Handler Info | sheepdogfinals

Schedule- PENDING!

Sunday, September 27, 2026

12:00 p.m. — Handler Camping Opens
Please do not arrive before 12:00 p.m.!

Monday, September 28, 2026
8:00 a.m. — Handler Camping Check-In Resumes

2:00 p.m. — Handler and Sponsor Check-In Opens
Under the Handlers Tent

5:00 p.m. — Waitlisted Open Dogs Deadline

If you have a waitlisted Open dog, please sign in by 5:00 p.m. with the USBCHA Trial Secretary.

6:00 p.m. — Open Handlers Meeting
At Open Field

After Handlers Meeting — Welcome Reception

Sponsored by Kerry Hill Winery in the Handlers Tent

The Finals Merch Tent will be open for shopping!

Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Colors of Courage Fundraiser: Lavender (all cancers)

8:00 a.m. — Open Prelims Begin FREE ADMISSION ON TUESDAY!!!

9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. — Vendor Booths Open

Keep in mind that vendors will be arriving throughout the week, so check back daily for new merchandise! Silent auction and raffles will also be open.

6:00 p.m. — Nursery Handlers Meeting

At the Nursery Field

7:00 p.m. — Viewing of Outrun

Join us for a viewing of Outrun, written by Rush Leejohnson (David’s daughter) and Keara Woods, with sheepdog advisors David Rees and David Leejohnson. The film will be shown in the Handlers Tent and is approximately 30 minutes long. Bring your popcorn! 🍿

Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Colors of Courage Fundraiser: Purple (pancreatic cancer)

8:00 a.m. — Open Prelims Continue

9:00 a.m. — Nursery Round One Begins (time dependent on # of nursery entries)

9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. — Vendor Booths Open

Vendors are trickling in throughout the week. Check back daily for new merchandise.
Silent auction and raffles will also be open!

5:00 p.m. — Handler and Canine Massage
Therapist Maddy Turner will be presenting a discussion on "Peak Performance & Recovery" in the Handlers Tent, open to all handlers and sponsors.

Thursday, October 1, 2026
Colors of Courage Fundraiser: Light Blue (leukemia)

8:00 a.m. — Open Prelims Continue

9:00 a.m. — Nursery First Round Finishes

5:00 p.m. — Dr. Angie Untisz, DVM: “Optimizing the Canine Athlete”

Dr. Angie Untisz, DVM, will present “Optimizing the Canine Athlete,” joined via Zoom by a Platinum Performance veterinarian.

6:30 p.m. — USBCHA and ABCA Dinner
Handlers, please make sure you signed up in advance, or contact USBCHA.

7:00 p.m. — USBCHA & ABCA Annual Meetings

Friday, October 2, 2026

Colors of Courage Fundraiser: Pink (breast cancer)

8:00 a.m. — Open Prelims Continue

9:00 a.m. — Nursery Round Two and Winners Announced

9:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m. Vendor Tents Open
Be sure to check back! Some of our vendors will arrive Thursday evening.

Noon–End of Day — "Ask the Experts"
We’ll have “Ask the Experts” volunteers in special vests walking around the Open Field to provide educational information for spectators.

5:00 p.m. — Educational chat with Dr. Kipp Wingo

“Impact of Dental Conditions on the Performance of the Working Dog”

In the Handlers Tent

6:30 p.m. — Superior Lamb BBQ — OPEN TO ALL!

Join us for a Superior Lamb BBQ under the Handlers Tent.

Thank you, Superior Farms, for donating the lamb!

Tickets can be purchased at the Finals Merch Booth.

Saturday, October 3, 2026
7:00 a.m. — Open Semi-Finals

Top 40 dogs from the preliminary round

9:00 a.m. — Vendor Tents Open

1:00 p.m. — Sheep Shearing Demo

In the Vendor Tent

2:00 p.m. — Snake Aversion Demo

In the Vendor Tent

3:00 p.m. — Protection Dog Demo

In the Vendor Tent

6:00 p.m. — Handler's Dinner & Calcutta
OPEN TO ALL!

Join us for a Tri-Tip BBQ, Calcutta, Double Lift Draw and live music!

Tickets can be purchased at the Finals Merch Booth. The Calcutta will be conducted by silent auction and will be open online to the general public until 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 4.

Throughout the Day: Face Painting and Meet Alfie the Lamb

In the Vendor Tent

Sunday, October 4, 2026
8:00 a.m. — Open Double Lift Finals
Top 17 dogs from the semi-finals

Opening Ceremony — Approximately 10:00 a.m.

Typically between dogs 4 and 5

10:30 a.m. (approximately) — Sheep Shearing Demo

In the Vendor tent

11:00 a.m. — Snake Aversion Demo

In the Vendor tent

Throughout the Day — Face Painting and Meet Alfie the Lamb

Haley Hunewill — Brace Demo

Following the last run, while scores are being tallied.