Throughout the test, the tester should communicate with the participants and observers about tests in general, about what is occurring during the particular test, and about herding behaviors and training in general. A demonstration or demonstrations should be provided to give participants and observers an idea as to what is expected.
The tester has to be flexible in administering a test, but should also conduct the test in a reasonably standardized format.
The owner or owner’s agent should bring the dog into the enclosure on lead. The tester will ask the owner some brief questions regarding the dog’s background and the owner’s experience, and whether this test is for the dog’s first or second leg.
It is strongly recommended that the dog have prior supervised experience before coming to a formal test. The dog must have had training to stop on command (sit, down or stand) and recall reliably with distractions.
For both first- and second-leg tests, the passing dog should show good, sustained interest of such a nature that the dog appears to be ready to begin preliminary training. Strong desire and a well-adjusted, willing attitude should be demonstrated. The overall impression should be that the dog has the potential to be a useful, practical working dog. Constructive herding activity, not chasing, should be evidenced. Whether or not to pass borderline cases must be a judgment call by the tester. As a general rule, such dogs should not be passed at that time. It should be kept in mind that retesting on another day is available and recommended. Many dogs which at their first exposures to stock may be overexcited and hard to control, or which may lack interest or be unsure of themselves, will go on to become good herders with more experience and training.
After each dog’s individual performance, the tester should comment on the dog’s performance for the benefit of the owner and the spectators.
For first-leg tests, the tester remains in the arena and guides the approach to the stock. When the tester and the owner are both in the enclosure, they should be in close proximity to one another in order to provide the dog and stock with a single reference point.
The tester’s active and/or advisory participation is important at all times. Initially, the tester may do most of the handling of the dog, or may closely guide the owner in some amount of handling. With inexperienced owners, the tester may handle the dog throughout a first-leg test. More experienced owners should do a larger part or all of the handling. Throughout the test, the tester provides education regarding herding in general and with regard to preparation for the second leg.
The tester should be aware of the point toward which the stock want to move, and take that into account in the handling of the test. The stock should be well settled, preferably away from the fence and not in a corner.
The tester may carry a 5- to 8-ft. bamboo pole or light PVC pipe to be used as an aid in guiding the movements of the dog or when necessary to block the dog from coming too close to the stock. The pole should be flexible, with the ends wrapped with tape or otherwise padded for safety; poles with a feed bag or a soft plastic bottle (with or without pebbles inside) fastened to the end are also acceptable. Wooden staffs or poles, if used, should be used with particular care due to their inflexibility. While the dog is working smoothly the pole is held discreetly out of the way, and may be set down entirely if not needed or if a dog is inhibited by its presence. It should not be overused nor used inappropriately, and should not be used to give a strong physical correction to the dog except in an emergency in order to protect the stock (if this becomes necessary, the dog is to be removed immediately).
Initially the dog is walked on lead around the stock, keeping to the outside and along the fence with the stock being encouraged to stay in the middle. At some point before the lead is dropped or removed the dog should demonstrate a simple stop (down, sit or stand) and recall; this may be done with the dog close at hand. The dog should not be allowed to strain against the line nor should it be guided extensively by the line or given heavy physical corrections with it. As soon as the dog appears to have settled, the line may be dropped or removed. The dog may pass with line dragging, but not with the line held throughout the test.
When the line is dropped or removed, the dog should not simply be left to its own devices while the handler stands by. The handler (tester, or owner under the guidance of the tester) must be actively participating at all times to help develop good working habits. The handler must move about the field, giving ground to the stock, creating a place for the dog to move the stock.
There may be some basic, simple training activities by the tester, because part of good herding ability is the ability to learn and take directions. Such basic training at tests should be general in nature. It must be kept in mind that the dog is to be allowed to reveal its natural tendencies and should not be forced into a particular behavior corresponding to a preconceived idea of “breed style.” Commands should be kept to a minimum in order to determine the dog’s natural manner of working. It is to be expected that there will be some differences as well as some over-lap in style between breeds and between individuals. Many acceptable variations in style occur in herding dogs, which should be accommodated.
Ideally, the dog will quickly show strong interest, attempting to keep the stock grouped and trying to control the movement of the stock relative to the position of the handler. It will show boldness and self-confidence without excessive aggression, naturally keeping a good distance from the stock rather than repeatedly rushing in too close. In practice there will be many individual variations, including less-than-ideal reactions often reflective of the dog’s inexperience.
For the most part the stock should be encouraged to stay out in the open, giving more room for maneuver, although there may be some cases where the tester may keep the stock along the fence for a brief time for a particular purpose. Should the stock start to hug the fence, the dog’s handler (the tester, or the owner at the direction of the tester) may need to quickly and gently take the dog by the collar and lead it between the stock and the fence, moving the stock well out into the open before releasing the dog (if the dog is released too soon, the stock may immediately run back to the fence).
