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Dogs in Our WorldExploring the human-dog bond through science-based training, behavior insights, and heartwarming stories Author: Adam Winston
Fieldnotes is where science, story, and lived experience converge. Explore podcast episodes, articles, and resources that deepen our understanding of dogs through empathy, behavior, and advocacy. Language: en-us Genres: Kids & Family, Nature, Pets & Animals, Science Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Special Report: Dogs and Sport
Episode 7
Sunday, 1 February, 2026
Explore Our Services Episode Summary In this special report episode, we explore the captivating world of sheepdog trials at the Vashon Sheepdog Classic. Through interviews with competitors, organizers, and handlers, we uncover the deep bond between humans and their working dogs, the skill and dedication required for this unique sport, and the community it fosters. This episode offers a vivid glimpse into a tradition that combines teamwork, trust, and the joy of working with animals. Read on for key takeaways, resource links, and the full transcript. Key Takeaways Sheepdog trials showcase the incredible partnership between handlers and their dogs, emphasizing communication and trust over long distances. The sport requires years of dedicated training and a deep understanding of both dog behavior and livestock management. Competitions like the Vashon Sheepdog Classic have historical roots dating back to the 1870s and continue to inspire new generations. Working dogs fulfill innate instincts and provide meaningful engagement, benefiting both the animals and their handlers. The community around sheepdog trials is supportive and passionate, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds. Resources & Links Amazon YouTube Discord RSS Feed Google Instagram LinkedIn Spotify TikTok Twitch Vashon Sheepdog Classic Follow Ian Caldicott and Goose Field Notes Episode Page- The Dogs in Our World podcast Episode Transcript Show Transcript Introduction While visiting Vashon Island to interview Temple Grandin for the last episode, I witnessed something spectacular when I was there. It was so impressive and fitting for this show that I had to grab my new microphone and share the experience with you. In this episode, I’m going to take you to a competition and festival called the Vashon Sheepdog Classic. The annual event is a breathtaking display of the dog-human connection. So, in this Special Report of Dogs in Our World, we’re going to learn about the fascinating world of Sheepdog Trials and the people and dogs involved with this sport. I’ll tell you more in a second. Let’s get into it. Part 1: BTS at the Vashon Sheepdog Classic I was recently on this sort of working vacation and trying to record that Temple Grandin interview you heard last episode. I knew there was this sheepdog herding competition happening, on the island, the same weekend. I didn’t know what to expect, but of course I had to check it out. What I saw soon after arriving to the Vashon Sheepdog Classic was something so spectacular that I can’t explain it well enough myself. So, on the last day of the 4-day festival, I loaded up my recording gear and went behind the scenes of my first sheepdog competition. Not only was watching the handlers and dogs work together a beautiful thing, but the venue itself was breathtaking. The competition takes place on these rolling, beautiful fields with the most colorful trees and sky as a backdrop. And the people were so cool. (SB 1) 00:24 Maggie: I’m Maggie McClure, and I’m the executive director of the Sheepdog Classic. I kind of ambushed her with my microphone as she was tending to the sheep among many other responsibilities. She was, however, kind enough to agree to an interview in the middle of her bustling festival. (SB 2) 12:21 Maggie: It’s just a spectacular backdrop for what we do. Uh, spectators, they can have an opportunity to, uh, almost be within the course. Just the natural amphitheater feeling of the spectator area allows them to actually be right above the work and see what’s going on. Bed – Cue Nat Sound of Ian’s Trial – The competitor and their dog are a significant distance from one another. It’s better if Ian explains. He worked from sunup to sundown, not only competing but working the field. If this competition were a music festival, Ian and his dog are kind of like the all-in-one stage manager and musician. (SB) Nat Sound 2:20 Announcer: Good job Ian and Goose (cheers). They work extra hard. (SB 3) 00:06 Ian: My name is Ian Caldicott. I’m one of the handlers; I’m also in charge of the set-out crew. Adam: Alright, and what’s the set-out crew? Ian: We’re the people who put the sheep out on the field for everybody’s run. He can better explain what the actual competition entails … (SB 4) 00:26 Ian: the whole course involves sending the dogs down about 400 yards to gather up a bunch of five sheep, bring them down the field through a set of gates, down to where you’re standing, around a post, out oh about 150 yards through a set of gates, across the field through a third set of gates, back to a circle that’s marked with little sandbags where you got to split the sheep into two groups, then put them back together again, and put them into a pen. Adam: How did you end up here? Ian: Um, I’ve been coming for years to this event. Adam: Why? Ian: Um, it’s one of the more challenging courses that we see, and for a lot us that’s what it’s about, it’s finding new challenges for the dogs. Maggi McClure explained to me that she believes competitions like the Vashon Sheepdog Classic began back in the 1870’s on the Scottish-Welsh