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2017 HERDING MTG - ATTACHMENT 6a

SUBMISSION TO THE ANKC RULES & REGULATIONS 2012 with PROPOSED CHANGES TO BE DISCUSSED FOR 2016,

by theHERDING SUB-COMMITTEE of DOGS QUEENSLAND

OLD INTRODUCTION, THIRD PARAGRAPH (PAGE 4)The ANKC Ltd Herding Program is designed to preserve the traditional style and herding instinct of these many breeds. Herding Tests and Trials provide a standardised gauge by which a dog’s basic instinct and ability can be measured, and allow dogs to demonstrate the useful functions for which they were originally developed.

SUGGESTED NEW INTRODUCTION, THIRD PARAGRAPH (PAGE 4)The ANKC Ltd Herding Program is designed to preserve the traditional style and herding instincts of these many breeds. Herding Tests and Trials provide standardised gauges by which a dog’s basic instinct and ability can be measured, and allow dogs to demonstrate the useful functions for which they were originally developed by the use of differing Trial courses.

RATIONALE FOR THE CHANGEThis is designed to show that different herding breeds have differing herding instincts and that these are tested by using different courses.

OLD AIMS (PAGE 4)AIMS

Preserve the working instinct and ability of the working breeds. The training and education of administration, judging and scribing personnel, for the purposes of Herding

Tests and Trials.

SUGGESTED CHANGE TO AIMS (PAGE 4) (Addition of ‘and competitors’)AIMS

Preserve the working instinct and ability of the working breeds. The training and education of administration, judging, scribing personnel and competitors, for the purposes of

Herding Tests and Trials.

RATIONALE FOR THE CHANGECompetitors are an integral component to Herding and should be included here as their knowledge and understanding of the Rules and Regulations is very important.

OLD RULE 1.1.3Dogs MUST have herding training and prior exposure to the appropriate livestock before entering in a Test and/or Trial.

SUGGESTED CHANGE TO RULE 1.1.3Dogs MUST have herding training and prior exposure to the appropriate livestock before entering in any Test and any Started Trial.

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RATIONALE FOR THE CHANGEThis defines the rule much better. While this old rule is well understood for dogs entering an Instinct Test, many competitors have the common misconception that training and prior exposure to the appropriate livestock is not needed when entering any of the Tests, and for the A and B Started Courses.

ADDITION OF RULE 1.1.3aPrior to each competitor entering the ring for any of the Test levels and for Started A or B Courses, he/she must be asked individually whether their dog has had training and prior exposure to the livestock being used in the ring.

RATIONALE FOR THE ADDITIONMany competitors have the common misconception that training and prior exposure to the appropriate livestock is not needed when entering any of the Tests, and for the A and B Started Courses.

OLD RULE 1.1.5A dog may compete on which ever course the handler chooses.

SUGGESTED CHANGE TO RULE 1.1.5A dog may compete on which ever course the handler chooses, provided that the dog is qualified under these rules to compete at that level and the affiliate is offering the course and stock.

RATIONALE FOR THE CHANGEThis defines the rule much better and helps negate competitors from entering courses that their dog has not qualified for or that the affiliate has, for whatever reason, not offered.

OLD RULE 1.3.14Vetting of all bitches prior to competition will mean that bitches in season shall be eligible and must run at the end of the day in Tests and Trials.

SUGGESTED CHANGE TO RULE 1.3.14Vetting of all bitches prior to competition will mean that bitches in season shall be eligible and must run at the completion of each course, provided that the area within the course is not being used for another trial or test on the same day.

RATIONALE FOR THE CHANGEThis defines the rule much better. Some Trial Managers take this as meaning the bitch has to wait until the completion of all Trials and Tests before competing, which is not the intention of this rule which of course is so that male dogs are not distracted by the smell of bitches in oestrum. Also, some parts of a course may be used elsewhere at the completion of a course for a subsequent course so this would mean resetting the original course.

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OLD RULE 1.12.5A dog that grips abusively shall be immediately excused. The Judge shall complete and sign an ANKC Ltd excusal form (attached) that must be lodged with the Controlling Body within 3 days. Any excusal by a Judge will be recorded on the ANKC Ltd Computer system. If a dog is excused the judge must notify the exhibitor of the excusal, notify the stock owner and inspect the stock for damage.

SUGGESTED CHANGE TO RULE 1.12.5A dog that grips abusively* shall be immediately excused. The Judge shall complete and sign an ANKC Ltd excusal form (attached) that must be lodged with the Controlling Body within 3 days. Any excusal by a Judge will be recorded on the ANKC Ltd Computer system. If a dog is excused the judge must notify the exhibitor of the excusal, notify the stock owner and inspect the stock for damage.

*Abusively could be defined as an unnecessary and/or unprovoked grip, with or without resulting damage to the stock.

RATIONALE FOR THE CHANGEThere should be some sort of definition for the word ‘abusively’ in this Rule. Perhaps a more complete definition could be written here.

OLD RULE 2.3.3The Judge is responsible for ensuring compliance with these regulations throughout a Herding Test/Trial, and that the livestock are properly cared for and rotated as needed. The Judge must check the stock fencing, facilities and equipment provided for use before starting to Judge. If the Judge deems either the stock, fencing facilities or equipment inadequate for the event and no corrections or modifications can be made, the Judge in consultation with the Affiliate Member may cancel the Test/Trial class/course. Entry fees shall be refunded by the Affiliate Member, and the Judge reimbursed for his or her expenses, but the Judge shall not receive any additional fees that might havepreviously been agreed upon.

SUGGESTED CHANGE TO RULE 2.3.3 (Comma between ‘stock’ and ‘fencing’ in second line)The Judge is responsible for ensuring compliance with these regulations throughout a Herding Test/Trial, and that the livestock are properly cared for and rotated as needed. The Judge must check the stock, fencing, facilities and equipment provided for use before starting to Judge. If the Judge deems either the stock, fencing facilities or equipment inadequate for the event and no corrections or modifications can be made, the Judge in consultation with the Affiliate Member may cancel the Test/Trial class/course. Entry fees shall be refunded by the Affiliate Member, and the Judge reimbursed for his or her expenses, but the Judge shall not receive any additional fees that might havepreviously been agreed upon.

RATIONALE FOR THE CHANGEA comma should be inserted after ‘stock’, the sixth word in the second sentence. This now means the judge must also check the stock, as well as the fencing, facilities, etc. The old rule says to check the ‘stock fencing’ as well as facilities, etc.

OLD RULE 2.4.1The maximum numbers of dogs that may be judged by a Judge in one day is 40 for Trials or 50 for Tests. Adequate time, up to 1 hour, must be allowed for rest and meals at the Judge’s discretion.

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SUGGESTED CHANGE TO RULE 2.4.1Each type of event to have points allotted depending on the approximate time taken to judge each of these events:Instinct and Herding Tests 3 points eachPre-Trial Test 5 points eachA and B Courses 7 points eachC Course Started 15 points eachC Courses Intermediate and Advanced 20 points each.The maximum number of points that can be judged by a single judge in a day is approximately 275, with a maximum of 60 entries. Adequate time, up to 1 hour, must be allowed for rest and meals at the Judge’s discretion.

RATIONALE FOR THE CHANGEAlmost all Affiliates quite often offer combinations of Trials and Tests to be judged by a judge on a particular day. However this old rule takes no account of the numbers to be judged in any combinations of these. To give some background – Instinct and Herding Tests often only take a few minutes each and there is little delay between each test; Pre-Trial Tests usually take about 5 to 7 minutes with little delay between each test; A and B Course Trials take up to 7 to 10 minutes each with more delay for competitors to enter and leave the arena and for the stock to be set; and C Course Trial can take up to 30 or 45 minutes to run (depending on the level being judged) with a delay for the competitors to enter and leave the arena. This all means that stating blanket numbers that can be judged is not feasible. The suggestion is that points should be allotted for each type of event to be judged so that each group of points approximates the time taken to judge that event. From the above point allocation in THE SUGGESTED CHANGE, it can be seen that a total of, say, approximately 275 points can be judged in one day. E.g. From the above, three Advanced/Intermediate C Course runs + three Started C Course runs, + 10 B Course runs + 15 A course runs would equal 280 points. Another example would be a total of 30 A and B Course runs, six Pre-Trial Tests and 12 Instinct and Herding Tests would equal 276 points. Both these examples are a feasible number of entries to judge; more that these numbers could only be judged properly with difficulty. The maximum number of entries should also be limited to a number, say 60.

