What Is The Difference Between Trial Dogs And Ranch Dogs?

The Dogs Of Precision And Practicality

The responsibilities of a working dog depend on what job you need them to do. Some working dogs are trained to be herders and guardians for everyday farm use. Other working dogs can be trained to show off their skills in trials, or competitions. Both types of Border Collies share the same sharp instincts, but the way you train them is what sets them apart. Regardless of whether you are choosing practical working dogs for farm life or the precision that comes with a competition dog, both types of Border Collies are reliable and hardworking.

What Are Trial Dogs?

Trial dogs are trained to compete in sheepdog trials and events. These trials test the skills and knowledge of stock dogs as they move sheep through different scenarios and obstacles. This is used to show the dog's ability to control and move sheep with efficiency and precision. Border Collies are the most popular type of stock dog in this type of competition, but there are a few other working dog breeds that you will also see competing.

The Goals Of Stockdog Trials

Stockdog trials typically take place in a field, or an arena, with a few sheep and a panel of judges. Each dog in the competition works to guide several sheep through gates, around obstacles, and then get them into a pen. At a herding trial, the judges will score based on how smoothly and calmly the dog controlled the sheep. The precision and how stress-free the livestock stay during the process are noted by the judges and are included in the score they receive. Good scores and titles come from dogs that work quietly and show dominance without chasing or being rough with the livestock. The dog's handler is also included in this process. They can whistle or give voice commands, but the dog must do the majority of the thinking on their own.

The Life Of Ranch Dogs

Life for a ranch dog is a little different from that of a trial dog. Competition dogs work and train on controlled fields for trials, where farm dogs are put in real-life situations and get the job done. Farm dogs are used every day to herd, move, and protect sheep and cattle from predators. Farm dogs are independent and can quickly problem-solve on their own. While competition dogs are trained for precision, farm dogs evolve their skills based on the situation at hand to protect their sheep or cattle. A farm dog's day can start in the morning and may not end until night. Their endurance and instincts must remain sharp at all times. These dogs are hardworking, and their role adds to the success of a farm.

How Are They Both Trained To Handle Livestock?

Both types of dogs are born with natural instincts and are trained to do similar jobs. Trial training is focused on precision, and they go through hours of training with an owner or handler to learn how to instantly respond to whistles and voice commands. They are expected to execute these commands quietly and calmly. Each of their movements needs to be perfect and intentional. They need to successfully guide and control livestock through an obstacle of gates and lead them to a pen. Completing these tests quickly and calmly is what judges will be looking for during trial competitions.

Farm dog training is more flexible and can be modified to fit the needs of the farm. A farm dog's herding capability is much different than a competition dog. They are taught to handle larger groups of different stock types through real-life situations. Ranch dogs evolve when they are doing the job and are encouraged to execute their job less calmly if that is what is needed for a stubborn animal.

How Are Their Herding Environments Different?

Both types of working dogs may start their training in a controlled environment, but only farm dogs will end up applying those skills elsewhere. Competition dogs are only trained in controlled environments. Their duty is to fine-tune their skills and impress judges. Trial work is done by using a small group of livestock and repeatedly doing the same scenarios over and over again to reach perfection. They do not face unpredictable obstacles and dangerous situations. They have very structured training, and their work environment stays controlled to help them reach flawless skills.

With ranch dogs, they are doing real work. The terrain and situations they will experience can be much more laborious. A ranch dog will experience the raw and unpredictable situations that happen on farms. These scenarios can be dangerous, so they need to be able to adapt quickly. Farm dogs will work in every environment their farm will experience. Whether there is hot sun, pouring rain, or a snowstorm, they are expected to do the job at all times.

The Hard Work Of Border Collies

Both trial and farm dogs have important roles and have high expectations set upon them. They work hard to refine their skills so they can execute the jobs they are given with ease. Their relationships with their handlers are one-of-a-kind, and they are some of the most skilled animals around. If you are interested in learning more about farm or competition dogs, contact Kuykendall today.

Contact Kuykendall’s Today To Learn More

Kuykendall is a family-owned Border Collie breeding business located in Franklinville, North Carolina. We have been raising and training Border Collies for three generations. Over the years, we have had the pleasure of raising and training some of the best farm and competition dogs you can find. Our team has the experience and attention to prepare every dog that comes into our program to be the best they can be. It is our mission to shape and refine our Border Collies' natural abilities and instincts and help bring out a companion that will excel in anything you need them to do. If you are interested in learning more, contact us today.

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