Welcome to the website of the

International Sheep Dog Society!

For over 100 years, the Society has been working for sheepdogs - we hope that you will find this website both useful and informative.

You can start your journey via the menu at the top of the page:

NEWS will take you not only to the latest news, but also to details of the Society's National, International and World Sheepdog Trials and a detailed list of dates of the many smaller local trials, plus the Society's popular magazine International Sheepdog News.

ISDS TRIALS leads not only to the Major ISDS trials - the National and International Championships, but also to the World Trial, with links to many other sheepdog trials, large and small.

THE SOCIETY gives you details of the many benefits of membership; what the Society does in its worldwide activities, not only in organising trials, but also in registering working sheepdogs in the Stud Book.

ISDS SHOP - Visit the Society's well stocked shop - see also the details of the latest items at the right of this page.

Trialling documentary - sneak preview!

Some time ago, we featured Drew Hadra's sheepdog trialling documentary in International Sheepdog News. The launch of "Away to Me" took place at the beginning of the month, and you can have a look at a clip from this interesting documentary, which has received praise from a good number of sheepdog handlers here.

You can order a copy from www.sheepdogmovie.com

If you use the promo code ISDS12 at the checkout, a proportion of the price goes to the ISDS.

Photo of the Week

This Easter weekend is the coldest in fifty years, with sudden snowstorms hitting much of the UK and Ireland. Coming at lambing time for many, this is a disaster for sheep, their lambs and those that care for them. Instead of a photograph, you can see details of how this unseasonal weather is affecting farmers and shepherds. here

Andrew and Pauline Hall will be writing about the situation in the next issue of ISN. They would like to extend their sympathy to all who have been in any way touched by this catastrophe, both the people and the poor animals. It is terrible to witness such suffering and so sad for the ewe who goes through the rigors of giving birth only to lose her lamb in this cruel way.

If you have a picture for this page, email it to trialsnews@isds.org.uk All working sheepdog photos welcome!

DNA CEA Testing – OptiGen Discount

A discount has been arranged for Society members for DNA CEA Testing through OptiGen. By quoting the code ISDSX3 you will receive an automatic discount of 20%.

If your vet submits the test on line then a further 5% discount will be applied.

To take advantage of the discount visit the OptiGgen website for the following information:

Submitting a Test

http://www.optigen.com/opt9_request.html

After your vet has taken the blood sample from your dog he/she should then complete the online submission form

http://www.optigen.com/opt11_form.taf?lang=en

Information for your vet - Tips for a successful online submission

http://www.optigen.com/opt9_gettingstarted.html

If your vet is unable to submit the test online you can still receive a 20% discount by using the ‘Test Request Form’  

http://www.optigen.com/opt9_printform.taf?lang=en

A discount can also be obtained for testing the progeny of Normal to Normal matings. Please download and print off the form here for submitting with your dog’s blood sample. Note: this test cannot be submitted online.

Arrangements have been made for OptiGen to forward the test results directly to the Society on a quarterly basis.

Discounts are available until the end of 2013

Photograph Competition!

Three Categories:

     Under 16 years of age

     Over 16 years of age

     Overseas (all ages)

Please email your photographs, preferably in jpeg format, to office@isds.org.uk

The winner in each category will receive a £25 voucher to spend in the Society shop.

The best 12 photos will be included in the Society’s 2014 Calendar.

There is no limit to the number of entries you may submit

Eye Examinations - News from the Carlisle Meetings January 2013

DNA CEA - Before any progeny are to be registered, the sire and dam must have been DNA CEA tested. Results of the tests must be the original DNA CEA result and copy vet submission form, forwarded on to the ISDS Office. (The DNA certificate will be returned).

This rule takes effect from 1st June 2013.

An ophthalmic test is recommended where the sire/dam is involved in producing 2 or more litters and the sire/dam is over the age of 2 years. It is important that ophthalmic tests continue for all dogs to ensure eye diseases are detected.

MICROCHIPPING - With immediate effect, all puppies must be microchipped before registration.

Note – For National Trial entry:

• Dogs registered before 1 June 2013 - an ophthalmic or DNA CEA test is required
• Dogs registered after 1 June 2013 – the new registration requirements apply.

Further information can be found here “How Examination under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme can help you and your breed” – article by Professor Sheila Crispin

Additional material “DNA Testing for Inherited eye diseases in Border Collies”.

Optigen - Optigen give details of a number of clinics organised, you can find information on their website www.optigen.com and select ‘Clinic Schedule’. This lists a number of contacts and venues for sample testing.

IDEXX - Idexx provide information for vets -  www.idexx.co.uk

REGISTRATION ON MERIT

The fee is increased to £500 with immediate effect.

All dogs registered on merit will be placed into a separate appendix within the Stud Book as follows:

• Where neither parent of the dog is known with all their progeny for four generations.
• Where only one parent of the dog is known with all their progeny for four generations.
• Where one or both parents of the dog is known with all their progeny for four generations, unless proof of parentage is provided through a DNA test

Local Eye Examinations

See here for the latest Eye Clinic dates.

The full list of BVA Panel Examiners (vets) in the UK and Ireland and their locations and contact details can be found here.

Help the ISDS when you search and when you shop!

We have joined thousands of other good causes raising money through easyfundraising - an online gateway to over 2000 well known retailers. By using easyfundraising to access retailers, savvy shoppers generate a free donation for the good cause of their choice. And as donations can be as much as 15% of the purchase price we really hope people will log on and support us.

For example, spend £50 with Boden and you'll raise £1.25. Insure your car with the RAC and they'll donate up to £30 to the ISDS. Take out a new mobile contract with Vodafone and raise up to £45...and so on. Most retailers will donate an average of 5% of what you spend, and some will make substantial one off donations too. As well as raising funds, the free to use website will also give you access to hundreds of offers, discounts, vouchers and free delivery codes that you won’t find elsewhere. Every time you make a purchase you’ll get an e-mail telling you how much you’ve raised.

Easyfundraising also has a search engine which ISDS supporters can use. By switching from Google to easysearch, you can raise half a penny for the International Sheep Dog Society with every search you make. An average easysearcher raises around £25 each year.

So the next time you need to find something online, please use this link: http://isds.easysearch.org.uk and raise money for the International Sheep Dog Society with every search.

To support the International Sheep Dog Society while you’re shopping online, visit http://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/isds/ and follow the simple instructions.

Society Information

Visit our sponsor.  All the information on membership and dog registration is available from the SOCIETY button at the page top.