border. In my research for this episode, I’m learning about early dog trialing competitions that were also first held around the same time in New Zealand and Australia. (SB 5) 2:59 – FADE In – Maggi: … and it was basically shepherds, uh showcasing the work of their dog and the abilities of their dog so, you know, they get bragging rights and potentially breeding rights if, you know, if you see a dog that you think, “Wow, if I cross that talent with the talent that I have at home, maybe I will produce a dog that’s going to be handy to me on my farm or ranch in the future.” So, the breeding isn’t about how they look, it’s about their work ethic, it’s about the method in which they handle their livestock, it’s about the temperament of the dog and how helpful it’s going to be. So, if you have a dog that’s lacking in one department, well then maybe you find a dog who can fill that gap and, and make a stronger dog. Adam: How did you get into this? Maggi: Umm, well … I had a border collie uh that I got from a friend who, who was very active in this sport. Um … and I got that dog to be an agility dog. I was very deep into competing with my dogs in agility and wanted to take it up a notch and get a faster dog and this and that and so I rescued this border collie from a friend and he just really didn’t do well with agility. So, we tried and we tried and then I thought well for bonding purposes uh maybe we should go try this and experience some sheep and uh see if we can encourage our own relationship to be better for the for agility. But once I went out and gave it a try, I pretty much went from teaching agility three days a week and competing every weekend, I just dropped it and just moved on to doing this and I got hooked and done. You know? That was 23 years ago. During the timed trial the competitors stand back near the judges table and communicate to their dogs all the way out on the field by whistling. It was a real spectacle watching these dogs run full speed, then turn on a dime as a new whistle traveled to their attentive ears from across the distance of three football fields. Here’s me talking to Ian as his dog “Goose” keeps a watchful eye on both him and the field …. (SB 6) 5:16 Adam: Can you try to explain to me what these whistles … these calls are? Ian: Sure, the whistles are basically just variations of the voice commands that we use … the whistle carries much further. So instead of having to shout and scream for the dogs to hear us a long way off, the whistle carries better … And everybody has different whistles. I have two different sets because I work two dogs at the same time. Adam: So, that was actually going to be my next question. Does everybody use the same kind of whistle … or people have their own unique personal ones just between them and their dog? Ian: Yeah, there are kind of some fairly common sets, but basically, it’s their personal choice. Adam: Is this a bad time for you to do some of those whistles? Ian: I see nobody on the field, so no … we can do it now. Ian: I can give you some of Goose’s … The most obvious one is “to stop.” (whistle) And then for him to “go forward.” (whistle) And then for him to “go clockwise.” (whistle) And then for him to “go counterclockwise.” (whistle) Adam: I had no idea that you’re actually using a device to make those whistles. I thought you guys were using your fingers. … Sorry if we confused you, Goose. Come on back, Goose. Goose has his own following. Ian said he met folks who came out just to see Goose compete. I’m not kidding. You can follow Goose’s career on Ian’s website which is wolston.com. That’s w-o-1-s-t-o-n.com. As always, we’ll add a research link to this episode page at dogsinourworld.com. Ok. Moving on. I was so impressed with the obedience and control these dogs demonstrated when out on the field herding sheep. The handlers made it looks so easy, but as a dog trainer, I can’t imagine the amount of time and effort it takes to get to this level. (SB 7) 15:00 Adam: How do you train a dog to do this? They’re, they’re, they’re yards and yards away. Maggi: Oh, I know. Well, you start close where you can have an impact on the dog and have a conversation with the dog. Um, I’ve had, I mean I was a clicker trainer for 25 years, so I have a background in how to utilize marker based training and in a way, we do a bit of that, but we don’t use a sound marker, like a clicker. Um, we’re not using treats. The dogs are motivated to do this, so the motivational factor is not play, praise, touch. It’s work. So, the work is the piece that matters the most, so we don’t necessarily do anything that I’d call positive reinforcement. Um, we use a lot of what is referred to as negative punishment, which would be if you’re not right, we’re going to take the sheep away. So, maybe that means the dog has to lie down. You know. If he’s not acting right, if we lie the dog down, the sheep are moved away, so he loses his access to that of which he wants, which is the sheep. So, we work on shaping and getting their mind correct in terms of how they use their body around the sheep, all that happens around at hand. And then we slowly grow uh two, four hundred, five hundred, six hundred yards. But it all starts at 20 feet away. That last soundbite reminds me of episode number five with Julie Forbes when we talked about the importance of incentive when working with dogs. Coming up in part two, I’ll introduce you to two other competitors who I met at the annual Vashon Sheepdog Classic. Our guests will also talk about the unique bond they have with their dogs and what it’s like competing together. They’re some really cool people that I really want