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!
2023 Appointment Dates
HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone.......
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Well - Cant believe its a new year! Lets see if we can get some herding done this winter!... Remember its always windy and cold out here at the farm. So dress warm! As far as the weather, watch this space or text me at 765-427-7009 to find out about working conditions.
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February 4th - Saturday .... Weather?! Looks like its gonna be nice!
- 10:00 - 10:45 Andrew & Zelda
- 11:00 - 11:45 -
- 12:00 - 12:45- Christian & Bindi
- 1:00 - 1:45 -David & Sonoma
- 2:00 - 2:45 - David & Berkely
February 5th - Sunday .... More nice weather....???
- 10:00 - 10:45 - Sharon & Chip
- 11:00 - 11:45 -
- 12:00 - 12:45 - Deanna & Otto
- 1:00 - 1:45 -
- 2:00 - 2:45 -
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February 11th - Saturday.... Herding on Saturday only this weekend !
- 10:00 - 10:45
- 11:00 - 11:45 -
- 12:00 - 12:45
- 1:00 - 1:45 -
- 2:00 - 2:45 -
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February 18th - Saturday .... Weather?!
- 11:00 - 11:45 -
- 12:00 - 12:45
- 1:00 - 1:45 -
- 2:00 - 2:45 -
February 19th - Sunday ...Whats the weather going to do...???
- 10:00 - 10:45
- 11:00 - 11:45 -
- 12:00 - 12:45
- 1:00 - 1:45 -
- 2:00 - 2:45 -
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Reminders:
Lesson price: $60
Length of lesson: 45 minutes
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
2022 Planned Trials for the Dogwood Crew
TBA
- Spring..... sometime in 2022..... : )