Sheepdog Herding Lessons
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When you decide to join us for sheepdog training, we begin with an assessment lesson (Instinct/ Aptitude Test) so we can understand your puppy/ dog and your goals. It gives us a clear insight into your dog’s natural ability, current level of training and the areas we need to focus on to help you progress. I also explain the fundamentals of herding and the methods I use. Initially, all dogs will have a long-line attached.
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Beginners
Beginner handlers and young dogs focus on herding foundations:
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Introducing the dog to sheep in a calm, controlled way
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Developing stock awareness, reading stock, and natural balance
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Learning correct body-language positioning and movement around sheep
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Establishing clear, calm commands/cues
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Building confidence (both dog and handler)
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New dogs need the opportunity to develop their natural instincts and learn how to understand how sheep move and react. With regular guidance, clear corrections and consistent handling, they grow into confident working dogs that can balance stock and work calmly around livestock in partnership with their handler. Visit our Beginner page.
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Intermediate/ Advanced Handlers
More experienced teams work on refining and improving existing skills:
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Improving control and accuracy at distance
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Developing smoother outruns and controlled fetches
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Refining pace, pressure and line
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Handling sheep calmly in practical farm situations
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Preparing dogs and handlers for sheepdog trials
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Working different terrains, such as hills, or around obstacles like trees
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​As dogs gain experience, their continued training strengthens what they have learned and they develop confidence and control. We also look to refine stock handling, improve responsiveness to whistle and voice commands, and learn to manage sheep in more demanding and unpredictable situations. Visit our Intermediate page.
Frequently Asked Herding Questions:​
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What Dog Breeds Can Come For Training?
We prefer working with traditional herding breeds, but have worked with Border Collies, Kelpies, Australian Cattle dogs, Australian Shepherds, Mini American, Koolies, Corgi, Rottweilers (must be muzzle trained), German Shepherds, Idaho Shag, and mixed breed dogs. Visit our All-Breed Herding page.
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What Training Options Are Available?
You can book one-to-one lessons for focused work or book a set of lessons.
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Who Provides The Training?
All training is led by Bethany Harris, an experienced sheep-farmer and trial competitor. You are welcome to join me in the training pen, but it's often helpful to watch elements demonstrated first. Visit Our Story to learn more.
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What Types Of Dogs Benefit From Lessons?
– Puppies starting their foundation work in the round pen
– Developing young dogs using methods suited to their temperament and goals
– Those hoping to begin sheepdog trials
– Novice handlers looking at training sheepdogs
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What Skills Does The Training Focus On?
Foundational skills include calm control, correct approach, confidence around stock, developing work ethic & stamina, and building good working habits.
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What Issues Can The Training Help Resolve?
Common challenges such as over-excitement, working too fast, chasing, and resource guarding.
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How Much Does It Cost To Train A Sheepdog?
Individual Lessons start at $50, or there's a bundle of six lessons that cover a variety of topics depending on your dog's level of experience.
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Who Is The Training Suited For?
Our set up is ideally suited for pet dog owners, farmers, hobby stock-keepers, veterinarians & vet-techs, new handlers wanting to build a reliable working partner or trial dog.
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How Do I Get Started?
You can get in touch through the website and let us know a little more about your dog, training goals and arrange your first session. There's a calendar that shows what has already been booked. Lessons are available Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday 9am-5pm
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What Should I Bring To A Session?
Please dress for the weather conditions, bring a secure leash/ collar (harness preferred), water, and pick up bags, as well as commands you already use so that training remains consistent. Dogs should remain on leash at all times.
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Do I Need My Own Sheep?
No, all training is done using our own sheep, goats, geese, or ducks, in controlled training fields.
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What Is The Best Age To Train A Sheepdog?
Typically sheepdog training begins when a dog is between five and twelve months of age, because this stage in their development supports both physical readiness and cognitive responsiveness to livestock. However, earlier exposure to sheep is desirable when the sheep selected for training are calm and suitable for young dogs, assisted by an experienced handler and trained dog.
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Where Do Sessions Take Place?
Many handlers travel regularly from Millarville, Diamond Valley, Okotoks, High River, Calgary, and Cochrane.
We welcome anyone wanting to learn practical, progressive training in real working farm environments with their dog. Lessons are held at our farm which is nearby Millarville hamlet, on fully paved roads. Lessons continue throughout the year, weather permitting. Visit Our Farm page to see photos of our beautiful training spaces!
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Can Family Or Spectators Watch?
Yes, often people will bring a friend and there's seating provided, however we ask they remain quiet and do not roam the property so that handlers, dogs, and livestock are not distracted.
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How Many Lessons Will My Dog Need?
Every dog develops at its own pace. Some book once for instinct testing, or specific behavioural problems, while others choose ongoing lessons weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. Successful sheepdog training takes time, consistency, and commitment, with the best results when training is approached as a steady, ongoing process rather than a single session.
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Can Training Prepare My Dog For Trials?
Yes, our lessons can introduce trial patterns and courses, as well as movement lines and correct handling techniques to prepare dogs for novice ASDA classes, or all levels of CKC/AHBA. Visit the Trial Prep Page to learn more.
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Can Reactive Or Excitable Dogs Attend?
Yes. All sessions are one-to-one and take place in a fully fenced, controlled environment.
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Can Multiple Dogs Attend?
Yes, you can bring multiple dogs, and a bundled price is offered to reflect that. However, dogs work one at a time, so must be able to wait their turn (bring a helper or crate, if needed).
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What Is Your Lesson & Farm Policy?
Please take the time to read our farm policy and waiver as signing it is mandatory to visit our farm. A copy of this waiver will be printed and available for you to sign on arrival. First time lessons must be paid in full before the class, this can be by cash or e-transfer on the day, or conveniently on the website. 24 hrs notice is required for cancellation (if the weather looks very hot/cold/wet/windy/smokey please reach out to discuss options or postponing), No refunds for no-shows! Read our Farm Policy here.
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