The Course

A detailed set of Rules for Trials, set by the Directors of the ISDS, can be found on the ISDS website, and should be referred to by handlers. Distances are approximate and will be adjusted for the field in use by the Trials Committee. The Trials Committee is responsible for the course layout and conducting the trial in accordance with the Rules for Trials.

Singles Course 

The following is a brief description of the Singles Course.

A detailed set of 'Rules for Trials' can be found on the ISDS web site.

Distances are approximate and the course is set out by the Trials Committee.  

There are 5 sheep, 3 un-marked and 2 marked with collars to be taken steadily around the course, successfully negotiating the gates, a shed, pen and single.

There is a time limit of 15 minutes for each competitor to complete the course with 220 points maximum allocated by 2 judges (110 each). Points will be deducted for various faults. 

The top 15 competitors each Home Nation* over the 3 days of competition (top 5 from each day) will go forward to compete against the top 15 competitors from the other competting nations  at the International.
*Home nations are England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. 

Points are allocated as follows: Outrun (either side) 20 points; Lift 10 Points, Fetch 20 Points; Drive 30 points; Shed 10 points; Pen 10 points, Single 10 points = 110 per judge. 

Brace Course 

The following is a brief description of the Brace Course.

Again a detailed set of 'Rules for Trials' can be found on the ISDS web site.

10 sheep will be gathered by 2 dogs. One sent out on the right hand side and the other dog sent out on the left hand side. Crossing at the completion of the outrun is permissible. 

After completing the Fetch and the Driving, the sheep will be divided equally by either dog within the shedding ring. One group of 5 will be penned in one pen where the dog will be left in charge. The other dog will then pen the remaining 5 sheep in the other pen.

There is a time limit of 20 minutes to complete the course, with 2 Judges judging out of a total of 280 points.

Points are allocated as follows:  Outrun 20 points, Lift 10 points, Fetch 20 points, Driving 30 points, shedding 10 points Penning 20 points = 140 points per Judge. 

The top 2 competitors each Home Nation* over the competition will go forward to compete against the top competitors from the other competting nations at the International.
*Home nations are England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. 

Supreme Course