Episode 1 One Man and His Dog


Episode 1

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We've got glorious sunshine, rolling hills, champion dogs, and lots and lots of sheep!

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It can only be the longest running television dog trial in the world, it's One Man And His Dog 2010.

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Here we are on a beautiful farm in the countryside just outside Cheddar Gorge.

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Over the next couple of days, we'll be seeing the very best in sheepdog trialling,

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as the top handlers from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales battle it out to be crowned 2010 champions.

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The first of the three trials in this year's competition will be that

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of the young handlers and all the competitors are under the age of 18.

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Then it's the brace round, that's one man and two dogs.

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Then, in the final round, it's one man and his dog but with two groups of sheep.

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A man who knows more about sheepdog trialling than anyone else I know is

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of course Gus Dermody and he joins us as ever.

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-Gus, lovely to see you.

-Hello.

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Now, our four competing nations, which one do you think stands the

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best chance of being champion this year?

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On paper it could well be Wales

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but at all three levels of this competition it's very, very strong.

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Honestly, I think it's too close to call.

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The outcome may be too close to call but there's one thing that's certain

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- every one of our handlers will be hoping it's their dog that helps them clinch victory.

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But what is it that makes a champion dog? What do you have to look for?

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I went with Gus to one of the largest sheepdog auctions in the country to find out.

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If you want to buy either a working or trialling dog, then this is the place you need to come.

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This is a sheepdog auction.

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We're in Skipton on a rainy blustery day, but it's really busy.

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Gus, how does the auction work?

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There's over 100 dogs for sale.

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That includes little pups, fully-trained dogs, and even some trial dogs as well.

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Like all auctions, if you want to buy something, obviously you want to have

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a look at it, so there are people out in the field behind us showing how their dogs work with sheep.

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But unusually, if you do want to buy a dog, you can get a sneak preview of it at its home.

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Emrys Jones is a handler who trains and sells sheepdogs.

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He's been working with Jess for the past two months in preparation for the auction.

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Come-bye.

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She's a little bit eager, I don't mind that.

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We can always take that out of her.

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Stand. Stand.

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But you can't put what she's got into a dog - which is fast, keen, switched-on, she's like a razor.

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Come-bye

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-Today, some potential buyers want to see exactly how well Jess performs in the field.

-She's real smart.

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You've done a good job with her.

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If they like what they see, then they'll bid, but there could be others interested in Jess on the day.

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-Fast, isn't she?

-Yes, she is, yes.

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Nice mover.

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I've spotted our Jess in the catalogue here.

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We've seen some pretty high prices already.

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One dog went for over 1,500 guineas just now.

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A guinea is £1.05.

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-Why do they sell in guineas?

-It's tradition and the auctioneer has the 5p.

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Jess from Emrys Jones.

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This is a very sharp registered bitch born February 2009.

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What are the buyers looking for when they look at a dog like this?

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First of all they're looking at the temperament of the dog.

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They want a dog with a good outrun, they want a dog that's careful with

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the sheep, it doesn't rush them, bully them, or anything like that.

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It's not about the way the dog looks, it's about the way it performs.

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Buyers are interested in the way the dog takes its instruction, as well at its ability to command sheep.

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Good outrun. Easy to teach.

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At the moment I'm quite impressed. Yes, she's well trained.

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Put your hand in your pocket then!

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Ladies and gents,

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start the lead then, for 3,000 guineas.

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-So bidding is starting.

-1,500 bid,

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1,500 bid, 1,500.

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1,500 bid, 1,500, 1,500, 1,500,

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1,600, 1,700, 1,800,

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1,900.

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The potential that she's showing now is that she could well turn out to be trialled through so I'd

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be looking at two plus and it's just reached two now.

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Are you sure that wiggling your finger like that isn't meaning that you're bidding?

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2,300.

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With you, sir.

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2,350. 2,400.

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At 2,400. At 2,400 bid. At 2,400.

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Yes, sir. 2,500 bid. At 2,500.

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At 2,500 bid.

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Sold at 2,500 up the right hand side there, please.

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Well, it was a good price.

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I don't think

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it was one of Emrys's known buyers but I think it was somebody standing over there.

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Can we interrupt? Sorry, Emrys.

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-Pleased to meet you.

-So you're the man who will give Jess the new home?

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What made you think this was a good dog?

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When I saw her in the back of Emrys's pick up

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this morning, she was sharp and I like her size as well because she's got to do hill work.

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She's a lot of style.

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You can usually tell about most things.

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I think this is a man in love here!

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I didn't think you men were soppy about your dogs.

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I spend more time with my dogs than I do with...

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We're very close to our dogs.

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Emrys, are you pleased about...?

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I'm really pleased. She's going up to lots of sheep, lots of field, lots of land.

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-Brilliant.

-A good successful day here at Skipton.

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Back in Somerset, the competition is almost under way.

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As ever on One Man And His Dog, it'll be the young handlers up first.

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While they wait nervously to step up to the post, here are Matt and Gus to talk us through the course.

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Five sheep are sat next to the lift post at the far end of the course.

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It's important to remember that, with sheepdog trialling,

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the marking is about losing points, not gaining them.

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So for the outrun, you can get a possible 20 points.

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And remember, the handler can choose to send their dog out either right or left.

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Then the dog approaches the sheep and moves them gently back towards the handler.

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That's known as the lift and it's worth 10 points.

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There are 20 points up for grabs at the fetch but the handler must remain at the post.

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Next it's the drive worth up to 30 points and it's always a tricky part

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of the course, this, especially at the second drive gates.

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So we might see a few points lost here.

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The drive ends when the sheep enter the shedding ring.

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Here, any two sheep can be shed off and held by the dog until the judges

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are satisfied, for a maximum of 10 points.

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And for another 10 points, all five sheep must be penned and the gate closed.

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The course should be completed in 12 minutes

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and there's a total of 100 points available before any deductions.

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I've come to a very windy spot but it's a spot

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with a splendid view right across the course, and this is where our judges will spend the next couple of days.

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Let me introduce you to them. This is John Robinson from Scotland, and Dick Montgomery from Bristol.

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Dick, what makes a good judge of a sheepdog trial?

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Well, someone that's experienced enough to know what a good run is in the first place and has got...

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Can be consistent for the whole day for every run, and to judge the runs and not the individuals.

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-John, have you worked with Dick before?

-No, I haven't.

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-So how do you know that you're going to have a similar opinion?

-We don't.

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We could see fur fly?

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You might! You could see Dick flying over the edge!

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Let's hope that doesn't happen!

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-Are you expecting a good competition over the next couple of days?

-Oh yeah, should be close I think.

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Good, good, well I hope you're looking forward to it

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because we certainly are and the competition is about to start.

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Now, opinion is a bit divided about whether running first is an advantage or disadvantage.

