SCHEDULED EVENTS 

REGULAR HERDING CLINICS

MONTHLY HERDING CLINICS

Herding Clinics for All Levels and All Breeds

Sheep, Goats and Cattle Available for Working.

No pre-registration is required.  Just show up with your dogs and sign the forms when you get here.  Participants are welcome to bring as many dogs as they wish.  Participants can buy one slot per dog or can buy one slot and alternate it between their dogs.  You just take a number for each slot.  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 or we'll work it for you.  The atmosphere is laid back and we work hard to have a good time.  This is an excellent way to introduce your dog to livestock or have it tested for instinct.

2009 Schedule 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 THAT DATES HAVE NOT CHANGED BEFORE YOU HEAD OUT.
	January 31 February 28 CANCELLED	10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
	March 14 Rained Out March 21 ADDED CLINIC April 18 ADDED CLINIC	9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. See Information Below!
	MAY 1,2 & 3 Herding Camp May 16 June 13 July 11 August 8	9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
	September 12  October 10	9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
	November 14 December (none)	9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. No Clinic scheduled for December.

FEE: $25 for 1st dog; $15 for each additional dog.

No pre-registration required. Just show up and sign up. 
You are invited to join us at lunch at a nearby country restaurant 
or stay and picnic under the shade trees.

Camper parking available but no hook-ups.

Need Directions or Hotel Information?

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

ANNUAL AND ONE-TIME EVENTS

MARC CHRISTOPHER
is coming to Possum Hollow!

CLINIC FOR ALL LEVELS AND BREEDS

Summer of 2009

"Not your standard training methods.  This stuff is NEW and it WORKS!"

Marc Christopher, from West Plains MO, has agreed to hold a sheep herding clinic and offer private lessons at our location.  Marc is not only a very experienced dog handler and horse trainer, he brings to us a whole new way to approach the task of training stock dogs.  With a slow, easy-going, quiet method that concentrates on the dog's thoughts rather than actions, Marc will show us how to deal with any kind of dog in any kind of situation.  His training methods work on any breed and are amazingly successful.  Dogs from "never saw a sheep" to open level will benefit from Marc's program.

CLINIC
Limit of 14 dogs each day.

PRIVATE LESSONS
Limit of 14 lessons.

Pre-Registration is advised.
Payment is due in full with registration.  Refunds will be given if the clinic is not held.

AUDITORS/SPECTATORS ARE WELCOME
(Do not bring dogs.)
Auditing Fee:  $50 per day.

HOUSING:  Camping space is available but no hook-ups for RVs however there is a campground less than a mile away that caters to people with dogs.  There are several hotels within reasonable driving distance.   For more information about hotels and campgrounds, click here.

MEALS:  We will be eating lunch together at a local restaurant or you are welcome to bring your own picnic and eat under the trees at the farm.  There are several fast food restaurants in town (about 15 minutes away) as well as several sit-down restaurants.

DIRECTIONS:  For complete directions click DIRECTIONS.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Vicki Hughes at 828-429-6388 or possumhollow@gmail.com 

SPRING PROGRESSIVE TRAINING
SHEEP HERDING CAMP
FOR ALL LEVELS

May 1-3, 2009

Date change!  AGAIN.

Join us for a 3-day weekend of learning.  We will be using a new program developed by Keena Turner in this special event.  The focus will be on using a progressive approach to starting young dogs, handling more advanced dogs and dealing with specific situations encountered with herding competitions.

Vicki Hughes will be conducting all exercises.
We might get lucky and Keena will join us!
LIMITED TO 10 PARTICIPANTS.

Pre-Registration Fee:  $40.00 per day
Registration At-the-Gate Fee:  $50.00 per day
Spectator Fee: $15.00 per day
Payment is due with registration.  Refunds will be given if the camp is not held.

HANDLERS:  Beginning and Novice Handlers will benefit most from this event.  Focus will be on development of early training and competition skills.  No prior knowledge or skill is necessary.  

DOGS: All levels of dogs are welcome and will benefit from this event.  Handlers are welcome to bring as many dogs as they like.  Each handler will be assigned a number and may choose to change dogs or work with the same dog each time their number comes up.

HOUSING:  Camping space is available but no hook-ups for RVs.  There are several hotels within reasonable driving distance and a campground within a mile.  
For more information about hotels and campgrounds, click here.

MEALS:  We will be eating lunch together at a local restaurant.  Please bring money for meals.  There are several fast food restaurants in town as well as several sit-down restaurants.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER:

Click Here for Printable Registration form or contact 

Vicki Hughes at 828-429-6388 or possumhollow@gmail.com 

Instinct Testing and AKC Practice 
Open to dogs from all registries and mixed breeds.

