SCHEDULED EVENTS 

MONTHLY HERDING CLINICS Dates are subject to change due to conflicting competition dates, etc.  Also, if we have heavy rain our working areas become ponds so...  PLEASE CHECK for CANCELLATIONS before you head out.  Clinic Fee is $40 per dog. (Including additional dogs per family) 2021 Schedule   January clinic is past. February clinic moved to 27th due to severe flooding.    March 13 Monthly Herding Clinic  April 17 Monthly Herding Clinic May 8 Monthly Herding Clinic June 12 Monthly Herding Clinic July 17 Monthly Herding Clinic August 14 Monthly Herding Clinic  September 11 Monthly Herding Clinic  October 9 Monthly Herding Clinic November 13 Monthly Herding Clinic  December 11 Monthly Herding Clinic The Schedule for 2022 will be posted during Christmas break.

Herding Clinics and Instinct Tests for All Levels and All Breeds

Instinct Testing (no certificate)

Sheep Available for All Levels.

No pre-registration is required.  Just show up with your dogs, a chair, and a smile.  Register and pay when you get here.  Participants are welcome to bring as many dogs as they wish.  We begin as close to on time as possible and take a lunch break in the middle of the day.  You can come and go any time that you like throughout the day.  You can work your own dog with or without our help or we'll work it for you.  The atmosphere is laid back and friendly.  This is an excellent way to introduce your dog to livestock or have it tested for instinct. 

You are invited to join us at lunch at a nearby country restaurant 
or stay and picnic under the shade trees.

All clinics begin around 9:00 a.m. and go until about 4:00 p.m.

FEE: $40 per dog

No pre-registration required. Just show up and sign up. 

Need Directions or Hotel Information? Click Here!

For more information call or text 828-429-6388 .

PRIVATE GROUP CLINICS

BREED GROUPS, CLUBS, OR JUST FRIENDS 

Private clinics offer a wide variety of services from instinct testing to packed pen work.  A nearby country restaurant is available for lunches at reasonable prices.

Water pools and shade are available.

$40 per dog per day

For more information contact us at

 828-429-6388 or possumhollow@gmail.com

PRIVATE INSTINCT TESTS, 
TRAINING AND LESSONS

HERDING INSTINCT TESTING

Let us test the herding instinct in your dog or puppy.

Possum Hollow offers instinct testing in a safe environment.  We will put your pup or adult dog on sheep and provide you with an evaluation of the level of instinct and current developmental stage that is demonstrated.  We will discuss your dog's herding future whether you are looking for a fully trained competition or ranch dog or just an outlet for having a bit of fun with your companion.   Instinct tests are basically private lessons and last about 1 hour.

Your dog doesn't have to know anything (including obedience) to do an instinct test.  Just bring him or her out and have some fun and usually some laughs as the dogs try to figure out just what to do with these strange creatures.  Puppies as young as 5 months can be tested and no adult dog is too old.

Instinct Test Fee = $50 per dog (includes full lesson).
Please call 828-429-6388 for an appointment.

HERDING LESSONS: SINGLES & PACKAGES
with AHBA JUDGE ERIN LEDBETTER
 
Come with your dog to learn about herding.  Erin can work your dog for you or she will work with you and your dog together.  Dogs will be taught in much the same way as described for our Herding Programs above.  The dog's advancement will depend on the instinct and talent of the dog, how long the dog remains enrolled, and how often the dog comes each week.  Erin can concentrate on training your dog for competition or for farm work.  Competition handling is also available from Erin.

Dogs need to be at least 6 months old but not necessarily started on stock.  We encourage you to attend our monthly Saturday herding clinics to work your dog in a busier atmosphere, meet other new and seasoned handlers and better prepare yourself to handle your trained dog.