The formal test session should be concluded when the dog fulfills the requirements for passing, whether the dog takes only a few minutes or the full ten. Some dogs will show little interest during the first few minutes, then interest begins to build until it becomes definite and sustained. With dogs that show interest immediately, the test should continue for approximately 3 to 5 minutes to be sure interest is sustained, without unnecessarily extending the time.
At all times, dogs are to be handled with consideration and care.
In all circumstances, safety takes precedence. A dog which appears to be too aggressive to be put into direct contact with the stock, and/or will not perform a simple stop or recall with the line on, may not be let off the line and will not pass. Tests usually run smoothly, with little likelihood of an incident that would endanger the stock. A potentially risky situation can arise quickly, however, and the tester and any person at hand must be prepared to intervene to protect stock, dog or people. Owners are to be apprised of this beforehand. Only in an emergency, if necessary for the safety of the stock or the people involved, may a strong physical correction be given to the dog or an object be thrown at the dog. The dog then must be removed immediately, the occurrence discussed, and the owner given advice as to how to proceed with the dog’s preparation for training.
The dog is to be handled by the owner or owner’s agent. The tester will remain just inside or just outside the arena, ready to assist if necessary. The tester may give verbal assistance, and a brief direct intervention to clarify a suggestion is acceptable.
The stock are set out well off the fence. The dog, on lead, is positioned by the handler as desired. The dog is put into an initial stay and the lead is removed; the handler may change position while the dog remains in place, or send the dog from his or her side after a brief pause. At the handler’s signal, the dog collects the stock. The stock are moved across the arena as indicated above. There will be simple straight movements and changes of direction. At some point, most likely at the conclusion of the test, the dog should demonstrate a stop (sit, down or stand) and a recall. The handler may take a position between the dog and stock for the recall, but may not simply grab the dog as it passes by on its way to the stock.
The dog may be directed by the handler’s positioning, verbal command, or both. Absolute precision in obedience is not required and some repetition of commands is acceptable, but if the dog is unresponsive and out of control, it cannot pass the second leg and should be removed from the arena for lack of progress. Harsh verbal commands, threatening gestures toward the dog, and physical corrections are not allowed, except in an emergency as outlined above. The handler may take the dog very briefly by the collar at the direction of the tester, if necessary (for instance, to help the dog take stock out of a corner), but otherwise the handler may not touch the dog.
The movement of the stock should be fairly controlled. Haphazard running back and forth in the arena will not acceptable for passing. The dog should not circle the stock excessively. If necessary, the tester may ask for additional traversing of the arena or additional turns, keeping standards for passing consistent for all entrants.
The sections on the test form are primarily descriptive in nature. The first five sections are entirely description and not considered to vary in desirability. The remaining sections include both acceptable variations and behaviors that vary in desirability in greater or lesser degree. The section indicating “Controlled Movement; Stop; Recall” is used with second-leg tests only.
The lines are to be checked where applicable. In some cases it may result that more than one line is checked in a particular subsection, or that no line is checked. The comments lines are very important, as not all eventualities can be accommodated in a standard form.
The sections are for the most part fairly self-explanatory, but some general definitions follow to aid in standardization:
Gathering: the dog attempts to head off or circle the stock and move it toward the handler.
Driving: The dog stays between the handler and the stock, keeping the stock grouped but deliberately attempting to push it away from the handler. Dogs of breeds traditionally thought of or used as “drivers” may often in fact show gathering instinct. Some behaviors seen in inexperienced dogs should not be mistaken for driving: an insecure dog that wants to stay near the handler and may run back and forth between the owner and the stock, pushing the stock away; a dog so strongly desiring to head off the stock that, when the stock turns, repeatedly cuts across between the stock and the handler in order to get to the heads as quickly as it can; a dog that is simply chasing.
Some dogs may show tendencies to both gather and drive in varying degrees. If gathering and driving are about equal, then the two first lines can both be marked.
No clear preference: some dogs, often through inexperience, seem to show no style preference or switch randomly back and forth between gathering and driving, or simply go after the stock from any position. As the test continues, the dog may begin to show a more definite style. Some dogs will need more exposure for a more definite style preference to take hold. A dog that shows both gathering and driving tendencies may pass, but a dog will not pass if it shows no discernible inclination to control the group and its movement, and just runs at the stock or chases with no real attempt at herding.
Behaviors often seen in inexperienced dogs which are in fact due to lack of herding experience should not be mistaken for a herding “style” — for instance, a dog which holds stock against a fence is simply showing inexperience in dealing with the situation, it is not demonstrating some other “style” of stock-handling.
Runs wide — the dog consistently exhibits a tendency to keep some distance from the stock while moving around it, showing strong interest. This should be distinguished, however, from a dog which is running wide because of avoidance behavior or lack of interest in the stock.
runs moderately wide — the dog is neither notably wide nor very close. The dog may start close but is easily encouraged to move wider. Some dogs swing in close, then swing out wider. A more detailed description can be given on the lines for additional comments.
Runs close — the dog consistently moves close; while such a dog’s approach can be widened, it will require more training to effect this.