OLD RULE 2.10.11Sheep: Three head per run for three runs per day, or

Three to five head per run for four runs per day with at least half hour rest between runs orFive head per run for five runs per day with at least 45 minutes between runs.

SUGGESTED CHANGE TO RULE 2.10.11Sheep (in A and B Courses only): Three head per run for three runs per day, or

Three to five head per run for four runs per day with at least half hour rest between runs orFive head per run for five runs per day with at least 45 minutes between runs.

RATIONALE FOR THE CHANGEThis defines the rule much better as this is only applicable to A and B Courses using sheep. The rules governing the use of sheep in the C Course is detailed in Rule 2.10.15.

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OLD RULE 2.11.5None.

SUGGESTED ADDITION OF RULE 2.11.5Where single panels are used as obstacles in Pre-Trial Test Courses, A Courses and B Courses, their lengths should be – For ducks, approximately 1.2 metres long;For sheep, approximately 1.8 to 2 metres long; andFor cattle, approximately 2 to 2.2 metres long.

RATIONALE FOR THE CHANGEThis gives a length of single panels used in the Pre-Trial Test (2 panels), the Panel Runway and Centreline Gates used in the Started and Novice A Courses (3 panels), the Centreline Gates used in the Intermediate and Advanced A Courses (2 panels), and the Gate 1 and Gate 2 used in all levels of the B Course (4 panels).

IF THIS RULE 2.11.5 WAS ADOPTED, THEN – OLD RULE 2.11.3Obstacles for sheep and cattle should be constructed of slatted wood, pipe panels or equivalent Obstacle panels for sheep should be approximately 1.2 metres in height. Obstacle panels for cattle should be 1.3 metres in height. Obstacle panels for ducks should be approximately 1.2 metres long and 0.6 metres high and may be reinforced with wire fencing to keep the ducks from escaping.

SUGGESTED CHANGE TO RULE 2.11.3Obstacles for sheep and cattle should be constructed of slatted wood, pipe panels or equivalent. Obstacle panels for sheep should be approximately 1.2 metres in height. Obstacle panels for cattle should be 1.3 metres in height. Obstacle panels for ducks should be 0.6 metres high and may be reinforced with wire fencing to keep the ducks from escaping.

RATIONALE FOR THE CHANGEThe height for the obstacles for ducks would already be covered in Rule 2.11.5.

OR, THIS SECTION COULD BE EXPRESSED THIS WAY – OLD RULE 2.11.3Obstacles for sheep and cattle should be constructed of slatted wood, pipe panels or equivalent Obstacle panels for sheep should be approximately 1.2 metres in height. Obstacle panels for cattle should be 1.3 metres in height. Obstacle panels for ducks should be approximately 1.2 metres long and 0.6 metres high and may be reinforced with wire fencing to keep the ducks from escaping.

SUGGESTED CHANGE TO RULE 2.11.3Obstacles for sheep and cattle should be constructed of slatted wood, pipe panels or equivalent. Obstacle panels for sheep should be approximately 1.2 metres in height and 1.8 to 2 metres long. Obstacle panels for cattle should be 1.3 metres in height and 2 to 2.2 metres long. Obstacle panels for ducks should be 0.6 metres high and 1.2 metres long and may be reinforced with wire fencing to keep the ducks from escaping.

RATIONALE FOR THE CHANGEThis keeps both dimensions for obstacles for all types of stock in the one rule, so negating the need to make a new rule.

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OLD RULE 3.1.33.1.3 Clubs may or may or may not choose to offer HT/PT boundary style. The schedule must state if boundary tests will or will not be offered.

SUGGESTED CHANGE TO RULE 3.1.3 (Deletion of ‘3.1.3’ numbers)Clubs may or may or may not choose to offer HT/PT boundary style. The schedule must state if boundary tests will or will not be offered.

RATIONALE FOR THE CHANGEThe ‘3.1.3’ at the beginning of the first line should not be there as it is superfluous (and was probably a typo).

OLD RULE 3.2.2The arena for Instinct Testing must be 9 metres by 9 metres up to 30 metres x 30 metres. An oval or round arena is acceptable. Square corners must be rounded. Terrain for duck arena should be very smooth and firm with only a slight slope.

SUGGESTED CHANGE TO RULE 3.2.2The arena for Instinct Testing must be 9 metres by 9 metres up to 30 metres x 30 metres. An oval or round arena is acceptable. Square corners must be rounded. Terrain for duck arena should be very smooth, firm and flat. If there is a slope it should be slight.

RATIONALE FOR THE CHANGEThis defines the rule much better. The old rule could be interpreted as that the area used for ducks for Instinct Test had to have a slight slope.

OLD RULE 3.2.2The arena for Instinct Testing must be 9 metres by 9 metres up to 30 metres x 30 metres. An oval or round arena is acceptable. Square corners must be rounded. Terrain for duck arena should be very smooth and firm with only a slight slope.

SUGGESTED CHANGE TO RULE 3.2.2The arena for Instinct Testing must be 9 metres by 9 metres for ducks. For all other stock, the minimum is 9 metres x 9 metres, up to a maximum of 30 metres x 30 metres. An oval or round arena is acceptable. Square corners must be rounded. Terrain for duck arena should be very smooth and firm with only a slight slope.

RATIONALE FOR THE CHANGEThis defines these measurements much better and fit in with the measurements shown on the Instinct Test diagram on page 14.

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OLD RULE 3.2.3The arena for a Herding Test must measure no less than approximately 15 metres x 15 metres, 15 metres x 15 metres for ducks and no more than approximately 30 metres x 30 metres for all other stock. An oval or round arena is acceptable. Square corners must be rounded. Terrain for duck arenas should be very smooth and firm and with only a slight slope.

SUGGESTED CHANGE TO RULE 3.2.3The arena for a Herding Test must measure no less than approximately 15 metres x 15 metres, 15 metres x 15 metres for ducks and no more than approximately 30 metres x 30 metres for all other stock. An oval or round arena is acceptable. Square corners must be rounded. Terrain for duck arena should be very smooth, firm and flat. If there is a slope it should be slight.

RATIONALE FOR CHANGEThis defines the rule much better. The old rule could be interpreted as that the area used for ducks for Herding Test had to have a slight slope.

OLD RULE 3.2.3The arena for a Herding Test must measure no less than approximately 15 metres x 15 metres, 15 metres x 15 metres for ducks and no more than approximately 30 metres x 30 metres for all other stock. An oval or round arena is acceptable. Square corners must be rounded. Terrain for duck arenas should be very smooth and firm and with only a slight slope.

SUGGESTED CHANGE TO RULE 3.2.3The arena for a Herding Test must measure no less than approximately 15 metres x 15 metres for ducks and no more than approximately 30 metres x 30 metres for all other stock. An oval or round arena is acceptable. Square corners must be rounded. Terrain for duck arenas should be very smooth and firm and with only a slight slope.

RATIONALE FOR THE CHANGEThe ‘15 metres x 15 metres’ was repeated in the first and second lines.

OLD RULE 3.2.4The arena for the Pre-Trial Test shall be approximately 30 metres x 60 metres minimum, 15 metres x30 metres for ducks, up to 60 metres x 120 metres maximum for all other stock.

SUGGESTED CHANGE TO RULE 3.2.4The arena for the Pre-Trial Test shall be approximately 15 metres x 30 metres for ducks. For all other stock, the minimum shall be approximately 30 metres x 60 metres and the maximum up to 60 metres x 120 metres. Corners need not be rounded.

RATIONALE FOR THE CHANGEThis defines the rule much better. It makes it easier to read and to follow.

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OLD RULE 3.2.4The arena for the Pre-Trial Test shall be approximately 30 metres x 60 metres minimum, 15 metres x 30 metres for ducks, up to 60 metres x 120 metres maximum for all other stock.

SUGGESTED CHANGE TO RULE 3.2.4The arena for the Pre-Trial Test shall be approximately 30 metres x 60 metres minimum, 15 metres x 30 metres for ducks, up to 60 metres x 120 metres maximum for all other stock. Corners need not be rounded.

SUGGESTED CHANGE TO THE PRE-TRIAL TEST DIAGRAM, Page 19 On second line, deletion of words ‘Note Moderated corners should be provided on all Test arenas’ The four moderated corners on the diagram should be removed.

