dogphotos - Network

Back at the yard trials again, we have an Australian Kelpie called Boof.It was a hot, dry day and the sheep were being particularly...

Back at the yard trials again, we have an Australian Kelpie called Boof.

It was a hot, dry day and the sheep were being particularly cantankerous, but Boof took it all in his stride. With confidence, and a relaxed style, he was able to read the sheep and preempt every move. Slowly and calmly he guided the sheep with far more considered and methodical movements than some of the younger dogs were able to muster.

I feel this photo captures some of that easy-going and confident nature; no fear, no aggression, just getting the job done.

#DogsOfFedi #DogsOfMastodon #Dogs #WorkingDogs #Photography #Sheep #SheepdogTrials #AustralianKelpie #Sheepdog

I managed to get to some yard dog trials the other week and was rewarded with some great shots.The sheep were being absolute menaces, which...

I managed to get to some yard dog trials the other week and was rewarded with some great shots.

The sheep were being absolute menaces, which sucks for the competitors, but makes for some great photos.

I just love the flying dirt and harsh shadows in this picture. It really gives a sense of just how hot and dry it had been. Unfortunately I don't know who this pup is, but I assure you he put up a valiant effort against those belligerent sheep!

#DogsOfMastodon #DogsOfFedi #Dogs #WorkingDogs #Photography #Sheep #SheepdogTrial #SheepOfMastodon

As we move into spring and the weather warms up, the dog shows are really starting to kick off.While it's interesting watching the dogs...

As we move into spring and the weather warms up, the dog shows are really starting to kick off.

While it's interesting watching the dogs compete, I think the real fun is in wandering around the crowd and seeing the dogs 'be themselves'.

This is Dash, she's 16 months old and bursting with character. While she may seem relatively calm in this picture, I assure you it was but a brief respite in an otherwise impassioned quest to entice someone over to play with her.

This photo was taken at a conformation show, but Dash's owner assures me that she is doing very well at herding, so fingers crossed I can catch up with her at a sheepdog trial some time soon.

#DogsOfMastodon #DogsOfFedi #Dogs #BorderCollie #WorkingDogs #Photography

I haven't posted any birds for a while, so here is a pic of a cocky for your viewing pleasure.I guess in many ways cockatoos are similar...

I haven't posted any birds for a while, so here is a pic of a cocky for your viewing pleasure.

I guess in many ways cockatoos are similar to working dogs. Smart, naughty, stubborn and a menace when left unattended in a garden.

#Photography #Birds #Cockatoo #Cocky #Parrots #BirdPhotography #Birdwatching

It's nice when I go to a show or trial and see a dog I've photographed in the past.I took some photos of Byron back in February at...

It's nice when I go to a show or trial and see a dog I've photographed in the past.

I took some photos of Byron back in February at the Royal Canberra Show (https://mastodon.au/@dogPhotos/112359741673740640) and had the pleasure of seeing him again in July, at another show, where I was able to take this shot. I didn't notice at the time, but when I put the photos side by side it was amazing how much he'd grown in just a few short months.

#DogsOfMastodon #Photography #Dogs #AustralianCattleDogs #RedHeeler #WorkingDogs #DogsOfFedi

I've been quite smitten by Heelers lately. While cattle dogs tend to be few and far between at sheepdog trials, I did manage to snap a...

I've been quite smitten by Heelers lately. While cattle dogs tend to be few and far between at sheepdog trials, I did manage to snap a few nice shots of some spectators at the 2024 National Sheep Dog Trial Championships (wow, that name is a real mouthful).

This is Martyn. His calm appearance is belied by his pricked ears, which reveal his true state of alertness. While I may be projecting a little, his expression says to me: 'Why is the guy I was playing with just moments ago, now sitting out of reach pointing a giant camera at me?'. While I'm sure he would rather we had kept playing, I feel he is resigned to the fact that sometimes humans are just weird.

#Dogs #Dog #DogsOfMastodon #SheepdogTrial #WorkingDogs #Photography #AustralianCattleDogs #BlueHeeler

Today I have another pup from the Royal Canberra Show. I don't see many cattle dogs at the sheep trials, so it was great getting to...

Today I have another pup from the Royal Canberra Show. I don't see many cattle dogs at the sheep trials, so it was great getting to photograph a few at the show. Heelers have such amazing colours and patterns, making them very photogenic.

This stocky little fella is Jimmy. A beaut little pup from Grimwood Australian Cattle Dogs. He has oodles of character and, while he remained well behaved in my presence, I'm assured gets into plenty of mischief at home.