Join us for a day of dogs, sheep and fun.  We will have Instinct Testing and A Courses!  All sheep.  Trainers will be on hand for help if you need it.  The AKC practice will be set up so you can train your dog in a trial setting. 

Fees:  $25 per person.  Dogs may run more than once depending on turnout.
Register at the gate only.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Vicki Hughes 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 a variety of livestock for instinct testing.  We will put your pup or adult dog on sheep or goats 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 usually last about 45 minutes.

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 6-8 months can be tested and no adult dog is too old.

Instinct Test Fee = $40 for first dog and $15 for each additional dog.
Please call 828-429-6388 for an appointment.

HERDING LESSONS: PACKAGES & PRIVATE
 
Lessons for you and your dog.

Come with your dog to learn about herding.  We can work your dog for you or we 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 how long the dog remains enrolled and how often the dog comes each week.  We can concentrate on training your dog for competition or for farm work.  Competition handling is also available.

Dogs need to be at least 8 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.

Available Herding Packages:
Save $ when you buy a package of lessons!

Herding Package of Five (5) Lessons:  $200

Herding Package of Ten (10) Lessons:  $350

Single Herding Lesson:  $45/hour

If you enroll two or more dogs at one time, you will receive a 10% discount for each additional dog.

For more information contact us at 828-429-6388 or info@possumhollowfarms.com  

HERDING PROGRAMS
Leave your dog with us on a weekly or monthly basis for training 
on sheep, goats or cattle.

Professional Training:  We will start your dog for you on sheep or goats in our round pen and begin developing natural abilities and skills.  Dogs that are to go on to work cattle will be moved up from sheep to goats and then to cattle.  Once your dog has learned how to control itself, listen and work with the handler it will be moved into our arena to continue developing skills and learning new herding commands.  As your dog learns more and can be trusted more, it will be moved into larger and larger fields to work.

We use a modified Ben Means method when starting dogs that allows us to gain control and prevent injuries and the development of bad habits from the early stages of herding.  We treat each dog as an individual and modify our training methods to accommodate each personality.  Dogs that are afraid will be worked with confidence-building exercises.  Dogs that are too aggressive will be taught self-control.  

Getting You Involved:  Owners are welcome to visit and watch us work their dogs.  Visitors need to make an appointment so we will be prepared to work your dog at the time that you are here.  When your dog is ready we will invite you to come and have weekly handlers lessons (free as long as the dog is enrolled in a herding program).  Additional lessons, clinics and camps are available for a fee once your dog has gone home with you.

We encourage you to attend as many clinics and camps as possible.  These herding opportunities are very valuable for giving your dog (and yourself) experience working with distractions and in different venues.  The more places and event you in which you participate with your dog, the better you and your dog will be as a herding team.

Care and Housing:  Dogs enrolled in herding programs sleep in crates inside a climate controlled building.  They are fed quality foods (usually a mix of Krunchies by Blue Seal and Flint River Ranch) and have fresh water offered regularly.  We do not leave water in the crates most of the time to avoid accidental spills and then the dog having to lie in moisture.  Kennels and crates are kept clean and comfortable.  During the day the dog will be in a good sized exercise pen when not working.  If the dog gets along with another dog at the school we will allow them to play together.  Dogs are worked 3 to 5 days each week.  Dogs are not worked on the weekends.

Sticking with It:  Most dogs require at least 6 months of training before they will be ready to work on a farm.  The dog's maturity, individual abilities, existing problems and general willingness to work will dictate how quickly it learns.

Requirements:  Dogs must be 8 months old or older and up to date on all shots (including Bordatella), on a flea/tick prevention program, and have a veterinary health certificate. 

Reservations:  Our space and time is limited.  If you anticipate needing herding training in the future, you may want to contact us now to reserve a spot for you.

Available Herding Programs:

Home-on-the Weekends Program
Drop your dog off on Sunday night or Monday morning and pick him/her up on Friday afternoon.
Fees:  $425/month (includes training & board during weekdays).

Overnight for a Month Program
Your dog stays with us for the entire month and you visit him/her here.
Fees:  $495/month (includes training & board)

NOTE:  10% discount on additional dogs brought at the same time.

 ON-THE-ROAD SERVICES 

CLINICS AND LESSONS AT YOUR PLACE 

HOSTED CLINICS
HOST A CLINIC IN YOUR AREA! 

