Jump to content
BC Boards

Looking for a herding instructor in North Alabama


Coley
 Share

Recommended Posts

I own a seven month old border collie named Beauregard, who just graduated from a beginners training class. I’m looking to try out herding, but I’m having a hard time finding an instructor in my area. My grandparents, who live next door to me, have a small flock of baby doll sheep and some miniature zebu cattle. So I have access to livestock for practice. Beau shows a lot of interest in their livestock, but I’ve never actually let him in the pasture before because I honestly wouldn’t know where to begin training him myself. The only place I’ve been able to find that offers any kind of instruction is Manners in Motion in Pelham, but they only offer a one day seminar. Does anyone know of an instructor in the North Alabama region?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think what he heard about are the 1 day beginner dog seminars that we are starting to offer. The regular seminars are full to the brim, and most of them come to the house to work on the months I can't travel up there - like right now when I've got lambs coming out of my ears, or when it's too hot or cold to trailer sheep in.

 

For a 7 month old puppy, the 1 day seminar would be fine. If I had another instructor to offer, I would. There isn't anyone I'm aware of in that area.

 

Even as an experienced peson, I would be *extremely* cautious regarding practicing with my puppy on someone's pet livestock or exotics. Espeically if that stock wasn't used to being worked by dogs. It's just a recipe for disaster.

 

Board member Journey is about 3 hours north of Birmingham - she will be hosting some clinics when she gets set up on the new farm.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think what he heard about are the 1 day beginner dog seminars that we are starting to offer. The regular seminars are full to the brim, and most of them come to the house to work on the months I can't travel up there - like right now when I've got lambs coming out of my ears, or when it's too hot or cold to trailer sheep in.

 

Ahh, okay! :rolleyes: That would make sense then since there weren't any things going on during the summer.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If we can get permanent sheep up there, then we will continue over the summer. Since they are such a determined bunch, I think this will happen as soon as they can work it out ( :rolleyes: another one hooked! )

 

Ahh, okay! :D That would make sense then since there weren't any things going on during the summer.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I actually just found a herding clinic this coming weekend (Feb 7-8) about 20 miles from Auburn. I know nothing about the trainer, Ted Johnson, but am going with my two to check it out. I found out about it from another trainer's website, http://www.redcreekfarm.com/clinic_information.htm - scroll down to scheduled events. I have the info sheet that was emailed to me if you need it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Board member Journey is about 3 hours north of Birmingham - she will be hosting some clinics when she gets set up on the new farm.

 

 

The first field should be up and running in about a month. It's about 20 acres and I need to get a round pen up.

 

The other fields are very much usable there's just no fences, not for beginner dogs iow. It's in the "talking" phase right now but Don Helsley may be coming east in Oct and also I have been talking to another person about clinics. Again, it's just up in the air right now as far as schedules go.

 

Karen

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 7 years later...

G Festerling - I am not familiar with anyone in Alabama but you might try contacting Marianna Schreeder who is near Atlanta and is familiar with most southern handlers. Her contact info is on the USBCHA website as she is a Director. Or try Bob Washer (also a Director and on the website) who is located in Kentucky but knows many southern handlers. Those are two who spring to mind who might be able to recommend someone. Both train and trial their own dogs and Bob also trains outside dogs (and handlers) so they might be able to give you some contact information.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

 Share

×
×
  • Create New...