In many cases the dog’s distance from the stock may depend on the nature of the stock and the situation, with the dog placing itself closer or further back as appropriate.
Loose — a dog which has good concentration on the stock but does not use a concentrated gaze or intense focus in controlling the stock. Loose eye should not be confused with lack of attention to stock. Loose-eyed workers are in control of their stock and keep track of the overall picture. A fairly upright body posture is usually displayed.
Medium — some extent of concentrated gaze but fairly free in movement, body posture usually fairly upright.
Strong — very intense concentrated gaze or focus with a stalking, pausing approach, usually with a lowered body stance.
The side-to-side movement the dog makes to keep the stock together as it moves the stock forward. A larger group of animals, or animals which keep wanting to split, may increase the dog’s tendency to wear. A dog may wear in wide arcs or in shorter arcs. Some dogs wear constantly, others in response to particular situations. A dog which shows no wearing will often allow splits in the group.
Works silently — may give an occasional bark in excitement or for another reason, but essentially is quiet.
Force barks — fairly quiet but will readily bark in an attempt to move stubborn stock.
Some barking — sustained barking — In some cases the dog simply has a natural tendency to bark a lot. Some smaller dogs will use their voices to help make their presence known. When working large groups of animals, some dogs will bark in order to have an effect on the animals which can’t see the dog. Dogs with a natural barking style, called “huntaways,” are used to force sheep from hiding places in rough pastures; huntaways should be so noted, and will generally also be very loose-eyed, strong dogs. Often, barking may be due to excitement, frustration at uncooperative stock, or lack of confidence, in which case barking will lessen with experience. The comments lines should be used to note the nature of the barking.
Readily adjusts — the dog adapts to the situation quickly and turns its attention to the stock. Such a dog may pause a moment to size up the situation, but shows no sign of nervousness. The dog may show some brief moments of distraction, particularly at first, but the dog’s interest quickly and steadily builds to the point where the interest is definite and sustained.
A little distraction — easily distracted — a dog may have definite interest in the stock but be diverted by a scent on the ground or by something happening outside the ring. In some cases the dog still may be passed provided that the incidents are brief and the dog readily returns its attention to the stock. On the other hand, if the dog is continually distracted by other things, it is not demonstrating the consistent, sustained attention that would be necessary for preliminary training to begin, and it should not be passed. Further exposure and testing should be recommended because dogs which are easily distracted often progress to strong, sustained attention with more experience. In a second-leg test, the dog should be expected to be less inclined to distraction and any incidents should be momentary if the dog is to pass.
Apprehensive of situation — in some cases a dog which initially shows some reserve or timidity may still pass if its confidence level readily increases. As with the easily distracted dog, further exposure and testing often increases the dog’s confidence level. The dog which, despite encouragement, shows continuing fear of the stock or situation should not pass.
Sustained interest — the dog definitely and consistently keeps its attention on the stock, although there may be some glancing about or very brief periods of distraction.
Keen interest — this is self-explanatory and should be used to indicate those dogs that are especially keen.
Some interest — the dog evidences interest in the stock, but to a lesser extent or more intermittently; because the extent of the interest will be variable, these dogs may be borderline cases and careful thought will need to be given whether or not to pass them. Some dogs, particularly young dogs, may show strong interest for a minute or two, then lose interest entirely. If the interest reawakens the dog may be passed, provided the interest is then sustained, but if not, the dog should not be passed at that time.
No interest — self-explanatory.
Sufficient for stock — shows power suitable for stock. If the stock proves stubborn, the dog attempts to continue working but may show some hesitation, often due to inexperience.
Forceful, appropriate for stock — the dog approaches the stock boldly and confidently. The dog may occasionally attempt to nip sheep or paw ducks, but not to the extent that it constitutes a threat to the stock. It will be apparent that the dog is very interested in the stock and desires to control its movement, but it does not intend to harm the stock. Even if excited, the dog will accept the tester’s guidance to encourage it to temper its actions toward the stock. The type of stock (different kinds, different individuals within a kind) will require different degrees of force. The dog should show enough force to control the stock, without being rough.
Excessive force — the approach is very strong, with the dog lunging at the stock and sometimes attempting to grip. The dog shows little or no tendency to tailor its actions to suit the type or behavior of the stock. Such a dog may still be passed only if it responds to the tester’s intervention to get it to behave in a more self-controlled manner.
Lacks power to move stock — the dog shows interest in the stock and will circle it or follow it if it moves, but if the stock does not move, the dog stands and watches it or looks to the handler. Ideally, the dog will respond to encouragement and gain self-confidence with experience. In some cases the stock may simply be too stubborn or uncooperative for an otherwise adequately powerful but inexperienced dog, and this should be noted. A dog which continually backs away from or runs away from the stock should not pass.
It should be noted that both the dog which shows excessive force and the dog which shows lack of power may develop the ability to handle stock appropriately with more exposure and guidance.
