Urban dog owners take lead in sheepdog trials

City dog owners are starting to replace retired farmers on the sheepdog trial circuit.

The experts say they have noticed a big change, with city pet owners more interested in putting their dog and three sheep through an obstacle course, than competing in a traditional dog show.

Seven-time Australian representative Malcolm Taylor says while sheepdogs are being used less on the land, their popularity in the cities is growing.

"But I think the future for dog trialing is going to alter quite a bit and you'll see far more city dwellers that'll have a working dog in the city," he said.

"I know in Sydney there's an area they can go on a farm there, pay the dues and work sheep with their dog, and I think you'll find city people will get a lot more pleasure out of that than they will by having a dog on a lead going to a show."

Reference: www.abc.net.au

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