Interested in Training Your Dog?
Contact Geary Loff at GJLoff@msn.com
We offer herding training at the farm for those with tending breeds. An instinct test can be easily arranged and if If the dog shows promise, the charge is $50 and will be put towards your first lesson. If your dog does not pass for whatever reason, there is no charge for the assessment.
If you live 2 hours or closer it is likely you will be required to train once per week. If you are more than 2 hours out, training every other weekend is possible.
The student must commit to titling the dog.
Training is year-round, regardless of weather. The only exception is when snow and ice or severe weather conditions make training impossible.
We currently have openings for new students.
Like many other shepherds past and present, our trainer learned his trade by "studying" under someone with the knowledge and experience he needed to begin on my own. He trained for several years under the guidance and tutelage of a professional shepherd who taught him most of what he knows about caring for sheep and training herding dogs. The body of knowledge and experience he attained during that time guides him in all that he does.
Dogs from show lines are welcome to undergo an evaluation. The training can be more difficult for both the handler and the dog, but nonetheless a dog from show lines could prove to be a suitable HGH candidate.
The Beauceron is our trainer's breed of choice, but all of the other club members are German Shepherd afficionados, so GSD's and other tending breeds are of course welcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is your club a schutzhund club?
We are not a schutzhund club; our sole focus is sheepherding.
2. What is the best age to train my dog?
Dogs must reach a certain level of maturity to begin training; this age varies greatly depending on the individual dog. Generally, training should not be started until at least 1 year of age, or in some cases after 18 months. There is no maximum age; however the dog's fitness and prior training come into play with adult dogs.
3. What breeds are suitable for training?
This style of herding is appropriate for "tending" breeds only. Currently, German Shepherds and Beaucerons are training at our club. Other tending breeds include Briards, Belgian Shepherds (all varieties), and Dutch Shepherds. Other breeds such as border collies, australian shepherds, kelpies, etc. are not suitable for this type of work.