Brace Judging

In brace runs, point deductions for being offline, missing panels, etc. are exactly the same as for single dog work. The differences lie in the fact that there are also deductions for how the dogs are, or are not, working together as a team.

• Dogs may cross over each other at the top but are not required to.
• If one dog gets to the top early and does the lift entirely before the second dog arrives, the second dog will get no points for its lift.
• Once the dogs choose a side at the top they must stay on that side until the shedding ring is reached. Any changes of sides must be undone or points can continue to be lost.
• The dogs should share the work — deductions will be taken if one dog is clearly doing most of the work while the other hangs back. It is okay for one dog to push while the other covers a draw, as long as they are both clearly in contact with the sheep.
• It should not be one dog moves, then the other moves, then the first dog moves. Most of the time both dogs should be moving — teamwork, not taking turns, until the close work.
• Either dog may perform the shed, but once the shedding dog is chosen it cannot be changed; interference from the second dog will result in a deduction.
• Once the shed is completed, either dog can perform the first pen. If it is the dog that did the shed, the second dog can be called in to drive the second set of sheep further away. Alternatively, the shedding dog can drive away one set of sheep and the second dog can be called in to do the first pen with the remaining sheep. This can take some time, but as long as it is done in a workmanlike way there are no deductions for how it is done.
• If while attempting the second shed the sheep get out of the first pen, the second pen must be left and the first pen redone. If the sheep get together then the shed must also be repeated.

Tips for First-Time Brace Handlers

• If you have your dogs cross at the top there is less leeway for them to arrive at the same time, as it will be quite obvious one gets there first.
• It is okay to send one dog and then send the other later — the important thing is when they arrive at the top, not when they leave.
• It is very helpful (some would say essential) to have your dogs on separate whistles; at the least you should consider different flank whistles.
• When things go wrong they can go very wrong very quickly. Often the easiest way to deal with this is to have one dog lie down while the other gets the sheep back on track, then use both dogs again. It will cost you in points, but it may very well be the difference between continuing and retiring.
• The close work is all about one dog working while the other stays out of the way and does not try to get involved. This is worth practicing.
• The split of 10 sheep into two groups of five is not usually as easy as it might seem, so use your best shedder unless your other dog won't stay back and watch.
• The first pen is often the hardest element. The opening to the brace pen is smaller and there is no gate. However, the most important thing about this pen is that the dog you use be willing to stay in the entrance to the pen and watch its sheep, not turn to watch you and the other dog do the second pen.