WAY TO ME or AWAY TO ME: This is a flanking command. It tells the dog which way to approach the sheep. This command means the dog should move in a counter clockwise arc behind the sheep.

COME BY or GO BY: This traditional Scottish command tells the dog to move in a clockwise manner around the stock. "By the clock."

STEADY or EASY: This command tells the dog to rate his speed, move slower.

THAT'LL DO: A release command. This tells the dog is work is done, return to the handler.

LOOK BACK: A command that lets the dog know he has missed some of the stock.

WAIT: A brief stop/stay command. Not to be confused with an obedience stay. The dog is still working & should be attentive to the stock.

DOWN: Used by some instead of the WAIT command. Dog may or may not lie down.

@#$&*!!!: Various meanings. Generally used in combination with any of the above commands and/or the dog's name. Not recommended for trial usage.

FLANK: These are the directional commands that tell the dog which direction he must move around the stock. The commands are given based on the dog's position to the stock. A dog with his right shoulder facing the stock would be on the COME BY flank. A dog with his left shoulder facing the stock would be on the WAY TO ME flank.

DRIVING: When the dog is working between the handler and the stock, moving the stock away from the handler.

FETCHING: When the dog groups and moves the stock towards the handler.

FLIGHT ZONE: Flocking animals group together for protection. The FLIGHT ZONE is an imaginary boundary which, when crossed, causes the group to move away.

WEARING: Describes the side to side movement a dog uses to keep the stock grouped.

OUTRUN: The semi circular arc a dog makes when moving towards the stock. An OUTRUN usually begins from the handler's side & ends with the dog at a point behind the stock, opposite the handler.

LIFT: The LIFT begins when the dog comes into the stock's FLIGHT ZONE and the stock begin to move in the intended direction. These few seconds are crucial. A calm, controlled lift is to be preferred.

DOG BROKE STOCK: Stock that are accustomed to being worked by dogs. Stock that understands to move away from the dog, without panic or fighting.

EYE: Describes a working style most commonly seen in Border Collies & Australian Kelpies. These dogs have an intense, visual connection with the stock. A crouched stance is common.

UPSTANDING DOG: Generally, all the herding breeds outside of Border Collies & Australian Kelpies and crosses of, fall into this category. This refers to the dog's upright posture. UPSTANDING breeds generally do not crouch like EYE breeds nor maintain the intense visual contact with the stock.

AHBA: American Herding Breed Association. Not a breed registry, AHBA sanctions herding tests and trials for purebred herding dogs, mixed breeds of herding dogs and non-AKC recognized herding breeds.

HIT and RHIT: High in Trial and Reserve High in Trial. The two highest scoring dogs in the day's competition.