Herding Classes?

VonVix

Anyone know if there are any herding type Classes in Ireland where you train with your dog to herd sheep/chickens/etc.?

I'm wondering because one of my sheepdogs has a high herding drive and I would love to do something with him that could even bring up his confidence as well.

DBB

I think this is the crowd I have in mind, a lady from the UK set it up when she moved to Ireland and found no resources for owners of Collies... I'm reasonably sure (if this is the same organisation I was told about) that they'll also cater for herding breeds other than Border Collies.
I think they had been trying to set up a few groups around the country

https://www.facebook.com/AmateurSheepDogSocietyIreland

VonVix

DBB wrote: »

I think this is the crowd I have in mind, a lady from the UK set it up when she moved to Ireland and found no resources for owners of Collies... I'm reasonably sure (if this is the same organisation I was told about) that they'll also cater for herding breeds other than Border Collies.
I think they had been trying to set up a few groups around the country

https://www.facebook.com/AmateurSheepDogSocietyIreland

Ah brilliant, that's the sort of contact I'm after.

It's a strange one, you think there would be quite the base for it in this country.

DBB

Ireland is a long way behind the UK and Europe when it comes to niche-y dog activities... but all it takes is for an enlightened person or two to get the ball rolling!

VonVix

DBB wrote: »

Ireland is a long way behind the UK and Europe when it comes to niche-y dog activities... but all it takes is for an enlightened person or two to get the ball rolling!

Come to think of it that is so true. Just got in contact with the above crowd and they quickly put me in contact with someone over in Wicklow.

I'm such a dork I'm all excited at the idea of actually doing this.

DBB

Oooohhh... actually, maybe it was the people in Wicklow I was thinking of! I had a vague idea in my head that I'd heard of a group in the south-east-ish, and assumed the people in the link must be them. But now that you say it, I think when I was originally told about them, it was a lady in Wicklow that had set it up!
Let us know how you get on, won't you?:)

aonb

Watched a farmer up the road hearding sheep with his new collie bitch.
Such roaring and bawling, and sheep all over the place
Smashing little dog - she is supposed to be an excellent pedigree/sheep dog.
Its funny to think that a (grown) new dog will have to learn its new owners methods too. Sometimes she looked at him as if to say "huh?!?!"

If you knew a farmer who actively uses his dogs to herd sheep, s/he might be interested in giving your dog a few sessions?
I know there are little sheepdog trials/sessions in a field near us now and then.

Oh and as a hen keeper, I dont think hens can be herded :P even by a sheepdog

Ashbx

I would be curious to know how you get one with this. I have a border collie. Although her herding instincts don't seem to be very high, I would love to challenge her in new ways and this sounds great.

tk123

Am I the only one who has "Bah ram ewe" in their head from this thread?! I'd love to hear how you get on too OP!