Our experience began training our own dogs under the mentorship of Tom Duffy of Loma Rica, California, where we developed a strong foundation in stock sense, timing, and fair handling.
In 2013, following this mentorship, Tyler and his wife, Caitlin, founded Circle 5 Stockdogs to formally establish and brand their training philosophy and methods.
In 2015, Tyler and his wife, Caitlin, moved back to Harney County, Oregon, where Tyler trained surrendered rescue dogs, gaining valuable experience working with dogs from unknown or unstable backgrounds. This period reinforced the importance of patience, structure, and adapting training to the individual dog.
In 2016, they relocated to Paulina, Oregon. While continuing to train dogs and provide private lessons, Tyler also trialed his dog Jen, learning firsthand—along with guidance from his brother—the critical differences between a ranch dog and a trial dog. This experience emphasized the importance of getting dogs outside, exposed to real terrain, varied stock, and practical pressure to develop dependable working partners.
Jen earned two buckles and multiple placements, and played a key role in shaping the training philosophy now used at Circle 5 Stockdogs.
Today, Circle 5 Stockdogs specializes in starting and developing young stockdogs, with a strong emphasis on obedience, structure, and foundation work before livestock exposure. This approach consistently produces dogs that are more responsive, confident, and efficient once they progress to stock work.
All training is conducted from our small working ranch outside Burns, Oregon, with the belief that dogs should only advance when it benefits their ability—and that long-term success depends on educating the handler alongside the dog.
