“Comebye” is just one of the words Kelly Gale uses to control his dogs when they try to wrangle in sheep, horses and cattle.

Now Gale can add another word: champion.

His success recently netted him a cattle dog title at the first-ever Continental Stock Dog Competition, which was held in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, June 21-23.

Gale and his border collie Bess took home the title, which featured a $2,000 cash prize.

“This is the first time I’ve won an event like this — and I have a lot of friends up in Canada — so it meant a lot to me,” Gale said. “I used to rodeo, and winning this event meant as much to me as anything I’ve ever won. The best dogs from across the United States and Canada compete in that event.”

The competition featured a course in which Kelly had to stand behind a line and have Bess bring cattle through fence gates and other obstacles.

“Bess would have to go around a bend, go through a wide-panel shoot and do it all within just a few minutes,” Gale said. “During the second part of the contest, we can help our dogs go through an obstacle, and I was in the top five going into the second round.”

Gale ranked third going into the third round, which was a short course. Gale said Bess handled the cattle well during that round of competition.

Gale trained Bess in Yankton by building a practice arena outside his house.

“I have Bess bring cattle and sheep around a course I have set up,” he said. “I use my dogs to work cattle out here, but it’s not every day work. Sheep and cattle sharpen Bess like how humans would train an athlete.”

In addition, Gale trains his dogs by exercising them frequently, making sure they’re fed right and on time, and making sure everything is ready to go with the practice courses.

“I incorporate all of my dogs into my work,” he said. “To place in a contest is great, but the real reward is having my dogs help me.”

In order to direct his dogs, Gale uses a series of words that tell the dogs which way to move, and whistles to get the dogs to stop and go.

“Bess has been the smartest dog I’ve ever had,” he said. “Border collies’ natural instinct is to fetch, and they’re able to move herds better than most other dogs.”

Although most of the dogs at the event were border collies, there were several Australian shepherds, as well.

“These dogs will do anything to please their owners,” Gale said. “I’ve sent my dogs out around 3/4-mile here to gather a herd and they’ve been able to do it. They will literally risk their life for their owners.”

Gale said he loved being in Canada for the competition.

“I love the Canadian people and how great they always treat me,” he said. “I’ve worked dogs up there and used to have cattle up there. The people have always been great to me.”

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