Schedule
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 $60.
(***Cash or Check only 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 - no flexi's please!
Also, 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 2 hours (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!
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.
More Appointment Info....
Summer updates:
- Looks like its going to be a hot summer! AK! I plan on keeping the farm open and running whenever the weather cooperates. One thing about working dogs and livestock - please pay attention to the heat index! Hot to us is even hotter to the dogs and the sheep. They dont have the means to cool down like we do.
- Sooo... Watch the temps and humidity. If the heat index is over 90 - then its not worth the risk to the sheep - it can make them sick or even kill them. Also, if the night temps dont cool down below 70 - then the sheep can't recover from the workout. So the main thing is to watch that heat/humidity combo. it can be deadly for livestock - and dogs too!
2021 Appointment Dates
July Lessons
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July 31st - Saturday - herding on saturday only this weekend. Gotta judge at the state fair on Sunday!
8:00 - 8:45 - Sharon & Chip
9:00 - 9:45 - Barb & Maggie
10:00 - 10:45 - Kathy & Kit
11:00 - 11:45 - Teresa & Nebo
12:00 - 12:45 - Mary Ann & Corgies
1:00 - 1:45 -
Afternoon lessons available pending weather
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Final NOTE: As long as the weather is nice - i will be able to do evening lessons during the week - and/or maybe morning lessons too. Will let you know when i get back from Colorado!
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August 7th - Saturday - Can't go to our family reunion so we'll do herding inst
9:00 - 9:45 - Barb & Maggie
10:00 - 10:45 -
11:00 - 11:45 -
12:00 - 12:45
1:00 - 1:45
2:00 - 2:45
No herding on Sunday - need a day off!!!
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August 14th - Saturday - Lets watch the weather and make sure its not too hot!
9:00 - 9:45 - Teresa & Nebo
10:00 - 10:45 - Kathy & Kit
11:00 - 11:45 - Barb & Maggie
12:00 - 12:45
1:00 - 1:45
2:00 - 2:45
August 15th - Sunday - Hope its not too hot!
9:00 - 9:45 - Kathy & Kit
10:00 - 10:45 - Teresa & Nebo
11:00 - 11:45 - Barb & Maggie
12:00 - 12:45
1:00 - 1:45
2:00 - 2:45
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August 21st - Saturday - Lets hope its not too hot!
9:00 - 9:45 - Barb & Maggie
10:00 - 10:45 -
11:00 - 11:45 -
12:00 - 12:45
1:00 - 1:45
2:00 - 2:45
August 22nd - Sunday - Hope its not too hot!
9:00 - 9:45 - Barb & Maggie
10:00 - 10:45 -
11:00 - 11:45 -
12:00 - 12:45
1:00 - 1:45
2:00 - 2:45
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Will be at a trial over the weekend of August 28 & 29 - in Michigan.... Hope its cool up there!
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September 4th and 5th. We will be herding this weekend - will put up the apts when we can tell what the weather is going to be.
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September 11th & 12th - Going to a clinic in Minnesota!
Reminders:
NEW Lesson price: $60
Length of lesson: 45 minutes
Dress COOL.. See the heat warning above. This kind of weather can be deadly for livestock - and dogs too!
Also NOTE:
May be able to get in a few weekday lessons if the weather cooperates - once i get back from Colorado!
2021 Planned Trials for the Dogwood Crew
TBA
- Spring..... sometime in 2021..... : )