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We drew lots earlier and first up in the young handlers Fraser Shennon with his dog, Fizz.

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The one problem with living in Scotland is it's always raining.

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The day I saw Fizz, she was jumping up and wagging her tail at me.

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We seemed to get on very well with each other.

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I'm 15-year-old,

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my dog is coming four in August and I've been dog trialling for a year-and-a-half now.

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I'm excited about being part of the team but I just don't want to let the side down.

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I bought Fizz from a relation to enter dog trialling as well.

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She was just a good-natured dog and she seemed to

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listen to me and get on with me.

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I've never really had one as good as that before.

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I wouldn't want to be without her, but I know it willnae last forever.

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I got into trialling because of my papa.

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It's another name for my grandpa.

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He's been dog trialling for 50 years and he was put in for Scotland

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in the first ever One Man And His Dog, and he won it.

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David Shennon and Meg won the single championship for Scotland.

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Everybody has got high expectations of me. It would mean

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a lot to win One Man And His Dog,

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make my papa proud and I'd feel proud of myself if I won it.

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Well, no need for the waterproofs today, Fraser.

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Fizz seems to be enjoying the sunshine as well, so first competitor

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in this young handler's competition and we're predicting that Fizz will run off to the left, Gus.

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Yes, and she's away.

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So this is the outrun.

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Yes, went a little bit square.

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Maybe the judges might have taken one off for going on the downside of the pen but it's a good line.

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She's got the sheep spotted and she's coming in just right.

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Every handler has their own specific set of whistles.

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They're all unique to their dog.

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Looking for that 12 o'clock position, lies down beautifully.

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That's good, that's a nice start.

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Moving on to the lift.

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Sets the tempo, really, for the course.

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Yes, they've accepted the dog and they're coming up the field now towards Fraser.

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Just two points lost for the outrun.

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Two points lost for the lift. Things going OK.

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Fraser was a little apprehensive as to how Fizz would get on.

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He says it's two days since Fizz has seen sheep because of the journey here.

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Coming towards the fetch gates.

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They jibbed but they're through.

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Very nice, great stuff.

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This line is good up the fetch, Fizz working well.

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She lies down when he asks her to stop and sometimes it can be to her

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disadvantage, but these sheep are reacting all right to her and it's a very good start at this stage.

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He won an open trial in spectacular

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-fashion, Gus.

-He won it really well against the adults, yes.

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He was well in front and he did take a good shed

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so he'll no doubt be fairly confident all the way round

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this field now that he knows she's reacting right.

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17 points awarded for the fetch, on 43 at the moment.

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Well, that's good at the moment, and they're nicely coming in.

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And through the gates themselves, and a good tight turn.

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This is going good, Gus, isn't it?

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It is, it is.

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He was saying to me just before he took to the field that this

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is the point he's slightly concerned about, actually

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judging the distance of these gates.

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Yes, yes, quite possible.

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They've got their heads up, they're ready to do a run and escape if they possibly can.

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Especially the white-faced one, she's going round the back now.

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Now they're coming through and they're nicely through, but that was well done.

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So then, on to the shed looking for any two.

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23 out of 30 for the drive.

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Now just seven lost.

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It's still a good round.

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To be fair, to be first up for the young handlers, it's a tough thing

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because all the spectators and competitors are behind watching them, and here's Fraser first out.

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Everyone is getting a judge of the course from his round.

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Very true.

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Interestingly because these sheep have been so compact, it might be tricky to get two off.

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Especially if they suspect that you're trying to pull one or two of them away.

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Come-bye

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There's a chance, an opportunity. Asking the dog through, in she comes.

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On to the two sheep.

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Well, maximum marks.

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Excellent for the shed.

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That's a confidence builder.

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So far, so very, very good.

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Yes, fingers crossed.

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Come-bye. Come-bye.

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The sheep just having another little look at Fizz.

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They're nicely bunched here.

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He's getting them towards the mouth.

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They're coming on to the edge.

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But she's coming up on to them again now. They could well spin in now.

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The others are looking good now.

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That's it and in they go. Great stuff.

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Look at that - Fraser swings the gate shut with great glee.

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Absolutely superb performance first up,

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and that has set the benchmark.

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Nine for the pen, a total of 85.

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What a start for Fraser and Fizz, and what a start for Scotland.

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Let's see what he makes of it.

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I got all my gates and I finished so I'm quite happy but my lines weren't as straight as I'd have liked.

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I thought I lost quite a lot of points just because my lines weren't straight.

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Any pre-round nerves Fraser might have had certainly didn't show.

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That was a great round and a tough act to follow for our next young handler.

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She loves me!

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My name is Elin and this is my bitch Eryri Taran.

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I live in Snowdonia Park and I'll be representing Wales in One Man And His Dog.

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I live at home and I've got nine brothers and sisters.

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I've got four sisters and five brothers and I'm the oldest of the girls.

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My dad first got into trialling.

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I went with him to the different sheepdog trials and

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I enjoyed it because I met different kind of people.

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They just like to see different kind of dogs and spend time outside.

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My dog's full name means "Snowdonia thunder" in English.

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She's quite fast for her size and thunders are fast so I think she deserves it.

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She's a busybody. She likes nosing and she's really jumpy

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and interested in everything.

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I taught her that but it's not part of her sheepdog training!

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I hope I'll never give up trialling, I enjoy it so much.

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On the day of One Man And His Dog, I'm not sure what the chances will be.

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I hope I'll do a good job, but we'll see on the day.

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On we go then with our second young handler of four and a bit of Snowdonia thunder in Cheddar gorge.

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Away goes the dog to the left.

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No doubt she'll have just wanted to get on with this round, and now

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she'll be focused on the sheep and all will be forgotten.

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Yeah, the dog is just about wide enough, she might cast out further.

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Ah, she is doing now so that's good.

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If the dog goes too deep into the field, it can lose sight but she gave it a whistle then.

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That was a very good start, the dog compensated. It was coming in too tight before but it's opened out.

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It's covered the sheep and it's lifted them well.

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They're just bending a little bit now though to the left.

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15 scored for the outrun. Two points lost for the lift.

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It's going near the edge of the gate.

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Will they go?

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Well corrected, that!

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We breathe again, as all the sheep managed to go through the fetch hurdles.

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She's now using voice and whistle commands.

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No doubt she is talking to the dogs, she'll be speaking in Welsh because that's her first language.

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Yes.

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She's stopping the dog.

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I'm not the expert in the Welsh language.

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It's an awkward spot here as the sheep start to come round the post.

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The dog is going round, the sheep are going round.

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Turning down on to the first leg of the drive.

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SHE SPEAKS WELSH

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Just four points lost on the fetch at this stage.

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She's four points behind where Fraser was.

