This page offers info on Ohio-area tests & practice run-thus with instruction by AKC judges. Also sheepherding "try-its" for dogs/handlers at any level. By popular demand, we're going to start having regular instruction & run-thrus to train for the new AKC Farm Dog program & also opportunities for herding breeds to be introduced to sheepherding in a gentle, positive way. Learn about the new AKC t
itle "Farm Dog Certified" (FDC) & do practice runs! All dogs welcome! Purebred & mixed breeds -- Any dog can be a good farm dog!
$20. Farm animals used wil be sheep. Weather permitting there willl be an opportunity for dogs to work the sheep as well ($10 additional). (any herding breed or mix is welcome to try-even if it's not in the herding group)
This will give you a taste of what the test will be like when they start offering it later this fall. Sessions take place at:
Kinley Training Center 8250 Proctor Rd, Painesville, OH
Call Carolyn Kinley for info: 440-254-4365
No RSVP necessary but appreciated. FAQ:
Q: Where can I learn more about this new Farm Dog program? A:
See AKC website: http://images.akc.org/pdf/Description_-_Farm_Dog_Certified_Program_-_Final_May2016.pdf?_ga=1.204040464.1867689496.1375750936
Q: Why are the herding lessons only $10 when other people charge up to $50? A:
2 reasons:
1) Because most beginner dogs only benefit from a few minutes on the sheep. Betond that they get overstimulated & can't learn much more. People go someplace for a lesson & often spend $25-50 and their dog's only on the stock for 3 min because that's all most dogs can take at first. I want people to feel they've gotten their money's worth even if the dog is only on the sheep a few min. I like to stop when the dog has learned something & accomplished something & to choose the moment to end on a positive note so s/he can remember that and feel good about him/herself --without us feeling like we have to spend a certain set amount of time. Those who were there last time saw that one baby dog was on the sheep for only about a minute or so while one extraordinary dog went maybe 10 min. It all depends on the dog. If I see they're learning something, I want to take advantage of that without worrying about the clock. That said, 3-4 min is about what most dogs do.
2) I just like seeing the dogs experiencing something new. Something that resonates deep & stirs up feelings the dog maybe didn't know he had. It's just really neat to see the look in their eyes & how they engage & to share their excitement. And people really learn from watvhing each others' dogs too I want as many people as possible to let their dogs try something new. And not everybody has $50 to drop just to see if their dog likes sheep! -Though I can get nearly any dog to like sheep! :-) But don't get me wrong, I don't begrudge instructors the $50 at all. And if you're wanting to really teach your dog to herd, you'll need sustained instruction with somebody who focuses on that. And that means lots of sheep & sheep are expensive to keep. To do if for kicks, for a first introduction, or if someone has an experienced dog & wants to see them do a new site with new sheep, they are welcome to try ours! Q: Do you use positive methods? A:
Yes. I feel dogs learn herding the same way they learn agility or tricks or obedience or anything else. So we use a lot of praise and communication with the dog so s/he knows there is a structure in which to succeed. We do not simply turn the dogs loose & then bonk them over the head when they get out of hand! Very mild corrections may be necessary at times but when positive communication has been established first, usually a light collar correction or "unh-uh" is enough.
