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

On a final curious note, we've long wondered how much of this is genetic. They are first cousins once removed. They were raised in environments almost as opposite as it's possible to be, so not likely to be nurture. But, we have a ton of other relatives, all with zero #thunderphobic tendencies. Who's to say?

Either way, the rumbles have left since I've been rambling to the world about #sheepdogs. Time for sleep, and thanks for listening.

Apparently picking and writing a thread of all our #sheepdogs for #DogsOfMastodon is an all afternoon affair! This was a much more enjoyable way to spend time on the couch recovering from a nasty cold than playing too much sudoku. The pups have been taking turns checking in on me and keeping me company. I haven't been sick in four years, so they worry. 😆

Realized I can't talk this much about #sheepdogs and hold out on all the cute pictures for #DogsOfMastodon. This is Soot, our oldest #OldManDog retiree. She is 15 1/2, thoroughly senile, and spends most of the day either asleep or barking randomly at boojums only she can see. ❤️ She is certain she runs the whole farm.

In all my free time (🤣), I've turned into an accidental #HomeNetworking hobbyist, run the automated weekly build system for #OpenWRT fork #ROOter, spoil the giant pile of needy #sheepdogs, and play #mechanic on anything that doesn't run away from me fast enough. Any time left after that is usually "spotting" mechanical things, if it's machinery I'm probably interested. Some #planespotting (also an #ADSB collector), #shipspotting, and grew up #trainspotting (#railfan for Americans).

A much overdue #introduction:

I'm a #StructuralEngineer by day, working mostly in #steel and #concrete. I do everything, but a lot more moving #bridges and #canal locks than most. Some #dams. All my stuff is old, so it's mostly about safety and reliability.

Second job: very willing farmhand for @PickwickSheprd, who I think mostly puts up with me because she was crazy enough to marry me. We raise #sheep and she trains #sheepdogs. I fix the old #tractors and help run #fences and #buildings.

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

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

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

オールドイングリッシュシープドッグが伊勢湾を散歩 https://www.wacoca.com/pets/133231/

#dog #English #Inu #oes #old #SheepDogs #オールド・イングリッシュ・シープドッグ #オールドイングリッシュシープドッグ

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

Still a long way to go before this looks like sheepherding, but the feel is there. #gamedesign #ThatllDo #boardgames #sheep #sheepdogs

This photo once again comes from the Heron Rock Sheepdog Trials' '2022 Champion of the Peak' competition.

While the weather was relatively pleasant overall, there were a few patches of drizzle that moved over during the day. During one such bout I captured this shot.

I don't really have a good story for this pic, I just liked how hunkered down the dog was and the way you could see the rain falling.

I can't explain why, but I enjoy looking at this photo; sometimes you don't need a reason.

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

Some more 2021 Australian National Sheep Dog Trial Championships photos.

These pictures are of Gundagai Frosty, the 2021 Open Champion. For the whole run, one of the sheep was refusing to follow directions (as is particularly noticeable in the second shot). The way the dog maintained total control, without aggression, was exceptional. In both pictures the dogs unwavering confidence and composure is clearly apparent.

#Dogs #DogsOfMastodon #Sheep #SheepDogs #SheepdogTrials #SheepOfMastodon #BorderCollie #WorkingDogs

I need to put the camera on my dog more often. He takes some pretty good shots. #sheepdogs

This shot once again comes from the Heron Rock Sheepdog Trials' '2022 Champion of the Peak' competition.

It had been a great morning but the weather was starting to turn by the afternoon. I really liked this pic as the dog (and sheep) were going at a real rate of knots across the back of the paddock.

Clearly the dog wanted to get the sheep sorted before the rain set in. Nobody liked trudging around a field in the drizzle.

#Dogs #BorderCollie #DogsOfMastodon #SheepDogs #SheepdogTrials #Sheep #SheepOfMastodon #WorkingDogs

While it's great watching the dogs compete at a sheepdog trial, it can be just as much fun to walk around and talk to all the dogs spectating.

All dogs are interesting and I've taken heaps of great shots over the years, incorporating dogs of all shapes and sizes. However, there is one thing that everyone is secretly drawn towards: PUPPIES!!

I attempt to maintain a façade of decorum when wandering around taking photos, but I always struggle to walk past a puppy, particularly if it's a working dog.

Both of these pups were spectators at the 2021 Australian National Sheep Dog Trial Championships.

#Dogs #DogsOfMastodon #WorkingDogs #SheepDogs #BorderCollie #Kelpie