The 73-year-old retired stockman recently represented Australia in sheep dog trials at the Trans-Tasman Cup.
For the event, each Australian state selects three top competitors.
These compete at the Australian Supremes, where they are whittled down to the final four for the country that go on to compete against New Zealand.
Mr Lacey was lucky enough to make the final four.
Unfortunately, they were narrowly defeated at the event.
Despite the loss, he said representing his country was significant.
“Anywhere you get to put on the green blazer, doesn’t matter what sport it is, it’s a huge honour,” he said.
He originally started out as a rodeo rider.
“I didn’t quit rodeo, rodeo quit me,” he said.
He said from here training dogs seemed like a natural progression.
Having spent most of his working life in WA, he moved to the Goulburn Valley four years ago to be with family.
He loves dogs due to their reliable nature.
“There’s you and your dog, that’s all there is,” he said.
“Nobody can let you down, only you can let yourself down.”
By his side at the event was his loyal border collie Tux.
He said Tux’s nature and experience is what sets him apart from other working dogs.
Despite being 73 years of age, Mr Lacey isn’t planning to give up sheep dog training just yet.
He’s planning to compete in the Australian national championship in Canberra next March.
Asked what you need to successfully train a dog, he says time and patience.
He also stresses kindness and knowing where to position your dog as the keys to success.
“You’ve got to be kind and gentle,” he said.
David Lacey says time and patience is key to successful training.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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