‘almost but not quite entirely unlike test cricket’ : 2023 Irish National Sheep Dog Trials [youtube video 14m49s] https://youtu.be/O8npdcu5xHs #SheepDogTrials #BowlsAHeavyBorderCollie

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

J-UDGING
Rounding out day 2 of 3 of the Finley Dog Trials!

📍 Finley, New South Wales
📸 Canon 750D

[#Day5 of Gemma Peanut’s #PeanutPhotoChallenge]
#FinleyDogTrials2023 #FinleyDogTrials #dogtrials #sheepdogtrials #J #judging #eventing

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

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

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

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

One of the aspects of dog trialing that I love is witnessing the bond between a farmer and their dog. They must work as a team, understanding and respecting each other in order to succeed.

These photos are once again from the 2021 Australian National Sheep Dog Trial Championships and each photo was taken as the participants were leaving the field at the conclusion of their run.

The first photo is a personal favourite, as Gundagai Frosty and Tony Elliot had just completed a particularly strong run that won them the 2021 open title.

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