Convenience is the name of the game when hosting.  We will travel to your location and provide a minimum of two days of learning and fun.  We specialize in working with beginning and novice handlers and dogs but are also able to work with more advanced handlers and dogs.  The benefit of hosting a clinic is that we come to you!  We bring our own sheep, goats or cattle or you can choose to provide your own.  We bring dogs with us to help so don't worry about having to separate and bring out your livestock on your own.    

Develop interest in herding in your area.  By hosting an event at your location, you offer the opportunity for others in your area to learn about herding, try a bit of herding with their dogs, and and develop a circle of herding friends that can enjoy herding with you.   

Increase the herding skill level for a club.   The group level of herding will increase greatly with a clinic experience.  Because there is more than just one handler or one dog to observe and more than one set of issues to be addressed, each member of a clinic adds tp their overall knowledge through watching the mistakes and methods of others in the clinics as well as their own experiences.   

What to expect at a hosted herding clinic.   Most of the time we will bring two trainers, Vicki Hughes, and either Lauren Hohensee or Jim Jerzyk.  Occasionally we will bring an additional person to assist in explaining what the trainers are doing while each dog is worked.  We try work all dogs in the morning at least once, take a lunch break, and then work all the dogs again at least once.  Depending on the facilities and dogs we may work in a combination of round pens, square pens, packed pens, modified Ben Means methods, larger arenas and pastures.  

The Host's responsibilities.  The host must gather together enough people to make the clinic successful (10-15 people) and handle the fees.  They also handle the preparations for lunches (either a restaurant location or provide lunch on site).  Host's are not expected to provide food without compensation to participants, but typically provide lunches for the trainers.   The host must provide lodging for the trainers at a local hotel for at least two nights (includes the night before the 1st day and the night before the 2nd day).  The host also must provide compensation for mileage.  Hosts typically take these two expenses out of the fees they collect.  Hosts set the fee amounts and must consider their own expenses as well as the fee required by the trainers.  

On the Road Clinic Fees: 
Fee = $50 per dog per day.  
Mileage = $2.00 per mile as indicated door to door using Yahoo!Maps.
Hotel Accommodations = Two nights.

Please make your reservations early as there are only 52 weekends in a year.

To make a reservation or inquire further 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?  

We will handle your dog at any level of herding in 
USBCHA, ASCA, AHBA or AKC competitions. 

Eligibility:  Dogs Eligible for Possum Hollow Handling Services include (1) Dogs 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. 

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 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.

How to Hire a Possum Hollow Handler:  Contact Possum Hollow long before the event to reserve your handler.  Call 828-429-6388 or email us at possumhollow@gmail.com .

 DEMONSTRATIONS 

HERDING & GUARDIAN DOG DEMONSTRATIONS

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 or have a demonstration and/or video and slide presentation at your location.  (See below for video/slide presentations.)

at POSSUM HOLLOW

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 ducks, sheep, goats and cattle. Children will be allowed to feed the ducks.  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 = $100.00 per group 
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.

at YOUR LOCATION

What is included in a Herding Demonstration?  Possum Hollow will provide herding demonstrations at your location.  Demonstrations can include ducks, sheep, goats and/or cattle.  Demonstrations are typically an hour each and can be repeated several times daily.  A variety of dogs at different training levels will be brought and demonstrated.  Dogs will put livestock through obstacles, information about the commands used, the instincts of the dogs, etc. is provided throughout the demonstration.  Dogs or puppies that are for sale can be brought also if you wish for us to provide this service and depending upon availability at the time of the event.  To provide the highest quality event the demonstration can be accompanied by a slide/video presentation.

What will we need from you?  Facilities and obstacles must be provided by you, but we will bring all the livestock with us.  For overnight events, we will need housing for cattle and 1 horse.  Sheep, goats and ducks can be housed on the trailer.  Dogs will be housed in the dog trailer.  Feed and buckets will be brought with us, but we will need access to water.  Slide and video presentations will require a darkened area, screen, and either a computer with projector capabilities or a large screen monitor connected to a computer.  The computer must have Microsoft Publisher '98 installed.

How much does it cost?  Fees are as follows...

$200 Demonstration Fee 1st day (Includes Presentation if requested)
$100 Demonstration Fee for each additional day
$2.00 per mile Travel and Transport Fee (mileage is determined using YahooMaps)
Hotel Accomodations as needed.
A 20% deposit will be required to schedule your event.  This amount will be given to you with the total price quote.

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 month prior to the reserved date to receive your deposit back.

