By BRIDGET COOK
SEE working dogs in action this weekend in Skye at the DOGS Victoria State Herding Trials.
State Dog Centre KCC Park, which is located along the Western Port Highway, is hosting the trials on Saturday and Sunday.
This year’s event also marks a special milestone for DOGS Victoria as they celebrate 25 years at KCC Park, which was opened in 1989.
Herding trials were started in the 1990s in Australia as people who owned dogs not in work, but of the herding breeds, were keen to demonstrate that their dogs were able to do what they were bred to.
In Victoria this charge was led by members of the Working Dog Club of Victoria, an affiliate of what is now DOGS Victoria.
Herding challenges the working breeds and allows them to get in touch with their instinct to round up and move animals such as ducks or sheep.
DOGS Victoria herding committee chairwoman Noeline McIlroy said the event was perfect for proud owners of working dogs, as well as those who wanted to learn more about herding.
“It is an activity in which dog and handler can work together as man and dog have been doing for thousands of years,” she said.
“It might be just a taste, but many people are out every weekend with like-minded company having a great time with their canine mate in a very friendly atmosphere.
“Herding is fun and a great way to meet new people.
“Not only does herding help you bond with your dog, you will be both be rewarded by performing work that it was bred to do.
“Ask any handler and they will describe the satisfaction in learning to work your own dog.”
The Dogs Victoria State Herding Trials will take place on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 July, from 9am.
KCC Park is located at 655 Western Port Highway, Skye.
