SCHEDULED EVENTS 

Monthly Herding Clinics

2012 Clinic & Event 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.   PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGES IN MULTIPLE DOG FEES BELOW.  December 31 That'll Do Club Christmas Party and Herding Day (members only) January 14 Herding Clinic  February 25 Herding Clinic  March 17-18 Special Herding Clinic with Sandra Lindenmuth (See below) April 13, 14 & 15 Spring Sheep Herding Camp (See below) May 19 Herding Clinic June 16 Herding Clinic June 23-24 Possum Hollow AHBA Trail (See below) July 14 Herding Clinic August 11-12 Intuitive Training Seminar & Clinic (See below) September 15 Herding Clinic October 13 Herding Clinic November 10 Herding Clinic  December - No Dog Events (Have a Merry Christmas!)

ABOUT THE MONTHLY HERDING CLINICS

Herding Clinics for All Levels and All Breeds

Sheep and Goats Available for All Levels.
Cattle Available for Advanced Levels.

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.  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 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 at 9:00 a.m. and go until about 4:00 p.m.

FEE: $30 for 1st dog; $10 2nd dog; $10 3rd dog.
(If you have more than 3 dogs, your 4th dog will start the fee schedule over at $30.)

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

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

Special Herding Clinic
with
Sandra Lindenmuth

March 17-18, 2012

All Breeds and All Levels

Fee:  $30 for first dog and $10 for each additional dog per family per day.
(If you have more than 3 dogs, your 4th dog will start the fee schedule over at $30.)

Starts at 9:00 a.m. and goes until 5:00 p.m.

Sandra is an accomplished open level handler of Border Collies on both sheep and cattle.  She is excellent with all breeds and is a wonderful teacher.  Sandra is an AHBA and AKC judge and works quietly and calmly with the dogs.  We look forward to hosting this excellent clinician.

To reserve a spot, send your name, dog's name and breed, and telephone number along with your fees to:

Possum Hollow Farms, 371 CC Lovelace Road, Rutherfordton NC 28139

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

Click here for directions and housing information.
(Campers are welcome but there are no hookups.)

 SPRING SHEEP HERDING CAMP  

 April 13, 14 & 15, 2012 

Possum Hollow's 1st Annual AHBA Event
Clinic, Tests & Trials

June 23-24, 2012

American Herding Breed Association (AHBA) Sanctioned. (Pending)

Sponsored by
That'll Do All Breed Herding Club (Pending)

Clinician and Judge:  TBA

Additional information will be provided later in the year.

 
 Summer Intuitive Training 
 Seminar & Clinic 

 August 11-12, 2012 

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.

$50 per person/day

We usually have a ratio of one trainer for every 5-10 dogs.

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 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 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 = $45 per dog (includes full lesson).
Please call 828-429-6388 for an appointment.

HERDING LESSONS: 
SINGLES & PACKAGES
 
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 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 Packages:
Erin Ledbetter is our full-time trainer.  She is very good with beginning dogs and handlers and can schedule lessons on weekdays or weekends.  
Herding Package of Five (5) Lessons:  $200
Herding Package of Ten (10) Lessons:  $350
Single Herding Lesson:  $45/hour

Robin's Available Herding Packages:
Robin Taylor is a part-time trainer.  She is also a school teacher.  She is very good with beginning dogs and handlers.  She can schedule lessons on a limited basis.
Single Herding Lesson:  $50/hour

Vicki's Available Herding Packages:
Vicki Hughes is a part-time trainer.  She is also a school teacher.  She is very good with intermediate dogs and handlers.  She can schedule lessons on a limited basis.
Single Herding Lesson:  $50/hour

Keena's Available Herding Packages:
Keena Turner is a part-time trainer located in Hodges, SC.  She is very good with intermediate-advanced dogs and handlers.  She can schedule lessons on a limited basis.
Single Herding Lesson:  $50/hour

If you enroll two or more dogs at one time with any trainer, 
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 to 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 Robin Taylor, Keena Turner, or Erin Ledbetter.  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 = $30 per dog per day (any additional fees are the property of the host).  
Mileage = $2.00 per mile as indicated door to door using Yahoo!Maps.
Hotel Accommodations as required (includes night before and last night of clinic)

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?  

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 competitions, training clinics, practice days, etc.   We will handle the livestock for your event.

Livestock Handling.  All Possum Hollow livestock (sheep, cattle, goats, etc.) must be handled by Possum Hollow associates for events.  The number of handlers required depends on the type of livestock, size of event, etc., and will be determined on an individual event basis.  

Rental of Facility with Cattle = $400 per day
Rental of Facility with Goats and/or Sheep = $300 per day
Livestock Handlers = $75/person/day (minimum of 3 people for sheep, more for cattle).  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 manipulation 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 828-429-6388 or email info@possumhollowfarms.com . 

Click here to view Facility Rental Contract

Rental of Livestock 

Livestock to be used at Your Location:

Sheep:

Rental of Sheep for Trials = $10/head/day (does not include transportation or handling)
Transportation of Sheep = $4.50 mile
Handling of Sheep at Trial Site = $100/day/person (Sheep may be held by a rider(s) on horseback with a trained dog)

Cattle:

Rental of Cattle for Trials = $10/head/day (does not include transportation or handling)
Transportation of Cattle = $4.50 mile
Handling of Cattle at Trial Site = $100/day/person (Cattle may be held by a rider(s) on horseback with a trained 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 in addition to sheep and goats.  While Vicki has competed with her dogs at the open cow and sheep dog levels, she primarily concentrates on training ranch and farm dogs.  She does our demonstrations, clinics and limited private lessons as well as our Sheep Camps.

Erin is a wonderfully natural handler and trainer.  She is very talented with beginning dogs and works with all breeds.  She works her own dogs and some of ours as well.  Erin is available for private lessons and instinct testing as well as getting dogs started with herding.

Robin works with us at our regular monthly herding clinics and helps with demonstrations.  She has a wonderful ability to help newcomers understand the workings of herding dogs.  Robin trains and competes with her own Border Collies in herding.  

Keena works our demonstrations and sheep camps.  She is an open handler who has numerous wins including the US Open Stockdog Championship of Dawsonville GA.  Keena is a very talented handler and is occasionally available to train Border Collies for sheep at her home in South Carolina.