Dog training day a success

Hard workers: Sheepdogs like these are the backbone of pastoral farming in this district. They work their tails off to help farmers manage and move their stock. File picture

by Murray Robertson

THE Whatatutu Dog Trial Club hosted a Murray Child sheepdog training day on Thursday on Otara Station and it was well attended, with close to a hundred people there.

The event was sponsored by Purina.

“Thanks to Arthur Speers, and for the free BBQ lunch provided and cooked by Farmlands,” said Whatatutu Dog Trial Club president Maurice Flood.

“It was a wet and miserable day, so the event was held under Otara’s massive covered-yard complex.

“Thanks to the owners of the Wi Pere Trust farm and the station manager Gordon Martinovich.

“The event was well attended with 98 people counted during the lunch break,” Maurice said.

“It was a full-on day with many young shepherds demonstrating their dogs, both heading and huntaway, on the sheep, and then receiving the benefit of Murray’s experience and expertise on how to improve their dogs and correct any faults.

“Even the old hands looking on picked up a few tips.

“All in all, a very successful day.”