Aufhebung Posted August 22, 2009 Report Share Posted August 22, 2009 I've been lurking on these boards for a while now--ever since I rescued my male BC, "Tate," almost a year ago. He's about 3.5 years old now and he had his first experiences (to my knowledge, anyhow) on sheep this summer. On his first time in the pen, he immediately showed interest and, according to my friend whose sheep we were using, he showed a good amount of talent as well. When a couple of sheep broke away, he responded when I told him to look back and he brought the strays back to the herd. Mind you, he had never heard the words "look back" come from my mouth before but he somehow knew what to do. He naturally went to about 12 o' clock from me but I was too stupid and inexperienced to know where to move myself so Tate often ended up driving the sheep into the corner of the fence. He would then plop down and stare at the flock as though admiring his work. He would also zig-zag back and forth in front of the sheep to keep them in place--I forgot what my friend called it, but she said it was a good sign. On his second try on the sheep, he was a bit full of himself and over-excited--a couple of times it seemed he was splitting the herd on purpose just to give himself something to chase. I was able to call him off and he came to me only somewhat begrudgingly. Anyhow, I am excited about herding even though I don't have any livestock myself. I was hoping some of you might be from Oklahoma and might know of some training opportunities for Tate and me. We are both newbies but we would both like to learn. I am located in Oklahoma City but am willing to travel a reasonable distance to satisfy my dog's drive. I also have video footage of Tate's first experiences on sheep. Let me know what you think. Thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue R Posted August 22, 2009 Report Share Posted August 22, 2009 I don't know of anyone I could recommend in OK (but I don't know many folks who are trainers and take students) but I do want to give you a welcome to these boards! Best wishes finding someone who is a capable trainer and can guide you and your dog in learning well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D Strickland Posted August 22, 2009 Report Share Posted August 22, 2009 I am located in Oklahoma City but am willing to travel a reasonable distance to satisfy my dog's drive. I also have video footage of Tate's first experiences on sheep. We have many Oklahoma Stockdog Association members in the OKC area. Website - http://www.okstockdog.com/ Yahoo Group - http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/OKSTOCKDOG/join Good luck, Dave Strickland www.outrunbc.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
denice Posted August 24, 2009 Report Share Posted August 24, 2009 I am not sure of specific training opportunities in OK but there are many great clinics across the country. Clinics allow you to work a couple times a day with your dog and get individual help as well as learn from every other person and dog in the clinic. It is a great way to meet folks and build great friendships. Many learning opportunities exist from going to a trial, watching and talking to folks, private lessons, and this forum and others (working stockdog forum, sheepdog L ) that discuss about every topic you can imagine. If you would enjoy some travel this Oct I am having 2 clinics in SE Indiana and have a working spot open. Good Luck Enjoy yourself, Denice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pipsqueak Posted August 24, 2009 Report Share Posted August 24, 2009 Kent and Lori Herbel are in Putnam ,about 3 hours north west of OKC. They do take new students, and do cattle and sheep. web site is XPRanch.com. As stated previously the osda is a good resource tool. Even tho I dont live in OK I am planning to in the next year, so keeping my ears open also. Good Luck ! Jill Hurst Ewenity Farm Bradenton, Fl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Journey Posted August 24, 2009 Report Share Posted August 24, 2009 You really didn't say or clarify, but I believe Kent & Lori do ACK, AHBA and the likes. PM me for info on a trainer, for your dog, in OK. Karen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue R Posted August 25, 2009 Report Share Posted August 25, 2009 You really didn't say or clarify, but I believe Kent & Lori do ACK, AHBA and the likes. PM me for info on a trainer, for your dog, in OK. Karen They are real big on AKC, and for that reason, I would not patronize them. But that's me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bcnewe2 Posted August 25, 2009 Report Share Posted August 25, 2009 Jack and Kathy are in the Southern KC area, Butler MO to be exact but very close to KC, close enough to the OK area that I'd sure be driving extra distance . It's an easy haul for OK city. Brain fart but there's a club that covers the OK AR KS and MO area. They put on Jack clinics at least 2x's per year. I'll think of the name later or someone else can chime in with it. There's lots of people in that little corner of the 4 states that does stock work USBCHA type. Ahhhh...Show me stockdog association. They have a web site. All good people Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aufhebung Posted August 25, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 25, 2009 Thank you everybody for your replies and resources! I would be completely lost if it weren't for your goodwill. I've contacted a trainer nearby so we'll see what they have to say. I'm also going to try to make it out to a nearby trial this weekend to see how the pros do things! The Oklahoma Stock Dog Association people told me about it, and I'll also have the opportunity to join their ranks if I feel so inclined. I am excited. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue R Posted August 26, 2009 Report Share Posted August 26, 2009 A trial is a great place to make contacts and get exposed to what good dogs can do. Very best wishes! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jayel Posted September 1, 2009 Report Share Posted September 1, 2009 My name is John Keim , in Bristow OK, I raise and train border collies here . When I first started up again , I couldn't find any one to help me ,so I made up my mind to help new people with their dogs , especially kids. That is the only way to keep the use of dogs for handling going . ... Anyway , I have a few sheep , and some training caves , I work dogs nearly every day (usually in the evening ) and I invite folks to come out and use my pens and training stock , I just work them into my sessions. I have a cattle dog focus but I use sheep to train when it creates the right situation for a lesson . If anyone is interested , I usually ask that you bring a sack of feed for a stock charge , be polite and keep control of your dog . JLKeim 918-633-9817 www.crossroadsbordercollies.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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