Training Sheepdogs

- Please email about Training that is happening in your area.

Useful Websites on Training Sheepdogs (see links page):-

http://www.isds.org.uk/news/breeders_trainers.html (covering all areas of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales)
www.allaboutsheepdogs.com/(covering the South West of England)

Lancashire

Open Trial with Beginner Classes

Carol Mellin with Maisie, Fritz & Lillian Maierhofer Simon Livsey, Lillian & Fritz Maierhofer, and David Boland.

Thomas Longton recently put on a trial at Lee End in memory of friend Sandra Maierhofer/Hepworth who died suddenly. Her husband Fritz (from Vienna) donated three silver whistles for the winners of each class, there being two beginner classes as Sandra was very supportive of anyone wanting to learn how to improve their dog. Running on Herdwick ewes, local David Bolland from Ellel with Pepper had a run worthy of winning both classes, had he been entered in both.

Simon Livesey from Derbyshire with Billie won the other beginner class. The open class was run on Mule ewes, and won by Carol Mellin from Oakworth with her successful black and white, smooth-coated, prick-eared Maisie. Bred by Bill Skidmore of Wolsingham, by Moss, out of Gyp, Maisie has proved to be a tremendous trial bitch for Carol so was registered on merit.

http://www.longtonsheepdogs.com/page.asp?Page=53

Results:

LEE END, Quernmore, (T. Longton) Open (32): 1, C. Mellin (Oakworth) Maisie 92 2, R. Airey (Trawden) Bet, 91; 3, D. Harrison (Selside) Ben, 86; 4, N. Ireland (Holmrook) Maggie, 82; 5, A. Temple (Holmrook) Meg, 81; 6, A. Temple, Bryn, 81.
Beginners Class 1: (never stood on an open trials field): 1, David Bolland (Ellel) Pepper, 80; 2, David Preston (Caton) Dave; 3, Carly Ward (Freckleton) Spot.
Beginners Class 2: 1, Simon Livesey (Derbyshire) Billie; 2, K. Bolland (Bolton Abbey) Whin; 3, Kath Flynn ( Carlyle) Tarn.

Northumberland

Gordon Thompson explaining a training point Paul Bristow teaching outside the round pen

Inside the round pen

The Northumberland League are holding free training sessions for anyone wanting to learn how to improve their sheepdogs with the handlers contributing their time, resources and expertise. At the end of the organized sessions, there is a run-off between those young handlers good enough to run, to win the David Leach Trophy for the best Young Handler that year. Please get in touch if you are interested.

2007 Nidderdale YoungFarmers - a training session with George Redpath

Nidderdale Young Farmers Club arranged a gathering of interested members to learn about working a young sheepdog, asking local trialler George Redpath to share his expertise that has been established over fifty years of working dogs. George gave a demonstration with both experienced and young dogs, and explained the process of turning an interested youngster into a good work dog. He determined what the Young Farmers wanted to know, answering questions and helping with some of their young dogs. With significant contacts made, it is hoped that further local training sessions will be made available to those interested in furthering their work dogs.

2006 - Training at Kirkley Hall in Northumberland

Kieran Bristow & Nell The Kirkley Hall team