Dogged diversion

Des Lysaght and Tyke take a break from competing at the Oamaru Collie Club’s trials yesterday....
Des Lysaght and Tyke take a break from competing at the Oamaru Collie Club’s trials yesterday. Photo by Sally Rae.
Timaru man Des Lysaght finds dog trialling an excellent way to get off the main road and see lots of rural countryside.

Mr Lysaght (63) is rarely at home during February and April as he attends most of the usually twice-weekly dog trials in South Canterbury and North Otago.

Yesterday, he was at the Oamaru Collie Club's trials, which continue today at the McMillan family's property at Waianakarua.

He had been attending the Oamaru trials for about 12 years and always enjoyed the event.

‘‘You're always made to feel welcome. It's a great club to come to,'' he said.

Mr Lysaght has been trialling for about 25 years and has six dogs at his Fairview home. He is trialling three heading dogs this season - George, Tyke and Pat.

He said he preferred heading dogs as he was now on a smaller property and he did not have enough work for a huntaway.

He has been trying to qualify for the New Zealand dog trial championships in Blenheim in June and hoped for some success during the weekend.

One of his greatest trialling thrills was being placed fifth in the South Island and 10th in New Zealand in a Tux yarding challenge several years ago.

Mr Lysaght enjoys breeding pups and has achieved top prices for his dogs, selling one for $5300.