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 Fall everyone.......
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WELL...... time to get back to work! My apologies for neglecting this schedule again! Sheesh How can retirement be so busy!??
Anyway.... Looks like the weather is going to cool down for a while! Woohoo!.... NICE!
** Lessons also available during the week if you like! : )))
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December 2nd - Saturday - Weather...???
- 10:00 - 10:45 - Matthew & Drover
- 11:00 - 11:45 - Sarah & Piper
- 12:00 - 12:45 - Sharon & Chip
- 1:00 - 1:45 - Nikki & Ernie
- 2:00 - 2:45 - Grace & Kraken
- 3:00 - 3:45 - ..... Pandora
December 3rd - Sunday - Rain expected...???
- 10:00 - 10:45 - Matthew & Drover
- 11:00 - 11:45 -
- 12:00 - 12:45 -
- 1:00 - 1:45 -
- 2:00 - 2:45 -
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December 9th - Saturday - Herding cancelled for Family gathering
December 10th - Sunday - Weather...???
- 10:00 - 10:45 -
- 11:00 - 11:45 - Shari & BC 1
- 12:00 - 12:45 - shari & BC 2
- 1:00 - 1:45 - Emma & BC 1
- 2:00 - 2:45 - Emma & BC 2
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December 16th - Saturday - Weather...???
- 10:00 - 10:45 -
- 11:00 - 11:45 -
- 12:00 - 12:45 -
- 1:00 - 1:45 -
- 2:00 - 2:45 -
December 17th - Sunday - Weather...???
- 10:00 - 10:45 -
- 11:00 - 11:45 -
- 12:00 - 12:45 -
- 1:00 - 1:45 -
- 2:00 - 2:45 -
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More herding Days:
Saturday, December 23rd. (No herding on Sunday the 24th)
Happy Holidays all!!!
There will be no herding during the weekend of December 30 and 31st! (That's when our family is going to celebrate Christmas!).
But: Does anybody want to work on New Years Day?
And we can work during the week too!
NOTE: we'll keep working thru the winter as long as the weather doesn't get too wonky! : )
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Reminders:
Lesson price: $60
Length of lesson: 45 minutes
NOTE: Please put dogwoodfarmherding@gmail.com into your address book so replies to your inquiries dont 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
2023 Planned Trials for the Dogwood Crew
TBA
- Spring..... sometime in 2023..... : )