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 2024 (recent)

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Session VII. 10/6 1pm-4pm, 10/13 1pm-4pm, 10/27 1pm-4pm, 11/10 1pm-4pm. Weekly, 3 hours per class over 4 weeks. Session VIII. 11/24 1pm-4pm, 12/1 1pm-4pm, 12/8 1pm-4pm, 12/15 1pm-4pm. Weekly, 3 hours per class over 4 weeks. Session I. 1/12 1pm-4pm, 1/26 1pm-4pm, 2/2 1pm-4pm, 2/9 1pm-4pm. Weekly, 3 hours per class over 4 weeks.

A la carte registration available within each session.