Here’s looking at you kid

“Sit down, stay, stay,” comes the command. A short sharp whistle sends the black and brindle dog forward, ghosting the tightly bunched sheep.

Cambridge man Graeme Strawbridge has been competing in dog trials for the last five years after having a break.

“I was really into it as a youngster, around 15, and competed for around 10 years. I have only been back seriously for a while. This is only about the fourth time I have been here at Mystery Creek.”

The shepherds are here all Fieldays, giving demonstrations of their dogmanship and control over the sheep.

The sheep have returned to Fieldays this year after a break and it is hoped that next year will be bigger and better.

“We have sponsors lined up for next year and we will be getting in a judge so we are hoping it will be a full blown competition.”

There are five men demonstrating to the public the art of dog trialling.

Strawbrigde explains that the idea is to keep the sheep moving in a smooth action around an obstacle course. The triallists start with maximum points of 100, and lose points if the sheep turn away or double back.

“The sheep will try and break away and it is up to you to try and anticipate the movements. To keep your points you need to keep your dog balanced against the sheep so that they are always moving towards the obstacles”.

With many championships to his name with dogs he has trained, Strawbridge knows all about anticipation.

“It is a challenge” he says.

Getting a competition dog ready can take up to two years to get full control but pup showing an interest can be competing in a matter of months.

“A young pup will be like anyone starting a new job, he will want to get in and rush the whole thing. He is still a good dog, just too keen.”