Working Dog Lover Posted June 17, 2007 Share Posted June 17, 2007 Hello I'm going to be interested in taking my new kelpie pup sheep herding when he's old enough. Does anybody know where we could learn, we're in Brisbane. Also, how old are dogs when they start learning? Never done this before and it looks like fun. Thanks Audrey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShesaLikeableBiBear Posted June 17, 2007 Share Posted June 17, 2007 Audrey there was a training facility at Moorina near Caboolture but the owners are moving overseas. We hope to set up a facility at Woodford in August, perahps you can send a pm. You can commence herding training when a puppy is 6 months old. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Working Dog Lover Posted June 17, 2007 Author Share Posted June 17, 2007 Thanks for that reply, Woodford is just up the road from me. Will be in touch - Guinness won't be 6 months until the end of September. Audrey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrsD Posted June 17, 2007 Share Posted June 17, 2007 Ummmmmm as far as I know there are no rules about training, you can commence training at any age - but your dog has to be 6 months old to start actual trialling & do it's HIC. Many working dog people put their puppies on sheep at about 3 or 4 months just to give them a taste & fire their instinct & interest & then let them mature a bit before they start proper training. There is also herding training held at Eaton's Hill every week run by an experienced working dog guy, not sure what night but can find out if you are interested. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Risyntira Posted June 17, 2007 Share Posted June 17, 2007 Tuesday nights for Eaton's Hill, they start at 5pm. I found that out yesterday Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noneybur Posted June 17, 2007 Share Posted June 17, 2007 Eric Tighe is also running herding training at Mt Gravatt on a Monday night. Someone will have his number. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrsD Posted June 18, 2007 Share Posted June 18, 2007 Thanx Risyntira & noneybur , I knew his name was Eric, but couldnt remember his surname . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShesaLikeableBiBear Posted June 18, 2007 Share Posted June 18, 2007 MrsD, we were informed by our instructors that the minimum age for ANKC style herding training is 6 months, hence we waited until Cassie turned 6 months prior to even giving her a smell of sheep. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mooper Posted June 18, 2007 Share Posted June 18, 2007 Sheep-herding instructors around here have mentioned to me that they often tether a pup to their belt and just calmly walk near sheep when the pup is only a few months old, as MrsD mentioned. So you may find, WDL, that your local sheepdog school is happy for your kelpie pup to watch from outside the yard/paddock to gain a bit of interest before reaching that 6-month point. It's worth asking! It sounds like you're spoilt for choice on where to go Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fidelis Border Collies Posted June 18, 2007 Share Posted June 18, 2007 MrsD, we were informed by our instructors that the minimum age for ANKC style herding training is 6 months, hence we waited until Cassie turned 6 months prior to even giving her a smell of sheep. I would say Hesapandabear that that is just the opinion of your instructors, it states in the rules that dogs are not allowed to COMPETE untill they are 6 months. I am a herding instructor and a fully licensed herding Judge and I can tell you there is no age limit as to when you can start training you puppies. The same applies to Obedience a dog is not allowed to compete in obedience till it is 6 months old but i can asure you most puppies are started on obedience training the minute they are taken home from the breeder. I expose my puppies to Stock as early as 5 week, granted we don't really do any training its more to get them interested and to make it a normal part of every day lfe. Tracey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrsD Posted June 18, 2007 Share Posted June 18, 2007 Thanx Tracey, that's what I thought, don't want to give people the wrong information . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShesaLikeableBiBear Posted June 18, 2007 Share Posted June 18, 2007 Well we know your qualifications, Tracey, who are we then to argue with both an instructor AND a judge, everyone must have their own opinion then and perhaps as you say our instructors are wrong, oh well, never mind, as you know they are leaving MrsD thank-you ever so much for correcting my thread Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wylie Posted June 18, 2007 Share Posted June 18, 2007 (edited) When I had sheep like Tracey my babies were exposed on a regular basis. As we no longer have sheep, puppies when we have them are exposed to ducks. I cant wait to get my sheep back again Its amazing how quickly and how early that instinct can kick in. As i understand it the rules for herding Australia wide are that a pup that is 6 months old can start competing but has to have had stock exposure prior to starting. If they havent had prior sheep introduction before 6 months it would be a waste of time even entering a trial for HIC etc. Anyways thats my understanding of the rules. Edited June 18, 2007 by wylie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShesaLikeableBiBear Posted June 18, 2007 Share Posted June 18, 2007 Sorry forgot to add that our instructors are both ANKC judges as well Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Working Dog Lover Posted June 18, 2007 Author Share Posted June 18, 2007 Thanks for all the replies, looks like I have a good few options. Audrey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrsD Posted June 18, 2007 Share Posted June 18, 2007 You're welcome Hesa, if you are planning on charging people to come & use your "training facility" then of course I'm sure you'd want people to get the right info . Audrey, is your kelpie puppy from working lines or show lines? Either way we insist on some pics . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Working Dog Lover Posted June 18, 2007 Author Share Posted June 18, 2007 MrsD, he's from a working kelpie stud, and he's just settled in to our place as if he's lived here all his life. Plays with my 2 year old ACD, loves my kids and sleeps all night through in the crate without a peep. Have to stop him napping on my clean laundry though! I took this picture in our backyard today, he really is a handsome lad! It's only a little thumbnail but you get a bigger pic if you click on it. Audrey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Over It Posted June 21, 2007 Share Posted June 21, 2007 Tuesday nights for Eaton's Hill, they start at 5pm. I found that out yesterday Does anyone have any more details (location, website, cost, etc) for the one in Eaton's Hill? Cheers, Ane Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrsD Posted June 21, 2007 Share Posted June 21, 2007 Tuesday nights for Eaton's Hill, they start at 5pm. I found that out yesterday Does anyone have any more details (location, website, cost, etc) for the one in Eaton's Hill? Cheers, Ane I'll find out for you tonight Ane (if no-one else posts before hand). The guy that runs it is supposed to be very good. Audrey - how's he going? Still being good? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Working Dog Lover Posted June 21, 2007 Author Share Posted June 21, 2007 Yep, very happy with him. He's having his 12 week vacc tonight, and then we'll be out at puppy preschool in a week or so. He's a fun pup to have around. Audrey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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