I take dogs in for training on a month-to-month basis for people who either don't have the time to train their own dogs or want me to get the basics on them first.

The longer I've been doing this, the more I have come to understand how important a sound foundation on a dog is. Dogs are creatures of habit and will fall back on what they have experienced. I do my best to teach the dogs the basics of herding and treating livestock correctly. Understanding livestock, their job, balance, pace, and obedience are the goals.

The dogs are housed in a dry, shaded kennel during the day and either kenneled or crated at night. They are taken on group walks each day in addition to their training time. The kennels are close to our house, which allows them to feel a part of what's going on in the house and yard.

In addition to their stock work, I spend time teaching dogs to be "good dogs." They are taught to come when called, stay quiet and clean in their kennel space and get along with their other kennel companions.

I feel that the dogs that are in training here truly enjoy their stay and time spent with me. I am willing to be flexible on any special needs your dogs might have while they are with me; any medications or special food is no problem.

I realize that it may be difficult to part with your dog, yet I find the dogs adapt very well. I will communicate with you and be straightforward about your dog's progress and will not recommend continued training if the dog is not suited to the goals you have in mind.

Cost is $500/month, and is based on a full month of training time. This means that if I am out of town for, say, a sheepdog trial or teaching a clinic, you are not being charged. I do recommend a 6-week minimum for training; this amount of time allows for a solid foundation.