- I offer herding training at the farm for those with tending breeds. An instinct test can be easily arranged and if If the dog shows promise, I will charge you $45 and put it toward your first lesson. If your dog does not pass for whatever reason, I will not charge for the assessment.
- If you live 2 hours or closer it is likely you will be required to train once per week. If you are more than 2 hours out, training every other weekend is possible.
- The student must commit to titling the dog.
- Training is year-round, regardless of weather.
- I currently have openings for new students.
- Like many other shepherds past and present, I learned my trade by "studying" under someone with the knowledge and experience I needed to begin on my own. I trained for several years under the guidance and tutelage of a professional shepherd who taught me most of what I know about caring for sheep and training herding dogs. The body of knowledge and experience I attained during that time guide me in all that I do.
- Dogs from show lines are welcome to undergo an evaluation. The training can be more difficult for both the handler and the dog, but nonetheless a dog from show lines could prove to be a suitable HGH candidate.
- The Beauceron is my breed of choice, but all of my students are German Shepherd afficionados, so GSD's and other tending breeds are of course welcome.
Many thanks to...
I am an itinerant shepherd, practicing a system known in Europe as "transhumance," although the "crops" I keep my sheep from consist of vineyards, highways, and neighbors' lawns. Because my farm and flock are always on the move, I am indebted to the following landowners for their generosity. I could not do what I do without their help.
- Stuart Ring (42-acre home base)
- The Ullmann Family (200-acre former dairy farm)
- Mr. and Mrs. Flitcroft of Brook Hollow Orchard and Winery (winter grazing in their apple orchard)
Also...
- Benoit Le Gal and family (for superior herding dogs!)
- Ronnie and Jackie (my right-hand man and woman at the home base!)
- Deer Valley Sportsmen's Association (the best hunter/neighbors!)
- Rich Motyka (the best hay!)
- Randy Stitzel and sons (the best shearers!)
- Dr. John Bertoldo and crew (the best care for my dogs!)
- Makarevich Farms (good hay and award-winning dairy cows!)
- Vickie Race for allowing me to "borrow" her ram!!!
- The Race Farm for FREE pumpkins after Halloween!