DISCUSSION ON ROUNDING OF CORNERS FOR PRE-TRIAL TESTSCorners for the arenas for Instinct Tests and Herding Tests need to be rounded (Rules 3.2.2 and 3.2.3, Diagram for INSTINCT TEST, page 14 and Diagram for HERDING TEST, page 16.) This requirement is for the safety of the stock and ease of movement so that no stock can be stuck or caught in right-angled corners. However, Rule 3.9.1 states that in the Pre-Trial Test, the dog ‘is demonstrably capable of performing Herding work at a level just below the beginning Trial level.’ There are no rounded corners in any of the Trial levels so there should not be this requirement here. Stock would rarely be stuck or caught in right-angled corners at this level and if they were, the dog and handler should be able to deal with this. Also, if rounded corners are used, this limits the positioning of the start and pen gates to the sides so gates cannot be positioned at corners.

OLD RULE 3.2.4The arena for the Pre-Trial Test shall be approximately 30 metres x 60 metres minimum, 15 metres x 30 metres for ducks, up to 60 metres x 120 metres maximum for all other stock.

SUGGESTED CHANGE TO RULE 3.2.4The arena for the Pre-Trial Test shall be – For ducks, Minimum of 15 x 30 metres, Maximum of 30 x 60 metres;For all other stock, Minimum of 30 x 60 metres, Maximum of 60 x 120 metres.

RATIONALE FOR THE CHANGEThe old rule was difficult to read and did not make a lot of sense. The suggested rule is much more explicit.

OLD RULE 3.3.1The stock to be used for Herding Tests and Pre-Trial Tests are sheep and/or ducks and/or cattle. Affiliate Members holding Tests for one breed of dog only may apply for permission to use other types of livestock.

SUGGESTED CHANGE TO RULE 3.3.1 (Deletion of ‘and/or cattle’)The stock to be used for Herding Tests and Pre-Trial Tests are sheep and/or ducks. Affiliate Members holding Tests for one breed of dog only may apply for permission to use other types of livestock.

RATIONALE FOR THE CHANGEAdequate training and experience can be obtained for dogs using sheep or ducks at these beginner levels. We must also be aware that often the handlers are also beginners. By using cattle, we are introducing a level of danger that is not needed, for the dog, handler and also the judge, because of their very size and strength in a small enclosure. If this was changed, then the diagrams on pages 14, 16 and 19 should delete reference to ‘Cattle’.

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OR, THIS COULD BE CONSIDERED – OLD RULE 3.3.1The stock to be used for Herding Tests and Pre-Trial Tests are sheep and/or ducks and/or cattle. Affiliate Members holding Tests for one breed of dog only may apply for permission to use other types of livestock.

SUGGESTED CHANGE TO RULE 3.3.1The stock to be used for Instinct Tests, Herding Tests and Pre-Trial Tests are sheep and/or ducks. Affiliate Members holding Tests for one breed of dog only may apply for permission to use other types of livestock.

RATIONALE FOR THE CHANGEThe old rule distinctly states ‘Herding Tests and Pre-Trial Tests’. It left out ‘Instinct Test’, probably in error. However it is a distinct test and should be included. The rationale for leaving out cattle is covered above.

OR, THIS COULD BE CONSIDERED – OLD RULE 3.3.1The stock to be used for Herding Tests and Pre-Trial Tests are sheep and/or ducks and/or cattle. Affiliate Members holding Tests for one breed of dog only may apply for permission to use other types of livestock.

SUGGESTED CHANGE TO RULE 3.3.1The stock to be used for Instinct Tests and Herding Tests are sheep and/or ducks. The stock to be used for Pre-Trial Tests are sheep and/or ducks and/or cattle. Affiliate Members holding Tests for one breed of dog only may apply for permission to use other types of livestock.

RATIONALE FOR THE CHANGEThe rationale for leaving out cattle for Instinct and Herding Tests is covered above. Consideration may be given to using cattle for Pre-Trial Tests.

OLD RULE 3.6.1Judging and timing commence when the handler and dog enter the ring. The dog is brought into the arena containing the livestock on a long line, approximately 2.5 metres in length. At some point while on the line, the dog must demonstrate a stop (down, sit or stand) and a call to handler before the line is dropped or removed. The line does not have to be dropped for a dog to pass. The dog should show sustained interest in the stock for a greater period of time than not while in the arena. A dog is not required to work to balance or even on both sides, it is only required to show sustained interest.

SUGGESTED CHANGE TO RULE 3.6.1Judging and timing commence when the handler and dog enter the ring. The dog is brought into the arena containing the livestock on a long line, approximately 2.5 metres in length. At some point while on the line, the dog must demonstrate a stop (down, sit or stand) and a call to handler before the line is dropped or removed. The line does not have to be dropped for a dog to pass. The dog should show sustained interest in the stock for a greater period of time than not while in the arena. A dog is not required to work to balance or even on both sides or to hold a one-sided border; it is only required to show sustained interest.

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RATIONALE FOR THE CHANGEHerding needs a Tested Certificate Boundary as this then becomes the natural progression with the Tending-style breeds. Currently all other Tests and Trials offer this Boundary style alternative. (Ref. Rules 3.1.3, 3.8.1, 3.11.9) It stands to reason when the dog begins their herding career, they can start off with the Boundary-style option.

If Boundary Style for Instinct Test were to be adopted from the suggestion above, this will have implications on other areas of the Rules as detailed here –

SUGGESTED ADDITION OF RULE 3.5.3Affiliates may or may not choose to offer Instinct Tested (Boundary Style). The schedule must state if this Instinct Test will or will not be offered.

RATIONALE FOR THE ADDITIONAffiliates may not have facilities to offer the Boundary Style for the Instinct Test.

RULE 3.1.3Clubs may or may or may not choose to offer HIC/HT/PT boundary style. The schedule must state if boundary tests will or will not be offered.

OLD INSTINCT TEST diagram on Page 14 (Wording only).Time Allowed : 10 minutesCourse Size: Sheep and Cattle Minimum 9m x 9m

Maximum 30m x 30mDucks Approx. 9m x 9mNote : Moderated corners on all Test arenas

SUGGESTED INSTINCT TEST diagram on Page 14 (Wording only).Time Allowed : 10 minutesCourse Size: Sheep and Cattle Minimum 9m x 9m

Maximum 30m x 30mSheep – Boundary Line: Minimum 9m up to Maximum 30mDucks Approx. 9m x 9mNote : Moderated corners on all Test arenas

SUGGESTED ADDITION OF RULE 3.7.3Affiliates may or may not choose to offer Herding Tested (Boundary Style). The schedule must state if this Boundary Test will or will not be offered.

RATIONALE FOR THE ADDITIONAffiliates may not have facilities to offer the Boundary Style for Herding Test. At the moment, entrants seem to be able to ask for it even if the affiliate does not want to offer it – see Rule 3.8.1.

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OLD RULE 3.8.6The dog must be under control and demonstrate controlled movement of the stock from the first pylon to the second pylon, turn the stock at or near the second pylon, and move the stock back to the first pylon, where they are again turned (at or near the pylon) and moved back to the second pylon. At the handler's option, the dog may work the stock across the open arena or along the fence line. At or near the second pylon the dog is required to demonstrate a stop followed by a call to handler. The Judge indicates completion of the Test, timing ceases and the handler leashes the dog and leaves the arena.

SUGGESTED CHANGE TO RULE 3.8.6The dog must be under control and demonstrate controlled movement of the stock from the first pylon to the second pylon, turn the stock at or near the second pylon, and move the stock back to the first pylon, where they are again turned (at or near the pylon) and moved back to the second pylon. At the handler's option, the dog may work the stock across the open arena or along the fence line. After completing the controlled movement of the stock between the pylons, the dog is required to demonstrate a stop followed by a call to handler. The call to handler should not be in a direct line with the stock, but away from the position of the stock. The Judge indicates completion of the Test, timing ceases and the handler leashes the dog and leaves the arena.

RATIONALE FOR THE CHANGE The change allows the handler to have the dog demonstrate a stop anywhere in the trial arena without having

to worry about which pylon was the second pylon. It allows the handler to get themselves, stock and dog in a position to be able to accomplish the stop;

The addition of the amendment stating ‘The call to handler should not be in a direct line with the stock, but away from the position of the stock’ makes it clear that the call to handler should be a ‘call off the stock’ and not be a call to the sheep with the handler ‘catching’ the dog on the way through.

OLD SECTION HEADING (Page 17) – SECTION 9. Pre-Trial Tested (PT) Title.

SUGGESTED SECTION HEADING – SECTION 9. Pre-Trial Tested (PT) Title (Ordinary and Boundary).

RATIONALE FOR THE CHANGEThis would differentiate between the two forms of the Pre-Trial Test.

