Handlers and dogs that are currently working at Level 4 skills and beyond are considered Intermediate or Advanced, and may continue their herding education through private lessons, clinics and camps.

Although there will not be any group classes offered at these levels, your group of friends can form a "semi-private" class of 2 to 4 teams, which can be scheduled at a mutually convenient time. Email Kathy for more information and to schedule.

A multimedia DVD program is also in the works, and will be available in the future.

The Connected Herding Program

The following schedule of progression is a guideline for your herding education. Each level builds upon the last, with the focus of the lessons introducing new skills, while continuing to practice and develop skills learned in previous lessons.

• Level 1: Building the Foundation

• Level 2: Basic Skill Building

• Level 3: Practical Work and Expanding Skills

• Level 4: Gathering and Driving, Level 1

• Level 5: Pens, Gates, Ranch Chores

• Level 6: Herding Trial Handling, Beginner

• Level 7: Expanding Skills, Intermediate

• Level 8: Gathering and Driving, Level 2

• Level 9: Penning and Shedding

• Level 10: Herding Trial Handling, Intermediate

• Level 11: Expanding Skills, Advanced

• Level 12: Herding Trial Handling, Advanced

Private Lessons

Private lessons are customized to meet the needs of you and your dog. Private lessons are available as individual 30 or 60 minute lessons; or as 30 or 60 minute 8 week courses.

Clinics and Camps

There are weekend Herding Clinics and Camps scheduled throughout the year at Dancing Hearts in Manhattan, IL and at other midwest locations. Herding Clinics and Sheep Dog Camps are wonderful for staying on track with your herding education, and you are sure to find one or more that fits both your schedule and your focus of learning.

Schedule a private lesson or a private 8-week course to continue your herding education.