Before coming to lessons

Before You Schedule

Please review these basic requirements:

Dogs must be at least six months old.
Dogs must be healthy and current on vaccinations.
Only herding breeds and herding-type mixed breeds are eligible.
Human- or dog-aggressive dogs cannot enter a standard group lesson.
Lessons must be scheduled in advance.
Each dog receives two working sessions during a group lesson.
Wear comfortable, flat shoes and clothing that can get dirty.
Tell your instructor about any mobility concerns or nervousness around livestock.
If the weather looks questionable, check the Frost forecast and our Facebook page before driving to the ranch.

Safety for our students, dogs and livestock is always the priority.

My Dog Has Behavior Issues. Can They Still Come to Herding Lessons?

I regularly hear from people who are interested in herding lessons but are concerned about their dog’s behavior.

They may say:

“My dog is reactive.”

“My dog doesn’t like other dogs.”

“My dog is nervous around people.”

“My dog has this behavior or that behavior. Can I still bring them?”

My answer is: Don’t automatically rule your dog out.

Contact me, explain what is happening and let’s discuss the right way to introduce your dog to the work.

Many behaviors that concern owners are more manageable than they realize. However, I need to know about any concerns before you arrive. This allows me to determine whether your dog can participate safely in a group lesson or should begin in a private setting.

Contact Me About My Dogs

First and Foremost, I Am a Dog Trainer

I specialize in herding behavior, but I cannot produce reliable working stockdogs without first developing well-behaved dogs.

Stockdogs are expected to work off-leash and at a distance from their handlers. They must be able to move around people and other dogs without causing problems.

A working stockdog should be able to:

Leave other dogs alone
Ignore livestock it has not been given permission to work
Behave appropriately around chickens and other barnyard animals
Respond to its handler when excited
Work away from its handler without becoming out of control
Manage its emotions and body around livestock

A working dog needs more than instinct. The dog also needs self-control, responsiveness and a clear understanding of what is expected.

That is part of the training.

The Livestock Must Come First

We usually begin with sheep. The livestock have the least control over the situation, so they must receive the greatest consideration and respect.

The dog must learn to work without creating unnecessary stress or placing the livestock in danger.

Herding is a high-prey-drive activity. Dogs can quickly become overly excited or adrenalized. Part of the training is teaching the dog to control those emotions and make responsible choices—even while doing something it desperately wants to do.

Herding Work Can Help a Dog Mature

I have watched dogs become noticeably more thoughtful and responsible during a single working session.

One young Border Collie arrived dragging its owners at the end of the line. The dog was excited, immature and had very little understanding of boundaries.

During the first short session, I gave the dog clear expectations and explained the work through pressure and release. Within minutes, the dog began making better choices. It walked out of the session more mature than it walked in.

That kind of change is common. When we expect dogs to become responsible for their behavior—and give them meaningful responsibility—they often rise to that expectation.

Feedback Has a Purpose

Dogs understand feedback differently when it happens within work that fulfills their natural instincts.

The dog learns that pressure, release, boundaries and responsibility are all connected to accomplishing the job. The feedback is not random. It has context and meaning.

When dogs understand what is expected and are given work they were genetically bred to do, many of them lean into the responsibility. They become more confident, controlled and proud of what they can accomplish.

It is a completely different experience from training without a purpose.

Please Tell Me About Your Dog Before You Come

Contact me before booking if your dog:

Is reactive toward people or other dogs
Has shown aggression or has a bite history
Is fearful or difficult to handle
Becomes extremely excited around livestock
Has previously chased, gripped or harmed livestock
Cannot be safely controlled by its handler

Human- or dog-aggressive dogs cannot participate in standard group lessons. A private assessment or private lesson may be recommended instead.

Dogs that are excessively hard on livestock may be required to wear a properly fitted muzzle during their work.

These guidelines are not about judging you or your dog. They allow me to choose the safest and most productive training environment for everyone involved.

Contact Me

Preparation Resources

This page will continue to grow with articles and videos that can help you prepare for your first lesson.

Topics will include:

What to bring to a herding lesson
Equipment and clothing recommendations
Preparing your dog to work around distractions
Understanding pressure and release
Helping an excited dog develop self-control
Respecting livestock and ranch rules
What to expect during your first session

Please review these resources before your scheduled lesson.

Ready to Schedule?

You do not need a perfectly trained dog before you begin. You do need to be honest about your dog’s behavior, willing to follow instructions and prepared to help your dog become responsible for its choices.

Bring it on.

Schedule a Lesson

ARCADIA WORKING AUSSIES

Before You Come to Herding Lessons