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Schedule
To Make an Appointment
To schedule a herding lesson, find an open time from the list below and send me your request in an email at the addy: dogwoodfarmherding@gmail.com
Or Click on the 'request for a lesson' below and it will send a direct email to me!
Lesson Fees
Lessons are scheduled on the hour and will last for up to 45 minutes.
Lessons are $70.
(***Cash, Check, or VENMO please!***)
Please make checks payable to Mary Lou Hayden
For First Timers
- Please make sure your dog is in good health and not excessively overweight.
- Bring a buckle or snap collar for your dog. All dogs must be leashed.
- Please clean up after your dogs.
- I’ve discovered that students generally have a better learning experience if we schedule appointments for herding instead of just dropping in. You will probably be here about an hour (more for multiple dogs). You are always welcome to come early or stay late and watch others work. It can be time well spent and very educational!
- Upon arrival at the farm, take the north gravel drive that goes behind the garage.... where you'll find a parking lot and port o John for your use.
On Your First Visit
On your first visit to the farm, we will test your dog for herding instinct. I will take your dog in and work the dog for 10-15 minutes depending on what the dog does. Once we know what your dog understands about herding, then we'll formulate a plan for its education. Herding is a very mentally exhausting sport for your dog, and we have found that one time on your first visit is best. After the first visit then your dog will most likely work twice.
Changes at Dogwood For 2025 .....
Our Mission:
Our mission is to train working stock dogs (and their handlers) for use on the farm or for trialing. This isn't just a place for your dogs to have fun or to chase sheep! (The sheep are innocent victims in this sport!). This is not Disney world for dogs.
This is serious WORK. We are trying to turn your dog into an employee who can do your bidding! So before signing up for a lesson, please decide why you want to do this and what your goals are.
If you are just looking for something to do with your dog that is just for fun - please choose something else, like agility or rally. There are lots of other things you two can do together. Just remember: the sheep DONT think it's fun! This is the hardest sport you will ever learn with your dog and it will take YEARS......
BUT: if you want a challenge and are serious - then come see us!!
Because I'm not getting any younger.....
This business of training dogs (and people) to herd livestock can be tricky and a bit dangerous. It can be hard on a persons body and makes me stiff and sore at times. So in order for me to continue in this sport that I love - I need to put some limits on the kinds of dogs we work here.
Remember that herding instinct is an inherited 'thought' process and is essential for working stock. Breeders who want good working stock dogs breed only good workers together. When you introduce non herding dogs into a line, you very rapidly loose that good instinct. Soooo..... In my experience, if the dog doesn't have at least 75% working blood - there won't be enough working instinct for the dog to do the job.
- Pure bred herding breeds are your best choice. Many have been bred for the same purpose for hundreds of years. This makes them predictable and easier to work.... the dogs just "get" it!
- Mixed breeds are discouraged. They can be unpredictable, even if we do know what their genetic makeup is. And that unpredictability makes it more dangerous for me when I test them. If you must use a mixed breed for your farm, please have the dog DNA tested before signing up for lessons.
Note: PLEASE don't take offense if I decline to test/work a mixed breed for you. I'm just trying to keep myself and my sheep safe so no one gets hurt!
Increase in Lesson Fees: $70
I sure hate to do this but because expenses are going up - I need to raise my training fee to $70 for a 45 minute session.
2025 Appointment Dates
Spring is here! .......Yippee!!!!
Well.... Finally! Spring is here! The rains keep coming so the mud is here too! ACK!
So I guess we'll have to watch for stormy rainy days and wind and hopefully sunshine and warmth. Its Indiana you know... some of everything.
Anyway....Be sure and bring layers and boots when coming to work here at the farm. You never know what the day will bring.
Sooo... Most of the time we'll be working on the weekends but
lessons are also available during the week if you like! : )))
Reminders:
Lesson price: $70
Length of lesson: 45 minutes
NOTE: Please put dogwoodfarmherding@gmail.com into your address book so replies to your inquiries don't end up in a spam file!!
If you are not sure about weather conditions here at the farm - PLEASE TEXT OR CALL before you come and i'll give you a live update! 765-427-7009
Herding Schedule
April 5th, 2025 - Saturday
**Forecast: RAIN? Sorry....No herding today....
I'm joining the resistance... !!
Planning on going to the "Hands Off America" Rally in Lafayette!
It starts at noon at the Lafayette Court house. Be there or be square!
Seriously... come join us!
April 6th, - Sunday
**Forecast: Maybe nice? Who knows!!!
- 10:00 - 10:45 - Sharon & Chip
- 11:00 - 11:45
- 12:00 - 12:45
- 1:00 - 1:45
- 2:00 - 2:45
***Weekdays Also Available..... Just ask!
April 12th, Saturday - Weather?
**Forecast: Weather.... maybe some rain?
- 10:00 - 10:45 -
- 11:00 - 11:45 -
- 12:00 - 12:45 -
- 1:00 - 1:45 -
- 2:00 - 2:45 -
- 3:00 -
March 30th, Sunday
NO herding today - it's Palm Sunday!!
(Planning to spend time with the family.)
