Herding Training at Elysian Farm

Our goal at Elysian Farm is to provide a positive learning experience for the handler and the dog.  We believe that you and your dog need to work as a team to move the livestock in the calmest most efficient manner possible.  This does not happen overnight.  It takes dedication and time to make this happen.  Herding dogs have a varying degree of natural instinct and drive.  It is up to you, as a handler, to work with the dog to achieve your goals. 

To do this, you need to trust each other.   A dog will not trust a handler if the handler unintentionally sets the dog up for "failure".  This may be a handler asking a "beginner" dog to do something it doesn't understand or can't do. Or maybe the handler doesn't know how to "read" his/her livestock and asks the dog to do something that will cause them to loose the livestock.  We feel that teaching the handler is the most important part of herding.

We offer training for beginners and up.  If you have never worked your  herding dog before but are interested, we are willing to help.  We will work with all herding breeds or herding breed crosses.  Your dog should be able to walk on a loose lead and understand the basics of sit or down, and stay.  We understand that once a dog sees livestock he/she may "temporarily forget" these commands.  Don't worry, it will come back!  No matter what you or your dog's skill level is, we are willing to help.

Along with training we also offer practice times for handler/dogs that would like to work in a different environment than usual.   Elysian Farm offers practice on  ducks and sheep.  Our facilities include a round pen, an 80 x 100 foot arena, a 100 x 200 foot arena and a 5 acre field.  We also have livestock holding pens and a squeeze chute to add variety to your training.

Please understand, that the safety of our livestock, is very important.  We will give each dog and handler every opportunity to succeed.  If we feel our livestock is being unfairly harassed, and the handler is unsuccessful in correcting the situation, the session will be ended.

Your dog must be on leash or crated, unless it is your run.  If you bring a child to the lesson they must be under adult supervision at all times for their safety.