Ep 38. One Man and His Dog 2021

One Man and His Dog is the 38th episode of the 28th season of Countryfile. This episode is named after the famous annual sheepdog trial competition of the same name, which has been running since 1978. In this episode, viewers get a glimpse into the world of sheepdog handling as they follow one man and his dog on their journey to compete in this prestigious event.

The episode begins with the presenter, Tom, meeting up with the competitor, David, and his dog, Jess. David is a seasoned sheepdog handler who has been competing in the One Man and His Dog competition for over a decade. He introduces Tom to Jess, a Border Collie, and explains the important role of sheepdogs in the farming industry. He also shares some of the training techniques he uses with Jess to prepare for the competition.

The next segment of the show takes viewers to the competition itself, which is held on a picturesque hillside overlooking the Welsh countryside. Tom and David explain the rules of the competition and how the handlers must use their dogs to guide a flock of sheep through a course. The competition is fierce, with competitors from all over the UK vying for the coveted title of One Man and His Dog champion.

As the competition progresses, viewers get to see some impressive displays of sheepdog handling from David and Jess. They work in perfect tandem to navigate through the course, with Jess responding to David's whistles and commands without hesitation. However, there are also moments of tension and drama as the sheep prove to be more difficult to handle than anticipated. David stays calm under pressure and manages to complete the course with a respectable time.

After the competition, the episode shifts focus to the impact that sheepdogs have on rural communities. Tom visits a local farmer, who shares his own experiences of working with sheepdogs and how they have helped him on his farm. He also discusses some of the challenges facing the farming industry and how sheepdogs are still an important part of farming practices.

The episode concludes with a look back at David and Jess's performance in the One Man and His Dog competition. Although they didn't win, David is proud of their efforts and reflects on the bond that he has with Jess. He explains that caring for and training a sheepdog is a rewarding experience that requires dedication and hard work. The episode ends on a positive note, highlighting the important role that sheepdogs continue to play in rural communities across the country.

Overall, One Man and His Dog offers a fascinating insight into the world of sheepdog handling and the role that these animals play in the farming industry. With stunning footage of the Welsh countryside and impressive displays of sheepdog handling, this episode is sure to captivate viewers from start to finish.