Stock dog trials are taking the grandstand by storm for the first time at the Park County Fair this month. Despite it being a premiere, the competition was full up prior to the deadline, and spectators will be treated to a Mountain States Stock Dog Association sanctioned event featuring the best dogs from across Wyoming and neighboring states.

While some may not be familiar with the competition, the sport is “getting to be a really big thing in the area,” said Tammy Yost, a three-time United States Border Collie Handler’s Association national qualifier and the 2021 National CattleDog Association Reserve National Champion.

“There are starting to be more and more events locally and we are bringing the show to Powell to help educate the public about the competitions,” she said.

The 30 contestants will be showing on sheep in four classes (open, intermediate, novice and nursery dogs) and the points will count toward qualifying for the national finals. Border collies, kelpies, hanging tree stock dogs and Australian shepherds will show how well they can handle stock, they will be judged for efficiency and demonstrating low stress on the stock.

The dogs are amazing, requiring “a deep bond and trust between handler and dog,” she said. “It’s really incredible to see.”

On the ranch, a single dog can replace three to four hired hands when herding cows or sheep, she said, and are very valuable to ranchers. It’s also much less stress on the stock than using ATVs or motorcycles. There are a couple novice competitors in the Powell area, but the hope is to inspire more dog owners to compete.

Events manager Billy Wood wanted to bring the stock dog tradition — which goes back to the beginning of ranching in Wyoming — to the fair and expects it to be a very popular event.

“In Wyoming so many people have working dogs and the competitions are growing throughout the country,” he said. “It’s neat to showcase humans and their canines [working] toward a common goal.”

Crews are already leveling out the arena and building pens for the Wednesday (July 26) main event show. Tickets are $10 and “kids that can sit on your lap” are free, Wood said.