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IN THE JUDGE'S SEAT:
Personal Journeys and Insights

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Joan Carrillo

2025 Sonoran Shuffle Judge

Lives In: California

Grew up In:  Sonoma County, California

Involved with Stockdogs for 70-years

How did you become involved with Australian Shepherds?

Our dairy business traded a purebred breeding fee for an Aussie.  1952

What inspired you to become a ASCA stockdog judge?

The desire to continue the development of the working Aussie and to support a judging criteria that evaluated the dog and handlers' abilities.

Do You Have a Favorite Dog Run from Your Own Competition Days?

Yes.  Casa de Carrillo Cissy.  Competed in the first invitational ASCA stock dog trial. This was the first time the original judging sheet was used.  Trial and error!!

What's the Most Memorable or Unexpected Moment You've Experienced While Judging?

Being able to judge with my dad.  And that was only once.  Rules changed and he was very critical of my ideas.  Somethings never changed. 

If You Weren't Involved in Stockdogs, What Other Passion Would Your Pursue?

Always been a cattle rancher, what more diversity could I ask for?  Currently showing Gypsy Vanner horses.

Do You Have Any Pre-Competition or Judging Rituals That Help You Focus?

It doesn’t matter who you are or the bloodlines of your dog, I always judge on what you show me.   It’s more about the contestant’s pre-competition rituals.  I always tell contestants to “have a good run” prior to their competition.

What Skill or Talent Do You Admire Most in a Working Dog?

His natural working ability.  The ability to assess a situation and react without handler’s constant control.

First Time Competitor Advice...

Relax!!  Be prepared to have several alternative plans should things start to fall apart.  Time for a judge, ask question s as to what a judge likes or dislikes in a run.  Remember you and your dog are a team and you work together.

Share One Thing About Judging that Competitors Might Not Know or Understand...

Make the score sheet work in your favor.  Know how the points are loaded on certain obstacles.  It’s not always about how many head go thru an obstacle, but how it’s performed.

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