Best of the best here this weekend for sheepdog championships
By Gillian Slade on August 22, 2018.
More than 100 border collies will demonstrate their skill directing sheep at the Canadian Sheepdog Championships from Thursday to Sunday not far from Medicine Hat. Each day from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. sheepdogs and handlers from across Canada and from the United States will compete for the Canadian Championship title.--SUBMITTED PHOTOgslade@medicinehatnews.com @MHNGillianSlade It’s the dog days of summer with exciting entertainment in the canine world. More than 100 border collies will demonstrate skills directing sheep at the Canadian Sheepdog Championships from Thursday to Sunday. Each day from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. sheepdogs and handlers from across Canada and from the United States will compete for the Canadian Championship title. They will demonstrate instinct, athleticism and intelligence as handlers communicate with the dogs using a whistle and verbal commands. After two preliminary rounds of competition the dogs will compete in a final exacting round on Sunday to determine the best of the best. Younger dogs, up to three years old, will also have an opportunity to compete and show their skills to determine who has the most promising future. There is an entrance fee of $5 per person for spectators. It is a good idea to take your own chair as no seating is provided. Although there is a tent on site, you should bring your own umbrella if you want to ensure you are in the shade. People spectators are welcome — your own dogs however, must be left at home. The event’s location is: Canine Solutions 10112 RR 52 Cypress County, south of Medicine Hat. To get there from Medicine Hat, go east on the Trans-Canada Highway to Dunmore and turn right at the Co-op gas station onto Eagle Butte Road. About 15 km down the road turn right onto Township Road 102. Take the first left turn onto RR 52 and watch for signs to the event. There are about 50 sheep dogs from southern Alberta participating, said Chris Jobe, Canine Solutions-Working Border Collies. Her own eight border collies are used to herding sheep, cattle and even elk. Training typically starts when they are about a year old and takes about 18 to 24 months to fully train. If you would like any additional information please contact Chris Jobe, Canine Solutions-Working Border Collies, at 403-866-6176. There is additional information and a video on the website: http://www.caninesolutions.ca 10
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