Some dogs quickly show willingness to accept training, although their actions may be of an unrefined nature. They may need to be shown several times, but soon adopt the desired behavior. Other dogs simply persist in their behavior, despite attempts at guidance, or appear to take little notice of attempts at guidance, or may even stop working and sulk in response to attempts at guidance. Some dogs may be inhibited by attempts at guidance. Extra care may be needed in the handling of an especially sensitive dog.
Ideally the dog moves to keep stock grouped if some animals attempt to break away. Some dogs may make attempts to regroup in some instances and not others, and some may make little or no attempt to regroup. There are dogs which deliberately single out an individual repeatedly, while others may chase one individual or the whole group with no attempt to control the direction or composition of the group. Some dogs may run in response to stock movement, but then begin running for running’s sake and lose contact with the stock. Too little effort to control the movement of the stock may indicate chasing rather than herding.
This section concerns balance in the sense of the dog’s movements in directing the stock in relation to the handler’s position (balance in the broad sense includes the dog’s distance relative to the stock’s “flight zone,” encompassing the positioning used in directing and controlling the stock). Some dogs clearly change direction in response to the movement of the handler in order to keep the stock in a position relative to the handler’s position. This is clearest in gathering dogs where, if the dog is circling the stock and the handler moves around the stock to meet it, the dog will change direction to keep its position opposite the handler; if the handler is moving or giving ground in a particular direction and alters the direction, the dog will move to one side or the other to cause the stock to change direction. A driving dog, while taking stock away from the handler, will be aware of the handler’s direction of travel and adjust its own position to cause the stock to move in that direction. Some dogs, while moving the stock and keeping it grouped, do not take the handler’s position into consideration, while some may simply circle the stock repeatedly in one direction, or hold the stock against a fence.
The dog must receive a “good” or “fair” designation on all of the following elements of the second-leg test in order to pass.
The dog should approach and take control of the stock calmly. In moving the stock, the dog should pace itself to the stock, maintaining an appropriate distance, using sufficient but not excessive force. It should move the stock in the path as directed by the handler, neither rushing the stock nor allowing it to balk. The handler should use as few commands as possible, allowing the dog to demonstrate its natural abilities. However, a dog may still be given a passing designation (“Good” or “Fair”) despite a little rushing, incidences of balkiness, some repetition of commands, a minor split, etc., some circling of the stock, etc., depending on the extent of these occurrences. A dog will not be given a passing designation which repeatedly splits the stock, ignores commands or requires continual commands, continually circles the stock throughout the course, backs down at the slightest resistance by the stock to the extent it is unable to move the stock after several minutes. If the stock break away and the dog readily recovers them, it may still be given a passing designation, but if the stock escape entirely and cannot be recovered and put back on course in a reasonably efficient manner, or if the dog loses control repeatedly, or if the stock happens to move back and forth across the arena but the dog is only partially in control of them, the dog will be given an “Insufficient” or “Not Accomplished” designation.
The dog may be stopped as necessary during the run. A final stop is required at the end of the run. The stop may be a down, sit or stand. When stopped, the dog should respond to a single command and hold position until released. A dog which creeps a little may still be given a passing designation, although creeping is not desirable. Excessive creeping or simply breaking the command and running into the stock will result in an “Insufficient” or “Not Accomplished” designation. If a dog starts to break, but a second command causes the dog to stop and remain in place until released, the dog still may be given a passing designation. The need for repeated, strong commands, or continued lack of response to commands, will result in an “Insufficient” or “Not Accomplished” designation.
After the second return to the set-out point, the stock are settled and the dog is stopped. The dog is then recalled by the handler. The dog should come readily. A little repetition of command is acceptable, but refusal to come, or need for repeated, strong commands, or the handler simply grabbing the dog as it goes by, will result in the section being marked “Insufficient” or “Not Accomplished.”
The comments section is particularly important. Strong points and areas needing improvement with regard to the dog’s performance and the handler’s handling should be noted, suggestions given, and notations made of the difficulty or cooperativeness of the stock – anything that has a bearing on the dog’s performance and the understanding of what transpired during the run. Overall comments are to be made in addition to comments under the different sections.
The behavior of the stock should be noted to provide background regarding the dog’s behavior, because the nature of the stock can have a strong bearing on the dog’s reactions, especially the less experienced dog. With regard to uncooperative stock, it should be indicated whether the stock were still controllable, or not only uncooperative but of such a nature as to be uncontrollable. Uncooperative stock may be either difficult to move (heavy or stubborn) or too easily moved (spooky or light).
Perimeter/Road – 12 feet from the fence line
Graze – 30′ X 50′ maximum
Arena – minimum 100 ‘X 200’
Stock – minimum – 9 head
This course is intended to provide a smaller and safer environment for moving forward in boundary work program prior to moving to trial levels. There are three levels of Junior Boundary Dog that can be offered on either goats or sheep. Any level or combination of levels may be offered by a facility on any approved stock. Titles may be earned at each level and on each stock with 2 qualifying legs under two different judges. Once you have obtained a leg in a higher level you may not move back down to run in a lower level on the same stock. (However, you may run Level III goats and also run Level I sheep.)
