Dogs/Stockdog Training

During the summer months our border collies help us take sheeep out to pasture everyday.  They help us deworm, tag and sort ewes/lambs, and other tasks involving the sheep.  Without their valuable service, it would make rasing sheep a bit difficult. 

We currently have five border collies.  Annie(13yrs), Belle(11yrs), Wisp(8yrs), Floss(8yrs), and Meg (2yr). All are registered with the ABCA.

*Wisp

                           Belle

Meg

Along with helping on the farm, Floss competes in the Open class, in ISDS style herding trials in Wisconsin, Illionis and Minnesota.  Sadly this year it was found out that Wisp has hearing loss and has been retired from competition.  She will still get to help out on the farm. 
Our first trial of the season will be at Three Sisters Park in IL, where Meg will be competiting her first time in the nursery class.

We are also members of the Wisconsin Working Sotck Dog Association.  This is a great group that hosts clinics, fun days and trials throughout the year.  Visit the clubs website at: http://www.wwsda.org

Border collies are bred for their ability to work livestock.  It doesn't matter what they look like; they come in many colors, and coat types.  What matters is how well they can help the farmer/rancher/shepherd tend to their animals.  Brains before beauty is the motto.

If you are thinking about getting a border collie please do some research first.  It is easy to see a cute puppy and impulsively buy, but beware of pet stores and puppy mills they only want the money, and leave you with a puppy that will cost you vet bills and heartache.  First of all look at your lifestyle and see if an active breed like a border collie would work.  It takes time, patience and training to raise  a well behaved dog. 

There are plenty of reputable breeders out there and members of the WWSDA are always willing to help out with advice on border collies. You might also consider adopting a border collie from Wisconsin Border Collie Rescue, or Second Chance Border Collie Rescue.

*Photos of Floss and Wisp by Bruce Fogt

Stockdog Lessons

Lessons to help you create a helpful working partner on the farm or to help you prepare for trialing.  Lessons are offered summer through fall.  Lessons are individual so that you can get the most out of your time. 

Working with border collies and kelpies, but will work with breeds like australian shepherds and shetland sheepdogs.

We have several areas for working, from a 60ft round pen for beginners, 4 fenced in acres, and 14 unfenced acres. Depending on when hay is cut, larger acreage will be available to work in.