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Off go the sheep.

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So back through those fetch gates, that's the idea.

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Round through the gates and on to the cross drive.

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It's a good turn.

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She's got to ask the dog round so she's gone off line on the cross drive.

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-Ooh!

-She's got them back on line, now she's got to go round fast.

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And come in through the gates... What a recovery!

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-She's done it!

-She got through!

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That was sensational, wasn't it?

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It's points lost but she did get the obstacle and that matters a lot.

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So over the sheep come to the shedding ring.

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Any two can be separated from the group.

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21 scored for the drive.

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She needs to find an extra six points.

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One broken away, going round the edge of the ring, but if

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they go out of the ring there's points to be lost.

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There are 10 points available for the shed.

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It's a lonely place as well, isn't it, that shedding ring, Gus?

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You feel so self-conscious, don't you, when you're in there?

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Very, very! Yes.

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The possibility here of the back two. She might well try for the back two here.

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Maybe it comes. If she can just get the dog in...

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Oh, it shot back across.

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She'll have to lose points for that but I could see what she was after, and it was a fair

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chance to have a go there, but unfortunately that one sheep

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shot across and joined the others so she's got to start all over again.

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It's the luck of the draw sometimes whether you can get this but there's a chance coming now.

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There's two off.

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The dog comes through,

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and nicely taken.

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Nicely taken. When it eventually came, she got it well.

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Three points for the shed so, yeah, it's a shame but the

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opportunity didn't come for her so she's obviously been penalised.

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Now she's got to try and get them in the pen and they're going down towards the side.

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She's got to get that gate open.

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After remaining quite still for a while, these sheep

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are keen to stretch their legs, but moving over to the pen.

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At least they're sticking together and this is one

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time when it's great to stick together because in they go.

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A textbook pen.

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What about that!

0:21:250:21:26

A lovely way to finish. A little bit sticky in the middle with the shed, but in general it was a good round.

0:21:260:21:32

Yes, it was to her disadvantage that they wouldn't part in the shedding ring, but then things

0:21:320:21:37

went right at the pen when they stuck together and in they went.

0:21:370:21:40

One point lost on the pen for the slight deviation on the journey over towards

0:21:400:21:45

the pen but let's have a look and see how the scores add up.

0:21:450:21:48

A total of 72 for Elin.

0:21:480:21:51

Pretty good.

0:21:510:21:54

It was hard to shed them because she's a dog that will gather them together but I'll be happy with 72.

0:21:540:22:02

It was a great start but it was the shedding ring that let her down.

0:22:020:22:06

Our next competitor is 15-year-old Amy from England with her dog, Mist.

0:22:060:22:11

'Trialling gives me more confidence because I'm not the most confident of people.'

0:22:140:22:19

When I'm out there, I'm like a completely different person. I don't

0:22:190:22:23

'really care about what other people think.

0:22:230:22:25

'I switch off because I want to do my dog proud, and make her feel like she enjoys it as well.'

0:22:250:22:32

And wanting her to enjoy it and not to give up.

0:22:320:22:35

Mist and I have won quite a few competitions.

0:22:350:22:39

I think it takes passion of the sport, passion of your dog,

0:22:390:22:43

how well you and your dog work together to be a great handler.

0:22:430:22:48

I love any type of animal.

0:22:480:22:51

'At the moment I've got cats,

0:22:510:22:55

'chickens, geese, sheep, dogs.'

0:22:550:22:59

It's like an ambition of mine to stay with animals in my life until...

0:22:590:23:05

the end, really!

0:23:050:23:07

I don't think I'd ever be without Mist.

0:23:090:23:11

It's like, no, really weird, I could never imagine my life without her now.

0:23:110:23:16

'The bond between us two is really close.'

0:23:160:23:20

If England win, I'll just be like really, really happy and,

0:23:220:23:28

I don't know, just really excited and pleased and proud.

0:23:280:23:31

So Amy is very matter-of-fact about her trialling. She said, "Well,

0:23:380:23:42

it'll either go my way or it won't."

0:23:420:23:44

Away she goes wide.

0:23:440:23:46

Yes, really wide, in fact.

0:23:480:23:50

The only snag is, if the dog goes too deep into the field, it

0:23:500:23:54

might miss seeing the sheep because they're over a slight rise so it'll be interesting to see what happens.

0:23:540:23:59

Here she comes.

0:23:590:24:02

Absolutely perfect.

0:24:020:24:04

That's good,

0:24:040:24:05

-that's good.

-Bang centre.

0:24:050:24:08

Oh, got them going nicely.

0:24:120:24:15

Yes, she has and they're coming at a pace down

0:24:150:24:20

that bank.

0:24:220:24:24

Just two points lost on that outrun.

0:24:240:24:27

It was very good, yes. Just a little bit too wide from her feet but, after that, brilliant.

0:24:270:24:32

10 points scored for the lift, maximum points.

0:24:320:24:35

Yeah, look at that right through the middle.

0:24:350:24:39

A superb line then towards Amy.

0:24:390:24:44

Well, she's got them steadied down.

0:24:440:24:46

They were quite touchy at the far end of the field but she's settled them.

0:24:460:24:49

Open. Take your time.

0:24:500:24:53

Talking to Mist.

0:24:550:24:56

Mist responding very, very well.

0:24:580:25:01

Round come the sheep, round comes Mist.

0:25:010:25:04

What a good turn on to the line!

0:25:040:25:06

Tight turn. The judges will be pleased with that.

0:25:060:25:10

Just two points lost for the fetch.

0:25:100:25:13

Excellent, excellent.

0:25:130:25:16

Reading the sheep as well, Amy, looking at every single movement

0:25:160:25:20

that the sheep are doing because, although you've got to keep an eye on your dog, of course, you've got

0:25:200:25:24

to look at every little flinch that the sheep are making as well

0:25:240:25:27

because that gives you an indication as to which direction they'll bolt off into next.

0:25:270:25:31

Here they come towards the gates.

0:25:310:25:33

Will they accept and go straight through the white gates?

0:25:330:25:36

-Yes, they have.

-This is going very well indeed for Amy and Mist.

0:25:360:25:41

Super right turn on to the cross drive.

0:25:410:25:44

It was a good turn, the dog gave plenty of room so there was no pressure on to the sheep.

0:25:440:25:50

So the sheep are still nice and settled and the line as good as they go on this cross drive now.

0:25:500:25:55

Here she is asking of the inside flank. She's taken it.

0:25:550:26:00

This is going to be close,

0:26:000:26:02

but they've got to look goal behind the first gate.

0:26:020:26:05

And then in between the two gates themselves.

0:26:050:26:09

And she's lined them up nicely.

0:26:090:26:11

Look at that for in the middle.

0:26:110:26:14

Absolutely perfect. Mist taking that come by in a clockwise direction to swing them back in.