1. The size of the arena for Junior Boundary Dog tests should be a minimum of 100 x 200 ft. Corners need not be rounded. If held in the same arena – the JHD panels need not be removed nor does the bridge have to be removed (which is required for Level II and Level III JBD). A 10 foot (or larger) swinging gate on the pen is recommended unless the gate is fixed and cannot be changed. The gate must have a solid frame and the handle must be easy to latch and unlatch with one hand. Depending on the configuration of the arena – the graze area should not exceed 30 feet X 50 feet and is set up along the fence, making it a 3 sided graze (4 sided for Level III). The 4th graze side will be a flat series of boards or similar material that do not present a trip hazard to livestock, dog or handler. The 4th side of the border will be 8-12′ away from the fence line for the entire length of the graze. The graze area should be marked by sawdust, a furrow, wood shavings, a mowed border, piping or some other line so that it is readily discernible to the dog. Boundary markers/types for roads and grazes shall be listed in the premium for JBD. The road should be marked in the same way that the graze is marked approximately 12 feet from the perimeter of the fence.
2. A minimum of 9 head of stock must be used for each run for Junior Boundary Dog classes. Stock should be accustomed to being worked by humans and boundary dogs and should not be light or flighty. Sheep used in a boundary courses should be conditioned to follow a handler while the dog acts as a moving fence. Each head of stock may only be run 5 times per day unless the stock is under 50 lbs in which case it may only run 4 times per day. Water should be kept in the pen at all times. Judges should physically walk the course and check for hazards prior to judging.
3. Only the dog, handler, stock and, at their option, the judge, may be in the arena. The judge may choose to remain just outside the arena but must be in a position to be able to closely observe the run, give advice, and quickly enter the arena if necessary. Handlers may carry only a standard herding crook or stock stick (wood, fiberglass or aluminum). Dogs must wear standard flat buckle or snap collar or may run without a collar but must go in on a slip lead. Handlers should keep the leash/lead on themselves at all times for all JBD courses during their run.
4.The judge must observe the handler and dog and should not physically assist the handler and dog but may advise the handler on how best to encourage the dog to move the stock and how to maneuver around the course with stock on the road. Should the entrant not understand an element, the judge may enter and show them and then promptly withdraw/leave so as to not influence or draw the stock, or distract the handler or the dog.
5. Bitches in heat or coming in/going out of heat shall be declared to the judge, the trial secretary and the other exhibitors. Bitches in heat must wait until all other dogs within their test classes have participated before they can run. Bitches in heat may run in panties with pads at the handlers discretion, to avoid marking on course and affecting other dogs who run after them, at the test level.
6. The course director and the judge are to provide time before the start of the trial to have a general handlers meeting and walk the course in the order of the flow of the course elements and obstacles, pointing out the draws and any other information that may help the handlers execute the course with their dog. Handlers at all levels should attend the meeting. Judges may also have another brief handlers meeting prior to the start of Levels II & I.
The course director will conduct the handlers meeting to explain the course and the judge should tell the exhibitors what they are looking for while judging and different ways they might execute certain elements. Time will also be given to answer questions. All questions should be asked and answered at the general handlers meeting when all exhibitors are present.
The course is described as follows:
PEN:
The stock will be in a minimum 10 X 8 pen (upon approval a smaller pen may receive a waiver depending on layout) that opens onto the road which represents the 12 foot perimeter of the arena along the fence. The dog may go around the outside of the pen on lead to familiarize themselves with the flock before taking the stock from the pen, if the pen is out in the open. The dog must be brought in on lead and must push the stock out of the pen on lead. The dog will be inside the pen close to the fence and next to the handler to push the stock out of the pen. The gate must be closed once the stock have exited the pen. Once the stock are in the arena, the dog must demonstrate a pause or a hold – the lead must then be removed. If the stock escape when exiting the pen, the handler shall close the gate and walk with the dog on lead to move the stock back to the pen area. At this level, the dog should not be sent on a gather across the arena. Once the stock have been moved back on the 12′ wide road closest to the pen – the lead is removed, run time starts, and the dog should stay in place while the handler moves to the stock.
RELIABLE STOP AT PEN:
The stop may be a down, sit or stand. The stop should be demonstrated after the take pen and prior to the commencement of the course. The leash is removed – the dog remains in place while the handler moves to the head of the flock. A stop should also be demonstrated during the re penning process.