OLD SECTION HEADING (Page 17) – SECTION 10. Pre-Trial Course Requirements.

SUGGESTED SECTION HEADING – SECTION 10. Pre-Trial Course Requirements (Ordinary and Boundary).


SUGGESTED ADDITION OF RULE 3.9.5Affiliates may or may not choose to offer Pre-Trial Tested (Boundary Style). The schedule must state if this Boundary Test will or will not be offered.

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RATIONALE FOR THE ADDITIONAffiliates may not have facilities to offer the Boundary Style for Pre-Trial Test. At the moment, entrants seem to be able to ask for it even if the affiliate does not want to offer it – see Rule 3.10.2.

If this change is adopted, then Rule 3.10.3 becomes redundant.

OLD RULE 3.10.4Two panels are placed on the far (narrow) end of the arena opposite the pen, one placed on each side of the arena. The panels are placed parallel to and approximately 8 metres in from the back (narrow) wall. The panel edges must be approximately 4 metres in from the sidewalls, forming 4 metre "gates" or openings between the panel edges and the long wall on each side of the arena.

SUGGESTED CHANGE TO RULE 3.10.4Two panels are placed on the far (narrow) end of the arena opposite the pen, one placed on each side of the arena. The panels are placed parallel to and approximately 8 metres in from the back (narrow) wall. The panel edges must be approximately 4 metres in from the sidewalls, forming 4 metre "gates" or openings between the panel edges and the long wall on each side of the arena. If a boundary style course is also set up, the placement of the panels should be done so as not to impede a dog working along the perimeter boundaries.

RATIONALE FOR THE CHANGE.Overall, the suggested changes make it clear to judges and handlers that there are two styles of PT Test. The proposed additional sentence in 3.10.4 ensures that dogs working in the boundary style are not impeded from working on the boundary if a panel edge is in the same position as a marked boundary line.

OLD RULE 3.10.4Two panels are placed on the far (narrow) end of the arena opposite the pen, one placed on each side of the arena. The panels are placed parallel to and approximately 8 metres in from the back (narrow) wall. The panel edges must be approximately 4 metres in from the sidewalls, forming 4 metre "gates" or openings between the panel edges and the long wall on each side of the arena.

ANOTHER SUGGESTED CHANGE TO RULE 3.10.4Two panels are placed on the far (narrow) end of the arena opposite the pen, one placed on each side of the arena. The panels are placed parallel to and approximately 8 metres in from the back (narrow) wall. The panel edges must be approximately 4 metres in from the sidewalls, forming 4 metre "gates" or openings between the panel edges and the long wall on each side of the arena. If the dog is being tested on the PT Boundary Style, the two panels are to be removed.

RATIONALE FOR THE CHANGE A Boundary style Pre-Trial Test is designed for the herding dogs to use the borders, which they will then go

on using on the C Course Trials. It is unnecessary to have the stock move through these two panels/gates as there is nowhere on any C Courses where panels are used (such as Y Chutes, Z Chutes, runway panels, pens, centre-line gates, etc.);

The panel on the exit side of the graze may cause an obstruction when exiting the graze with the dogs trying to hold the border. With the panel in the way the dog may come around the front of the panel which blocks the head of the stock. This in turn then stops the natural flow of the stock from leaving the gaze and maintaining a border;

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Rule 7.2.4 explains the Narrow Road in C Course. It should be about 4 to 4.5 metres wide. However Rule 3.10.4 states that the panel edges must be approximately four metres in from the sidewalls. Therefore the panels would be sitting on or over the boundary line, which means that the dog cannot patrol or hold the boundary line properly.

REFERENCESRules and Regulations for herding trials- PRE – TRIAL TEST map (page 19)Red = showing the (2) two Panels/GatesWhite Line = the movement where a boundary style dog would work. This clearly shows where a boundary style dog could run into these two (2) Panels/Gates, meaning the dog has to come over the border, which is not ideal or the purpose of patrolling the border.

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OLD RULE 3.11.9If the dog is being Tested on the boundary, the dog will contain stock within the graze for four minutes before exiting the graze to move the stock through both gates to the pen. The handler may take any position relative to the stock and dog throughout the course. If there is no/little forage in the graze, seeding the graze with hay may be permitted. The boundaries must be clearly discernible.

SUGGESTED CHANGE TO RULE 3.11.9 (To remove wording ‘to move the stock through both gates to the pen.’)If the dog is being Tested on the boundary, the dog will contain stock within the graze for four minutes before exiting the graze. The handler may take any position relative to the stock and dog throughout the course. If there is no/little forage in the graze, seeding the graze with hay may be permitted. The boundaries must be clearly discernible.

RATIONALE FOR THE CHANGE (Same as for Rule 3.10.4). A Boundary style Pre-Trial Test is designed for the herding dogs to use the borders, which they will then go




OLD RULE 3.11.11 The five elements of the Boundary Test which must be executed are:

1. A stay (controlled pause); 2. Containing the stock in the graze for four minutes; 3. Controlled passage of stock (which included clearing two gates); 4. One stop while the handler opens the pen gate; 5. Penning the stock.

SUGGESTED CHANGE TO RULE 3.11.11 (To remove wording ‘which included clearing two gates.)The five elements of the Boundary Test which must be executed are:

1. A stay (controlled pause); 2. Containing the stock in the graze for four minutes; 3. Controlled passage of stock;4. One stop while the handler opens the pen gate; 5. Penning the stock.

RATIONALE FOR THE CHANGE (Same as for Rule 3.10.4). A Boundary style Pre-Trial Test is designed for the herding dogs to use the borders, which they will then go


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OLD SECTION HEADING (Page 17) – SECTION 11. Pre-Trial Test, Description and Test Elements.

SUGGESTED SECTION HEADING – SECTION 11. Pre-Trial Test, Description and Test Elements (Ordinary).

THEN ADD A NEW SECTION – SECTION 12. Pre-Trial Test, Description and Test Elements (Boundary).


SUGGESTED NEW SECTION 11. This section has had some paragraphs moved to Section 12 and the remaining paragraphs re-numbered.

Section 11. Pre-Trial Test, Description and Test Elements (Ordinary).3.11.1 Time allowed is ten (10) minutes once the lead is removed with no minimum time for completion. A dog

must complete all Test elements within the allotted ten (10) minutes to qualify.

3.11.2 A dog is not required to work in a particular style of Herding according to its breed. The entry form must be marked "Boundary" if the handler wishes the dog to be tested in a boundary situation.

3.11.3 A handler may not excessively touch or correct the dog once the stock begins moving. The dog must respond in a reasonably prompt manner without threatening actions or movements by the handler.

3.11.4 More than 5 head of sheep may be used for Boundary Tests. Other stock requirements are as stated in Chapter 2, Section 10 of these Regulations.

3.11.5 The Judge must observe the handler and the dog and may not physically assist the handler and/or the dog in controlling the livestock. The Judge may advise the handler on how best to encourage the dog to move the stock and how to manoeuvre around the course. The dog should be permitted to work the stock as much as possible with a minimum of commands by the handler.

3.11.6 The same procedures and general positions assumed by the Judge and handler for starting the Herding Test apply to the Pre-Trial course. Stock should be freestanding at the top of the arena and may be held in the same manner as in the Herding Test.

3.11.7 The dog will enter and exit the arena on lead. The handler will remove the lead when ready and send the dog when prepared or on the Judges command when delay is apparent.

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3.11.8 The dog must be under control and move the stock under control, either on or off the fence, throughout the course. The dog will move the stock through the first gate at the side of the arena, across the narrow end of the arena through the second gate. Direction is reversed at approximately the midpoint of the long side of the arena. The stock moves back through the second gate, across the narrow end, through the first gate and to the pen. While the handler opens the gate the dog will sit, stand or down/stay until commanded to pen the stock. The dog should be positioned to allow stock to settle off the pen, and not be habitually moving the stock while the gate is being opened. Four gate passes are required and at some point on the course that handler must demonstrate that the dog can hold a stop (controlled pause). The Test is completed and timing ceases when the gate is closed and the handler may leash to dog as soon as the gate is closed. Once a dog has attempted or completed all Test elements, regardless of whether it qualifies, it must leave the arena.

3.11.9 The five elements of the Test, which must be executed, are: 1. A stay (a controlled pause); 2. Controlled passage of the stock (which includes clearing four gates and a change of direction); 3. One stop on the course; 4. One stop while the handler opens the pen gate; 5. Penning the stock.

3.11.10 Retries at the gates and pen are a judgmental consideration and there is no general limit on retries except as dictated by the time allowed, and when the dog's attempts are non-productive or the stock exhibits lack of forward progress.

