Canowindra is set to have an influx of working dogs showing off their skills on Saturday November 4 for the return of the Canowindra Yard Dog Trials.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Event organiser Josh Messina from Kurunga Kelpies is expecting around 100 to 120 dogs to be entered in this year's event.
The Yard Dog Trials first returned to Canowindra last year after a 15 year hiatus and for Mr Messina, he wanted to bring it back to his community and get local farmers involved.
"I do a fair bit of yard dog trials myself so I just wanted to bring it back to my community in Canowindra and just try and get the local farmers involved," he said.
"Just try get them off their properties and come out for the day, and talk to everyone and have a go with their dogs," he said.
Looking back at last year's event, Mr Messina said a positive part of the yard dog trials is watching what other owners are doing with their dogs and some good techniques they can use as well.
Mr Messina said some of the feedback he got was that a lot of farmers came down last year to not just compete but to see how others work their working dog.
"Sometimes thinking that you have a good working dog at home and you're taking out and you think 'actually there's a few little things I need to practise on to get this dog better."
Mr Messina said sometimes it is about reflecting on what isn't going great and what training techniques that can be used to help improve their productivity.
This year their will be five classes; the Local Farm Dog Class, Encourage, Maiden class, Novice Class and Open Class.
Mr Messina said the Local Class is open to farmers within a 70km radius of Canowindra and was brought in to allow local farmers to have a go.
The Canowindra Yard Dog Trials will begin at 7:30am and will wrap up around 5:30pm. If you wish to sign your working dog up to take part, contact Josh Messina on 0407 435 203.