Sheep vs. Man and dog: Northland dog trial championships set to excite

John Nelley is encouraging people to head along to the Farmlands Real Estate Northland Centre Championships to watch dogs like Joy, left, and Stream go through their paces. Photo / John Stone

"You see lots of people walking their dogs so there is clearly a real love for them. We just take things to the next level."

That's what former national champion and Mt Manaia Dog Trial Club head steward John Nelley thinks makes sheepdog trials such an entertaining sport - and they want Northlanders to head along to see the action.

The Farmlands Real Estate Northland Centre Championships take place this weekend with around 130 dogs (a mix of heading dogs and huntaways) heading to Parua Bay for the three day event.

The farms are looking lush due to the inclement weather over the past few weeks which has competitors excited for the event.

The dogs and their handlers are tasked with reining in a trio of sheep in a variety of events.

Like people and dogs, sheep can have attitudes too. Nelley said there's a little bit of luck involved with getting the right ones but the liberators help select the best ones to operate.

"If there is one that looks like it won't conform or if it's extra spooked or blind in one eye, they'll get pulled out," he said.

"They try to match the three sheep up because if you get an oddball in there it can create havoc.

Kevin Easterbrook looks on as the sheep get used to running through the gates. Photo / John Stone

"Three is the optimum to use because sheep normally stick together. If you have four, there could be two mobs of two. With three, they're inclined to stick together."

There are two heading dog and two huntaway classes up for grabs. The huntaways compete in a zigzag hunt and a straight hunt up the hill.

The heading dogs have a long head and a short head and yard competition. The long head is going up and down the hill before having the three sheep standing inside a circle while the short head and yards adds an obstacle element with hurdles and a pen.

Nelley said the dogs, much like athletes, are susceptible to having an off day.

"They can definitely have bad days. They can act a little differently on new courses or with different sheep," he said.

"You have to be able to read the situation, the dog and the sheep to get the best out of them on the day.

"Trainers sometimes to get a bit frustrated with their dogs but not to the point of yelling, definitely not at a competition. Obviously you can't have any bad language out there or abuse the dog at all so you have to bite your tongue.

"It's all in the training though."

The competition is being held at 200 Taiharuru Road in Parua Bay. The events start at 7:30am and run through the day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

There is free entry for the public with refreshments available for purchase. However, people are asked not to bring along their own dogs.

Nelley said they welcome people to come check out the action and ask plenty of questions.

"We'd love for people to come out and watch. If they ask for me, I can answer questions about the sport," he said.

"We are there to help and encourage people to look and potentially take the sport up. Do ask questions.

"There's some grumpy old farmers around that might not be too happy after a bad run but most are prepared to explain and talk."