He darted to the left, and then circled right, as his handler barked directions at Scooch, a 4-year-old Border Collie, who initially struggled to herd three stubborn young calves into a nearby pen.
When the timed exercise was over, a beaming, tail-wagging Scooch rejoined his pleased owner Jim Rochester, who vowed his dog’s efforts will improve as the day progresses.
Rochester and Scooch of Springtown, TX, are one of 55 duos participating in the Permian Basin Fair Cattledog Trial contest being held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday. The free event is held in The Outback Arena.
“It’s always difficult in the morning,” said Rochester, whose two dogs, Scooch and 6-year-old Goose, were among the first participants Wednesday morning at the Permian Basin Fair’s dog trials. “These cattle are fresh, but once they get broken in, it gets easier.”
Each dog must try to complete five obstacle courses, earning points for each cow they successfully herd into each course’s pen, said Barney Fowler, who oversees the herding contest. The dogs have seven minutes to herd the calves into the pens. A maximum of 75 points can be earned.
Dogs are judged on their performance and behavior, Fowler explained. Dogs and handlers are also judged by how well they interact and communicate.
There are four contest categories – novice, intermediate, advanced and open challenge.
The top scorers receive cash awards along with a belt buckle, Fowler said.
“A lot of time is spent training the dogs,” said Kyle Dillard, who traveled from New Mexico to participate in the Permian Basin Fair. “We start training them when they’re 10 months to 1-year-old.
“We train them every day; teaching them how to herd and listen to our voice commands.”
Dillard, like many of the other contest participants, travel around the country, entering their dogs in various fair competitions.
“I do it for the sport and competition,” Dillard said.
Historically, Border Collies have been bred to be cattle and sheep herders, so they are born with that natural instinct, Fowler said.
The secret to developing an excellent herder, is to develop a close bond with the dog, Fowler said.
“Most of the guys here use their dogs to gather cattle and sheep; it’s part of the ranch life. Events like this are just for fun.”
But don’t try telling Scooch that. After a brief water break and some love and attention from his owner, the Border Collie begins making his way back to the obstacle course.
He looks like a prize fighter heading into battle, except for that wagging tail and that grin-like facial expression that indicates the fun is just beginning.