Erin's Available Herding Lesson Packages: (Tuesdays and/or Wednesdays)
Erin Ledbetter is very good with all breeds of dogs and all levels of handlers and can schedule lessons to fit your schedule.  She is a certified AHBA Judge and has competed successfully with her own dogs to championship level.
Herding Package of Five (5) Lessons:  $225
Herding Package of Ten (10) Lessons:  $425
Single Herding Lesson:  $50/hour

For more information contact us at 828-429-6388 or possumhollow@gmail.com  

HERDING LESSONS: SINGLES & PACKAGES
with William Coulter
 
Come with your dog to learn about herding.  William can work your dog for you or he will work with you and your dog together.  Dogs will be taught in much the same way as described for our Herding Programs above.  The dog's advancement will depend on the instinct and talent of the dog, how long the dog remains enrolled, and how often the dog comes each week.  William can concentrate on training your dog for competition or for farm work.  

Dogs need to be at least 6 months old but not necessarily started on stock.  We encourage you to attend our monthly Saturday herding clinics to work your dog in a busier atmosphere, meet other new and seasoned handlers and better prepare yourself to handle your trained dog.

William's Available Herding Lesson Packages (Saturdays only):
William is very good with all breeds of dogs and all levels of handlers and can schedule lessons to fit your schedule.  He has trained his own dogs and worked with some of ours as well.  
Single Herding Lesson:  $50/hour

For more information contact us at 828-429-6388 or possumhollow@gmail.com  

 HANDLING SERVICES 

PROFESSIONAL HANDLING SERVICES

Wanting to get your dog a herding title?  Need a handler?  

Call AHBA Judge and Experienced AKC Handler, Erin Ledbetter.

Eligibility:  Dogs Eligible for Possum Hollow Handling Services include (1) Dogs already enrolled in a Possum Hollow herding training program or (2) Dogs already trained but needing a handler.  Dogs that fall into category "(2)" must be brought to Possum Hollow for several private lessons prior to the event date so the handler and your dog can get to know each other.

Responsibilities of the Owner:  The owner must pay for all expenses including travel and lodging, entry fees, etc., in addition to the handler's fee.   The owner must present the dog in a clean and healthy condition at the event.  

Winnings:  All trophies, ribbons, plaques and cash prizes are the property of the owner.  The owner must agree to provide a digital photograph for the handler to use in promotions.

Competition Fees:  $100 per event day and $50 per travel day.

Clinic Fees:  $50 per event day and $50 per travel day.

For more information:  Contact Possum Hollow long before the event to reserve your handler.  Call or text us at 828-429-6388 or email us at possumhollow@gmail.com .

 DEMONSTRATIONS 

HERDING & GUARDIAN DOG DEMONSTRATIONS

at POSSUM HOLLOW

Possum Hollow provides two wonderful opportunities for learning.  Livestock Associations, school groups, clubs, etc., can learn about training and handling working dogs (including herding dogs and livestock guardian dogs).  You can come for a visit to a real working farm.

Bring groups of children or adults to our facilities at Possum Hollow to learn about raising, training and handling working herding dogs and livestock guardian dogs.  Includes demonstrations of herding dogs of varying ages and abilities on sheep. Also see and learn about Anatolian Shepherd livestock guardian dogs that live in the pasture with the livestock and take care of them.  Demonstrations typically last 1-3 hours depending on age group and activities selected.


Fee = $10.00 per person with a minimum of $100. 
A deposit of $50 is due when the reservation is made.  Your deposit will be applied to your fees.  The balance of your fees is due upon arrival.  

To make a reservation.  Contact us at 828-429-6388 or email info@possumhollowfarms.com to make your reservation.  Cancellation of reservations must be at least 1 week prior to the reserved date to receive your deposit back.

 PRESENTATIONS 

Livestock Associations, school groups, clubs, etc., can learn about training and handling working dogs (including herding dogs and livestock guardian dogs) through a video / slide presentation offered by owner Vicki Hughes.

AVAILABLE VIDEO AND SLIDE PRESENTATIONS

"Using Dogs to Control Wildlife"
An approximately 30 minute slide presentation discussing 
the use of Anatolian Shepherd Livestock Guardian Dogs in controlling predators.  

PRESENTATION FEE:  $30 fee + 1.00 cents/mile + hotel (if needed)
A deposit of $50 is due when the event is scheduled

For more information:  Call or text us at 828-429-6388 or email us at info@possumhollowfarms.com .

