The Fort Stockton Sheep Dog Trials began yesterday with over 50 dogs competing in the annual event at the Fort Stockton Gun Club.

The event is open to the public and is scheduled to take place through Monday.

The border collies entered in the event begin the competition by retrieving a set of four sheep from approximately 500 yards away and then herding the animals through a course with various tasks to complete depending on the class the dog is competing in. Handlers use a whistle and voice commands to guide their dog to complete the course.

Handlers and their dogs compete in trials across the state in an effort to qualify for the state finals later in the year.

The Texas Sheep Dog Association, Inc. was founded in 1963 and incorporated  in 1981 to advance and create an interest in the breeding and training of working stock dogs across Texas. Also, through a system of awards and sheep dog trials, to encourage the continual development of better stock dogs and their applied use on modern farms, ranches, and livestock operations. While fulfilling this purpose, the TSDA seeks to build cordial relationships in the community and to promote humane treatment of dogs, sheep, cattle and goats.