Flamincomet Posted September 17, 2009 Report Share Posted September 17, 2009 I've been looking for someone in my area for a while that can help me learn how to work Spirit on sheep, but there doesn't seem to be anyone reputable less than 6 hours away. The local AKC kennel club is made up of mostly herding group people, who are getting together a herding group, and asked me if I wanted to join. I don't know what my plans are for Spirit yet, but they definitely don't include AKC trials. I'm not sure we'll even be good enough to trial at all. But Spirit loves to work stock, and I love it too (even if I am horrible at it ), and I am considering joining just for the sake of being able to work her. Is this something that could possibly compromise any chances of trialing in the future? I plan to still attend clinics when I can, and take that back with me to use, as I'm doubtful as to the level of training I would be able to accomplish within this group alone. Here are some videos of Spirit and I at the Patrick Shannahan clinic earlier this year. (Excuse my awkwardness and inability to keep up with the sheep ) Also, I live near Moscow, ID, if anyone happens to know of other alternatives. Please, keep it civil. Autumn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelpiegirl Posted September 17, 2009 Report Share Posted September 17, 2009 You have to do what you have to do. If there is no one closer, see about keeping up once a month lessons with a good open handler/trainer, and then, if these people have sheep, work on what you've been taught. Just do NOT get sucked into doing only courses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dracina Posted September 17, 2009 Report Share Posted September 17, 2009 Hi Autumn: Try the USBCHA website. If you look under Association (on the left), you will see a link for the districts and officers in your region. I suggest that you contact the officer for your area. I contacted mine, and he happily pointed me in the direction of many reputable trainers that I could not find elsewhere. Good luck! Karrin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juliepoudrier Posted September 17, 2009 Report Share Posted September 17, 2009 Autumn, The fact that you're asking this question means that you're already aware that this group might not be suitable for your long-term goals. I think that as far as training goes, you'd be better off going to clinics when you can and getting to a regular USBCHA trainer when you can. As Julie W. noted, many times people in AKC groups tend to train for courses, and so their dogs never really learn to work stock in all situations (i.e., practical work). That's a gross generalization, I know, but to me it would be far more productive to learn, even if the opportunity arises much less often, from someone who is doing the same type of work I ultimately want my dog to be doing. If there's a way to be part of this club and just work your dog without taking instruction, then it might be useful. But you have to be aware that folks will try to influence how you train (it's human nature) and you'll have to be clear what your training goals are and what methods you want to use (like Pat Shannahan's) and stick to your guns on that. Also be aware that with many AKC groups, training for courses means using very broke stock (sometimes sour stock as a result of poor dog training) and very small spaces, something that might not translate well if you later want to work/trial in larger areas on range sheep. Again, if this group can offer you the opportunity to work sheep on your own doing something other than practicing courses, it might be worth joining. I guess the thing to do would be to go and observe and see what you think before actually committing. J. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cgt Posted September 17, 2009 Report Share Posted September 17, 2009 If you want to do it right, stay away from that AKC stuff. Have you considered visiting Norm Close? Norm is pretty damn good. He gives lessons, I believe. He's in Coeur d' Alene. http://www.handhillsbordercollies.com/ If it makes you more comfortable, you can tell him Charlie Torre sent you - but I won't say if that will help you or hurt you in the long run. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Journey Posted September 17, 2009 Report Share Posted September 17, 2009 Hey you can also see if Don Helsley can help you - http://www.helsleyranch.com/ Tell him Charlie sent you too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMSBORDERCOLLIES Posted September 18, 2009 Report Share Posted September 18, 2009 I've been looking for someone in my area for a while that can help me learn how to work Spirit on sheep, but there doesn't seem to be anyone reputable less than 6 hours away. The local AKC kennel club is made up of mostly herding group people, who are getting together a herding group, and asked me if I wanted to join. I don't know what my plans are for Spirit yet, but they definitely don't include AKC trials. I'm not sure we'll even be good enough to trial at all. But Spirit loves to work stock, and I love it too (even if I am horrible at it ), and I am considering joining just for the sake of being able to work her. Is this something that could possibly compromise any chances of trialing in the future? I plan to still attend clinics when I can, and take that back with me to use, as I'm doubtful as to the level of training I would be able to accomplish within this group alone. Here are some videos of Spirit and I at the Patrick Shannahan clinic earlier this year. (Excuse my awkwardness and inability to keep up with the sheep ) Also, I live near Moscow, ID, if anyone happens to know of other alternatives. Please, keep it civil. Autumn Hi Autumn. Norm and Vickie Close are only a few minutes from