Greenhorn Herding/Tending Classes for Beginners

This is a beginner’s clinic package for herding (small flock/fetching/driving) and tending (large flock grazing and management). Sheep can be herded in many locations, including small pens, standard trial arenas, and a 40 acre field. Positive reinforcement training is emphasized in the work with the dog.

• Herding instinct explained, beginning herding training theory, and glossary of herding terms
• Positive reinforcement training techniques as applied to herding
• Operant and associative learning as applied to herding
• Explanation, role playing, and practice without dogs (!) of basic sheep/dog/shepherd dynamics
• Herding tasks, herding breeds, herding temperaments-- how they differ & how to start developing them
• Introduction to AKC, NEBCA, ASCA, AHBA, ATBA herding programs
• Video examples of different herding styles and situations (“real-in-the-field,” as well as trialing and training)
• Beginning training exercises practiced and suggested
• Basic relationship of each dog/handler team assessed and at-home training suggestions made.

Greenhorn Herding/Tending Classes for Beginners Clinic Dates 2023 (recent)

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Session V. 8/6 1pm - 4pm, 8/13 1pm - 4pm, 8/20 1pm - 4pm, 8/27 1pm - 4pm. Weekly, 3 hours per class over 4 weeks. Session VI. 9/10 1pm - 4pm, 9/24 1pm - 4pm, 10/1 1pm - 4pm, 10/8 1pm - 4pm. Weekly, 3 hours per class over 4 weeks. Session VII. 10/15 1pm - 4pm, 10/29 1pm - 4pm, 11/5 1pm - 4pm, 11/12 1pm - 4pm. Weekly, 3 hours per class over 4 weeks. Session VIII. 11/19 1pm - 4pm, 11/26 1pm - 4pm, 12/3 1pm - 4pm, 12/17 1pm - 4pm. Weekly, 3 hours per class over 4 weeks.

A la carte registration available within each session.