3.11.11 Recalcitrant stock are a consideration, and a dog can be considered as having met the requirements if all but one head pass through the gates and are penned, provided the dog qualifies in all other aspects of its work. Generally, majority of the stock should be penned.

SUGGESTED NEW SECTION 12. (This section contains duplicates of paragraphs in Section 11, moved paragraphs from the original Section 11 and new descriptions in paragraphs)

Section 12. Pre-Trial Test, Description and Test Elements (Boundary).3.12.1 Time allowed is ten (10) minutes once the lead is removed with no minimum time for completion. A dog

must complete all Test elements within the allotted ten (10) minutes to qualify.

3.12.2 A dog is not required to work in a particular style of Herding according to its breed. The entry form must be marked "Boundary" if the handler wishes the dog to be tested in a boundary situation.

3.12.3 A handler may not excessively touch or correct the dog once the stock begins moving. The dog must respond in a reasonably prompt manner without threatening actions or movements by the handler.

3.12.4 More than 5 head of sheep may be used for Boundary Tests. Other stock requirements are as stated in Chapter 2, Section 10 of these Regulations.

3.12.5 The Judge must observe the handler and the dog and may not physically assist the handler and/or the dog in controlling the livestock. The Judge may advise the handler on how best to encourage the dog to move the stock and how to manoeuvre around the course. The dog should be permitted to work the stock as much as possible with a minimum of commands by the handler.

3.12.6 When a dog is being tested in the boundary style, the stock is held within the graze at the commencement of the test.

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3.12.7 If the dog is being tested on the boundary, the dog will contain stock within the graze for four minutes. Whilst containing the stock, the dog should demonstrate movement around the graze area at least 50% of the time and should not be "balancing" on the handler. If there is no/little forage in the graze, seeding the graze with hay may be permitted. The boundaries must be clearly discernible. After exiting the graze, the dog must be under control and move the stock under control around the course using the designated boundaries, ie sheep on the fence side of the boundary with the dog on the other side of the boundary. The dog will move the stock through the two gates at the bottom end of the course and then proceed up the long side to the pen. The handler may take any position relative to the stock and dog throughout the course. While the handler opens the gate the dog will sit, stand or down/stay until commanded to pen the stock. The dog should be positioned to allow the stock to settle off the pen, and not be habitually moving the stock while the gate is being opened. The Test is completed and timing ceases when the gate is closed and the handler may leash the dog as soon as the gate is closed. Once a dog has attempted or completed all Test elements, regardless of whether it qualifies, it must leave the arena.

3.12.8 The five elements of the Boundary Test which must be executed, are: 1. A stay (controlled pause); 2. Containing the stock in the graze for four minutes; 3. Controlled passage of stock (which includes clearing two gates); 4. One stop while the handler opens the pen gate; 5. Penning the stock.

3.12.9 Retries at the gates and pen are a judgmental consideration and there is no general limit on retries except as dictated by the time allowed, and when the dog's attempts are non-productive or the stock exhibits lack of forward progress.

3.12.10 Recalcitrant stock are a consideration, and a dog can be considered as having met the requirements if all but one head pass through the gates and are penned, provided the dog qualifies in all other aspects of its work. Generally, majority of the stock should be penned.

RATIONALE FOR THE CHANGETo make it clear to judges and handlers that the two styles of PT Test course are different and that different elements are required to be executed. It would also remove any confusion about which elements are required in each style of PT Test course.

OLD RULE 3.11.9If the dog is being Tested on the boundary, the dog will contain stock within the graze for four minutes before exiting the graze to move the stock through both gates to the pen. The handler may take any position relative to the stock and dog throughout the course. If there is no/little forage in the graze, seeding the graze with hay may be permitted. The boundaries must be clearly discernible.

SUGGESTED CHANGE TO RULE 3.11.9If the dog is being tested on the boundary, the dog will contain stock within the graze for four minutes before exiting the graze to move the stock through both gates to the pen. The handler may take any position relative to the stock and dog throughout the course. If there is no/little forage in the graze, seeding the graze with hay may be permitted. The boundaries must be clearly discernible. The dog must work, i.e. tend the boundary for at least 50%of the given time. It should show clear tending abilities and demonstrate understanding of working a border, i.e. the dog should not just be put into a long down or sit to ‘hold’ the stock within the graze area.

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RATIONALE FOR THE CHANGEThe current description of PT Boundary does not describe what is expected of the dog apart from ‘contain the stock within the graze’. There needs to be some description of HOW the dog is to contain the stock within the grazing area.

OLD PRE-TRIAL TEST DIAGRAM (currently on Page 19)The diagram needs to be amended so that the displayed measurements are closer to the correct scale. Currently the four metre distance between the side and the panel edge is much, much larger than the 8 metre distance shown between the bottom narrow end and the panels. The diagram does not have to be to scale, but the measurements should be more proportionally and optically correct.

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4m44


SUGGESTED PRE-TRIAL TEST DIAGRAM

RATIONALE FOR THE CHANGEThis will aid judges and course setters in the correct setting of the PT Test course. Whilst measurements were correct, it could cause confusion if looking at the overall "look" of the diagram. The positioning of the panels in the current diagram is not accurate in relation to the location of the boundary lines (if used).

OLD RULE 3.11.13Recalcitrant stock are a consideration, and a dog can be considered as having met the requirements if all but one head pass through the gates and are penned, provided the dog qualifies in all other aspects of its work. Generally, majority of the stock should be penned.

SUGGESTED CHANGE TO RULE 3.11.13 (Deletion of ‘Generally, majority of the stock should be penned.)Recalcitrant stock are a consideration, and a dog can be considered as having met the requirements if all but one head pass through the gates and are penned, provided the dog qualifies in all other aspects of its work.

RATIONALE FOR THE CHANGEThe sentence ‘Generally, majority of the stock should be penned.’ works in this rule if only three sheep are used. However for Boundary Pre-Trial Test, more than five head of sheep may be used – see Rule 3.11.4. Therefore this sentence should be left out so that all but one head pass through the gates and are penned for both forms of Pre-Trial Test.

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4m

8m


OLD RULE 4.7.1All of the general and minimum livestock requirements contained in Chapter 2, Section 10 of these Regulations shall apply to all classes in all Courses. Stock shall be rotated so that a rested group is used for each run in all Courses.

SUGGESTED CHANGE TO RULE 4.7.1All of the general and minimum livestock requirements contained in Chapter 2, Section 10 of these Regulations shall apply to all classes in all Courses. For all Tests and A and B Courses, stock shall be rotated so that a rested group is used for each run in these Courses. There must be at least 15 minutes between C Course runs if the same sheep are run. Feed and water should be available at all times for resting stock.

RATIONALE FOR THE CHANGEConsiderations for C Course –

In all the C Courses I have judged, if the C Course sheep were to be rotated, they would have to be taken out of the pen, walked some distance to another holding pen, rested until the next run was finished and then walked the same distance back to the pen. This would involve a lot of extra walking;

C Course sheep are physically conditioned to cover this distance easily (and have to be under Rule 2.10.16); During the 10 minute Wide Graze, the tending dog is well away from the sheep so they can relax and are able

to graze (and usually do so); For the Narrow Graze in Advanced C Course, the sheep should be walking slowly enough so that they can

graze whilst on the move if they want to; There is much less stress on the sheep than in the A and B Courses; For almost all the road work, the tending dog is off the road where the sheep are walking so is working well

off them; The present Rules numbered 4.7.1 an d 2.10.16 contradict each other; There is no running of the sheep, unlike the A and B Courses (if any running does occur, it is penalised very

heavily by judges); and As the minimum number of sheep used in C Course is 25, and there must be at least five spare sheep, the

minimum number of sheep needed to hold a C Course Trial would be 55. Also, if there are several runs, none of these sheep could then be used for the A and B Courses or Tests. Most Herding properties would not have the required number of sheep.

There is little reason for this rule for a C Course Trial for the above reasons. It would be much better to have a lower limit placed on the times between runs, such as 15 minutes, or the actual walking time (not including the Wide Graze time) of the previous run, or an average of the past three runs. The above Suggested Change states ‘15 minutes’ but it is open to discussion.

OLD RULE 5.1.1 Course A is an all-around farm or property course designed to demonstrate the versatility of the Herding dog. Handlers shall not enter any obstacles, in any class, except as otherwise provided in these regulations.

