Training a herding dog takes time, patience and...
...the right help to get started.
There's so many different philosophies, teachers, methods of training, tools and approaches out there... it can seem overwhelming even just to take the first step.
But at Rock n' Roll Stockdogs my approach to training herding dogs is about developing partners that have an insatiable passion to work whatever livestock is put in front of them... no matter where, when or what the job is.
I want dogs that channel their keen desire to work into a purposeful, but thoughtful sense of forward momentum. Leaned in and engaged to the task at hand -- always and with all their heart. Because I believe that its by building dogs up, not "breaking" them in, that we truly unlock the their full potential as stock dogs and partners.
If you're looking for herding dog lessons in Southwest Alberta and the above sounds like a philosophy for training herding dogs that appeals to you... give me a shout and we can get started.
Click the button below to inquire.
(ATTENTION: I am located near Claresholm/Fort Macleod in SW Alberta)
WHAT I OFFER
Private Lessons
I'll work with you and your dog(s) to help you learn how to work livestock more effectively as a team -- whether you hope to compete at trials one day, or just want to up your partnership with your dog working stock at home.
In that time I'll help you develop your dog's confidence and skills while also advancing your timing and precision as a handler.
Lessons are available either at my facility near Granum, AB ($120+GST for 1 dog, $150+GST for 2) or at a location in southern Alberta of your choosing ($200+GST + travel costs if applicable).
Each lesson includes plenty of time for breaks/resting for your dog (and you!) and typically last about minutes.
Instinct Testing
Ever wondered if your border collie (or herding breed dog) might have what it takes to be a stock dog?
I'll introduce your dog to sheep in a controlled setting to help determine if it has the potential to be a working dog. I'll also talk about what we're looking for when assessing a dog's instinct and interest, and some of the fundamental concepts that are at play.
These sessions cost $120+GST and typically last about 45 minutes (depending on the dog) and by the end you'll have a strong idea as to whether your dog is suited for further training as a working herding dog.
Boarding & Training
Your dog will stay with me at my facility for several months where it will be trained daily to work stock -- teaching with strong fundamentals (commands, balancing stock etc.) or polishing and developing a dog that has already been started.
Starting at $1,250+GST per month (4 month minimum) as part of this process you'll recieve regular video updates of your dog's training and are welcome to ask plenty of questions to set you up for success when it returns to you at the end.
Here is the key information you need to know:
-Space is extremely limited and I don't have spots come up that often. If you want to reserve one, it's a $500 non-refundable deposit to hold it.
-Open to dogs of all levels
-Dog must be a registered Border Collie (or approved by me based on videos and/or answers to questions I might ask you in the screening process)
-Dog will be trained on sheep (at first) and cattle when they are ready (unless you are only looking to have it worked on sheep, which is fine)
-Dogs must know its name, have a solid understanding of "lie down" (or a similar stop command) and have a solid recall. These commands do not need to be present while working, I only ask that the dog at least knows them away from stock.
-I will send you videos of your dog's progress, at least once a week. These will not be 15-30 second clips that don't tell you anything, but rather longer videos of extended sessions that really show you how your dog is progressing -- warts and all.
-Owner must supply: a large crate, leash, collar. A charge for a bag of Inukshuk pro dog food is added to your invoice when you book your dog in.
-You may ask unlimited questions about your dog and the videos I send any time
CLINICS
I occasionally host my own clinics or training days here at my place, but I'm also always open to hearing about a clinic you might want to put on.
Shoot me a message with what you're thinking and we can chat through whether I might be a fit as a clinician for your plans.
REMOTE COACHING
Don't live close to me, but want some help with your dog and/or training?
No worries -- just reach out and I'll see what I can do to share one guy's approach to getting the most out of your dog and your training sessions. I'm flexible on the format that takes -- whether you just want to send me videos and get my thoughts and advice, or prefer to chat live via phone or video chat.
I'll work out with you what that can look like (price, frequency, format etc.).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
01
WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?
I am in Southwest Alberta -- just south of Claresholm. I do the majority of my lessons at my farm, but upon request am able to travel within 90 minutes to client farms and properties to do remote lessons as well.
02
DOES YOUR STYLE OF TRAINING EMPLOY ELECTRONIC, PRONG OR OTHER FORMS OF CORRECTIVE DEVICES?
No. I do not use these devices in my training and do not permit them to be used on my property or during lessons I am giving. For a multitude of reasons, but chief among them is that they are at best a shoddy shortcut when it comes to training stock dogs and as a result they do not make the best herding dogs nor the best trainers. I believe it is incumbent on any aspiring stockdog handler to aspire to learn and master the art of training their dog so that they do not need to rely upon them.
03
DO YOU ONLY TRAIN BORDER COLLIES, OR DO YOU WELCOME STUDENTS WIITH DOGS FROM VARIOUS BREEDS?
Because herding instinct can sometimes appear in unlikely or unexpected places, I am happy to welcome students with dogs of a wide range of breeds and backgrounds to book an instinct test with me. If a dog demonstrates interest and instinct, I am happy to work with their owner to develop their abilities to the best of my knowledge.
04
WHEN ARE YOU AVAILABLE?
I am fairly flexible and able to accomodate lessons during the week or weekend. Afternoon lessons are preferred (as I train my own dogs and client dogs during the mornings), but exceptions can easily be made. If you're interested in a lesson or an instinct test feel free to reach out and I'm sure we can find a time that will work for you.
More questions and answers may be added to this list continuously over time. Keep checking back!