MOVEMENT THROUGH THE COURSE:
On command, the handler may call the stock or command the dog to set the stock in motion. The dog will move the stock along the 12′ road to the graze taking the longest route to the graze, depending on course layout. The dog must demonstrate its ability to collect and control stock, put stock in motion, move the stock in straight lines and turns along the fence, negotiate obstacles at later JBD levels (such as the Level II and III bridge) and keep stock contained within the graze. After the stop to remove the leash, the dog and handler and livestock move to the 12′ perimeter of the arena which represents the road and commence to move the stock to the graze and back to the re pen after the graze. The dog should demonstrate the ability to work the side of the road and the sides of the graze and honor the border to the graze. Dogs are not to be allowed to rough up, trample or grip stock. The first time the judge shall give a warning and the second time the run will be called and the dog shall be leashed and taken from the arena. Unruly dogs or dogs which attempt to attack the stock must be leashed and taken from the arena immediately. Dogs which are excessively fearful of the stock should be removed. Dogs showing lack of progress should be removed from the arena after five minutes. Dogs which show any of the above shall not qualify.
GRAZE:
Once the stock reaches the graze, the dog will contain the stock within the graze area for 1 minute before reversing the course to return the stock to the pen. The graze time will be the same for every Junior Boundary Level I dog. The entire group of stock should enter the graze. Once the stock are in the graze area, the handler moves to the inside of the graze while the dog remains outside the graze border. The handler may position themselves in any area within the graze. Graze time starts once the handler and stock are within the graze.
If grazing conditions are inadequate, then a thin layer of forage must be spread evenly, both inside and outside the graze, to mimic natural grazing conditions prior to the start of each run. Nothing else is to be present during the run. No large clumps of forage or bales of hay may be present in the graze.
The dog will move to the outside of the graze boundary where it will patrol or move as needed to keep the flock within the designated area. The stock should not be disturbed or unduly pressured while within the graze and should not be permitted to leave the graze. The handler and the dog shall remove the stock from the graze when notified by the judge. The stock will be moved to the re pen by reversing the course and following the road back to the pen and honoring the boundary on the way back to the re pen.
RE PEN:
The stock will be moved back to the re pen by reversing the course and the dog honoring the border on the way back to the re pen as well. The dog is stopped, once the handler and flock reach the pen/re pen area. The handler opens the gate to the pen while the dog holds the stock from entering the pen. Once the pen gate is opened, the dog should release the pressure from holding the flock off the gate or be sent to the back of the flock to re pen the stock. After the stock have entered the re pen, the handler closes the gate. The dog should remain outside the pen. If the stock are recalcitrant, and refuse to enter the pen, the handler may lead them in but the dog should remain outside the pen. A dog that enters the pen but can be called out quickly may still qualify.
Testing is completed, and the handler shall leash the dog as soon as the gate is closed.
The course begins with the pen but time does not start until the leash is removed. Time ends when the stock are re penned and the gate is closed. Testing ends when the dog is leashed up and the handler and dog leave the arena.
Course time is 11 minutes including the graze time.
JUNIOR BOUNDARY DOG TEST – LEVEL II
Differing levels within the test program are meant to bridge the gap and provide additional opportunities for advancement for the boundary dog. This course is intended to provide a smaller and safer environment for moving forward in the boundary work program prior to the move to trial levels.
Level II JBD has additional elements to the JBD Level I course. All other rules and obstacles for JBD Level I apply.
PEN:
The dog will demonstrate exiting from the pen while on a loose lead to maintain an orderly and calm exit of the livestock. The dog will be inside the pen close to the fence and next to the handler to push the stock out of the pen. If the dog cannot exit the stock from the pen within 3 minutes on a loose lead then the run shall be called by the handler or judge. The gate must be closed once the stock have exited the pen. The stock is moved onto the 12′ road, closest to the pen, to start the course. If the stock escape when exiting the pen, the handler shall walk with the dog on leash to the stock and move the stock onto the road closest to the pen. At this level, the dog should not be sent on a gather across the arena. Once the stock are on the road near the pen, the handler will then remove the lead and time will start. The pen is still judged but is not part of the final time.
RELIABLE STOP AT PEN: Same as Level I
MOVEMENT THROUGH COURSE: At this level, the dog should work more independently with less commands and physical guidance from the handler.
Along the fence line at a reasonable point on the course opposite the graze – one half of a bridge is built – minimum of 6′ – maximum of 16′ along with a wing on each end of the bridge. The bridge should be 12′ from the fence with the wings extending to no more than 15′ from the fence. The height of the panels and the wings for the bridge should be at least 4 feet tall. The bridge must have a solid floor. A solid surface such as a piece of plywood, pavers, stall mat or similar, on the ground, is sufficient for flooring. Flooring does not need to cover the wing areas. The dog should demonstrate the beginnings of the understanding of the bridge element as the handler passes onto the bridge with the stock. The dog should remain near the entrance wing of the bridge, demonstrating a stop which could be a sit, down, or stand. The dog should be guarding the wing of the bridge to make sure the stock do not go around the wing. The dog should follow the stock over the bridge. The dog should traverse the bridge element on the way to the graze and on the way from the graze to the re pen. The dog should be guarding the wing of the bridge to make sure the stock do not go around the wing on the way back to the re pen as well.
