On Wednesday more than 60 dogs and their handlers took to the field for the novice section.

The dogs were required to round three sheep through four obstacles, including gates and a ramp, with judging finishing when they were all in the final pen.

Starting with 100 points, marks were deducted for dogs which let the sheep out of a designated corridor or failed to move the sheep quickly enough.

The competition came to a climax with the six top-ranked dogs progressing to the final.

The action will only intensify as the open and improver section continues.

Trial committee chairman John Tuddenham said while dogs were commonly used in farm work, competition required more discipline.

"To do this they have to be a bit more finely tuned," he said.

"When the open section starts the pressure really comes on."

About 700 different sheep from Langi Kal Kal will be used during the four-day event.

Different sheep are used for each dog to ensure there is no unfair advantage.

The Ballarat Sheepdog Trials have brought the best sheepdogs from across south-east Australia together, with owners brings dogs from New South Wales and South Australia as well as across Victoria.

The Ballarat Sheepdog Trials are the second-biggest in Victoria and will culminate with the open and improver finals on Saturday from about 1pm.

Tonighte, there will be sheep races, the unusual duck herding, and an exhibition of dogs working in pairs.

Entry is by gold coin donation.