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) 2022 Schedule   January 8 Monthly Herding Clinic February 12 Monthly Herding Clinic   March 12 Monthly Herding Clinic - Postponed to 3/26 April 9 Monthly Herding Clinic May 14 Monthly Herding Clinic June 11 Monthly Herding Clinic July 9 Monthly Herding Clinic August 13 Monthly Herding Clinic  September 10 Monthly Herding Clinic  October 8 Monthly Herding Clinic  November 12 Monthly Herding Clinic  December 10 Monthly Herding Clinic The Schedule for 2023 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 at the gate.  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 at a nearby restaurant (you are welcome to join us if you like).  You can come and go any time 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.  Private lessons can be set up for non-clinic Saturdays.

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 begin herding.  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.

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

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 month.  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 can work with any level of 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.  William has been training with us for over 10 years and has worked with many different breeds.

Single Herding Lesson:  $50/hour

4-Lesson Package: $180 (save $5 per lesson)

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

HERDING LESSONS: SINGLES & PACKAGES
with Cori Phillips
 
Join Cori to for an hour of fun and herding.  Cori 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 month.  Cori 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.

Cori's Available Herding Lesson Packages (Select Saturdays):
 Cori is exceptional with new dogs and handlers.  She can work with all breeds of dogs and is kind and gentle with hesitant dogs.  Cori has trained her own dogs and worked with some of ours as well.  She is wonderful with pups just getting started.

Single Herding Lesson:  $50/hour

4-Lesson Package: $180 (save $5 per lesson)

For more information call or text us at 828-429-6388 or 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 Competitions & Fun Days

 FACILITIES 

At Possum Hollow we have a double round pen, a regular round pen, a paddock and an AKC 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.

Our arena (approx. 84 ft x 144 ft) 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.  We have a large canopy overlooking the arena and round pen areas.  One Port-a-Potty is on site.  Other items may be rented locally by your group. 

You can bring a chair and bag lunch and eat under huge shade trees or eat 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 and obedience.  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.

(One Port-a-Potty and a large canopy is provided.)

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 kennels and all of the day to day workings of the farm. 

Vicki Hughes
Owner/Trainer

Vicki is an open handler specializing in training dogs to work livestock.  She has competed with her dogs on sheep and cattle.  Vicki is also a Canine Good Citizen and AKC Farm Dog certified trainer. 

William Coulter
Herding Trainer
Location:  North Carolina

William is our senior  herding trainer.  He has been training for over 10 years and has trained many different breeds to herd.  He works with all levels of dogs and handlers and can train for competition or farm work.  William specializes in working with the primary herding breeds like Border Collies, Australian Cattle Dogs, Australian Shepherds, Corgis, etc.

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

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