Trials test working stockdogs

It was a dusty Nevada morning in Fish Springs Flat on Sunday as cattle dogs were put through their paces at the Comstock Classic Stockdog Trial.

Working dogs were busy herding blue Swedish ducks in one yard while another dog was working with sheep.

In order to win one of the half-dozen major awards, the dogs and their handlers had to herd animals through signals.

Dayton resident Becca Moore’s Cool Whip won both the High Combined Open Border Collie and the Rena Memorial Award for highest combined amateur owner handler.

The event was sponsored by the Working Australian Shepherd Club of Nevada and consisted of trials both Saturday and Sunday.

Judges Fiona Hibberd and Maxine Schvaneveldt officiated, according to the club.

Fish Springs resident Lisa Edwards hosted the event at her Bitterbrush Ranch.

“It went really well, except for the weather,” she said. “That wind was fierce.”

Her dog, Emily, won the belt buckle for most promising border collie.

The 3-year-old has been working with Edwards for two years.

“I’ve always had dogs,” she said. “I bought a little Australian shepherd from a lady here in town and that started us down this road.”

Edwards said people who are interested in participating don’t have to have a ranch or farm.

“Most people do this for a hobby,” she said. “I teach dogs and their owners, if they want. They can do dog trials to have a place to show their dogs.”

Edwards also trains dogs to make a living on a ranch.

“I try to train these dogs as if they were going to this work, to do the job that they were bred to do.”

Results

High Combined Advanced Australian Shepherd - Ellie
Owned by Melinda Gardner of Burson, Calif.

High Combined Advanced Border Collie - Welly
Owned by Carol McLaughlin of Fullerton, Calif.

High Combined Open Australian Shepherd - Jada
Owned by Christi Claypool of Pleasant Grove, Calif.

High Combined Open Border Collie — Cool Whip
Owned by Becca Moore of Dayton

Most Promising Border Collie - Emily
Owned by Lisa Edwards of Fish Springs

Justins I'll Rein Ewe In - Rena Memorial Award

For the highest combined amateur owner handled dog
Cool Whip