Back in 2015, OBCC did a series of interviews with judges from Canada, the US and the UK. We have resurrected the questions and over time will put the questions to a variety of current judges. Here is the second conversation with Lorna Savage.
Do you always approach judging a trial in the same way or do different circumstances require a different approach? Can you identify the highlights of your approach?
My approach to judging is the same at each trial. I follow the USBCHA Trial Guidelines and always review them before judging a trial and treat each handler/dog team the same way. I like to view the set before hand to ensure that I have good sight of the field, especially at the lift and I am always willing to work with the trial committee. I believe in fairness and consistency to all participants. My focus is completely on the team running at the moment
What are your' must haves' in a top run?
One of my top haves' is respect for the livestock. I like to see a dog with great feel for his sheep, working in a calm manner not upsetting the sheep but able to take charge. A nice quiet consistent pace around the course with the dog working on his feet and not be micromanaged with over whistling. The top of the run is very important to me, I like a dog that will come in at the proper balance point to make a controlled lift (a quiet move along sheep) that brings the sheep straight down the fetch. A top run must also have a dog that will do the shed (not the handler) and work as a partner at the pen.
What do you not like to see in a run?
I do not like to see a dog out of control and just running the sheep around the course, it is not a race. Nor do I like handlers screaming or non stop whistling. I do not like to see too much fussing with a dog at the handlers' post before sending, or a dog up and down continuously as it can tend to startle the sheep. The dog must be the one to do the shed and hold it, not the handler nor do I like to see a dog lying down out of contact while the handler pens the sheep.
In what circumstances do you DQ a dog?
Sheep harassment, gripping unnecessarily, lack of progress, off course, handler off course i.e. penning first when they should be shedding, heat stress on sheep or dog, training aides, handler touching sheep.
If you have judged in different areas, like east or west North America or the UK, what are the significant differences, if any, in what you see on the trial field?
I have judged in Canada and the North East States since the early 2000's and have not seen any significant difference on the trial field. Any difference between Canada and the North East is probably more to do with the sheep being used. Some flocks of hair sheep in the North East were going from trial to trial and became very predictable in how they worked. The states also have some great wooly flocks. Canada is generally 99 percent wool flocks and many times using young undogged sheep that makes a great challenge. One other difference, Canada rarely sets up a Maltese cross, whereas it used to be more common in the states. I have not judged in the west but run on western sheep a few times and that makes a difference on the trial field. Handlers have to adjust how those sheep are worked.
What characteristics are you personally looking for in a dog and why?
A dog that works calmly with presence, biddable and easy to live with. One that is your partner and works with you, not against you.
How do you personally benefit from judging? What motivates you to do so?
Benefit is being with amazing people who are so dedicated to the working dog from every aspect of life. Seeing who has a new dog and new and upcoming handlers. Pay attention and you will always learn something new at each trial.
Hmmm what motivated me...... I have always enjoyed working at a trial, I want to give what I can to the dog community. I enjoy judging and like to be challenged with the unexpected that can happen in a run. I learn from other judges and their thoughts on runs. LOL A big motivation is some trial managers have given me CHOCOLATE.!!
Photo credits to Lorna Savage