WTCH Aussies

Since the Stockdog Program’s inception, the ASCA has awarded titles to Australian Shepherds and non-Aussies alike on a variety of stock in an arena setting. The arena divisions consist of Started, Open, and Advanced. Classes of Stock are: Cattle, Sheep or Goats, and Ducks or Geese. In 1991 the prefix of Working Trial Champion, or WTCH, was assigned to those dogs who had obtained 2 qualifying scores from different judges in each division and on each class of stock, thus earning titles in Started, Open, and Advanced on each class of stock. This title has continued to represent any dog capable of accomplishing a variety of tasks in the arena. Depending on the course used, these tasks can include, but are not limited to, assisted and unassisted drives, free standing penwork, chutes, and precision control work.

Each handler begins in the Started division, allowing that handler free access to the arena to assist their dog with the course’s tasks. The Open division adds a degree of difficulty by restricting the handler’s movements slightly and adding a free-standing pen or chute to the course’s tasks. At the Advanced level, the handler must complete all Open tasks, while their movements in the arena are restricted using a Handler’s Line. While the handler can always cross the line to assist their dog, this results in a severe points penalty. In all courses and on all classes of stock, the most points are garnered by the dog in control of their livestock, and them in the calmest and most efficient manner. Good stockmanship is valued above all else.

A WTCH dog can work efficiently and respectfully away from their handler.

Click here for complete rules for the Working Trial Champion certificate.