About Bethany & THE MEADOWS SHEEP HERDING
Bethany Harris BA - University of Waterloo
CPPDT - Certified Professional Dog Trainer
Beth and her border collies are a familiar scene on the farm. During University she brought home her first collie mix, Abbey, and for the past 16 years she has been furthering her knowledge through books, online tuition and in-person sheepherding clinics.
Her training methods developed from her BA Degree focus in Clinical & Behavioural Psychology and Social Development, which compliments her Professional Dog Training Certification (GDA), and utilizes research-based, positive training methods. Her sheepherding knowledge is a combination of hands-on farm work spanning nearly two decades, and instruction with trainers from both the UK (Emma Gray, Andy Nickless, Nij Vyas) & Canada (Jen L'Arrivee, Billie Richardson). She has completed Level 4 Agility (with Kim Boyes) and Scent Detection with one of Canada's leading experts, Jaime Knowles.
All of Beth's herding dogs have CKC Titles. Beth is also an active member of the CBCA, ISDS, CKC & AHBA and has additional certification in PetSafe First Aid, and Canine Massage and Physiotherapy.
If you have a herding puppy and are interested in learning more about Sheepdog training at The Meadows, please send us a message!
My own herding story began with Abbey, my almost 16 year old Border Collie Mix who I bought as a puppy after seeing an advertisement in the local newspaper. She had a gentle way around sheep, but wasn't capable enough for the trainers in my area to feel like she warranted becoming a sheepdog. I wasn't at a place where I could simply buy a better one, and genuinely wanted to build the bond I had with the dog I loved. So I turned to the local library and watched all the resources they had on training a sheepdog. Abbey was never trialing material, but she loved herding, and was my biggest help until I eventually added new recruits as my flock grew. One of the biggest training tools and assets I can provide is matching the dog's desire, eye, maturity, and feel, to appropriate livestock, so that learning is enjoyable and intuitive. Having spent countless hours during my childhood working with my horses I transferred natural horsemanship methods, which focus on clear body language as the main form of communication, gentle pressure and release, and an emphasis on protecting a dog's desire to 'try' rather than using force or physical correction. This way we can develop an invested partner that wants to work with heart.
For me and my dogs, herding sheep is a way of life, and I'm so glad I get to share it with you!
Beth & Abbey
