Trial Foundations

AUSDS Inc. Trials have been designed to test the working stock dog’s instincts in all important areas of sheep and cattle work (as far as possible in a trial situation).

Most other trial designs tend to test a much more limited number of instincts. In many cases, this has resulted in dogs being bred with limited abilities that suit those trials, rather than true, high-class, all-round utility dogs suited to the most challenging practical work.

Every AUSDS Inc. trial includes Four Major ‘Utility’ Aspects:

1. Long searching casts

2. Paddock work (sheep)

3. Yard work (sheep)

4. Cattle work

The first two aspects are run in conjunction, then the yard and cattle aspects have separate courses and time limits.

The degree of difficulty increases with each level of trial. Level 1 is the easiest, followed by Level 2.

* NB Level 3 and Championship courses are proposed in the future.

The course elements for each level are as follows:

Level 1 Trials

(for any stock dog that has not won an AUSDS Inc. Level 1 or Level 2 trial previously)

Level 1 Scorecard

a. and b. Combined Paddock (sheep)

i. 12 minutes; 3 sheep

ii. Minimum 100m cast; work sheep into handler’s circle

iii. Force and Hold obstacle & Heading obstacle

iv. Drive with Handler minimum 40m

v. Work sheep through exit gate to complete segment

c. Yard (sheep)

i. 8 minutes; 8 sheep

ii. Drenching race; Draft; Load 3 sheep onto truck/trailer to complete segment

d. Cattle

i. 6 minutes; 3 cattle

ii. Gap obstacle; Put away to complete segment

Level 2 Trials

(for any stock dog)

Level 2 Scorecard

a. and b. Combined Paddock (sheep)

i. 16 minutes; 3 sheep

ii. Minimum 300m cast; work sheep into handler’s circle

iii. Force and Hold obstacle & Heading obstacle

iv. Drive with Handler minimum 60m

v. Work sheep through exit gate to complete segment

c. Yard (sheep)

i. 8 minutes; 10 sheep

ii. Drenching race; Draft; Load 5 sheep onto truck/trailer to complete segment

d. Cattle

i. 6 minutes; 3 cattle

ii. Funnel obstacle; Put away to complete segment

For further detail on how points are scored, please see our Judging System.