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....
During this time of sheltering in place - UPDATE:
- I plan on keeping the farm open and running whenever the weather cooperates. Its important to keep practicing social distancing! (Which we pretty much already do.)
- NEW CLIENTS - a couple of new requirements: You'll need a good stay, and a good call off or recall. IN other words, GOOD SELF CONTROL! So please work on those skills with your dog before you schedule an appointment. THANKS!
- Also: New clients....please wear sturdy work shoe to the farm to keep your feet safe. When testing new dogs, I'm usually the person who needs to be in with the sheep and dog to make sure things go well. However, there are times when its necessary for the owner/handler to participate, and if thats the case, you'll definitely want to have on good work boots.
NOTICE: Due to the dramatic increase of COVID in this area .......
I will be wearing a mask as much as possible now during herding lessons. I am alarmed at the number of Purdue students in my class who are now in Quarantine. So,... I'll be in a mask - but i'm not requiring them. Thanks and be safe!
2020......Well, glad thats over! Here's to having a better 2021!
- Lets hope the weather holds thru the winter! We'll try to herd as much as possible as long as the snow isn't too deep and the temps aren't below Zero.
- Just FYI: Lesson Prices will Increase to $60 per 45 minutes in 2021.
2021 Appointment Dates
March Lessons
Sure hope this gorgeous spring weather is here to stay!!! The snow if mostly gone now and the fields are draining - Well.... As best they can considering it keeps raining on us. But i saw the daffodil foliage coming up in the garden - and a buzzard just flew over - so spring must be near!?? Crossing my fingers. Anyway, Looks like this month is going to be warmer anyway ... So lets herd!
March 6th, Saturday - Anybody wanna herd? The sheep are crazy so make sure your dogs are exercised before you come out! Ha!
- 11:00 - 11:45 - Mary Ann & The Corgies
- 12:00 - 12:45 - Mary Ann & The Corgies
- 1:00 - 1:45 - Laura & BCs
- 2:00 - 2:45 - Laura & BCs
- 3:00 - 3:45
March 7th - Sunday - More herding?
- 11:00 - 11:45
- 12:00 - 12:45
- 1:00 - 1:45
- 2:00 - 2:45
- 3:00 - 3:45
March 13th - Saturday - Rain predicted this weekend.... But how much - who knows???
- 11:00 - 11:45
- 12:00 - 12:45
- 1:00 - 1:45
- 2:00 - 2:45
- 3:00 - 3:45
March 14th - Sunday - Still More herding?
- 11:00 - 11:45
- 12:00 - 12:45
- 1:00 - 1:45
- 2:00 - 2:45
- 3:00 - 3:45
We'll also plan to be herding the weekends of March 20/21 and 27/28 - but will have to watch the weather to see how dry/warm it is.
Reminders:
NEW Lesson price: $60
Length of lesson: 45 minutes
Dress warm... It's cold at the farm!
During this winter, I'll put up the schedule when we can see the forecast for that day.
2021 Planned Trials for the Dogwood Crew
TBA
- Spring..... sometime in 2021..... : )