0:26:140:26:20

Heading towards the shedding ring.

0:26:200:26:23

Now, she should stay at the post until the first sheep goes into the shedding ring in itself.

0:26:230:26:30

There we are. Into the ring. Amy goes to meet them.

0:26:300:26:33

Well, that was a good drive.

0:26:330:26:35

25 and a half scored for the drive.

0:26:350:26:39

It's out of 30.

0:26:390:26:41

She's got two already that are marching towards her.

0:26:410:26:44

Through taking that pressure off.

0:26:440:26:47

She's got to lull them into the...

0:26:490:26:50

There we go! Very good.

0:26:500:26:54

This is something else, Gus.

0:26:540:26:58

She's doing everything right at the moment.

0:26:580:27:01

Fingers crossed now that they stick together now into the pen.

0:27:010:27:05

As predicted, full marks for the shed.

0:27:050:27:08

Brilliant.

0:27:080:27:10

They're looking towards the gate.

0:27:100:27:12

Nearly down the side. Don't upset them now.

0:27:120:27:15

You've kept them lovely and calm.

0:27:150:27:17

Oh, what a disappointment.

0:27:170:27:18

Two round the back.

0:27:180:27:20

What a shame. She's calling the dog in.

0:27:220:27:24

She's got to regroup them.

0:27:240:27:26

That is good now.

0:27:280:27:30

If things go nice and calmly -

0:27:300:27:33

there's one thinking of challenging the dog.

0:27:330:27:35

The one on the inside. That's the one that's blocking things.

0:27:350:27:38

They're in. They're in. Very good.

0:27:440:27:47

Absolutely superb from Amy and from Mist.

0:27:470:27:52

A big pat for Mist.

0:27:520:27:54

6.5 given for the pen.

0:27:540:27:56

Let's see how those scores add up.

0:27:560:27:59

Marvellous. Three points clear so far of Fraser.

0:28:010:28:03

A total of 88.

0:28:030:28:06

Let's see how it went from her perspective.

0:28:060:28:08

The sheep - I couldn't have asked for a better pack, really. The dog,

0:28:080:28:13

I found she was a bit pushy at the start. That's why I was yelling my lungs out.

0:28:130:28:17

At the end, she kind of steadied down a bit.

0:28:170:28:20

We got 88 and I can't believe it.

0:28:200:28:23

Our final competitor in the young handlers has the oldest dog.

0:28:230:28:29

She's nine-years-old, but will that age prove an advantage or will it hold her back?

0:28:290:28:34

Let's meet her handler.

0:28:340:28:36

'I'm Cormac Kearins from Sligo in Ireland.

0:28:360:28:40

'I'm 17 years of age and I'm going to run Elliott at this year's One Man and his Dog.

0:28:400:28:44

'I'm involved in farming because I love it.'

0:28:470:28:49

I go out every day, I work on the farm, I do different jobs, I help out my father and my mother.

0:28:490:28:56

I love working with animals.

0:28:560:28:58

I love working on the land.

0:28:580:29:00

I've never thought about anything else other than being a farmer ever since I left primary school.

0:29:000:29:06

'I first got into trialling because of my father.

0:29:080:29:12

'I was just going on 13 when I started working with Ellie.'

0:29:120:29:16

So, I was a bit young, really, to get such a high quality dog.

0:29:160:29:21

'But I worked myself there and she took to me straightaway.

0:29:210:29:26

'And I took to her.'

0:29:260:29:28

Sit down.

0:29:280:29:30

Ellie is nine-years-old.

0:29:320:29:34

She's fit, she's willing.

0:29:340:29:36

She put her heart into working.

0:29:360:29:38

Even though I think she might be the oldest dog in the competition, I don't think she should be ruled out.

0:29:380:29:42

She might surprise.

0:29:420:29:44

To win One Man and his Dog would be a lifetime achievement.

0:29:480:29:51

It would also make me more ambitious for the future and will be a realisation of a dream.

0:29:510:29:56

So, the trusty old girl by the side of the Irish young handler.

0:30:030:30:06

No doubt, Ellie here will know exactly what Cormac wants to achieve.

0:30:060:30:11

They need a score over 88.

0:30:110:30:13

Yeah, she's gone out all right. I thought at first she might be

0:30:140:30:19

going fairly straight, but no, she's got the maturity here to know what trialling is all about.

0:30:190:30:25

She's taken a fairly good line down. Just coming in a little bit now as she comes around towards the sheep.

0:30:250:30:32

Well, the dog hasn't pushed the sheep offline through being that little bit

0:30:320:30:35

tight, so it'll be interesting to see what the judges do. But the lift was just a little bit short.

0:30:350:30:40

You have to be careful he doesn't put too much pressure on here.

0:30:400:30:44

Maximum points for the outrun.

0:30:440:30:48

8.5 scored for the lift.

0:30:480:30:51

That's a brilliant start.

0:30:510:30:53

That's better.

0:30:530:30:56

Cormac is 17 years old and won his first trial aged eight.

0:31:010:31:07

So he's pretty experienced as well.

0:31:070:31:09

Sheep all settled.

0:31:090:31:10

I thought he might have been upsetting them at first, but he's

0:31:100:31:13

got them settled and they're coming right towards the fetch gates now.

0:31:130:31:17

Will they try and go either side?

0:31:170:31:20

No, they're going to go straight through the middle.

0:31:200:31:24

Speeded up a fraction as they went through.

0:31:240:31:27

Then he's got them settled again.

0:31:270:31:29

What a delightful start here.

0:31:300:31:32

There's just half a mark in it now between Amy at this stage and Cormac here.

0:31:320:31:39

-So the sheep then heading up

0:31:390:31:42

to the field. They'll go round Cormac and back down.

0:31:420:31:48

This is the tricky bit.

0:31:500:31:52

He's got to try and keep them as close as he possibly can to the white post without them turning back.

0:31:520:31:58

That's going to cost him a little bit there.

0:31:580:32:00

Sit down! Sit down!

0:32:000:32:03

And they're coming around now.

0:32:030:32:06

That was the on the real fault there, where they turned back on themselves.

0:32:060:32:10

The judges will be taking a little bit off there.

0:32:100:32:13

An 18 scored for the fetch for Cormac as well.

0:32:130:32:15

There's still just half a point in it.

0:32:150:32:19

Going down the drive OK. Just gaining speed a little bit now as they go towards the first drive gates.

0:32:210:32:29

There's one ewe on the left-hand side going to have to be tucked in.

0:32:290:32:33

She's still out

0:32:330:32:34

of line. Will he get her in?

0:32:340:32:36

He's turning her in. Great stuff.

0:32:360:32:38

That was a good recovery there.

0:32:380:32:42

Keep it cool. Keep it cool. Easing back that little bit.

