Herding 

Few things in life are as exhilarating as working livestock with your dog, and almost nothing will develop your relationship and solidify your obedience training like herding will! At Mayrich Kennels, we are proud to have developed a successful Behavioral Herding Program; open to all breeds, temperaments and levels of training (as long as your dog shows an interest and wants to herd). Whether you're looking for help with behaviour modification/management, or just want to learn a new skill and have fun with your dog, our herding program can help!

Evaluation & Education Class

One Session

• $89.95+hst

All first time herders must undergo an Evaluation & Education Session. This Session lasts anywhere from 45mins-1hr and involves an evaluation of your dog on livestock as well as explaining the program, requirements and assessing your goals & desired outcomes. We care about you and your dog and it's important for us to make sure that you have a full understanding about the program and what's involved. Herding is NOT an opportunity to get out of the city and exercise your dog on our livestock. It's not something you do a few times or here and there. It's something you do consistently in order to enrich your dog's life and fulfill their genetic and inherent needs. Herding is a rugged, mentally, physically and emotionally challenging activity. It occurs outdoors in rain, shine or snow. It not only develops your dog but it also develops your character, ability as a handler and encourages personal growth. It is not for the faint of heart, but the rewards are great. Our Evaluation and Education Session allows you the opportunity to see if herding is something you want to do before committing and investing time and money. 

​**If your dog has severe behavioral issues, we may recommend that you complete our training program before you begin herding. 

**If you are a positive reinforcement trainer, we welcome you and modify our herding program to help you. That said, you may be required to complete our off-stock course that uses positive reinforcement and the use of toy & treat aids before attending herding on stock.  This way, your dog learns all necessary cues ahead of time without force. It's important to note that all herding  training still involves pressure and a fully +R program can be challenging or impossible based on that individual dog/ability/talent of the handler etc.

Group Herding Classes

Single Run (10 mins)

• $25+hst
  • Mechanics Pen $7+hst*

Two Runs (10 mins each)

• ​$20+hst
  • Mechanics Pen $5+hst*

Group Herding Classes are highly recommended and very beneficial, particularly if you are new to herding. Group classes give you the opportunity to step back and learn from watching other handlers, as processing information while actively working your dog can be challenging at first. Don't be intimidated or nervous about attending a group class. We provide a positive environment welcoming and encouraging all trainers regardless of their skill level, or goals. Everyone has unique goals; some may desire to train their farm dog, solidify obedience, develop impulse control, attend a trial, build a better bond with your dog, or just get out and have fun. Whatever the goal, all are welcome and all are encouraged.

*Students adding on the mechanics pen can work their dog on mechanics skills in the 16*16 or 40*40 pen. Students can work their dogs independently, while the instructor is working with another student. Mechanics Pen add on is available to approved students only.

Private Herding Classes

1/2 Hour

• ​$65+hst

Hour

• ​$89.95+hst

Private classes are available for students that may not be comfortable in a group setting. It's important to note that the dogs and livestock cannot and will not be worked for 30 mins or an hour straight. 30 minute sessions involve a break to rest your dog and stock. Hour sessions involve a minimum of two breaks. Breaks often involve watching a demo to help the handler understand and visualize a skill or exercise. 

*Please note, we will not process or respond to any forms between June 19, 2020 & July 3, 2020. We will respond to all forms received in this time after July 6 and in the order in which we received them. We expect to begin taking new herding students after July 19th and will have enough class options so that no one is on the wait list!