SUGGESTED CHANGE TO RULE 5.1.1. Course A is an all-around farm or property course designed to demonstrate the versatility of the Herding dog. It consists of different-shaped obstacles that have to be tackled in a certain order. There are four levels of difficulty, from a fetching course to ultimately a driving course, and at further distances from the dog at the higher levels. Handlers shall not enter any obstacles, in any class, except as otherwise provided in these regulations.

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RATIONALE FOR THE CHANGEOld Rule 7.1.1 gives a much better explanation of C Course than Old Rule 5.1.1 does of A Course. Making this suggestion gives a better description and also gives a very brief introduction to the four levels involved in this course.

OLD RULE 5.4.1The Centreline Gate – Two panels, recommended 2.4 to 4 metres (1-2 metres for ducks) in length are placed on the centreline of the arena, approximately 5 metres apart, parallel with the long walls of the arena. The midpoint of the 5 metre opening (gate) is approximately 1/3 the length of the arena, measured from the top of the arena. The opening for the centreline gate is 5 metres for sheep and cattle, 2 metres for ducks.

SUGGESTED CHANGE TO RULE 5.4.1The Centreline Gate – Two panels are placed on the centreline of the arena, parallel with the long walls of the arena. The midpoint of the 5 metre opening (gate) is approximately 1/3 the length of the arena, measured from the top of the arena. The opening for the centreline gate is 5 metres for sheep and cattle, 2 metres for ducks.

RATIONALE FOR THE CHANGEIf the Suggested Change to Rule 2.11.3, is agreed to, then these measurements need not be stated here. It would be better if all measurements are consistent and shown in one rule.

OLD Intermediate Class Course A – Description – Hold/Exam Pen – Turn stock towards the top at marker #3 and move the stock into the Hold/Exam pen. The dog will allow the stock to settle and hold them for 15 seconds after which the Judge indicates that the stock are to be moved out of the pen. After the hold, the stock are moved out of the hold pen and moved to marker #4. The handler shall not enter the obstacle.

SUGGESTED CHANGE TO Intermediate Class Course A – Description – Hold/Exam Pen –Turn stock towards the top at marker #3 and move the stock into the Hold/Exam pen. The dog will allow the stock to settle and hold them for 15 seconds after which the Judge indicates that the stock are to be moved out of the pen. The dog will then move the stock to marker #4. The handler shall not enter the obstacle.

RATIONALE FOR THE CHANGEThis reads more clearly without unnecessary repetition.

OLD Advanced Class Course A – Description – Hold/Exam Pen – Turn stock towards the top at marker #3 and move the stock into the Hold/Exam pen. The dog will allow the stock to settle and hold them for 15 seconds after which the Judge indicates that the stock are to be moved out of the pen. After the hold, the stock are moved out of the hold pen and moved to marker #4. The handler shall not enter the obstacle.

SUGGESTED CHANGE TO Advanced Class Course A – Description – Hold/Exam Pen –Turn stock towards the top at marker #3 and move the stock into the Hold/Exam pen. The dog will allow the stock to settle and hold them for 15 seconds after which the Judge indicates that the stock are to be moved out of the pen. The dog will then move the stock to marker #4. The handler shall not enter the obstacle.

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RATIONALE FOR THE CHANGEThis reads more clearly without unnecessary repetition.

OLD SECTION 6. Judging Course A for Outrun/Lift/Fetch.A. Outrun/Lift/Fetch: 1. Up to 1½ points deducted for a redirect while the dog is in motion. 2. Up to 3 points deducted for a stop and redirect. 3. Up to 10 points deducted if the handler leaves the handler's post prematurely. 4. Up to 10 points deducted for a crossover between the handler and the stock on the outrun. 5 Up to 5 points deducted if the dog starts straight ahead towards the stock and then completes the outrun

correctly.6. Up to 10 points deducted if the dog runs straight up the middle on the outrun. 7. Up to 20 points deducted if (caused by the dog) the stock run down the course out of control. 8. Up to 5 points deducted for dog crossing behind the handler on the outrun.

SUGGESTED CHANGE TO SECTION 6. Judging Course A for Outrun/Lift/Fetch.A. Outrun/Lift/Fetch: 1. Up to 1½ points deducted for a redirect while the dog is in motion. 2. Up to 3 points deducted for a stop and redirect. 3. Up to 10 points deducted if the handler leaves the handler's post prematurely. 4. Up to 7.5 points deducted for a crossover between the handler and the stock on the outrun. 5 Up to 5 points deducted if the dog starts straight ahead towards the stock and then completes the outrun

correctly.6. Up to 7.5 points deducted if the dog runs straight up the middle on the outrun. 7. Up to 7.5 points deducted if (caused by the dog) the stock run down the course out of control. 8. Up to 5 points deducted for dog crossing behind the handler on the outrun.

RATIONALE FOR THE CHANGEThere are three elements to this first 20 point section; the Outrun, Lift and Fetch. Points used to allocate as per the old Rules (before the 02/15 Typographical errors corrected version) as 7.5 for the Outrun, 5 for the Lift and 7.5 for the Fetch. This should mean that each section is judged and scored separately. This was so that a competitor could not lose up to 20 points and therefore NQ on any one element of this section.

Adoption if this idea would alter the maximum allocated scores for Line 4 (from 10 to 7.5 points), Line 6 (from 10 to 7.5 points) and Line 7 (from 20 to 7.5 points);

Also these scores would be re-instated to the Maximum Points Available on Page 35 as per the Old Rules; Also these scores would be re-instated to the HERDING TRIAL OFFICIAL SCORE SHEET COURSE A

on Page 59 as per the Old Rules; If this were to be adopted, the score sheet (page 59) could have these three separated into three different lines

with still the one ‘NQ’ box on the right hand side. This would be similar to the Course B score sheet (page 60) where the HOLD (ADVANCED) is shown as two lines (SHED – 5 and HOLD – 5), with one ‘NQ’ box applicable. Similarly the Course C score sheet (page 61) where the GRAZES STARTED is shown as one line with a deduction of 35 and the GRAZES INTER & ADVANCED is shown as 25 with the PLACEMENT INTER & ADVANCED shown as 10.

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OLD RULE 6.1.1.Course B is an open Field Trial demonstrating a dog's ability to control and move livestock in an extended area. Stock used for this course is sheep, ducks or cattle. At all levels, the length of each of the drive legs is to be approximately 1/3 of the total length of the outrun. The minimum length of a drive leg is 30m for sheep and cattle or 15m for ducks.

SUGGESTED CHANGE TO RULE 6.1.1Course B is an open Field Trial demonstrating a dog's ability to control and move livestock in an extended area. The Outrun, Lift and Fetch are performed at increasing distances from the handler depending on the level of difficulty. It has more driving of the stock at the higher levels and at further distances from the dog. There are three levels of difficulty in this course. At the highest level, the Shed also has to be demonstrated.

RATIONALE FOR THE CHANGEOld Rule 7.1.1 gives a much better explanation of C Course than Old Rule 6.1.1 does of B Course. Also, there is no need to then give distances, other figures or types of stock in this Rule 6.1.1 as these are discussed in later rules. It also introduces the change to the requirement for the highest of the three levels.

OLD RULE 6.1.6The handler's post can be a stake driven into the ground, a pylon or other marker. All outruns start from and all course measurements originate from the handler's post. Panels used to form the gates may be 2.5-4m long for sheep and cattle, 1.2 – 2m long for ducks, at the prescribed angles to the course line. The pen shall be from 2m x 2m up to 2.5m x 2.5m for sheep, 4m x 4m for cattle, or 1.2m x 1.2m for ducks, with a freely swinging gate. The gate, at the opening end, must have a 2 metre securely attached rope for sheep and cattle, 0.6m for ducks. The shedding ring shall be no less than 9 m in diameter for Started and Intermediate and 18m in Advanced or 6m in diameter for ducks. It shall be clearly marked with sawdust, lime or mowed.

SUGGESTED CHANGE TO RULE 6.1.6The handler's post can be a stake driven into the ground, a pylon or other marker. All outruns start from and all course measurements originate from the handler's post. Panels used to form the gates must be at the prescribed angles to the course line. The pen shall be from 2m x 2m up to 2.5m x 2.5m for sheep, 4m x 4m for cattle, or 1.2m x 1.2m for ducks, with a freely swinging gate. The gate, at the opening end, must have a 2 metre securely attached rope for sheep and cattle, 0.6m for ducks. The shedding ring shall be no less than 9 m in diameter for Started and Intermediate and 18m in Advanced or 6m in diameter for ducks. It shall be clearly marked with sawdust, lime or mowed.