you and he is a good trainer as well as being the 2005 Canadian Champion. His outfit is Handhills Border Collies and he is in Couer d'Alene only a few minutes from Moscow. His number is on his website which I don't have right now at hand but give him a call. He will probably be leaving for the Nationals quite soon so call right away. Best to get started right than just take whatever and I would recommend you steer clear of those other folks and get a proper start. Call Norm. That's the way to go.......Bob Stephens Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flamincomet Posted September 18, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 18, 2009 Wow, I had no idea Norm Close was only about an hour away! I will definitely contact him and see if I can get something set up. I really appreciate the help, thanks! Autumn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
workindogs Posted September 18, 2009 Report Share Posted September 18, 2009 Yes....definitely call Norm, a great trainer and instructor, and he and Vickie are super nice also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeltaBluez Tess Posted September 18, 2009 Report Share Posted September 18, 2009 Norm and Vic are wonderful people!! You not only will learn a lot but have great, honest mentors. Enjoy Diane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DTrain Posted September 18, 2009 Report Share Posted September 18, 2009 I must agree, give Norm a call. You are also not that far from many other great trainers and handlers including Scot Glen. It would be well worth a trip up to Lethbridge to visit Scot. Scot can give you an idea of what goes on in southern Alberta and British Columbia. You are just a few hours in almost every direction from some great help. Also in the Kootenay / Cranbrook area there is always something going on you can get into all summer long with some top people. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amelia Posted September 23, 2009 Report Share Posted September 23, 2009 Will this even be worth it, or completely useless?, Training with an AKC group. Completely useless. Cheers all, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flamincomet Posted October 12, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 12, 2009 Just an update. I got more info, and was informed that this is actually NOT an AKC group, just that some AKC people attend. The instructor owns working border collies, and used to trial (I'm not sure which venue, or how high up she was). I went last Saturday, and had a great time. Spirit and I got to work 3 separate times. I'm working on putting pictures and more information on how it went in the picture forum. I still would really like to take lessons from Norm, but at this time I'm not going to be able to afford to drive there and back plus the cost of the lessons. As it is I can only afford to go to these lessons every other week. That should change soon though, at least we are hoping. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
herdcentral Posted April 1, 2016 Report Share Posted April 1, 2016 Wow, I don't know these people as I live in a different country but if anyone hit my dog, my reaction would be instant and I would be out of there so fast. I have trained many dogs and violence is simply not required. Hitting a dog on the head is particularly bad. I use a stick to train with but I don't hit my dog with it. Good leadership does not require violence in my books. That experience sounds totally psycho if indeed it occurred as reported, that I dont know.. It does sound slightly bizarre. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue R Posted April 1, 2016 Report Share Posted April 1, 2016 Please read the comments about the identical post under the topic "Herding?" as there are some questions raised about this post. I find it extremely hard to believe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tea Posted April 1, 2016 Report Share Posted April 1, 2016 Sue, I do too. I know Norm and Vickie, never seen them use physical corrections. And they are not on these boards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue R Posted April 1, 2016 Report Share Posted April 1, 2016 I'm wondering if this is either someone with a grudge (no real name given) and no specifics (like date and time), or a troll who's trying to cause trouble in general. This post, in both topics, is identical. If it was someone legitimate (and I can't vouch either way), you'd think they'd have more to say. I think I'd totally disregard this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tea Posted April 1, 2016 Report Share Posted April 1, 2016 This is a Not True. I would like Eileen to delete. I talked to Norm this AM Gross exaggeration. I have left my dog with Norm and Vickie He is doing my Judging Clinic He is not on these boards. not right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue R Posted April 1, 2016 Report Share Posted April 1, 2016 I have reported this post to the moderator for her to determine what to do. I've also let her know that it is also copied to the other topic ("Herding?"). I am sure she will do the right thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eileen Stein Posted April 1, 2016 Report Share Posted April 1, 2016 I have made the post immediately preceding the last six posts unavailable. We do not allow posting of negative comments about breeders or trainers by people who are unwilling to provide their name and contact information. I will be contacting the poster to see if s/he is willing to identify him/herself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tea Posted April 1, 2016 Report Share Posted April 1, 2016 Thanks Sue Thanks Eileen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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