Sheep Herding Training Camp

Great for Beginners, Novice Teams and Herding Trial Competitors!

 If you're brand new to herding: Get started with a successful method of training that uses positive reinforcement, clear communication and step-by-step progression. Enjoy a wonderful weekend on the farm with your dog and other like-minded folks. "Sheep Herding 101" lessons for beginners included.

If you're a novice or advanced beginner: A full weekend of practicing good moves can go a long way to jump start your spring training. Lessons with an experienced coach will enrich and advance your handling and training. 

If you're competing in herding trials: (or getting ready to)

• Build a winning partnership with your dog

• Practice gathering off a spotter

• Work on stockmanship and handling

• Build teamwork with your dog at the pen

• Learn to stay focused and calm during competition

Kathy has successfully trialed and won in all venues with her border collies, and has coached handlers and dogs of many herding breeds to achieve wins, titles and honors in all venues. She is a perpetual student of sheep, dogs, people, communication and trialing - studying with the top trainers, coaches and handlers in the national and international sheepdog world, as well as leaders in related fields.

Collaborative partnership and positive learning is at the center of Kathy's coaching style, which suits handlers of all herding breeds who are seeking a better and more compassionate way to teach and handle their dogs. Handling and training advice focused on partnership-building will be offered to each team...with heartfelt success and winning in mind!

Each team will have two working sessions per day, coached by Kathy. We'll have a great lunch and talk about trialing, handling and training. Enjoy a fun and educational weekend on the farm, surrounded by good dogs, great people, nature and, of course, wonderful sheep!

Teams at any level may participate, all breeds welcome. For teams ready to practice trial courses, we can set up courses in a fully fenced 3 acre field - Beginner Novice, Novice, and Ranch (a small driving course). The mixed farm flock will be used.

**This camp is FULL!
More camps and clinics will be added for future dates soon. 

Saturday and Sunday, April 24-25, 2010  8:00 am

at Dancing Hearts in Manhattan, IL

facilitated by Kathy Kawalec

Tuition: $150 per dog

Potluck Lunch, bring a dish to share  • Limited to 8 teams

Please register by April 10, 2010

No camping available on premises. For a list of nearby campgrounds and motels, please contact Kathy.

Event will be held Rain or Shine - Dress for the weather.