Sheepdogs to be tutored by the best at Kilry

Successful triallists and experienced trainers will help improve skills

Sheepdog handlers will get the opportunity to be tutored by experienced trainers and successful triallists at an event at Kilry next month.

Mosse and Lotta Magnusson will provide the training at Midderry Farm on June 13 at a course which is free for members of the National Sheep Associa- tion (NSA) or International Sheepdog Society (ISDS). Non members can pay a one-off fee of £30, or £15 if they are under 27, or they can join one of the organisations.

The courses are designed for everyone from absolute beginners and novices through to trial standard, and all applicants need is their own dog.

The training will be adapted to suit individual needs and involve learning how to handle and train a working dog using body language and natural communication. It is also intended to give confidence to novice sheepdog handlers.

NSA Scottish chairman, John Fyall, said the training courses followed the success of two similar events held at Inverbroom and Armadale last autumn.

He added: “I hope we get the same enthusiasm for these courses as was the case in Sutherland. It’s a great opportunity to use the trainers’ experience to improve practical skill, after which the trainees may wish to go on and do more.”

Ian Brownlie, ISDS Scotland national president, said he was delighted the trainers had agreed to impart some of their years of theory and practical hands-on experience with sheep and dogs to anyone who wanted to gain from their unrivalled expertise on a worldwide stage.

He added: “These training days are primarily aimed at sheep farmers and shepherds in order to help them make better use of their dogs’ abilities and improve efficiency in their everyday work.”

The course will run from 9am to 5pm and lunch will be provided. Further information and entry forms are available from Euan Emslie, NSA Scotland Event Organiser and Secretariat, on 07718 908523 or euan@ nsascotland.org.

Training in handling sheepdogs and sheep will be held at Middery Farm, Kilry, on June 13 for novices to triallists.