The black Angus cows run into the long arena. A cowboy stands at the far end with his dog laying at his feet. The time starts and they’re off. Colt, the dog, runs to catch the cow escaping and brings it back to the herd. The Handler whistles instructions to his partner and slowly moves around the arena to direct the cows.
In a stock dog competition, the cowboy or girl and their dog have to get the cows through a series of obstacles in five minutes. There are usually three rounds throughout the day, each round’s obstacles get more difficult.The cowboy or girl can help their dog but their dog is the one doing most the work.
Colt guides the cows in between the barrels and towards the pen. The handler whistles to Colt and Colt runs towards the cows. Two cows make it in but the third gets spooked and runs back towards the barrels. Before the handler even whistles, Colt knows what his job is. Colt takes off and skids to a stop at the wall. The cow brings her head down and runs at Colt. Colt knows the drill though, because he runs through her legs, biting the cows back ankle on the way. The cow gives in and runs back towards her friends. The handler whistles again and Colt lays down. The herd shuffles into the pen and the handler quickly shuts the gate.
Stock dogs, also known as herding dogs or sheepdogs, are on quite a few ranches in Canada and USA, also found in Australia. Alberta is the province in Canada with the most stock dogs, but is closely followed by Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Texas is the state with the most in the USA, but again is closely followed by Nebraska, Kansas, Montana and many more.
I love stock dogs and i think that it shows a strong connection between the handler and the dog. If you have never watched or seen stock dogs, don’t hold back, go to the next stock dog show and you won’t regret it. Love Ella
