Herding dogs put their skills to the test in Stoob

Herding dogs are competing in an international tournament in Stoob, in the Oberpullendorf district, this weekend, ORF reports. The specially trained dogs guide sheep in the direction chosen by their handlers and keep the flock together.

Border Collies and sheep must complete a demanding course. Among other tasks, each dog must drive a group of sheep in a straight line towards its handler. Judges assess precision and teamwork.

Training a herding dog takes three years, and not every Border Collie is suited to the work. “The dog has to have it in its genes and also want to work with me. That is very important,” organiser Beatrice Stinakovits said. Patience and calm are also needed during the training.

Most of the 75 participants are sheep farmers who work with their dogs every day. The tournaments give them an opportunity to exchange experience.

Participant Horst Ludwig said a good herding dog must have strong nerves. It should be able to calm the sheep, settle agitated animals and follow every command in difficult situations.

Some dogs at the tournament were still at the beginning of their training. Sabrina Pusnik said the event should also be enjoyable for the dogs rather than exhausting.

“It is an incredibly wonderful feeling to work as a team with the dog,” Johanna Jaetke said. She added that she could not imagine many things without her dog and valued the feeling that the animal gives her its heart and works alongside her.

The winners in the individual classes will be determined on Sunday, but the result is considered secondary. “At this tournament, everyone wins,” ORF reported.