0:32:490:32:53

The sheep are coming in a fraction high, but he seems to have coped.

0:32:530:32:57

Nicely on line as they go towards these second gates.

0:33:000:33:03

They've got to be pulled back through the gates.

0:33:030:33:06

So they go in behind the first one and then all five sheep should come through the two gates.

0:33:060:33:13

This looks good.

0:33:130:33:16

They're through.

0:33:180:33:20

Very good.

0:33:200:33:21

This is going to be very, very tight indeed.

0:33:210:33:26

Tremendous standard from these young handlers this year. It really is.

0:33:260:33:30

They head towards the shedding ring, and not forgetting here that Amy scored

0:33:300:33:35

maximum points here.

0:33:350:33:38

-10 points in the shedding ring.

-He's got an opportunity coming here.

0:33:400:33:43

He's got to be careful. Calls the dog in.

0:33:430:33:46

He's got them.

0:33:460:33:48

And it looks like that could be 10 points.

0:33:480:33:50

It could well be.

0:33:500:33:53

25 and a half scored for the drive.

0:33:530:33:56

Exactly the same as Amy.

0:33:560:33:59

And nine at the shedding ring. So, he's half a point down now on Amy.

0:33:590:34:04

Is it going to be Ireland's year?

0:34:060:34:08

Sit! Sit down! Sit down!

0:34:080:34:12

They're all turning. Let's hope he doesn't have a burst here.

0:34:120:34:15

Spin round.

0:34:170:34:19

One at the back spotted the pen.

0:34:190:34:22

Steady, steady. I think they're covered this time.

0:34:240:34:26

There's only one way to go.

0:34:260:34:28

Well, it's a super pen.

0:34:300:34:32

Is it worth more than six and a half?

0:34:330:34:36

In my book, yes, but we'll have to wait and see what the experts say.

0:34:360:34:39

It is enough. It's eight and a half scored.

0:34:390:34:43

How does that fare?

0:34:430:34:45

Well, it brings a grand total of 89 and a half.

0:34:450:34:48

What a calm and mature performance there.

0:34:480:34:51

It's a good score. I'm happy enough with it.

0:34:510:34:55

Happy to get around and get on well with it.

0:34:550:34:58

I felt earlier unwell, actually. I was nervous enough,

0:34:580:35:01

but when I got out there, got used to it and got on with the job.

0:35:010:35:04

Well, I think it has to be said, Gus, very high standard indeed with the young handlers.

0:35:090:35:14

I think it's been better than for a long, long time, really.

0:35:140:35:17

Well, we'll have a look at Fraser's pen here because it was a super finish for him and Fizz.

0:35:170:35:22

I didn't think he was going to be beaten after that. It was superb.

0:35:220:35:26

Moving on to Elin there.

0:35:260:35:29

Again, a fine example of really good trialling, up until the shedding ring.

0:35:290:35:34

It was a shame because it was to a very high standard, but that's what cost her the points.

0:35:340:35:39

Over to the pen and we'll move on to Amy here and Mist.

0:35:390:35:43

It was an uncharacteristic score of six and a half for Amy.

0:35:430:35:47

It was a shame she lost that, but even though she lost that, she still went into the lead.

0:35:470:35:52

The pressure was really on then for Cormac and Ellie, but what a start.

0:35:520:35:56

Maximum points on that outrun.

0:35:560:35:58

I didn't think a previous run would have been beaten,

0:35:580:36:00

but it was a great run right the way through and he went on to the top position.

0:36:000:36:04

Calm, cool and collected.

0:36:040:36:06

Super stuff from him.

0:36:060:36:08

Well, just to confirm the positions at the end of our first round.

0:36:080:36:14

Wales are in fourth place, Scotland in third,

0:36:140:36:18

England in second, and leading by just a point and a half, it's Ireland.

0:36:180:36:25

So, Cormac, an almost faultless round.

0:36:270:36:29

You must be very, very proud of Ellie.

0:36:290:36:31

Yeah, I'm very proud of Ellie. I thought it was a good run and got paid off well.

0:36:310:36:36

No plans to retire her yet?

0:36:360:36:39

-There's life in the old dog yet?

-There's plenty of life in her yet.

0:36:390:36:42

There certainly is. Well done to both of you.

0:36:420:36:45

Well, it was an extremely impressive performance from all our young handlers, so congratulations

0:36:450:36:49

to all of you because you made it look incredibly easy. Believe me, it's not.

0:36:490:36:54

Getting a dog to concentrate at this level requires a unique bond between handler and dog,

0:36:540:37:00

as Matt discovered recently when he met up with a trialling legend.

0:37:000:37:05

I trained my first sheepdog nearly 20 years ago.

0:37:060:37:09

As a lad, I was just fascinated by the relationship between man and dog.

0:37:090:37:14

And one gentleman who has perfected that art is national and international champion Jim Cropper.

0:37:140:37:19

Very good to see you.

0:37:190:37:21

Great. Great.

0:37:210:37:23

Now, you've brought along some of your pack here.

0:37:230:37:26

What age do you start showing them sheep?

0:37:260:37:28

Anything from four months old, I would say.

0:37:280:37:31

You can't make a dog work. The dog has to want to work.

0:37:310:37:34

Right then, Jim.

0:37:340:37:36

So we've got this pen set up here with the sheep inside.

0:37:360:37:40

That's how I usually start these dogs, on a long rope

0:37:400:37:43

to keep a good check on your dog if he gets out of control.

0:37:430:37:46

You see, I'm walking him way here.

0:37:460:37:49

When you're training a dog, you're working on the dog's instinct to herd.

0:37:500:37:54

So you're channelling that herding instinct, that wild instinct, to yourself.

0:37:540:38:00

You are the pack leader, you're the master, and you've got to get that bond going between you and dog.

0:38:000:38:08

Right then, Jim. We've seen the puppy stage and now we're going to move on to the finished article.

0:38:080:38:13

This is a three-year-old who has been running well. I'll give you a dash with black.

0:38:130:38:16

So, here they come. Here are the girls.

0:38:180:38:21

The dog's coming in with him on his horn. He's thought for himself.

0:38:210:38:24

All he needs is a little whistle here and there and he understands.

0:38:240:38:28

Do you start with the word commands and then introduce

0:38:280:38:31

the whistle slowly so that they can associate the two together?

0:38:310:38:35

That's right. Start with the commands and then slowly gone to the whistles until they take them both.

0:38:350:38:41

Two easy whistles so the dog differentiates quickly which is its right and left.

0:38:410:38:47

A working dog is so keen that even if a bitch is ready

0:38:500:38:53

for mating, the dog won't take no notice until it's finished its work.

0:38:530:38:58

That's his come-by whistle.

