Herding Classes
Genetic Fulfilment, Handler and Dog Education
Training to Suit different Purposes
How it Works
Our Classes are laid out to suit any level from complete beginners to owners who would like to learn more about herding.
All dogs start in the round yard to ensure we can get a gauge on the dog's ability as well as the handler's capacity to control their dog and ensure the wellbeing of our sheep. This setup is suited to owners who would like to simply give their dog a fun outlet catered to their genetic makeup as well as owners who are looking to get started on their herding journey.
After proving their control and handling skills in the round yard environment, owners can progress to the open paddock where they get the opportunity to grow their skills in a more challenging environment.
This option may not be applicable to all participants as it depends on the ability of dog and handler whether a larger, less controlled environment is suited to their journey.
Suitable Breeds
Herding Breeds Only!
Green Light Breeds
bookable without getting in contact with us
Border Collies
Koolies
Aussie Shepherds
Cattle Dogs
Kelpies
Finnish Lapphunds
Corgies
Shetland Sheepdog
Bearded Collie
Smithfield Sheepdogs
Spanish Water Dogs
Swedish Vallhunds
Orange Light Breeds
get in contact with us to assess suitability
German Shepherds
Belgian Malinois
Beaucerons
Rottweilers
Groenendaels
Belgian Tervuren
Red Light Breeds
not suitable!
any breed not listed on the green or orange list
Pitbulls
Staffies
Hounds of any Type
Livestock Guardian Breeds
Hunting Breeds
...
What if it's a Cross?
Green Light Breed X Orange Light Breed = Green Light
Green Light Breed X Red Light Breed = Orange Light
Orange Light Breed X Red Light Breed = Red Light
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age is my pup ready for herding?
- We don't recommend starting herding before the age of 6 months. At 6 months old your pup will be ready for herding depending on their individual development.
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Is my dog too old to start herding?
- There is no age limit. If your dog has a medical condition, please contact us to discuss further. Otherwise, there is no reason your senior should not be able to have a go at herding.
What do I need to bring on the day?
- Just bring yourself, your lead/collar of choice and don't forget your dog.
Drinking Water, Dipping/Refreshment Water and Sheep/Expertise are provided
Do I need to prepare my dog?
- There is no need to start a big exercise regimen or go on a fancy diet. Recap on your basic obedience and we will pick up from there.
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What is covered in the Classes?
All participants start in our controlled round yard environment. This will cover:
- bringing out your dog's natural instinct
- building trust in the handler and desire to work sheep
- introducing sides and a stop
- building an understanding of stock and dog handling
Is there room for growth​?
Depending on your dog's ability as well as your own understanding of the task at hand we will be able to introduce you to the open paddock environment. This will cover:
- introducting a cast
- furthering control without the confines of a yard
- introducing patterns of calm and thoughtful stock handling in open spaces to dog and handler​
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What happens if it rains?
- Our Sheep are as important to us as your dog is to you. Extremely cold weather and rain, extremely hot weather and extremely wet weather are challenging for our sheep. Asking them to run and be exposed to dogs when they have been exposed to extreme weather conditions is not fair on their bodies and minds.
Should we be affected by weather conditions that require our sheep to recover we will get in contact with you, cancel the workshop and refund you in full!