DogsOfMastodon #SheepDogs #SheepdogTrials #WorkingDogs #Photography

Loving this week’s episode of #BBC Scotland’s #Landward, with #mountainBiking in #Peeblesshire, and barn #owl #chicks in #Angus. So hitting lots of spots for Borderer me now living in Angus! Plus #sheepdog training and food cooking in the #EastNeuk of #Fife. https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001mykx/landward-2023-episode-11 #BBCScotland #Scotland #ScottishBorders #OutdoorSports #BarnOwls #Owls #RingingBirds #Birds #Birdstodon #Sheepdogs #Dogs #ScottishFood #SheepdogTrials #DogsOfMastodon #Sheep #SheepOfMastodon

I have so many other things I should be doing, but instead I decided to edit some photos. I'm a fiend for procrastination!

Today it's a couple of action shots from a recent sheepdog trial. This trial was a lot of fun. Much smaller than the Nationals, it had a more relaxed atmosphere. The weather was nice and there were some really good dogs both on the field and spectating.

Despite an enjoyable outing, it's still demoralising getting home after a day of photography and realising just how many blurry photos I have. Those dogs (and sheep) just move too fast! Oh well, just an excuse for more practice I suppose...

Statistically speaking, I'm sure to get a sharp photo eventually, even if only by fluke. And what do you know, here are some flukes!

#Dogs #DogsOfMastodon #SheepDogs #SheepdogTrials #WorkingDogs #Photography #Sheep

Another spectator from the sheepdog trials. This dog was sniffing around and cuddling up to his owner as can be seen in the first photo. Then the farmer quietly asks: 'Can you see the sheep?' How quickly he switches from carefree playing to intense focus.

I love the bright eyes in the second shot, as the farmer gently pats the dog on the neck, but when I look at the first photo all I can see is a dog having a great day out with his owner. Does it remind anyone else of Snoopy dancing?

#Dogs #DogsOfMastodon #SheepDogs #SheepdogTrials #WorkingDogs #Photography

Swung past another dog trial this weekend and thought I should upload a quick shot while it's still fresh in my mind.

While the trial itself is a lot of fun, I have more fun taking photos of the dogs waiting their turn. These two fellas were patiently waiting by the fence for their chance to run around on the field. It appears the novelty of watching sheep has worn off on the older dog who is happy to catch up on some sleep, but the pup is clearly intrigued and ready to get to work.

Even being relocated to the back of the ute failed to break the pup's concentration.

#Dogs #DogsOfMastodon #SheepDogs #SheepdogTrials #WorkingDogs #Photography #Kelpie

I hope everyone has had a good start to the year. I've been very busy doing a lot of nothing over the past few weeks and subsequently have had very little time to upload photos.

Nevertheless, over the past few days I've been looking back through some old photos and fished out these shots of a #BorderCollie at the 2022 Australian National Sheep Dog Trial Championships.

A number of the competing dogs were tied up along the back of a shed, providing an opportunity for a few quick photos. While none of the pictures were particularly awe inspiring, I was drawn to the lost expression in this little dogs eyes. While the other dogs were sleeping, looking around or barking at me for getting too close, she seemed a bit melancollie.

Or maybe crooked ears are just cute; I shouldn't overthink things.

#Dogs #DogsOfMastodon #SheepDogs #SheepdogTrials #WorkingDogs #Photography