0:39:000:39:02

Now, I always remember it, come-by and away, it's like a clock face.

0:39:020:39:06

When the dog's running clockwise, starts with a C, so that's come-by.

0:39:060:39:10

And then anti-clockwise starts of with an A and that's known as away.

0:39:100:39:14

Walk on. Stand there. Lay down.

0:39:140:39:18

-Come-bye.

-The speed at which he's reacting to what you're saying is something.

0:39:180:39:23

-Oh yeah. Lay down.

-What process do you use to hone that, then?

0:39:230:39:27

He's waiting for every word that you say.

0:39:270:39:31

It's what we were talking about earlier. Getting this bond going between you and the dog.

0:39:310:39:36

He's waiting for your every move and every little click of your voice or anything.

0:39:360:39:42

Lie down. I've known dogs use up to 80 or 100 commands.

0:39:420:39:47

They're marvellous, dogs, marvellous.

0:39:470:39:49

There's three species, really. There's you, there's your dog, and there's the sheep.

0:39:510:39:57

And if you get it all right at once, you'll maybe win the trial.

0:39:570:40:01

-I wouldn't mind having a little crack with him, if I could.

-Go on, then.

0:40:010:40:04

-Is he a one-man dog?

-We'll see!

0:40:040:40:07

We will. Right then, Black. Come.

0:40:070:40:10

Come-bye. Lie down.

0:40:100:40:12

He's looking at me saying, "What are you saying?"

0:40:120:40:14

I don't know how you talk, Jim!

0:40:140:40:17

It's about

0:40:210:40:22

pitch and tone. You've got to sound a little bit more like me.

0:40:220:40:27

Come-bye. There he goes.

0:40:270:40:29

He's off now. Come-bye.

0:40:290:40:31

Good lad.

0:40:310:40:33

-I'll leave him with you for a day.

-Lovely stuff. Jim, pleasure.

0:40:330:40:39

You're going to make a dog man, after all!

0:40:390:40:41

Thank you so much. Honestly.

0:40:410:40:43

-Wonderful insight.

-We've had a good morning, yeah.

0:40:430:40:47

If you think communicating with one

0:40:470:40:49

dog is hard, then try communicating with two at the same time.

0:40:490:40:53

Yes, next up it's the Brace and here are Matt and Gus to explain the course.

0:40:530:40:58

Ten sheep are set next to the lift post at the far end of the course.

0:40:580:41:02

The handler sends one dog to the left and the other to the right to reach them.

0:41:020:41:06

20 points are available for each dog.

0:41:060:41:10

The dogs approach the sheep and together get them to move gently towards the handler with the lift.

0:41:100:41:15

A total of 10 points each.

0:41:150:41:16

The sheep are then taken on a straight fetch through the fetch gates towards the handler, 20 points.

0:41:160:41:22

The handler directs his dogs to take the sheep around the handler's post and then, starting to the left,

0:41:220:41:27

they're taken on a triangular drive through two sets of drive gates.

0:41:270:41:32

The drive ends when the sheep enter the shedding ring. 30 points.

0:41:320:41:35

The handler then chooses one dog to divide the ten sheep into

0:41:350:41:39

two lots of five inside the shedding ring for 10 points.

0:41:390:41:43

On completion of the shed, the handler uses one of his dogs to move

0:41:430:41:47

one group of five sheep towards an open pen.

0:41:470:41:50

Once the sheep are penned, the same dog must hold them until the round is complete. 10 points.

0:41:500:41:56

The handler can then turn his attention to moving the final

0:41:560:41:59

five sheep into the gated pen with the remaining brace dog.

0:41:590:42:04

The trial is complete when these final five are in the pen and the gate is closed. 10 points.

0:42:040:42:09

The course should be completed within 18 minutes and there's a total of 140 points at stake.

0:42:090:42:15

Thanks, boys. Well, it's got even windier on judges tower, but luckily Dick and John are still with us.

0:42:150:42:20

They haven't been blown off their perch yet.

0:42:200:42:23

They're here to ensure fair play and to deduct points because, remember,

0:42:230:42:27

you only lose points with sheepdog trialling.

0:42:270:42:30

Now, Wales is currently lying in fourth place, so it's their

0:42:300:42:32

competitor that goes up first for our next round.

0:42:320:42:36

The man charged with that daunting task is Ian Jones,

0:42:360:42:39

and he'll be running with his dogs Jess and Tom.

0:42:390:42:42

I've been trialling quite a long time.

0:42:460:42:48

I suppose you could almost say I've been doing it since I was knee-high to a grasshopper.

0:42:480:42:52

I've never been in a city much.

0:42:540:42:57

Don't suppose I'd last five minutes in an office.

0:42:570:43:00

Wouldn't be much good there anyway.

0:43:000:43:03

We've been working this farm about 20-plus years.

0:43:050:43:09

We've got stock bulls of our own to put to commercial cows.

0:43:090:43:15

Belgian blues. He's enjoying this. He loves a good scratch.

0:43:150:43:19

Both dogs I'm working today are related.

0:43:190:43:22

They're brother and sister. Tom is four years old, Jessie is about eight.

0:43:220:43:27

Jessie is quite independent.

0:43:270:43:29

I think she's only ever worked for me. I suppose she's probably a one-man dog now.

0:43:290:43:34

She will run and run and keep running.

0:43:340:43:37

And Tom is slightly more laid-back, but he's a very powerful dog.

0:43:370:43:42

He'll probably get to be a one-man dog as he gets older.

0:43:420:43:45

But you need that on an open hill.

0:43:450:43:47

They've got to know who to come back to.

0:43:470:43:51

I would like to win, if I could.

0:43:510:43:53

But, with two dogs and a lot of sheep, it could be a struggle.

0:43:530:43:57

There's a lot of other good competitors in it.

0:43:570:44:00

It depends how things go on the day.

0:44:000:44:04

I'll give it everything I've got.

0:44:040:44:07

Well, Gus, Ian said in that piece that Jess loves to run and

0:44:120:44:16

run, so she'll be well suited to this course.

0:44:160:44:19

Tom's eager. He'll be running off to the right. There he goes.

0:44:190:44:23

There goes Jess off to the left.

0:44:240:44:26

It'll be interesting. They could well come behind the sheep fairly close together.

0:44:260:44:32

In the Brace, of course, the handler has two sets of whistles.

0:44:320:44:36

One for each dog. So they don't get confused.

0:44:360:44:39

And Tom's stayed behind.

0:44:390:44:42

Now then, there was a cross then from Tom. And again.

0:44:440:44:48

The judges will be taking some points off.

0:44:480:44:51

And the sheep have been lifted.

0:44:520:44:54

Each dog gets a score for its outrun.

0:44:540:44:57

20 full marks and 17.

0:44:570:45:02

And for the lift, two scores as well.

