Churchmount Working Sheepdogs

This is a very frank interview! Someone said to me that they have heard all the Churchmount interviews on soundcloud and that this one is by far the best. This one is where the world renowned Nigel Watkins is talking sheepdogs. Nigel is true to form with no holds barred!
Nigel tells me about how Foot and Mouth disease closed down sheepdog trials in 2001. But it was different then because trials could reopen at any time. ‘Nobody knew when, nothing was cancelled’ . Whereas this time with the Covid, everything is cancelled for the year. Nationals, International and the World Trial are all cancelled.
In this interview, Nigel goes on to talk about trialling and judging internationally. he talks about how preparation is very important now and how all the top handlers prepare their dogs for sheepdog trials. 
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Like alot of people, I know that James is a top handler. I know that he has won an International Supreme and a World Trial. What i didn’t know is that he won the second National that he ever ran in and then went on to come 2nd to Neil McVicar and Spot in the 2005 International. I didn’t know that James had won 3 Nationals and has been placed highly in many Supreme finals. I was there to see him in 2015 in Scotland when he placed in the top 5 with Silver. I was in Scotland again last year to see him place 3rd with his 17 month old Jess.
I called James McGee the day before yesterday and I asked him if he would give us an interview for our handler podcast. It was very short notice but James kindly agreed. ”Give me a call this evening after dark” he said. I had never spoken more than a couple of sentences before this with James. I am probably his opposite because I never prepare for anything, so I was feeling suitably nervous! I needn’t have been.
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In this interview Sue shares some advice and tips for successful sheepdog trial judging with me before a judging assignment.
Sue has been involved in sheepdogs for over 30 years and has judged in sheepdog trials nationally and internationally. Sue was also very instrumental in the formation of the 1st World Sheepdog Trial.
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What does it take to achieve success in sheepdog training and competitions? I was lucky enough to talk to Alastair Mac Rae about qualities in successful dogs and the mindset and ambition of a top handler.
The plan was to make a 15-minute interview. however, the conversation broadened a bit and we went for nearly an hour and a half! In the end, I decided to make it a 3 part conversation.
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Erik is a world class handler but he is the kind of trainer who adjusts his training and thinking to whatever dog he is working with. Erik also shares his knowledge and experience, by giving lessons to handlers at his training centre in Denmark and also doing a number of clinics internationally every year.

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