you to meet, so don’t go anywhere. I’ll be right back. Part 2: Competitors and Connections (SB 8) Adam: Alright. So, just as a slate so I know who I’m talking to, what is your first and last name? What is it you do? Where are you from? Who are you? Lori: I’m Lori Chamberlain. I’m from Solana Beach, California, which is near San Diego. I’m retired. I used to, uh, I used to work in a legal related job and uh, now I’m doing a lot of dog trialing. (SB 9) Dick: I’m Dick Wilson. I’m from Graham, Washington, and I’m retired. I’m a former, uh telecommunications executive. I do photography. And um, been in uh, working with dogs for about 13 years, in sheepdog trials. Everyone I met behind the scenes of the Vashon Sheepdog Classic were interesting, down-to-earth and good-hearted folks. Especially, competitors Lori Chamberlin and Dick Wilson. I could have spent all day hanging out with just the two them. They both kind of fell into this mesmerizing world of sheepdog competitions. (SB 10) 3:08 Adam: So did you set out and say to yourself, “I want a herding dog. I’m gonna find a border collie from a working line and I’m going to herd sheep.” Lori: Absolutely not. It was a complete accident. Somebody gave me a border collie. Asked me if I wanted to work it and I said, “No I didn’t have time.” And then I took this puppy. I live near the coast, too. I took it to Dog Beach. And I got there with my nine-month-old dog and she attempted to round up all the dogs at the beach. And then I thought, “Oh dear. I’m not sure I can have this dog and not give her what she’s clearly bred to do, which is to work.” And, that was the hook. (laughs) (SB 11) -FADE IN- 0:15 Dick: never knew what I was going to get into until I took my first border collie; first dog I had in 35-40 years. Walked in the veterinary and the vet says, “You know, what you got here?” I says,” I got a border collie.” And he says, “Well you’re gonna have to work that dog, or you’re gonna be in trouble. You’re gonna have to work him with sheep.” I says, “Sheep? I’m a city guy. I grew up in the city. Now, why would I work with sheep?” “He’s gonna drive you nuts.” Thirteen years later, here I am. (laughs) Enjoy it immensely, uh … I posted photos of the people and dogs I met in the gallery page at dogsinourworld.com. Check them out and let me know what you think. Also thanks to John de Groen for photographing my conversations with everyone in this episode. He was one of the official photographers of the festival and was kind enough to hook us up. Ok. Back to Lori Chamberlain and Dick Wilson. (SB 12) 1:32 Adam: Who is this down here? Lori: This is Hank. Uh, Hank is my six-year-old open dog. Um, so he’s just coming into his prime. (SB 13) 1:20 Adam: Could you tell me about your dog here? Dick: Beth Ann is a six-year-old border collie. I’ve had her, um, for two and a half years. I got her from a friend of mine that unfortunately uh passed away, so I picked her up from the family. And uh, we’re total partners. Just look at the pictures I posted and you will clearly see the special connection these people have with their dogs. They were really some of the strongest most powerful connections I’ve ever seen between someone and their pet. (SB 14) 3:55 Adam: Can you try to describe to me, because this show looks a lot at um, the relationship between dogs and humans. Do you and Hank have a special relationship, and if so, how could you describe it to me? Lori: Hmmm. Good question. Yeah, I think we have a very special relationship. Um, he, I mean, he knows when we’re gonna go out to work sheep, uh he can tell by which shoes I’m putting on. He, he now thinks of himself as the number one dog in our house, so he thinks that he can get on the bed and the other dogs can’t. Um, so he, he’s feeling that special bond and by, he, you know, he’s six so I’ve been working him for a while and, so that has, deepened the communication lines between us, so I think we communicate pretty well and it’s, like I said at the beginning, it’s really special. (SB 15) 4:35 -Fade in – Adam: What can this relationship and what could this, um, sport, the relationship between the handler and the dog, what can that teach us about the connection between dogs and humans? Dick: You know that’s, that’s a very good question. (clears throat) Um, from my point of view, um, I have been very blessed. I had a dog that was my service dog initially, and that was a border collie. First dog I got in 30, 40 years actually. And uh, it was it was, he was unique. He watched over me a lot. And uh, out of that relationship I got another dog and we started doing more hard working together. And border collies are so smart, they’re the smartest dog on the face of the earth. Their intelligence is unbelievable. They know how you feel. And it’s truly, truly unbelievable. There isn’t a day when it doesn’t go past 7:30 in the morning that she hasn’t waken me up. Uh, so she’s that type. And, we’ve traveled together. She’s right there and she knows what time to get up. She anticipates things. And it’s just unbelievable. <!– PageNumber=”87″ –> <!