0:45:020:45:04

Just dropped 3 points between them.

0:45:040:45:07

A 9 and an 8.

0:45:070:45:08

Well, nicely through the centre of the gates.

0:45:080:45:13

Are there different techniques of working with two dogs?

0:45:200:45:23

Or is it generally one dog looks after one side and the other looks after the other?

0:45:230:45:28

That's how it should be, but sometimes they both vie for the same job.

0:45:280:45:32

They become workaholics.

0:45:320:45:34

So it's a job to get them to share the work.

0:45:340:45:36

Stand there! Stand!

0:45:370:45:41

There's Tom waiting for his command to go round.

0:45:410:45:43

Stand there! Stand!

0:45:430:45:47

Stay there! Stand!

0:45:470:45:50

Now the sheep have...

0:45:500:45:52

Oh! We've had one break away. They've recovered and got it back in.

0:45:520:45:56

Some dogs would have gone in and possibly engripped, but there was good control there.

0:45:560:46:02

15.5 scored there for the fetch.

0:46:020:46:06

Solid round so far.

0:46:060:46:09

And the sheep going very nicely through the gates.

0:46:090:46:13

They need to come round though. Tom needs to come round

0:46:130:46:17

and push them. He's going quite wide, but he's turning them.

0:46:170:46:20

He's starting them on to the cross drive.

0:46:200:46:24

Just not quite flowing at the moment.

0:46:250:46:28

It's a bit stop and go. The judges may well be penalising.

0:46:280:46:34

When they come towards the fetch gates now, they need to be on Ian's side of the fetch gates.

0:46:340:46:39

They're a bit low in the field.

0:46:390:46:41

He's turning them uphill a little bit.

0:46:410:46:45

Interestingly, I was just chatting to Ian earlier and he was saying

0:46:450:46:48

that he's marked out certain little nettle patches there that he's aiming for.

0:46:480:46:53

And that's how he's judging the distance.

0:46:530:46:55

Now, he doesn't want to turn at speed here.

0:46:550:46:58

Tom's going flat out to turn them in, but he might turn them too soon.

0:46:580:47:02

Jess is covering her side.

0:47:040:47:06

He looks like he's going to get it.

0:47:100:47:13

That's a good recovery and the sheep go right through the middle of the second drive gates.

0:47:130:47:19

Well, as a pair, they won the Welsh National in 2009.

0:47:230:47:29

Came second in the international competition as well.

0:47:290:47:32

22 scored for the drive.

0:47:340:47:37

Very good. Stringing out a little bit.

0:47:370:47:39

Here's his opportunity coming, but the black-faced ewe has gone back across to the other five.

0:47:390:47:46

-Here she comes again.

-Stand!

0:47:460:47:48

He's asking Jess in. That's it. She's come in.

0:47:490:47:54

-Stay there!

-Successful shed.

0:47:540:47:56

Full marks for the shed.

0:47:560:47:59

So this then is an open pen. There's no gate on it at all.

0:47:590:48:03

-Stay there, Tom.

-Tom's eager to get involved as well.

0:48:050:48:07

He's desperate to get involved, but Jess is working away tremendously.

0:48:070:48:11

Jess will hopefully pen these without too much trouble.

0:48:110:48:15

Stand!

0:48:200:48:22

Stay there! Stay there, Tom!

0:48:220:48:24

Jess will wait patiently whilst

0:48:260:48:29

her team-mate will go off and do his stuff.

0:48:290:48:33

Just 1 point lost there at the pen.

0:48:330:48:38

The sheep are coming now back towards the

0:48:410:48:43

gated pen.

0:48:430:48:45

I think Jess will stay there.

0:48:470:48:50

-Oh, she's come away!

-Stay there!

0:48:500:48:52

Turn right! Left! Stand!

0:48:520:48:55

If he can get these sheep into the gated pen and those

0:48:550:49:01

others don't come out, he's not going to lose any points for it.

0:49:010:49:04

Steady. Steady, Tom.

0:49:070:49:08

Oh, there's two in nearly, one in.

0:49:080:49:11

No, no, no, don't grip.

0:49:110:49:14

That's it. Now he's in with a chance.

0:49:140:49:17

Well, he's shown his authority without gripping.

0:49:170:49:19

He could well do it. The other sheep are still in the pen.

0:49:190:49:22

The gated pen shuts. He's got both sets of pens completed.

0:49:220:49:26

APPLAUSE

0:49:260:49:28

-Goodness me. What a round that was.

-Brilliant.

0:49:280:49:33

5 given for the pen. Let's tot everything up.

0:49:330:49:35

It's a total of 115.5.

0:49:370:49:40

Well, I'm sure Ian wouldn't have predicted a finish like that, but let's see if he's still smiling.

0:49:400:49:46

I was beginning to wonder when I got out on the field what I was doing here.

0:49:460:49:50

But it's finished and not too bad, like. We'll see.

0:49:500:49:54

It's up to everybody else now, isn't it?

0:49:540:49:57

A very respectable score indeed.

0:49:570:50:00

So, how will Peter Martin from Scotland fare with his two bitches?

0:50:000:50:04

The dogs I'm running this year on One Man And His Dog -

0:50:050:50:08

the first one is two-year-old Tess.

0:50:080:50:10

The other one I'm running is Maid who is six years old.

0:50:100:50:16

Hopefully it'll be quite a good combination.

0:50:160:50:18

Both are actually good outrunners, which saves me a lot of legs.

0:50:180:50:24

And that's the most important thing nowadays!

0:50:250:50:28

Started off as a deer stalker.

0:50:300:50:32

Then somebody asked me if I'd like to work with some sheep and I really enjoyed it.

0:50:320:50:36

I thought I could do this more as a permanent basis,

0:50:360:50:40

and that's what I've been doing for the last 35 years.

0:50:400:50:43

On days like this, it's wonderful when the weather is lovely and sunny and clear.

0:50:430:50:47

It's most enjoyable.

0:50:470:50:49

My closest neighbour is my son and my daughter-in-law and my two grandchildren.

0:50:490:50:55

Which is very fortunate for us because the two granddaughters are interested in sheep.

0:50:550:51:00

She's got grand wee feet for packing bags!

0:51:000:51:02

Border collies are probably one of the cleverest dogs about.

0:51:050:51:08

They're really quite intelligent animals.

0:51:080:51:11

It's amazing the things you can teach them.

0:51:110:51:14

It's only the second year I've been running them because

0:51:140:51:17

Tess was quite young last year. We'll give it our best shot.

0:51:170:51:20

I watched One Man And His Dog many years ago and it was very fascinating.

0:51:200:51:23

I thought, "I wouldn't mind having a try at that."

0:51:230:51:27

Never thinking I'd get on the television 25 years later.