RATIONALE FOR THE CHANGEIf the Suggested Change to Rule 2.11.3, is agreed to, then these measurements for the gates need not be stated here. It would be better if all measurements are consistent and shown in one rule.

OLD RULE 6.3.7Pen – The penning exercise begins when the stock enters the working area in front of the pen. The livestock should move directly into the pen without leaving the working area in front of the pen gate. The handler will take hold of the rope and may not drop it until the gate is closed after the stock have left the pen.

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SUGGESTED CHANGE TO RULE 6.3.7Pen – The penning exercise begins when the stock enters the working area in front of the pen. The livestock should move directly into the pen without leaving the working area in front of the pen gate. The handler will take hold of the rope and may not drop it until the gate is closed after the stock have left the pen. Failure to keep hold of the rope and to close the gate will have this category marked incomplete. Incomplete is as non-qualifying score.

RATIONALE FOR THE CHANGEKeeping hold of the rope and closing the gate after the stock have left the pen are both essential elements of this exercise (and both these reflect the real-life scenario where these would be employed). By adding the last two sentences reinforces that these elements are to be scored so that a non-qualifying score is given if not carried out. (Refer to Rule 5.1.3 where it states ‘have the point category marked incomplete. Incomplete is a non-qualifying score.’).

OLD RULE 6.3.9Shed (Advanced) –The shed begins after the dog takes the stock from the pen to the shedding ring. Two head of livestock (when five head are used or one when three head are used) should be separated from the flock and held by the dog until the Judge states to the handler, "That's a shed”. Time ends and the run is completed.

SUGGESTED NEW RULE 6.3.9Shed (Advanced) –The shed begins after the dog takes the stock from the pen to the shedding ring. Two head of livestock (when five head are used or one when three head are used) should be separated from the flock and held by the dog until the Judge states to the handler, "That's a shed”. Time ends and the run is completed. The 3-minute time period for ‘failing to show productive work’, as covered in Rule 1.12.3 should be ignored here.

RATIONALE FOR THE CHANGEThis element of the B Course may take quite some minutes to perform satisfactorily and it can mean some very slow and patient handling. Some judges can interpret this as the handler and dog ‘failing to show productive work’ and can penalise a handler heavily for this. However this should not be the intention of this element, provided that the time limit of 12 minutes for the Trial is not exceeded.

OLD RULE 7.1.1Course C reflects a tending shepherd's day, as he/she accompanies the flock, moving to various unfenced grazing areas. The sheep must be allowed to graze peacefully, contained within specified unfenced areas, and safely guided on the roads between those areas. The dog patrols to guard against sheep trespassing onto the adjoining field, while the sheep graze and are moved along roads. The shepherd and dog are responsible for the safety and good health of the sheep, in addition to protection of all adjoining lands from the sheep. Only through a harmonious effort among theshepherd, the flock and the dog can optimal success be attained in this type of grazing flock management.

SUGGESTED CHANGE TO RULE 7.1.1Course C reflects a tending shepherd's day, as he/she accompanies the flock, moving to various unfenced grazing areas. The sheep must be allowed to graze peacefully, contained within specified unfenced areas, and safely guided on the roads between those areas. The dog patrols to guard against sheep trespassing onto the adjoining field, while the sheep graze and are moved along roads. The shepherd and dog are responsible for the safety and good health of the sheep, in addition to protection of all adjoining lands from the sheep. Only through a harmonious effort among the

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shepherd, the flock and the dog can optimal success be attained in this type of grazing flock management. There are many differences in the requirements for this course, depending on the three levels of difficulty. These are the requirements from a stationary vehicle to moving vehicles, longer courses, and introduction of the Placement during the Wide Graze and introduction of the Narrow Graze at the higher levels.

RATIONALE FOR THE CHANGEThe introduction is good but could be improved by giving a very brief introduction to the three levels involved in this course.

OLD RULE 7.2.3Re-Pen –Scoring begins approximately 6 metres before the pen and ends when the gate is closed. To return the flock to the pen, the handler leads the sheep a few steps into the pen and then stands by the gate on the outside of the pen. The dog takes a position opposite the handler outside the pen to prevent any sheep from going past the gate. Should some sheep refuse to enter the pen, the dog may move along the flock to encourage forward movement. Once the sheep are moving, the dog returns to stand at the gate. The dog does not enter the pen. The handler closes the gate, which concludes the run.

SUGGESTED CHANGE TO RULE 7.2.3Re-Pen –Scoring begins approximately 6 metres before the pen and ends when the gate is closed. To return the flock to the pen, the handler may lead the sheep a few steps into the pen and then stands by the gate on the outside of the pen. The dog takes a position opposite the handler outside the pen to prevent any sheep from going past the gate. Should some sheep refuse to enter the pen, the dog may move along the flock to encourage forward movement. Once the sheep are moving, the dog returns to his position at the gate. The dog does not enter the pen. The handler closes the gate, which concludes the run.

RATIONALE FOR THE CHANGE The old rule states that the handler must lead the sheep a few steps into the pen. However this may not be

necessary; the sheep may go in while the handler stands by the gate on the outside of the ring. This rule could be interpreted that if the handler does not go into the ring, there should be a penalty;

The rule states that ‘the dog returns to stand at the gate.’ The dog may wish to stand, sit or lie down and have just as much control. There should not be a penalty if the dog does not ‘stand’ as per this rule.

OLD RULE 7.2.5 (Last paragraph)The dog will stay on the most dangerous side of the bridge, close to the panel and will be sent to this position early enough to prevent sheep from going around the bridge. If all or part, of the flock are not crossing, the dog may go back along the flock to encourage forward motion, guiding the sheep on to the bridge. Once the flock is moving, the dog returns to the wing to guard against sheep going around the bridge. After the flock has crossed over the bridge, the dog follows them over the bridge.

SUGGESTED CHANGE TO RULE 7.2.5 (Last paragraph)The dog will stay on the more dangerous side of the bridge, close to the panel and will be sent to this position early enough to prevent sheep from going around the bridge. If all or part, of the flock are not crossing, the dog may go back along the flock to encourage forward motion, guiding the sheep on to the bridge. Once the flock is moving, the dog returns to the wing to guard against sheep going around the bridge. After the flock has crossed over the bridge, the dog follows them over the bridge.

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The more dangerous side of the bridge will be determined at the handler’s meeting.

RATIONALE FOR THE CHANGE In the first line, to be grammatically correct, as there are only two sides to the bridge, then the word ‘most’

should be changed to ‘more’. As the rule states that the dog should be positioned on a particular side, then points should be deducted if this

does not occur. Therefore an extra line should be added to page 54 under:-

G. Bridge1. Up to 2 points deducted for disturbing the stock while they are entering or exiting. 2. Up to 2 points deducted for the dog breaking its stay while guarding the bridge wing, unless commanded by

the handler or if the sheep have refused to cross the bridge. 3. Up to 2 points deducted for the dog crossing the bridge before all the sheep pass. 4. Up to 10 points deducted for the stock not crossing over the bridge or going around it. 5. Up to 3 points deducted for the dog not keeping to the more dangerous side of the bridge.

OLD RULE 7.2.6 (1st and 4th Paragraphs)Pause (of the flock), Traffic RoadScoring begins approximately 6 metres before the entrance onto the traffic road and ends when the last sheep leaves the traffic road. The flock is an integral part of the traffic pattern and travels on the left hand side of the road, the same as a car.

The handler guides the flock onto the road while the dog works the roadside boundary. When there is no traffic, the flock may cover the entire traffic road. As the vehicle approaches the stock, the dog comes onto the road and moves the sheep to the left hand side of the road. As the vehicle passes, the dog works between the vehicle and the stock to provide sufficient room for the vehicle to pass while protecting the stock and keeping all the sheep from moving in front of the moving vehicle. When the vehicle has passed the dog returns to the roadside boundary and the sheep may use the entire width of the traffic road.

SUGGESTED CHANGE TO RULE 7.2.6 (1st and 4th Paragraphs)Pause (of the flock), Traffic RoadScoring begins approximately 6 metres before the entrance onto the traffic road and ends when the last sheep leaves the traffic road. The flock is an integral part of the traffic pattern and may use the entire width of the traffic road.

The handler guides the flock onto the road while the dog works the roadside boundary. When there is no traffic, the flock may cover the entire traffic road. As the vehicle approaches the stock, the dog comes onto the road and moves the sheep to the left hand side of the road. As the vehicle passes, the dog works between the vehicle and the stock to provide sufficient room for the vehicle to pass while protecting the stock and keeping all the sheep from moving in front of the moving vehicle. When the vehicle has passed the dog returns to the roadside boundary and the sheep may use the entire width of the traffic road.

