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Herding Mini Camps
Through the year I teach a number of "mini camps" here at the farm. They area lot like clinics from the dogs point of view in that in most of them the dogs work at whatever level they are at but for the people the talks that i give and the focus are different. This is a more intensive form of training than the regular lessons and is much like a clinic except that by doing it here on our farm we have the maximum amount of flexibility in what we do. Some of the mini camps have prerequisites. Check here for the upcoming schedule
Basic Herding Level I (Philosophy of training)
This is the first one that I recommend every student take. In the after
lunch talk the first day I focus on WHY I do the things I do when training dogs.
I believe that understanding why things are done is more important than knowing
the details of what is done. On the second day I talk about the importance
of regulating what we say and how we say it.
Basic Herding Level II (Training System)
In the second of the introductory camps I go into the details of the major steps
and techniques I use when training dogs. On the second day of this camp I
explain why it is so important to find actual work for your dog to do and not
just going out to "practice" exercises or courses. BH1 is a prerequisite.
Beginning Training
This camp is different in that participants do not work their own dogs the
entire time, they
also work mine and/or each others. This camp focuses on what it takes to become
a herding dog trainer, including when and how to use training appliances,
knowledge of breed tendencies and styles etc. BH1 & BH2 are prerequisites.
Understanding Training Techniques
These camps focus on getting you to understand the wide range of techniques and
methods available to you when training your dog, what specifically they are
designed to do as well as when and when not to use them. The class is much more
free flowing and student driven with the participants choosing the issues and
methods that are discussed. It is both an extension of and distinct from the
beginning training camp.
Sheep Camp
Like beginning training this camp is structured differently. Participants
are expected to stay on site. While we do work the dogs once each day we
focus primarily on learning to read sheep. The participants will do a lot
of moving sheep without dogs and we will tape the dogs working and watch those
and other tapes.
Competition Handling
This mini camp focuses on how to approach competitions including the kind of
precision and anticipation needed as well as knowledge of the rules and the
kinds of things judges will be looking for. While at this camp we work the
dogs at whatever level they are at you will get the most out of it if you and
your dog have or are about to start entering trials. BH1 & BH2 are
prerequisites.
Special Skills
These camps focus on specific training or trialing elements such as shedding,
penning, off balance flanks etc. They are offered sporadically as interest
dictates. BH1 & BH2 are prerequisites.
