Swung past another dog trial this weekend and thought I should upload a quick shot while it's still fresh in my mind.

While the trial itself is a lot of fun, I have more fun taking photos of the dogs waiting their turn. These two fellas were patiently waiting by the fence for their chance to run around on the field. It appears the novelty of watching sheep has worn off on the older dog who is happy to catch up on some sleep, but the pup is clearly intrigued and ready to get to work.

Even being relocated to the back of the ute failed to break the pup's concentration.

#Dogs #DogsOfMastodon #SheepDogs #SheepdogTrials #WorkingDogs #Photography #Kelpie

They say to never work with kids or animals, but I don't think this applies to working dogs. Working dog owners are always keen to show off how well behaved and intelligent their dogs are, and the dogs are all too ready to oblige.

This is Eddie. He was such a pleasure to photograph. With a quick: 'go over there, sit down and look at the camera' from his owner I had the exact pose I was after. If only it were that easy with humans.

I can never hide how impressed I am at a dog's comprehension, and the dog can never hide how pleased they are that they managed to impress me!

#Dogs #DogsOfMastodon #SheepDogs #SheepdogTrials #WorkingDogs #Photography #BorderCollie

At a recent dog trial I promised a number of people that I would share my photos with them. While I'm normally extremely slow at editing my pics, I made a real effort this time to send them through as quickly as possible. And I've done it! I avoided procrastination and got photos out to everyone on my list! A rare achievement.

Oh wait, what about these lists from all the other shows I've been to? Maybe I should do something about that...

Nah! I'll edit some photos for Mastodon instead! Damn procrastination always wins in the end.

Here is the product of my procrastination. I can't remember this fella's name, but I met him at the 2023 Australian National Sheep Dog Trial Championship. I took quite a few shots across the day and every time he looked this happy.

His fur is a great colour to begin with, but the low sun gives it that extra shine.

#Dogs #DogsOfMastodon #SheepDogs #SheepdogTrials #WorkingDogs #Photography

This is Lulu, a competitor in a recent yard dog trial. I really love this shot showing her running across the sheep. These dogs have such personality and it really comes out when they're working.

Lulu was excited, alert and energetic, while remaining calm and under control. I think this can really be seen in the attitude of the sheep who are completely nonplussed by her running along their backs.

#Dogs #DogsOfMastodon #SheepDogs #Sheep #SheepdogTrials #WorkingDogs #Photography

While I love taking photos of the competitors at sheepdog trials, it is often the spectators that make the most interesting photos.

This is Jax, a spectator from the 2023 Australian National Sheep Dog Trial Championships. As recent posts have shown, I'm a sucker for a kelpie with pricked ears.

#Dogs #Dog #DogsOfMastodon #AustralianKelpie #SheepDog #SheepdogTrial #WorkingDogs #Photography