RATIONALE FOR THE CHANGEThe first paragraph says that the flock travels on the left hand side of the road. However in the fourth paragraph, it covers this twice by saying that ‘the flock may cover the entire traffic road’ and ‘the sheep may use the entire width of the traffic road’. Clearly there a difference in the flock’s positioning between the first and fourth paragraphs.

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OLD RULE 7.2.8 (Last paragraph)The time for the wide graze is 10 minutes, at the Judge's discretion, and must be consistent for each run in a class.

SUGGESTED NEW RULE 7.2.8 (Last paragraph)The suggested maximum time for the wide graze is 10 minutes. However this can be varied at the Judge's discretion, and must be consistent for each run in a class.

RATIONALE FOR THE CHANGEIn the old Rules/Regulations, the time for the Wide Graze was definitely stated as 10 minutes, so how can there be any other time ‘at the Judge’s discretion’? The Suggested New Rule allows the Judge discretion to make this a shorter time if there is a particular need to. However it must be remembered that one of the most important elements of this course is the ability of the dog to patrol the Wide Graze without disturbing the sheep. From experience, if dogs are going to have trouble with this exercise, it will invariably be in the latter part of the ten minutes. Also the Placement before the flock has to be done in Intermediate and Advanced classes so again if dogs are going to have trouble with this exercise, it will also be in the latter part of the ten minutes of the Wide Graze.

OLD RULE 7.2.9 (Last paragraph only)(Narrow Graze (Advanced class only) – The handler guides the stock to the assigned graze area. The flock is to graze in the narrow space, which causes them to spread out lengthwise. The handler will stay on the edge of the grazing area, moving forward or backward to encourage the forward movement of the flock while the dog moves to the opposite side of the stock. If necessary, the dog may change sides, working the same side as the handler. Throughout the exercise, the dog does not disturb nor permit the flock to turn around, fan out or leave the grazing area.

SUGGESTED NEW RULE 7.2.9 (Last paragraph only)(Narrow Graze (Advanced class only) – The handler guides the stock to the assigned graze area. The flock is to graze in the narrow space, which causes them to spread out lengthwise. The handler will stay on the edge of the grazing area, moving forward or backward to encourage the forward movement of the flock while the dog moves to the opposite side of the stock. If necessary, the dog may change sides, working the same side as the handler. Throughout the exercise, the dog does not disturb nor permit the flock to turn around, fan out or leave the grazing area. The purpose of this exercise is to move the stock sufficiently slowly so that the sheep may graze on the move without stopping.

RATIONALE FOR THE CHANGENowhere in this Rule does it say what the purpose of this exercise is or how it should be conducted.

OLD RULE ON PAGE 49 – Placement before the Flock (Intermediate and Advanced only) –

SUGGESTED NEW RULE ON PAGE 497.2.10 Placement before the Flock (Intermediate and Advanced only) –

RATIONALE FOR THE CHANGEThis section should be given the next Rule number.

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OLD RULE ON PAGE 49 – Placement before the Flock (Intermediate and Advanced only) –The handler will decide when this exercise will be performed and will so notify the Judge. The exercise demonstrates the dog's ability to be placed outside and inside the graze and to change the direction of the grazing sheep.

The handler sends the dog along the boundary to the head of the flock. At the handler's signal, the dog stands with its attention on the flock. The dog enters the graze and approaches the flock slowly. The approach is stopped three times with the dog standing, until the dog reaches the head of the flock. The last stop will be at the point where the dog is in contact with and turning the head of the flock.

Once the flock has turned, the dog will exit the graze on command in the same area it used to enter the graze. At Intermediate level only, the handler may enter the graze to perform the placement, but must not interfere with the stock.

SUGGESTED NEW RULE ON PAGE 49 – Placement before the Flock (Intermediate and Advanced only) –The handler will decide when this exercise will be performed and will so notify the Judge. The exercise demonstrates the dog's ability to be placed outside and inside the graze and to change the direction of the grazing sheep.

The handler sends the dog along the boundary to the head of the flock. At the handler's signal, the dog stands with its attention on the flock. Upon command, the dog enters the graze and approaches the flock slowly. The approach is stopped two or three times with the dog standing, until the dog reaches the head of the flock. The last stop will be at the point where the dog is in contact with and turning the head of the flock.

Once the flock has turned, the dog will exit the graze on command in the same area it used to enter the graze. At Intermediate level only, the handler may enter the graze to perform the placement, but must not interfere with the stock.

RATIONALE FOR THE CHANGE The Placement should not commence until the handler tells the dog to commence. The number of stops should be able to be varied slightly. If the dog starts close to where the head of the flock

is, the three stops in the old rule will not be possible.

OLD MAXIMUM POINTS AVAILABLE ON PAGE 54 –Course C - All Classes - 100 points

1. Exit from Pen and Re-Pen - 15 2. Narrow Road - 20 3. Bridge – 10 4. Pause/Traffic – 20 5. Graze (Int. and Adv.) – 25

(Started) – 35 6. Placement (Int. and Adv.) - 10

Total – 100

In order to receive a qualifying score in any class, a dog must have a total of at least 60 points, provided none of the above point categories are scored at less than ½ of the available points.

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SUGGESTED NEW MAXIMUM POINTS AVAILABLE ON PAGE 54 –Course C - All Classes - 100 points

1. Exit from Pen and Re-Pen – 152. Narrow Road – 203. Bridge – 10 4. Pause/Traffic – 20 5. Graze (Started) – 35

Graze / Placement (Intermediate) – 35 Grazes (Wide & Narrow) / Placement (Advanced) – 35

Total – 100

In order to receive a qualifying score in any class, a dog must have a total of at least 60 points, provided none of the above point categories are scored at less than ½ of the available points.

RATIONALE FOR THE CHANGE By adding the placement points to the wide graze scoring area, it brings the available points to 35 for all three

levels. It is currently 35 points for HS and 25 for both HI and HX. The 10 points for the placement used to be included in the graze total. Somehow it got moved on the score sheet and became a separate part.

The Placement is performed within the Graze scoring period, so it makes sense to be included in the same score. The deductions would remain the same. This also gives an increment of difficulty for each level in a tie-break situation. The current tie-break is unfair on the higher level dogs. The Graze is the crux of C Course and should be used as the tie-breaker, but there should be parity within the classes. This would mean the score would be – o Started would be scored Wide Graze – 35o Intermediate would be scored Wide Graze – 25, plus Placement – 10. Total 35.o Advanced would be scored Wide and Narrow Grazes – 25, plus Placement – 10. Total 35.

OLD PRE-TRIAL TEST OFFICIAL JUDGE’S EVALUATION FORM (Page 58)

As the requirements for the Pre-Trial Test and the Pre-Trial Boundary Test are somewhat different, there should be a separate Evaluation Form for each of them.

These elements of the Pre-Trial Boundary Test are listed in Rule 3.11.11 and should be listed on the Evaluation Form –

Stay (a controlled pause)at beginningContained stock in graze for 4 minutesControlled passage of stockStop while handler opens gateRe-pen stock.

OLD HERDING TRIAL OFFICIAL SCORE SHEET COURSE C (Page 61) – Showing ‘5. Grazes and 6. Placements’ ONLY –

5. GRAZES STARTED 35 INTER & ADVANCED 25

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6. PLACEMENT INTER & ADVANCED

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SUGGESTED HERDING TRIAL OFFICIAL SCORE SHEET COURSE C (Page 61) – Showing 5. Grazes ONLY –

5. GRAZES STARTED 35 INTER (Graze 25 + Placement 10) 35 ADVANCED (Wide graze +

Narrow Graze 25 + Placement 10) 35

RATIONALE FOR THE CHANGEIf the SUGGESTED NEW MAXIMUM POINTS AVAILABLE ON PAGE 54 (discussed above) is accepted, the Score Sheet should be amended to reflect this suggestion.

The 2008 Rules/Regulations had a CHAPTER 9. GLOSSARY OF HERDING TERMS (pages 54 and 55). This did not appear in the 2014 edition. Perhaps discussion on whether this should be included could be part of this Rules Review. Apparently the 2012 meeting minutes moved that this be removed in its entirety from the rulebook, the rationale being that it was unnecessary.

Submitted by –

Dogs Queensland Herding Sub-CommitteeJune 2016

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ankc.org.auankc.org.au/media/6455/5-attachment-6a.docx · web viewthere should be some sort of...

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