ADDITIONAL GRAZE TIME:
Once the stock reaches the graze, the dog will contain the stock within the graze area for 2 minutes before reversing the course to return the stock to the pen. The graze time will be the same for every Junior Boundary Level II dog. The graze in JBD Level II should consist of more independent work than is expected in Level I. The handler may only be a crooks length from the edge of the graze on the inside or outside of the graze at this level. The handler may alternate between the inside and outside area of the graze as needed to help their dog. Graze time starts when the handler and stock are within the graze.
RE PEN: Same Level I
Course time is 12 minutes including the graze time.
Differing levels within the test program are meant to bridge the gap and provide additional opportunities for advancement for the boundary dog. This course is intended to provide a smaller and safer environment for moving forward past JBD II prior to the move to boundary trial levels.
Level III JBD has additional elements to the JBD Level II course. All other rules and obstacles for JBD Level I and II apply.
PEN:
The dog will demonstrate exhausting from the pen while off leash to maintain an orderly and calm exit of the livestock. The dog may be inside the pen close to the fence and near to the handler to push the stock out of the pen or the dog may also stay outside the pen in a sit or down or stand if the handler can open the gate and the stock exit quietly. If the dog cannot exit the stock within 3 minutes then the run shall be called by the judge. The gate must be closed once the stock have exited the pen. If the stock escape when exiting the pen, the handler shall call the dog to them and close the gate. The handler shall walk with the dog off leash to the stock. At this level, the dog should not be sent on a gather across the arena. The dog and handler will move the stock onto the 12′ road closest to the pen, to begin the course. The handler will signal to the judge that they are ready to start their run. The judge will acknowledge that they have seen the hand signal. Course time will start when the handler raises their hand. The pen is still judged but is not part of the final time.
RELIABLE STOP AT PEN: Same as Level I and Level II.
MOVEMENT THROUGH COURSE: At this level, the dog should work more independently with less commands and physical guidance from the handler.
BRIDGE ELEMENT AND STOP: Same as Level II
GRAZE 4 SIDED/ TIME/INDEPENDENCE:
Once the stock reaches the graze, the dog will contain the stock within the 4 sided graze area for 3 minutes before reversing the course to return the stock to the pen. The graze time will be the same for every Junior Boundary Level III dog. The graze in JBD Level III should consist of a 4 sided graze and requires more independent work from the dog than is expected in Level II. The 4th graze side will be a flat series of boards or similar material that do not present a trip hazard to livestock, dog or handler. The 4th side of the border will be 8-12′ away from the fence line for the entire length of the graze. The handler may only be a crooks length from the inside edge of the graze at this level. The dog at this level should be able to demonstrate a fairly independent graze with almost no assistance from the handler. An “Insufficient” or “Not Accomplished” designation will result from a dog which must be excessively commanded at the graze to cover the escape of the stock from the graze. Graze time starts when handler and stock are within the graze.
RE PEN: Same as Level I
Course time is 13 minutes including the graze time.
The Junior Boundary Dog test classes are designed as a bridge between early testing and training and the more complete training required for competition in trials. The judge may give verbal guidance and suggestions to the handler as needed before and during the test but does not take an active physical part in handling the dog. The judge should keep in mind that all dogs running after a bitch in heat may be distracted and may need extra reminders on course, and the dog should not be penalized for this. Although the dog may not show complete refinement of commands, it should be demonstrably capable of performing the basic elements of boundary style work sufficient to control stock through a simple pattern. The Junior Boundary Dog test form provides for designations of “Good,” “Fair,” “Insufficient,” and “Not Accomplished” for a series of tasks. “Good” or “Fair” designations must be earned on each task for the dog to qualify. The educational aspect of the Junior Boundary Dog test at all levels is of primary importance.
PEN:
The dog will demonstrate exiting the stock from the pen while on leash (except Level III will be off leash) to maintain an orderly and calm exit of the livestock. The dog will be inside the pen close to the fence and near to the handler to push the stock out of the pen. If the dog cannot exit the stock within 3 minutes, then the run shall be called by the judge. The gate must be closed once the stock have exited the pen. If the stock escape, the handler shall walk with the dog to the stock while still on lead (except Level III will remain off lead) and move the stock onto the 12′ road to begin the course, closest to the pen. The handler will then remove the lead (except Level III, the dog will already be off lead, and the handler will notify the judge) and time will start. The pen is still judged but is not part of the overall time.
RELIABLE STOP AT PEN:
Ideally, during the stop the dog is given one command and stays in position until released to begin its approach to the stock while getting the flock started on the road. The dog may lie down, sit or stand. A dog which creeps a little may still be given a passing designation, although creeping is not desirable. Excessive creeping or simply breaking the command and running into the stock will result in an “Insufficient” or “Not Accomplished” designation. If a dog starts to break, but a second command causes the dog to stop and remain in place until released, the dog still may be given a passing designation. A dog in Level II and Level III that refuses to hold a stop or requires continual commands will not be given a passing designation.
