Tee Creek Dog Training
The thing about herding that many people don’t know is that you don’t need a herding dog to enjoy the sport – all dogs have it in them to move, drive, and organize livestock and it continues to be the sport I love the most.
The work that dogs did herding livestock helped us survive and thrive as civilizations. Though few dogs still work in this capacity, the growing number of herding schools for companion dogs has allowed many to practice this ancient skill.
Tee Creek Dog Training, co-founded by Kathy Warner and Dave Harris, sits on Kay Dee Farms in Niagara Falls. Head trainer and herding instructor Kathy’s career began with Katie, her first Rough Collie who became a well-known competitor in sporting circles.
In herding, we partner with our dogs to drive sheep from a point to another, hold them in place, put them in pens, or sort them in groups. Students can practice herding on different animals, including sheep, cows, goats and even ducks and geese. Each animal poses a particular challenge in herding – for example, cows require courage while birds, much smaller creatures, call for precision.
Kathy’s students also learn about “intent,” which she defines as the degree of power and presence we generate through our thoughts and posture. Intent makes a big difference in herding and handling dogs in general – I see it all the time in my practice.
Some of the most memorable moments of my life took place in herding school, and I can’t recommend the sport enough for what it does for the human-dog relationship, especially with a teacher like Kathy who is so attuned to that relationship.
Pictured: Kizzy herding Kathy’s sheep at Tee Creek Dog Training
Photo Credit: Sue Fast Phodography
- Toll free: 1-888-332-3346
- Kathy’s Email: Kathy@teecreek.com