Herding - What is Involved?

[Cheetah]

Ok, one of my friends told me that I should at least give Shippo a chance at herding, but I have no clue where to even start. I wouldn't even want to compete, only do it for fun. Is that possible? If so, how would I even go about training for that? I'm already planning on agility, therapy, and possibly flyball... >@_@< *dizzy*

[Michael Romanos]

Ah. The classic line. If you and Shippo want to learn herding, competing in the sport will come as a natural progression. Same with agility, flyball etc. I would love me and Taylor to do tracking but in NZ it is part of trialling and even that means a monthly 120km trip - and monthly training is not good enough either. But for you to join a club which includes participating in herding and herding training will be much more accessible I would think.

[minnesotaCorgi]

Have you tried the club search directory at akc.org? You might at least get a good place to start there. To access the search page:

1. Go to American Kennel Club - Club Search and Directory
2. Click Performance Clubs
3. From Select a club type choose herding
4. Choose your state
5. Click Search

[glencorgi]

Cheetah, you are in luck. Steve, one of the newest GoCorgi members, is very involved in herding and can give you the ins and outs. As for just taking Shippo out for instinct testing, no training involved for that.

I also know Julie Yamane (think I spelled her last name correctly) with the PWC Club of the Rockies is very involved in herding. They also have a get together/picnic. If you would like, I can search up her contact info.

Debbie

[Cheetah]

That would be awesome! Maybe I should have him take the herding instinct thing... both his parents did.

[Louwants]

I checked out the herding clubs in my state, they're all about 3 hours away, much to far to travel for a hour at the most for Duncan to try his hand at herding. And, most of them are on Saturdays, which I work every week. I guess I'll have to look for something else that we can do.

Agility is out of the question due to my health condition. Between arthritis and starting hereitary heart trouble, I can't do anything to strenuous, which destroys me. I use to do lots of walking activities, but now have trouble moving around some days. (Sigh) Guess Duncan just has to be satisfied with ball toss in our back yard, which he never tires of.

[Bayoucorgi]

I love herding. We went for the instinct test and can't wait to herd more. It is heart-stoppingly beautiful to watch them do what they are bred to do. There is a tremendous trainer in Idaho, Patrick Shanahan - I know there's Wyoming between you and Idaho - but he gives great clinics all over. If you get a chance, at least audit one. You'll learn a LOT.

It's SO fun.