FACILITY & LIVESTOCK RENTAL
Herding, Agility, Conformation Shows & Fun Days

 FACILITIES 

At Possum Hollow we have a double round pen, a regular round pen, a paddock and a Novice field.  Our sheep are dog broke but are not knee huggers.  They are calm and great for starting future herding dogs.  We can provide stock that will move easily or that will challenge the dog.  We also have the ability to do a packed pen with sheep for building confidence.

We also have a square pen for starting dogs (using the Ben Means method) and an arena (approx. 84 ft x 144) that is completely flat and completely fenced.  (The arena is also perfect for agility club use.)   

We have a 200 x 300 field for AKC and AHBA trials with room for spectators and sheep.  Dogs have water tubs available in all sections for cooling off and drinking.  Plenty of shade is available for crating dogs and some shade is available for parking vehicles.  We have some chairs although it never hurts to bring your own chair just in case there is a big turnout.  Space is available for campers but there are no hook-ups.  Port-a-Pottys. tables, chairs, tents, etc are available for rent locally.  

You can bring a chair and bag lunch and eat under huge shade trees while you talk dogs.  Or eat with us at a nearby country restaurant.  This is a great time for question and answer chit chat with the trainers or judges.  Possum Hollow can provide a trainer or clubs can rent the facilities for an established guest trainer. 

The facilities at Possum Hollow are perfect for all kinds of events including...

Herding Competitions and Clinics
Agility Competitions and Clinics
Obedience Competitions and Clinics
Rallies, Meet-n-Greets
Carting Competitions and Clinics
and all kinds of Fundraisers!

Rental of Herding Facilities with Livestock

The facilities at PHF are available for rental including limited livestock.  We will provide cattle, sheep and/or goats as needed for competitions, training clinics, practice days, etc.   

Rental of Facility with Sheep = $500 per day 
A deposit of $200 is due when the contract is signed.  Deposits will be refunded only if the rental is cancelled no less than two weeks prior to the event date.

Rental of Facilities for Non-Herding Events
(Agility, Obedience, Rallies, Festivals, etc.)

The arena is ideal for agility, obedience, conformation show practice, etc.  Completely fenced with woven wire and entirely flat, this part of our facilities is safe and well designed.  The arena is approximately 84 ft x 144 ft.  Ample room is available for spectator seating with two gates at each end for efficient movement of contestants.  No additional equipment is available so clubs must bring their own. 

Rental for Non-Herding Events = $200/day  
Rental for Additional Days to allow for Set Up/Take Down = $25/day
A deposit of $100 is due when the contract is signed.  Deposits will be refunded only if the rental is cancelled no less than two weeks prior to the event date.

(PortaPotties, tents, chairs, etc. can be rented locally.)

To make a reservation call or text 828-429-6388 or email info@possumhollowfarms.com . 

Click here to view Facility Rental Contract

 MEET OUR TEAM 

Want to be a trainer?
Contact us at possumhollow@gmail.com 

Joe is our Farm Manager and Obedience trainer.  Joe does very well with training dogs and families how to have pleasant and enjoyable relationships.  Joe takes care of our livestock and dog breeding programs, our Anatolian Shepherd program, and all of the day to day workings of the farm. 

Vicki Hughes
Owner/Stockdog Trainer
Location:  North Carolina

Vicki is an open handler specializing in training dogs to work livestock.  She has worked her dogs on sheep, goats and cattle.  Vicki has competed with her dogs at the open cow and sheep dog levels. 

AHBA Judge Erin Ledbetter
Sheep Herding Trainer and Handler
Location:  North Carolina

Erin is a wonderfully natural handler and trainer and an AHBA judge.  She is very talented with all breeds.  She works her own dogs and competes in AHBA and AKC competitions.  Erin is available for all of our services.

William Coulter
Herding Trainer
Location:  North Carolina

William is a talented herding trainer, especially with Border Collies and Australian Cattle Dogs.  William has worked with several of our own dogs and done a very nice job.

Possum Hollow Enterprises
Joe & Vicki Hughes
371 CC Lovelace Road
Rutherfordton NC 28139
Farm 828-429-6388
possumhollow@gmail.com

The contents on this website are the property of the owners.  
Copyright © 1993, 2001, 2008, 2012.  
Please contact  us before copying or using any part of this website.