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!
2022 Appointment Dates
Herding Lessons in the summer!....
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HEAT WARNING: Looks like its gonna get hot early this summer! ugh. So we'll have to do early morning herding whenever possible! So remember: when the day temps are over 90 or the night temps are over 70 - its too stressful on the stock to herd. Hope its not going to be like this all summer!
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No wait! It IS October! Holy cow... How did that happen?? I'll be going back to school on Monday (the 22nd) which will totally limit my time off during the week for working sheep. sigh. But one on these days i'm gonna be retired... And then .... : )) Happy Days!
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Gonna take the weekend after thanksgiving off to spend time with family! So Happy Turkey Day to all!
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December 3rd - Saturday .... Can you believe its DECEMBER already?!
Looks like its gonna be in the 40s and maybe sunny!??
- 10:00 - 10:45 - Allison & Freki
- 11:00 - 11:45 - Kayla & Kylo
- 12:00 - 12:45 - Brad & Dodger
- 1:00 - 1:45 -
- MORE?
December 4th - Sunday ...... Warm but chance of rain...
- 10:00 - 10:45 - Mary Ann & Corgie 1
- 11:00 - 11:45 - Mary Ann & Corgie 2
- 12:00 - 12:45 - Deanna & Otto
- 1:00 - 1:45 - Brittany & Onyxia
- 2:00 - 2:45 - Brittany & Orabelle
- More?
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December 10th - Saturday .... Whats the weather going to do?!
- 10:00 - 10:45 - Allison & Freki
- 11:00 - 11:45 - Sharon & Chip
- 12:00 - 12:45 - Kayla & Kylo
- 1:00 - 1:45 -
- MORE?
December 11th - Sunday
- 10:00 - 10:45
- 11:00 - 11:45 -
- 12:00 - 12:45
- 1:00 - 1:45
- MORE?
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December 17th - Saturday .... Weather?! Not sure.....
- 10:00 - 10:45 -
- 11:00 - 11:45 - Sharon & Chip
- 12:00 - 12:45
- 1:00 - 1:45 -
- MORE?
December 18th - Sunday
- 10:00 - 10:45
- 11:00 - 11:45 -
- 12:00 - 12:45
- 1:00 - 1:45
- MORE?
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More herding around the holidays - will watch the weather and see what works!
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..... : )