Trial Primer for Newbies

Trial Primer for Newbies

Here at Do Ewe Hear Me, we're dusting off the holidays, climbing out from the straw we've been hibernating under in the barn and getting back to work!  A while ago, we recorded a primer on trials for new people.  The truth is, it was a boring episode.  So, instead of focusing on terminology, we've rerecorded it, chatting about the atmosphere, what to expect and taking you behind the scenes at these relatively small events.   Many of these trials are small, cozy competitions on private land.  While they might be hard to find, they are a classic, fun thing to do… if you're into sitting around and watching sheep in a field!  They are often so remote I highly recommend watching them online if you can't make it in person.  YouTube has a lot of great options, and big trials, like the Meeker Classic, will livestream.  If you'd like to see a primer on the details of a field trial, check out the freebies section on Lisa's website here [https://iherd.ca/freebies].  She has a lot of great information for new people in the sport, and more offerings are coming soon!  If you like watching,  here's another great video.  This is Glengregg Silver.  He's Lisa's dog Star's sire, Griff and Moss' grandsire, and Lisa's dog Jag's great-grandsire.  You can watch him here. [https://youtu.be/7SPZpyX74I8?si=wLLg5Jf80VFIvnki]  Grab a tea, sit back and relax!

Do Ewe Hear Me? Podcast Episode 1- Get to know your hosts, Lisa and Emily!

Welcome to the first episode of Do Ewe Hear Me?, a new podcast by two people who are passionate about herding! Lisa Wright is a retired professional dog trainer turned open sheepdog handler. These days, Lisa and her dogs are multi-USBCHA Open trial winners, Canadian Championship double lift finalists, Calgary Stampede finalists and Meeker semi-finalists. Lisa is the past President of the Canadian Border Collie Association and past vice president of the APDT. Lisa has been handling and training sheepdogs for over 15 years and brings her knowledge to listeners in an easy-to-understand way. Lisa is launching an online program and will soon launch a book to help those who want to start their dog on livestock. Emily Priestley, CTC, CDBC, is a trainer specializing in helping herding breed dogs struggling in pet homes. She’s the author of Urban Sheepdog- a guide to understanding herding breed dogs in pet homes. She’s been working with dogs in a sheltering and welfare context and her private practice for over a decade but is new to herding and here to ask and find the answers to all of the questions other novice handlers want to know. Emily works with clients worldwide, is launching a series of self-paced programs soon and supports other trainers as they learn the nuances of working with these dogs. Lisa and Emily will take you on an intimate inside look at training, handling, living and competing with sheepdogs. This isn’t your grandpa’s herding!