WORKING DOG · Reference library

Outrun

The outrun is the dog’s approach around the stock to reach a useful position for bringing them towards the handler.

At a glance

The outrun is the dog’s approach around the stock to reach a useful position for bringing them towards the handler.

WORKING DOG reference library · Added 2026-10-19 · Editorial guide

What to watch

Notice whether the approach unsettles the sheep before the dog reaches the working position. Terrain and visibility help explain the line taken.

Terminology and rules

Cast is also used in stockdog discussions, but local language and scoring differ. Consult the named trial authority before treating a descriptive term as a point deduction.

Using this reference

Use this explanation to understand the term in context. For an entry decision or disputed result, check the current rules and the original event documentation; a glossary cannot replace the authority’s decision.

A worked observation

A video might show the dog leaving the handler, disappearing behind terrain and reappearing behind the sheep. Describe the visible sequence and acknowledge the missing interval. Do not claim that the unseen portion was a perfect cast or an error; the camera does not supply that evidence.

Sources & further reading

References for this guide. Rules and services can change; check the responsible organisation for current details.

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