Some of the places we've been and some of the groups we've hosted:

Mountain State Fair, Fletcher NC
Pacolet Area Conservancy, Landrum NC

 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 our Senior Trainer, Vicki Hughes.

AVAILABLE VIDEO AND SLIDE PRESENTATIONS

"Dogs for Cattle"
An approximately 30 minute presentation using video and slides discussing 
the use of Border Collie herding dogs in working cattle 
and the use of Anatolian Shepherds as protection against predators.  

"Dogs for Goats"
Approximately 30 minute slide and video presentation discussing 
the use of Border Collie herding dogs in handling goats 
and the use of Anatolian Shepherds as protection against predators.  

"Dogs for Sheep"
A 30 minute presentation of video and slides discussing 
the use of Border Collie herding dogs in handling sheep 
and the use of Anatolian Shepherds as protection against predators.  

"Using Dogs to Control Wildlife"
An approximately 30 minute slide presentation discussing 
the use of Border Collie herding dogs in goose control 
and the use of Anatolian Shepherds as an alternative to hunting in controlling predators.  

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

Presentations may be combined with demonstrations for a greater learning experience.

To arrange a presentation:  Fill out the Activity Reservation Form below, then call us 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, and a Novice field with gates and a trialing pen for goats and sheep.  Our goats and 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 for working on sheep, goats or cattle.  (The arena is also perfect for agility club use.)  We use only polled herefords so there are no horns and the cattle are not people aggressive.  We can provide quiet, easy moving cattle or cattle that will challenge the dog.  We also have a 10 acre pasture for cattle, goats or sheep -- restricted to dogs that are well controlled.  

We have A and B Course fields for AKC trials with plenty of shade 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 the close-by Country and Coastal Restaurant.  This is a great time for question and answer chit chat with the trainers or judges.  Possum Hollow can provide the trainers or clubs can rent the facilities for an established guest trainer. 

We offer cattle (no horns), boer goats, pygmy goats and katahdin sheep for herding.  Our cattle are more sensible than most breeds and vary in difficulty from easy to work to very challenging.  Our goats are all horned which teaches a  nice low grip to the nose.  Our pygmies are some of the toughest livestock to work we have.  These are small, but very challenging animals for any herding dog.  Your dog will have to really work to handle these little fellows.  Our sheep are dog broke but are not knee-knockers.  Occasionally we have chickens or ducks available for well trained herding dogs.

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 training clinics, practice days, etc.  We do not have enough sheep or goats to support a stock dog trial.  

Rental of Facility with Cattle = $250 1st day / $50 each additional day
Rental of Facility with Goats and/or Sheep = $200 1st day / $25 each additional day
    (We do not have enough Sheep for a trial at this time.)
Rental of facility with Ducks = $150 1st day / $25 each additional day

Rental of Facilities for Agility, Obedience, 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 manipulation of contestants.  No additional equipment is available so clubs must bring their own. 

Fees:

Rental of Arena Area Only = $100/day (multiple days or regularly scheduled days available at a reduced rate)
Rental for Additional Days to allow for Set Up/Take Down = $25/day
A deposit of $50 is due when the event is scheduled.  Deposits will be refunded only if the rental is cancelled at least 1 week prior to the event date.

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

To make a reservation.  Fill out the PHF Facility & Livestock Rental Form below.  then call 828-429-6388 or email info@possumhollowfarms.com . 

Rental of Livestock for Events

Livestock to be used at Your Location:
Rental of Cattle for Trials = $20/head/day (does not include transportation or handling)
Transportation of Cattle = $4.50 mile
Handling of Cattle at Trial Site = $100/day/person (Cattle will be held by at least one rider on horseback with a trained cow dog)

For more information contact us at 828-429-6388 or info@possumhollowfarms.com .

 MEET OUR HERDING TRAINERS 

Vicki Hughes
Owner/Stockdog Trainer
Location:  North Carolina

Vicki is an Open handler specializing in training dogs to work cattle.  She works her dogs on cow/calf pairs, bulls, cows and heifers.  While Vicki has competed with her dogs at the open cow and sheep dog levels, she primarily concentrates on training ranch and farm dogs.  Vicki also trains dogs from horseback.

Lauren Hohensee
Obedience and Stockdog Trainer
Location:  North Carolina

Lauren works for us daily at Possum Hollow.  She is excellent with newer dogs just getting started with sheep or goats.  Lauren also works her own Border Collies and Australian Cattle Dogs.  Lauren is quiet but firm.  She competes with her dogs in USBCHA trials and is gathering a nice set of wins!