Training for Herding Sheep and Poultry

I offer:

• Herding on sheep and goats
• Specific poultry herding on ducks, chickens or guineas
• Specializing in upright and loose eyed breeds ( most other breeds other than kelpie and border collie )
• Offering both private and group lessons at two different sites in the Triangle North Carolina area
• Puppy instinct testing and puppy aptitude testing packages for whole litters

I enjoy watching any dog take responsibility for livestock.  The dog should have much of the work - you don't need
to be telling the dog what to do every step. My ideal is being able to take a dog and do chores with that dog while
talking on a cell phone and not interupting my conversation constantly.  Stock should be moved from point A to
point B with a minimum of stress and with ease and safety for everyone - stock, handler and dog.

While most of my herding clients are traditional or rare herding breeds, I do believe that dog owners should be
able to enjoy the dogs that they have, and that "herding breeds" do not have a monopoly on either desire to work
or herding instinct.  I don't mind if you are a weekend herder or doing it for competition - either way you should be
having fun and enjoying your dog.

Many suburban dogs have herding instinct that causes problems and tension in their households--chasing cars,
kids, and other household pets. Channeling this instinct in the proper direction can let the dog both understand
proper herding etiquette and relieve their tension.  The responsibility they have for getting the job done in
herding often spills over into their everyday life, resulting in a confident, happy and enthusiastic dog. 
They play more, have more energy for other training, and are more likely to be responsive to you.

Sessions are kept fun, enjoyable, and short to keep the dog's motivation and understanding at a high level. 
I do use clicker with owners who want to use this technique, and I do use food and toys to reward the dog
for a job well done.