MOVEMENT THROUGH COURSE:
In moving the stock though the course, the dog ideally should pace itself to the stock, maintaining an appropriate distance, using sufficient but not excessive power, with the stock neither being rushed nor balking. The boundary dog should honor the border. Multiple reminders are permitted – however, dogs that have to be excessively pushed out off the road should not pass.
The dog should move the stock on the road as directed by the handler, neither rushing the stock nor allowing it to balk. The line of travel should be straight along the road. Turns should be smooth and definite, without disturbance of the stock. The turns may be gradual or at a sharper angle, according to the situation. Ideally, the dog should pick each turn, pausing at the corner to guard the edge of the turn, while the stock traverses the corner; however, a dog that does not pick the corner on the road shall still pass if the turns are relatively smooth.
The handler should use as few commands as possible, allowing the dog to demonstrate its natural abilities. A dog may still be given a passing designation, however, despite a little rushing, incidences of balking, some repetition of commands, a minor split, some raggedness in the line of travel, some circling of the stock, etc., depending on the extent of these occurrences. An “Insufficient” or “Not Accomplished” designation will result from the dog rushing the stock continually, repeatedly splitting or excessively disturbing the stock, ignoring commands or requiring continual commands, continually circling the stock throughout the course, backing down at slight resistance by the stock to the extent that the dog is unable to move the stock after several minutes, the handler or judge should call the run at this time. If the stock break away and the dog readily recovers them, the dog may still be given a passing designation, but if the stock escape entirely and cannot be recovered and set back on course in a reasonably efficient manner, or if the dog loses control two times, the dog will not receive a passing designation and the run should be called by the handler or the judge.
ADDITIONAL BRIDGE ELEMENT (Level II and Level III)
The dog should demonstrate the beginnings of the understanding of the bridge element as the handler passes onto the bridge with the stock. The dog should remain near the entrance wing of the bridge, demonstrating a stop which could be a sit, down, or stand. The dog should be guarding the wing of the bridge to make sure the stock do not go around the wing. The dog should follow the stock over the bridge. The dog should traverse the bridge element on the way to the graze and on the way from the graze to the re pen. The dog should be guarding the wing of the bridge to make sure the stock do not go around the wing on the way back to the re pen as well. An “Insufficient” or “Not Accomplished” designation will result from all of the stock going around the bridge because the dog was not covering the wing or listening to the handler. If some of the stock cross the bridge, then the dog may still qualify.
GRAZE:
The entire group of stock should enter the graze. Once the stock are in the graze area, the handler moves to the inside or outside (depending on the level) of the graze. The handler may position themselves in an area within the graze according to their level. The dog will move to the graze boundary where it will patrol or move as needed to keep the flock within the designated area. The stock should not be disturbed or unduly pressured within the graze and should not be permitted to leave the graze. The handler and the dog shall remove the stock from the graze when notified by the judge. The stock will be moved to the re pen by reversing the course and following the road. While independence on the graze is ideal; at this level, the expectation is that the dog will need some direction from the handler and can move back and forth with the handler without penalty. A dog at Level I showing at least a small amount of independent movement on the graze and keeping the stock contained should receive a passing designation. At Level II, the dog should demonstrate more independent work, needing less commands. At Level III, the dog should be able to demonstrate a 4 sided graze almost independently with little verbal or physical assistance.
RE PEN:
The stock will be moved back to the re pen by reversing the course and the dog honoring the border on the way back to the re pen as well. The dog is stopped, once the handler and flock reach the re pen area with the dog holding the stock in place while the handler opens the gate to the pen. Once the re pen gate is opened, the dog should release the pressure from holding the flock off the gate or be sent to the back of the flock to re pen the stock. After the stock have entered, the handler closes the gate. The dog should remain outside the pen. A dog that enters the pen during the re pen and cannot be called back out quickly shall not qualify. Ideally the dog will hold a stop at the re pen but does not need to have a hard hold on stock off the gate to qualify. A dog in Level II and Level III that refuses to hold a stop or requires continual commands will not be given a passing designation.
COMMENTS:
The overall comments section is particularly important. Strong points and areas needing improvement with regard to the dog’s performance and the handler’s handling should be noted, suggestions given, and notations made of the difficulty or cooperativeness of the stock. Anything should be noted that has a bearing on the dog’s performance and the understanding of what transpired during the run. The judge may give comments to the scribe to write on the score sheet during the run if they choose to do so.
STOCK EVALUATION:
The behavior of the stock should be noted to provide background regarding the dog’s behavior, because the nature of the stock can have a strong bearing on the dog’s reactions, especially the less experienced dog. The behavior of the stock should be taken into account when judging Junior Boundary Dog. With regard to uncooperative stock, it should be indicated whether the stock were still controllable, or not only uncooperative but of such a nature as to be uncontrollable. Uncooperative stock may be either difficult to move (heavy) or inclined to bolt (flighty).
Judging for the additional course elements for JBD II and JBD III are described within the description on each course.