– PageBreak –> Ian Caldicott and his dog Goose work fulltime on a farm. Even though Goose is essentially an employee or farm hand, he and Ian still share their own special bond both on and off the field. (SB 16) 2:42 Adam: Can you try to explain to me … or, do you feel have a connection with your dog? … like a strong sort of bond you hear people talk about? Ian: Oh, absolutely. The more time you spend with a dog you build a very deep relationship … almost a psychic relationship. I can look at him and know what he’s going to do next, and he can look at me and know what I’m going to do next without us having to say anything. Maggie McClure, the festival’s executive director, who we first met offered some great insight into her working relationship with dogs. (SB 17) 8:35 Adam: Is there anything that you personally get out of your relationship with dogs that humans can’t provide you or don’t provide you or are they just not that is it not that special of a bond? Maggi: Hmm … well I do spend, I would say, 90% of my time with animals and not people. Um, so I do prefer the company of animals, uh, nothing against people. I just like them in smaller doses. Um. (deep breath) I don’t know. That’s kind of a, that’s kind of a tough question. Hmm. Adam: What do you think this work that we’re seeing out here, the, this herding of sheep and using dogs. What does that say to you about the relationship between just humans and animals? What can these dogs do for us as humans? Maggi: Well, when you’re in the process of training and working with a dog, you do develop a true working partnership where, you know, like I said, 50% of the time they, they might be taking control of a situation, but then another part of the time you need to take control of the situation so if you truly have a working partnership with the dog, your relationship is gonna blossom in different ways. They’re going to have to deal with, uh, frustration on your part, uh, or um. You know. Then you get to share things that are really exciting like these folks who are out here competing here today. You have to have enough trust in your dog and your dog has to have enough trust in you, that they’re going to go out there and lie down when you ask them to and they’re 450 yards away. And you’re saying, “Hey, lie down there. Hey, go left. Go right.” And they’re open to the suggestion of doing that. Sometimes they’ll override your choices. Many times, they’re correct. Most of the time they’re correct to override our choices. Uh, but that’s part of a partnership, you know, is, is learning the ebb and flow of that work that needs to be done. They should know those sheep need to come straight down to you. So, uh. You wanna build the skills, you want them to have their toolbox full with as many skills as possible so they can operate with as much autonomy correctly on their own, because they’re so far away. They’re reading situations that we cannot see with our eyes. Coming up in the final part of this episode, all of our new friends from the Vashon Sheepdog Classic will share some personal advice. Be sure to join the audience over at dogsinourworld.com. I can see that we have listeners all across the United Sates and many other countries, but I need to hear from you. Can you say hello and let me know how I’m doing in the comments section of this episode? You can also say hi and leave me a note on our many social media pages … Most importantly, leaving a comment in iTunes or wherever you subscribe to podcasts lets me know people are listening and boosts this show in the search rankings. So, hit me up. Even if it’s just to say hi. Back after this. Part 3: Reflections and Advice Everyone I met at the Vashon Sheepdog Classic taught me something new and inspired me, even more, to examine the relationship between humans and the dogs in our world. Here’s Maggi McClure encouraging all you dog owners out there to think about what your dog was initially bred for … (SB 18) 13:52 Maggi: Well I think the importance is with working dogs, there’s a compassionate, um element in which the dog and the sheep and the person all three species come together to participate in this dance that happens in this field, and, um, if we can show people a little bit of what might happen on a farm and how, uh, I keep saying magic. That’s not, I’m trying to think of another word uh, how um … unique and special that bond is um. If they can have a glimpse into that, maybe that would inspire them to be more active and think about their dog in a different way. Maybe it’s not doing this, but maybe they’ve got a dog that it’s a Jack Russell and the Jack Russell’s may really want to go to ground and go hunting for, you know, rodents or something and, you know how to think about what the needs of their dog is and how to help participate with what their dog might have been hardwired to do a long time ago and how to maybe bring that back to the dog. Ian offered some of the best advice that I’d like to echo for anyone who’s interested in pursuing any new path, whether it’s with dogs or not … – Cue Music – Conclusion Watching those dogs and humans compete and cooperate with each other really was great. And, I’m glad that I got to share it with you. I would like to thank all the hard-working staff and volunteers who were behind the Vashon Sheepdog Classic. My biggest take away from that experience was a desire to, in a way, be like the dogs I saw. Those dogs out on that field were clearly having fun, while working so intensely. How can I be more like that? How can I both enjoy work to its fullest and the harder I work the more fun I have. Well, I’ll tell ya. I’ve had some really cool jobs in my life, but I have yet to get burned out by being around dogs. Don’t forget, pictures from my trip can be found in the gallery section of dogsinourworld.com. Learn more about the Vashon Sheepdog Classic at vashonsheepdogclassic.com. Let me know how I did over at dogsinourworld.com or by leaving a review in iTunes. Thank you so much for listening and I’ll talk to you soon. Stay Connected If you enjoyed this episode: Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Share your thoughts with us at dogsinourworld.com/contact. 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