Question 1

How much does herding cost?

Accepted Answer

Classes, and  Packages are available.  Group rates are also available, in-board training and board available - contact us at:  (775)781-5946 for more information.

Question 2

What do I bring to a herding instinct test?

Accepted Answer

A leash, leather or nylon is fine, no chains.  We do not tie dogs up.  Tight buckle or snap collar.  Your normal training gear.  Water, seating, shade.  Your dog will spend some time away from the livestock so a crate would be recommended.  We supply the long lines and other equipment.

Question 3

What kind of paperwork do I bring?

Accepted Answer

You will be asked to sign a release form or download one from the web site and bring with you.

Question 4

What vaccinations do you require?

Accepted Answer

We request that you have DHPP and a kennel cough nasal vaccine if your dog is interacting at dog parks or classes of any kind that includes other dogs.  Adult dogs are recommended to have a Lepto vaccine as they are in a ranch environment. 
If you have done titers on your dog that is considered safe with us.

Question 5

Is there an age limit for my dog?

Accepted Answer

Without contacting us first please do not bring litters of puppies or dogs under the age of 3 months or dogs that have not had an entire series of vacs (such as rescues).  If your dog has had a cough, diarrhea or vomiting the day before or been around a dog with these health problems, PLEASE  leave them home and reschedule, you will not be charged for this.  Better safe than sorry.  We do litter testing and temperament testing by appointment and without any outside lessons running concurrently.

Question 6

How long will I be at Sheepcamp?

Accepted Answer

Plan on staying a couple of hours as you will be observing other dogs working at various levels.  It can get windy and cold here very quickly and be in the teens.  In the summer months it can be very hot, in the 90's.

Question 7

What sort of environment, parking and kennels can we use?"

Accepted Answer

We are surrounded by irrigation ditches that your dog is allowed to cool of in.  We have some shade trees but not a lot in the parking areas.  We have pop ups around the property for use. You will have to put them up and take them down as the wind will help remove them if we don't!  The ground is dirt or pasture grass.  It is flat.  We have some goat head and fox tail stickers that you will have to avoid.  The property is not fully fenced but sits in an area that is not near a busy road.  We ask that you keep all dogs on leash until you check with one of us to make sure the fields.  We do have a fenced dog yard.

Question 8

How is the class operated?

Accepted Answer

We usually have group classes.  Depending on your puppy’s temperament he will be allowed to watch various dogs herding and interact with both trainers and people and dogs with good social skills.  This gives him a chance to see the livestock from a distance and become acclimated to the environment.  Only our working dogs are off leash and they are very stable minded and social dogs.  Your pup will have two times in the arena.  First, he/she will be introduced to the arena and animals on the other side of the fence.  This may take a few minutes, as all the smells, sights and movement can be very interesting with this first visit.  Then your dog will be introduced to the livestock.  We usually have a young goat or lamb that they can sniff and touch noses with.

Question 9

How will you correct my dog when herding if it tries to be aggressive?  What if my dog is shy?

Accepted Answer

Depending on your puppy’s temperament, rather it be shy, reserved, intense, bold or aggressive will depend on exactly what we do.  Sometimes they go right to work and can make the livestock move immediately.  Other times it takes coaxing and another trained dog to help them become interested.  We may keep the dog on a long-line or we may remove the lead at some point so that they can work freely. Usually, the owner goes in with us to encouragement.   We use a shepherd’s crook, a plastic rake or rattle paddle to help guide the dog around the livestock, it is an extension of our arm and will not be used in a violent way, at times we may use it to push the pup around the stock, block the pup from circling or push the pup out to get wider around the stock.  Sometimes a shaker bottle is used as it can be a better tool for certain dogs in order to get their attention.

Question 10

Will my dog Pass or Fail?

Accepted Answer

The first test day is not usually a tell tale test.  Often pups are just overwhelmed by the atmosphere if they are not used to ranch smells and activity's.  We always encourage a couple of visits before fully committing to an evaluation.  The younger the puppy is (under 9 months) the more insecure they can be and may even be going through a fear period.  We have had pups come out that we won't even take into the arena with livestock if we feel that they are just not mentally ready.  We are behaviorists and do not want to do ANYTHING to cause a bad experience for a young dog.

Question 11

What do I need to tell you?

Accepted Answer

We expect you to tell us if your dog has had any interaction with livestock prior to this test, and if think your dog is fear aggressive, shy, has bitten anyone or anything, has chased any kind of animal, squirrels, birds, et.....  Very importantly let us know if your dog has any kind of noise sensitivity or if the parents or any other dog in your household has noise sensitivity.

Question 12

How long does the herding instinct test take?

Accepted Answer

The test only takes a few minutes.  Usually less than 10 minutes exposure to stock.  As you can see, building up to the test is what takes the time. We want this to be a most positive experience for both you and your dog.  After the test we will give you the test evaluation form and we will discuss and answer any questions you may have.  Feel free to email or call with further questions.

Question 13

Why does the herding instinct test only take a few moments?

Accepted Answer

Your dog is thinking and reacting to the livestock the entire time it is exposed.  We stop them when they peak or have shown us what we need to see.  We will explain to you what that is after the test is over.  To much exposure at first can make a dog act out in ways we do not want it to or become fearful or even shut down.  We always try to end our session on a motivational and positive finish.  Sometimes we will ask the dog to come back a couple of times for the test.

Question 14

Cancelling and weather conditions

Accepted Answer

If we have high wind, we do not herd. You will not be charged for cancelling due to weather.  We do not want you to take dangerous chances trying to reach us on icy mountains or highways.   The livestock do not like the wind and it can be very difficult to get a good test evaluation on high wind days.  Rain, snow and cold are usually workable.

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