Training

To help promote the Australian Cattle Dog, I have decided to offer training. In person lessons are available as well as board and train style training.

I currently still work an off the farm job in addition to running my farm, and training and breeding my own ACDs. Training dogs are taken in on a first-come, first-served availability schedule. I am taking a handful dogs at a time in order to provide quality care and training to each dog, and I keep a waiting list. Current wait times for dogs added to the waiting list are 8 month to 12 months. To be added to the list, contact me through E-mail at outlineacds@yahoo.com

My training program is tailored to each dog and each situation. I have cattle, sheep, and goats available for training and I am focused on good stockmanship and management of livestock. Your goals for management of your stock and property will be discussed before training starts, and each dog's training plan will be different. I want your dog to be a successful working partner on your place.

Basic Information About Training:

Cost for board and train is $750/month, payable on the 1st day of each month, or the date of the dog's first day in training and monthly thereafter. Dogs are worked a minimum of 5 days a week and video of training sessions are taken and uploaded to YouTube weekly. Videos are uploaded regularly and you will be provided with a link to your dog's playlist. The link will be available forever, and the videos will remain available to you even after your dog goes home. I am available by phone, email, or Facebook to discuss your dogs progress, or address questions throughout the dog's time here and I will absolutely help you after the dog goes home.

Dogs should be used to being kenneled or crated as boarding dogs will be kept contained when they are not being worked, exercised, or out to potty. I have indoor kennels, and outdoor kennels. If your dog is normally kept outdoors I will continue to kennel them outdoors. Same with indoor dogs, or dogs used to sleeping inside. Dogs are allowed free running time in the mornings and evenings in a fenced yard. Dogs who are sociable can enjoy yard time with my other dog-friendly dogs.

Board and Train dogs may be hauled to different locations for exposure to new livestock and new places. If I go to a training clinic or play day I will take my board and train dogs.

I am located in Texas and heartworm preventative is required to be provided by the dog's owner while he is in my possession. Prior to coming for board and train, your dog should be up to date on all vaccinations, including Rabies, and proof is required upon the dog's arrival here. Flea and tick preventative should also be provided by the owner. Dogs do not need to be spayed or neutered.

If your dog is on a special diet, you will be asked to provide food. I rotate dogs foods often, currently I'm feeding Muenster Milling Perfect Balance 30/20. I also rotate through Purina, Victor, or SportDog Food brands periodically.

My Training Methods

I come from a performance dog training background. All of my basic obedience training is based on positive training methods. Teaching a basic sit, down, stand, and recall can all be done positively. When I take dogs to stock I use a pressure/release method of training. I do use a long line at times. Depending on the dog's needs I may use a stock stick, or rake. Sometimes a dog only needs light body pressure. My goal is to use the smallest amount of pressure necessary to get the desired result and then to release pressure when the dog is correct. My main mentor for herding training has been Larry Painter (Kuawarri Stockdogs), and I attend multiple clinics a year.

My goal is always to make the dog successful, so I have multiple sets of stock at all different levels of difficulties along with different sized training areas. Start simple, build confidence in the dog, and desire for doing the job, then gradually increase the difficulty, distance, or duration.

I don't use electronic/shock collars. It's not a debate topic for me. My mentors don't use them. I have zero issues with trainers who choose to use them, but I have been successful without using them.