0:51:270:51:30

Here we are!

0:51:300:51:32

It's quite a moment this, for Peter,

0:51:350:51:38

if he never thought he'd be here on One Man And His Dog.

0:51:380:51:41

And 25 years later he's standing at the post, ready to send out Tess and Maid.

0:51:410:51:48

Maid off to the left. There she goes.

0:51:480:51:51

Tess is off to the right. Just two years old.

0:51:510:51:54

HE WHISTLES

0:52:000:52:04

Both dogs again have stopped without crossing.

0:52:070:52:10

We've got Maid on the left, Tess on the right.

0:52:100:52:14

Fresh sheep for every runner. They're beulahs.

0:52:140:52:16

They can be a little bit stroppy and then once the dog comes close up to

0:52:160:52:21

them, they can suddenly shoot off. It has to be a very careful lift.

0:52:210:52:26

So, 19 scored for Maid's outrun.

0:52:260:52:31

17 for Tess.

0:52:310:52:33

9 for Maid's lift. 6 for Tess's lift.

0:52:340:52:38

Right through the middle.

0:52:440:52:45

Hit the accelerator and off they come up towards Peter.

0:52:480:52:52

Come-bye!

0:52:540:52:56

Sometimes, when you're starting to put a bit of pressure on one dog, the other holds back a little bit.

0:52:570:53:03

Again, it's Tess that's wanting to do most of the work here.

0:53:050:53:09

Maid's just holding back thinking, "Hold on, don't get us in trouble."

0:53:090:53:13

But the sheep are turning.

0:53:130:53:18

Stand there, you!

0:53:190:53:20

Stand there, you!

0:53:200:53:22

15 scored for the fetch.

0:53:220:53:24

A lot of times, the sheepdogs don't like the sheep to get away from them.

0:53:270:53:32

They think they're going to lose them and

0:53:320:53:35

it's a great struggle to try and keep them behind the sheep, pushing away.

0:53:350:53:38

There is always that instinct for the dog to bring the sheep towards

0:53:380:53:42

the handler, especially if it's a young dog that's used to working.

0:53:420:53:46

-That's the majority of the work they do.

-It's what they do naturally.

0:53:460:53:50

There you go. There's the come-bye whistle and she's round.

0:53:550:53:58

Yeah. Very wide. Maid coming round as well.

0:53:580:54:02

But there's a stop.

0:54:070:54:08

Tess is on the far side, looking at the sheep. Tongue hanging out there.

0:54:080:54:13

So, the line is not too bad.

0:54:130:54:16

Maybe just a little bit high, as some of the sheep are starting to think about grazing.

0:54:160:54:20

Again, if the judges are going to be watching this, he's going to be taking the odd point off

0:54:200:54:25

because the sheep are just not flowing properly.

0:54:250:54:27

Wait, wait, wait!

0:54:270:54:30

Wait, stand there, you!

0:54:300:54:34

It's the enthusiasm of the younger dog, Tess, that's making her just move that little bit sharply.

0:54:340:54:39

Coming towards those gates. They need to go behind the first gate.

0:54:440:54:47

They're almost there, but they're thinking of grazing again.

0:54:470:54:52

They're not at all worried with the dogs.

0:54:520:54:56

-Out!

-Maid's doing her bit.

0:54:560:54:59

They've come in very close.

0:54:590:55:01

He's going to get these gates.

0:55:060:55:08

Oh, and through they go. Well, that was difficult.

0:55:120:55:16

That wasn't an easy job. Maybe it'll be a lot easier

0:55:160:55:19

now to come from the second drive gate through to the shedding ring.

0:55:190:55:23

Peter goes to pick up his stick and go into the shedding ring to meet them. Now, which dog will he use?

0:55:270:55:33

Looks like Maid, the more experienced dog of the two.

0:55:330:55:37

-20 scored for the drive.

-Lie down!

0:55:370:55:39

Looks as if it could come... Is the fifth one coming?

0:55:410:55:44

Bring the dog in. Great.

0:55:440:55:47

He'll probably use Maid to push them away.

0:55:470:55:51

He's going to use Tess to pen, but I wonder with all this enthusiasm

0:55:510:55:56

whether she'll stay at the pen if he gets them in?

0:55:560:55:59

Full marks for the shed.

0:55:590:56:01

-Looking good, though.

-Away!

0:56:030:56:04

Steady, steady. They're going in backwards.

0:56:040:56:07

We just need them in.

0:56:070:56:10

It doesn't matter if they go in reverse, as long as they're in!

0:56:100:56:14

They're in. Now then...

0:56:140:56:16

Well done, Tess. Full marks for your pen.

0:56:180:56:22

And so it's up to Maid.

0:56:220:56:24

He's probably going to bring these sheep around the back of the pen.

0:56:250:56:29

-Out, out!

-So that they'll come in off and he can pick either side.

0:56:290:56:34

-This might be the better side to put them in.

-Lie down!

0:56:340:56:38

Look at Tess. It rather looks as if she's got her feet fixed to the floor.

0:56:380:56:44

-She knows her job, doesn't she?

-Certainly does.

0:56:440:56:48

That's the sheep I'm worried about, the one that's nearest now to Peter,

0:56:480:56:53

-with the peculiar eye marking.

-I think they're going.

0:56:530:56:56

She's going in. She's gone in.

0:56:560:56:58

Will the white-faced one go in to follow her? Yes.

0:56:580:57:02

APPLAUSE

0:57:020:57:04

A super performance from young dog and old.

0:57:040:57:07

A score of 8.5 for Maid at the pen. Let's total everything up.

0:57:070:57:12

It's 114.5.

0:57:140:57:16

That's a whole point behind Ian Jones and Wales.

0:57:160:57:21

I've just got to live with it. Can't change it now. Quite pleased.

0:57:210:57:25

Well, congratulations to them and the end of their

0:57:280:57:30

round marks the critical halfway point in this competition.

0:57:300:57:34

Ireland were leading after the Young Handlers round.

0:57:350:57:39

But Wales have 115.5 points in the Brace and Scotland

0:57:390:57:43

are just one point behind on 114.5 points.

0:57:430:57:48

So they've set a very high standard.

0:57:480:57:51

Which means England and Ireland's competitors have it all to play for.

0:57:510:57:56

But to find out how they do, I'm afraid you're going to have to wait until tomorrow.

0:57:560:58:01

Then we'll show you the final two rounds of the Brace

0:58:010:58:04

and bring you the last crucial round in this competition - the Singles.

0:58:040:58:11

Only then will we know which team is going to be crowned One Man And His Dog Champions of 2010.

0:58:110:58:18

You'd be absolutely mad to miss it.

0:58:180:58:21

See you tomorrow.

0:58:210:58:23

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0:58:400:58:43

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0:58:430:58:46

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