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ABOUT THE MONTHLY HERDING CLINICS
Sheep and Goats Available for
All 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 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. No pre-registration required. Just show up and sign up. Camper parking available but no hook-ups. Need
Directions or Hotel Information?
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ANNUAL AND ONE-TIME EVENTS |
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March 17-18, 2012
All Breeds and All Levels Fee: $30 for first dog and $10 for each
additional dog per family per day. 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: For more information contact us at 828-429-6388 or possumhollow@gmail.com . Click here for directions
and housing information.
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SPRING SHEEP HERDING CAMP April 13, 14 & 15, 2012
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Possum
Hollow's 1st Annual AHBA Event June 23-24, 2012 American Herding Breed Association (AHBA) Sanctioned. (Pending)
Clinician and
Judge: TBA
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August 11-12, 2012
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YEAR-ROUND SERVICES Click Here: About Herding Dog Training |
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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
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HERDING INSTINCT
TESTING 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).
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HERDING
LESSONS:
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: Robin's
Available Herding Packages: Vicki's
Available Herding Packages: Keena's
Available Herding Packages:
If you enroll two or more dogs at one time with any trainer, For more information contact us at 828-429-6388 or info@possumhollowfarms.com
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HERDING
PROGRAMS
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 Overnight for a Month Program NOTE: 10% discount on additional dogs brought at the same time.
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CLINICS AND LESSONS AT YOUR PLACE |
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HOSTED CLINICS 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. 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: 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
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PROFESSIONAL
HANDLING SERVICES 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 .
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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
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.
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) 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 |
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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" "Dogs for Goats" "Dogs for Sheep" "Using Dogs to Control
Wildlife" PRESENTATION
FEE: $30 fee + 1.00 cents/mile + hotel (if
needed) 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 .
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FACILITY
& LIVESTOCK RENTAL |
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FACILITIES |
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We offer cattle (no horns), boer goats, pygmy goats and
katahdin sheep for herding. Our cattle are more sensible than
most breeds and
The facilities at Possum Hollow are perfect for all kinds of events including... Herding Competitions and Clinics 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 Facilities for Non-Herding Events 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
(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
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Rental of Livestock |
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Livestock to be used at Your Location: Sheep:
Rental of Sheep for Trials = $10/head/day (does not
include transportation or handling) Cattle:
Rental of Cattle for Trials = $10/head/day (does not
include transportation or handling) For more information contact us at 828-429-6388 or info@possumhollowfarms.com .
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