Cooperation and accuracy essential in Sheep Dog Trials competition
In the picturesque countryside of Lisbrock, Brideswell, Co Roscommon, the 2025 Irish National Sheep Dog Trials took place from an unspecified date to yesterday. Organised by a voluntary committee under the umbrella of the International Sheep Dog Society, the event attracted over 150 sheep dogs and their handlers, showcasing a strong Irish team for the international trials in Scotland next month.
The competition, spanning three days, consisted of 50 trials for individual dogs each day, with an additional doubles category. The trials were run over a 400-yard course with five sheep, with a maximum time of 15 minutes to complete the course. Among the participants was Miriam Lettner, who competed with two of her dogs, both of whom "had a good run."
The training of a competitive sheep-herding dog is a process that taps into the dog's natural herding instincts. Champion trainers, like Ms Lettner, focus on establishing strong foundational skills in puppies through controlled exposure to sheep, using body language and consistent discipline to guide behavior in herding contexts.
Effective methods, such as those used in Better Than Fetch™ Herding Games, directly stimulate the herding instinct through interactive exercises rather than relying solely on physical props. This builds a dog's natural herding skills and impulse control, suitable for breeds like Border Collies and other herding dogs.
Communication between handler and dog is crucial during competitions. Handlers use a mixture of voice commands and sheepdog whistles. Voice commands are preferred when the dog is nearby, while whistle commands are essential for directing the dog at long distances, allowing precise control without the need for the handler to be physically close. Training adapts to individual dogs’ learning styles and responses, emphasizing teamwork and precision through consistent cues.
While Border Collies are the most renowned herding dogs, other adaptive breeds like Shetland Sheepdogs are also trained for obedience and herding, showing flexibility in training approaches.
The event was not just a display of skill but also a testament to the rich tradition of sheep herding in Ireland. John McCullough, Chairman of the International Sheep Dog Society, stated that the competition can be competitive but that Irish dogs easily "hold their corner." Judges at the event deducted penalties for errors made by the dogs, ensuring a fair and competitive environment.
The importance of the event was underscored by Barra O'Brien, Chairperson of the Irish National Sheep Dog Trials, who emphasized its significance for both the farming community and demonstrating sheep herding standards. Finding suitable locations for the trials is becoming increasingly difficult, according to Irish President of the International Sheep Dog Society Pat Murphy. With sheep numbers in Ireland falling, it is crucial to have a good local committee, shepherds in the area, and a suitable location for the event.
In unusual circumstances, such as the bird flu, geese herding can be useful. Donnie Anderson, a sheep farmer in the Dublin mountains, has sheep dogs with a unique skill - the ability to herd geese. This ability, while not showcased at the trials, highlights the versatility of these remarkable animals and their handlers.
As the top 15 performers in Roscommon prepare to represent Ireland at the international trials in Scotland, the 2025 Irish National Sheep Dog Trials served as a fitting platform for these talented dogs and their handlers to shine. The event, with its rich history and competitive spirit, continues to be a testament to the enduring tradition of sheep herding in Ireland.
[1] Better Than Fetch™ Herding Games: https://www.betterthanfetch.com/ [2] Voice and Whistle Commands in Sheepdog Trials: https://www.dogwise.com/book/voice-and-whistle-commands-in-sheepdog-trials [3] Foundational Skills for Puppies: https://www.dogstodaymagazine.co.uk/training/foundation-skills-for-puppies-51893 [4] Training Adaptive Breeds for Obedience and Herding: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/training-adaptive-breeds-for-obedience-and-herding/
Despite the focus on sheep herding, some participants showcased the versatility of their dogs by demonstrating the ability to herd geese. In the upcoming international trials in Scotland, Miriam Lettner aims to impress with her trained dogs, utilizing strategies like those from Better Than Fetch™ Herding Games for effective stimulation of her dogs' herding instincts.
