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, 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 - 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!
2024 Appointment Dates
It's Almost Winter.......YIKES!!!
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Well.... Winter is coming - but we still have some nice fall days to enjoy! It's finally rained here and some of the grass is growing back. Yippee!
We'll continue working thru the winter as long as the weather allows. The guy that supplied my hay has forecast a warm but snowy winter for us..... (He's always right about his predictions.... something about reading the wooly worms! Ha.
So check out the schedule below - and I'll try to do a better job of keeping it updated! (Still My New Years resolution!)
** Lessons also available during the week if you like! : )))
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Note: If you are coming from West Lafayette, please note that S.R. 26 towards Pine village is still closed! (In several places, I think...). AND... SR 55 just south of Pine Village is also closed! The best way to get here is from Attica to the south.
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Updated: November 11, 2024
(Sorry about the delay in keeping this schedule updated... Have a litter of BC pups who are keeping me occupied... So nothing else is getting done! Sheesh! Anyway..... See announcement below!)
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November 16th. - Saturday. NICER weather expected! woohoo!
(Unsure about the weather? Text me at 765-427-7009 before you leave home!)
- 10:00 - 10:45 -
- 11:00 - 11:45 - Simona & MIka (BC)
- 12:00 - 12:45 - Baily & Catahoula/Cattle dog mix
- 1:00 - 1:45 - ...... Puppy Break! ........
- 2:00 - 2:45 -
- 3:00 - 3:45 -
November 17th. - Sunday. Weather..Maybe rain??
- 10:00 - 10:45 -
- 11:00 - 11:45 - Emily & Alfie . : ))
- 12:00 - 12:45 ...... Puppy Break! ........
- 1:00 - 1:45 -
- 2:00 - 2:45 -
- 3:00 - 3:45 -
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November 23rd. - Saturday. Weather? Who knows???
(Unsure about the weather? Text me at 765-427-7009 before you leave home!)
- 10:00 - 10:45 -
- 11:00 - 11:45 -
- 12:00 - 12:45 ...... Puppy Break! ........
- 1:00 - 1:45 - Catherine & Mini aussie
- 2:00 - 2:45 - Catherine & Mini Aussie
- 3:00 - 3:45 -
November 24th. - Sunday. Weather??
- 10:00 - 10:45 -
- 11:00 - 11:45 -
- 12:00 - 12:45 ...... Puppy Break! ........
- 1:00 - 1:45 - Cassie & Rave
- 2:00 - 2:45 - Cassies friend
- 3:00 - 3:45 -
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November 30th/ December 1st - NO herding this weekend.....
Happy Thanksgiving!
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More herding in December:
December 7/8
December 14/15
December 21/22
And we can work during the week too!
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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
