Herding Classes
For class times and schedules, email us at kathyteecreek@gmail.com. Please include your name and a phone number where you can be reached, or call us at 905 384-2531
Tee Creek runs Herding classes year round. We offer a variety of stock including ducks, geese and cattle, as well as wool sheep and hair sheep. Indoor herding with sheep and ducks is offered in the winter months.
We offer herding instruction for all breeds and mixes (traditional, rare, and non-herding) and all ages. Working mostly with upright/loose-eyed breeds, we enjoy watching any dog take responsibility for livestock. We do believe that dog owners should be able to enjoy the breed of dogs they have and that “herding breeds” do not have a monopoly on either desire to work or herding instinct.
We also believe that any dog and handler can enjoy the sport of herding. We feel that handicaps are just training challenges whether they be for the dog or person.
Accept No Limitations!
Many suburban dogs have herding instincts that cause problems and tension in their homes-chasing cars, kids, and other household pets. Channeling this instinct in the proper direction can let the dog both understand proper herding etiquette and relieve its tension. The responsibility it has for getting the job done while herding often spills over into its everyday life, resulting in a confident, happy and enthusiastic dog. It plays more, has more energy for other training and is more likely to be responsive to you.
Sessions are kept fun, enjoyable, and short to keep the dog’s motivation and understanding at a high level. We do use clickers with owners who want to use this technique, and we do use food and toys to reward the dog for a job well done.
Our facilities include large pasture areas, small pens and obstacles (CKC field, AHBA field, JHD). We use a round pen technique with all starting dogs. Herding instruction can be private one on one lessons to make certain you get off to the right start. We also offer group lessons once you are ready.
Our objective is to teach herding to any breed of dog, keeping in mind that all dogs WILL be assessed before being allowed with any stock. Any goal that a person has can be achieved if methods are followed and your dog is having fun.
Herding with a Great Dane
Herding with a Cocker Spaniel
Please Respect the Livestock
Our sheep each have their own personality and we can tell them all apart. If you are here long enough, you too will see that they are individuals and will learn to respect them for their unique differences. We really do enjoy our sheep and like working with and around them. This enables us to put them in groups providing each dog/handler team with sheep that will challenge them but also give them the opportunity to be successful.
The safety of the livestock is the first and foremost issue and dogs will be removed at the Instructor’s request.
Rules
REMEMBER YOU ARE ON A WORKING FARM...DO NOT OPEN A GATE WITHOUT CLOSING IT!!!
Some areas are restricted for the safety of baby animals.
- Dogs must be leashed when not being worked.
- We require flat buckle collars and a 6 foot rope with a snap…..it will get dirty!
- Clean up after your dogs – EVERYWHERE.
- Try to keep barking to a minimum.
- Herding is an outdoor sport and class goes on with few exceptions. You should dress appropriately and expect that you and your dog will get dirty. Please bring appropriate footwear (including boots & rain gear, just in case).