Derek has owned goats his whole life and after watching the Soldier Hollow trial, knew he needed a border collie of his own. Not long after watching the trial, he got a border collie puppy from a working ranch. This puppy grew up to be a dog that taught Derek a lot and was hard to train. This led him to finding a mentor, Robin Brown.
His second dog is the locally famous, BC Skye. This dog gave Derek the confidence and introduced him to real working border collies that can trial. Together they were the 2023 Mountain States Stockdog Association National Cattle Champions, Sheep Champions and Ultimate Stockdog Champions. Her unwavering ability to compete and consistently win has made Derek hold other dogs to that standard and his influenced on how he trains. She is the core of his program.
Derek thoroughly enjoys educating people on the usefulness of a good working dog on a farm or ranch setting. He also really enjoys teaching others how to train their dog and how to compete in trials and be competitive.
Thu, Feb 12: Private Lessons
Fri, Feb 13: Clinic Day 1
Sat, Feb 14: Clinic Day 2
Sun, Feb 15: Private Lessons
We will focus on developing a strong, effective partnership between you and your dog. Handlers and dogs of all experience levels are welcome. Emphasis will be placed on starting and preparing young dogs for real-world work, developing young dogs for trial competition, and building the skills necessary for success at trials—all grounded in practical stockmanship and real working principles.
Clinic Set Up:
Participants will arrive by 8:45am for check in on Friday for check in. We will have a short introduction talk in the clubhouse. Derek will further explain what to expect for the day. Times for each session are unidentifiable due to the fact that some dogs may not have the capacity to work a full session period. So start times are fluid and participants will just be placed in an order of go.
Each dog/handler team will have 2 go times each day. One in the morning session and one in the afternoon session. Dogs will need to be crated when it is not their turn. Handlers are encouraged to audit all participants as there is much to gain by watching others. Derek will wear a microphone headset which will connect to the speaker in the clubhouse. That way auditors can be in the warm clubhouse while still watching and listening to all that is happening in the arena.
Be prepared with warm cloths for your time in the arena working. Friday and Saturday schedules will be similar.
Private lessons are Thursday evening and Sunday morning.
Tamarind Ranch will provide appetizers Friday evening and Dinner Saturday night. Please bring your favorite beverage to share. Bring your own Lunch and Snacks for throughout the day.
Early Bird Drawing: Sign up and Pay by Feb 6, 2024
Sign Ups Close: When Full