#DogsOfMastodon #Dogs #CattleDogs #Photography #AustralianCattleDogs #BlueHeeler

My normal stomping grounds are sheepdog trials, but earlier in the year I visited the Royal Canberra Show and grabbed some great shots of...

My normal stomping grounds are sheepdog trials, but earlier in the year I visited the Royal Canberra Show and grabbed some great shots of some competing dogs. Having never attended a conformation show before I was met with a very different environment to the sheepdog trials I'm used to. The ability to walk up and talk to the dogs (and their owners) was a new experience and allowed me to practice photographing dogs that are sitting still, which made for a nice change.

The huge diversity of breeds was also a big advantage however, after reviewing my photos, I realise I almost exclusively took pics of working dogs. Oh well, I guess I know what I like...

This is Byron (aka Warrukadli Desert King). Byron did very well at the show, winning both Puppy in Group and Puppy in Show in the Working Dog category. While he seems sweet in this picture, I sense mischief in those eyes!

#DogsOfMastodon #Photography #Dogs #AustralianCattleDogs #RedHeeler #WorkingDogs

Another shot from some yard dog trials. Recently I've been enjoying picking out and editing photos where the sheep dominate the...

Another shot from some yard dog trials. Recently I've been enjoying picking out and editing photos where the sheep dominate the image.

While the sheep don't seem to have the same keenness as the dogs, there is still something endearing about them.

#SheepOfMastodon #Sheep #SheepdogTrial #Photography #DogsOfMastodon #Dogs #Sheepdog #WorkingDogs #AustralianKelpie

I have so many photos of dogs and sheep running around a field, it's very hard to choose my favourites to upload without my feed getting...

I have so many photos of dogs and sheep running around a field, it's very hard to choose my favourites to upload without my feed getting very 'samey'. To mix it up a bit I thought it might be nice to post a few shots that focus on the sheep.

This shot was taken at the local show. It was a brilliant sunny day which gave the sheep a great shine.

#SheepOfMastodon #Sheep #SheepdogTrials #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...

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

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...

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

After a busy couple of months at work, I have finally managed to squeeze in some dog photography.Last weekend I swung past some yard dog...

After a busy couple of months at work, I have finally managed to squeeze in some dog photography.

Last weekend I swung past some yard dog trials being run at the local agricultural show. I'd never been to a yard trial before and I wasn't prepared for how different it would be to photograph (compared to the sheepdog trials I'm used to).

The smaller field allowed me to get much closer to the action, but the dogs were faster, and right in among the sheep, making it difficult to keep them in frame.

Nevertheless, out of over 4,000 photos from the day, I managed to get a few that I'm pretty happy with. Now I just need to find the time to edit them and get them uploaded...

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

This fella's name is Boof, which certainly appeared to be an aptonym. I think this is probably one of my favourite dog names as it...

This fella's name is Boof, which certainly appeared to be an aptonym. I think this is probably one of my favourite dog names as it conveys a strong sense of personality which, in this case, the bearer was more than happy to lean into.

I got quite a few photos of this pup and not one of them was bad. Always showing off those bright eyes, pricked ears and flashing a smile, he hadn't allowed his tripedal configuration to slow him down; on the contrary, the 25% weight saving seems to have boosted his vigour. Which is lucky, because if there is one thing a Kelpie needs, it's more energy...

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

Wait a minute. I remember now; his name is Charlie!Sorry Chaz, I'll be sure to list your name correctly next time. 😁

Wait a minute. I remember now; his name is Charlie!

Sorry Chaz, I'll be sure to list your name correctly next time. 😁

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...

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

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...

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

More dog trialling!The weather's been getting a bit chilly to be standing out in a paddock with a camera, but I was silly enough to give...

More dog trialling!

The weather's been getting a bit chilly to be standing out in a paddock with a camera, but I was silly enough to give it a go anyway.

This pup is called Bob and he has eyes that can stare into your soul. He's only a couple of months old but every time I saw him he was intently focused on one thing or another.

I can only imagine what a handful he'd be at home.

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

I have so many other things I should be doing, but instead I decided to edit some photos. I'm a fiend for procrastination!Today it's...

I have so many other things I should be doing, but instead I decided to edit some photos. I'm a fiend for procrastination!

Today it's a couple of action shots from a recent sheepdog trial. This trial was a lot of fun. Much smaller than the Nationals, it had a more relaxed atmosphere. The weather was nice and there were some really good dogs both on the field and spectating.

Despite an enjoyable outing, it's still demoralising getting home after a day of photography and realising just how many blurry photos I have. Those dogs (and sheep) just move too fast! Oh well, just an excuse for more practice I suppose...

Statistically speaking, I'm sure to get a sharp photo eventually, even if only by fluke. And what do you know, here are some flukes!

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