Herding Training/Tests/Trials

Has your corgi participated in herding training and AKC (or other sanctioned) herding tests and trials? My older corgi Bear has now participated in two clinics and demonstrates very strong energy and drive (as the instructor indicated to me). I know (and have experienced) a smattering about the loose-eyed corgi-style of "driving" and working stock closely and would really appreciate hearing of anyone's experiences with their corgis in judged instinct and pre-trial events. Bear is very hard-wired for herding, Tasha's strengths rest in agility and therapy dog work and Linus is still young and a terribly busy fluffy. Thanks everyone!

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Permalink Reply by Mariana on November 17, 2008 at 7:53am

I'd love to hear more about your experience and others' as well. I'm hoping to get Ofelia into herding once I can afford it. We started a Herding Group where a lot of us are trying to find trainers. So if you can offer any advice on that, that would be great. And I would love to hear other anecdotes!

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Permalink Reply by Nancy Geddes on November 17, 2008 at 3:04pm

Mariana: It's not always easy to find herding instruction, and I do not know what state you live in. Sometimes, you have to find possibilities through the AKC website (there is a herding sidebar that will list where trials will be held and testing/trial rules), begin asking canine training businesses, try searching the web, ask regional corgi clubs for help, etc.

Last year I contacted a herding judge/instructor on the web who willingly set up a private weekend for me to "herding instinct test" my three corgis. The results were, at times, hilarious, exhausting and rewarding. Mind you, it did cost quite a bit for this private time - but I learned a lot as well. Bear, aged eight, knew exactly what to do; Tasha was a classic "circler" and Linus (aged nine months at the time) thought the Dorset sheep were groovy, smelled great and were fun to scamper among.

After getting additional leads from farmers, veternarians and other hard core dog people, I found another possibility for a herding clinic in group format (here near Williamsburg, VA). The instructor, from Elizabeth City, North Carolina, was taken by Bear's age, enthusiasm and instinct. Carol recommended further training and getting Bear a few titles before he gets much older (he is now nine). But, the most important aspect to me was the inexplicable joy in Bear as he "brought me the sheep" creating a unique bond between corgi and owner.

There were three border collies, one Aussie, one sheltie and four corgis in this clinic. The youngest corgi, Duncan, was only six months. I would encourage watching instructional videos on herding because there are many variations: the corgi is an upright, loose-eyed herder. You would want to be in a clinic where instructors have experience in upright herders. You also want to be in a clinic with instructors who are upbeat and encouraging.

I'm going to look for your group and try to join. Get back with me and let me know where you are located and maybe I can be of more specific help....

Corgi hugs from Bear, Tasha and Linus (and Nancy, the human)

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Permalink Reply by Mariana on November 17, 2008 at 5:01pm

Nancy:
Thanks so much for sharing your experience. It sounds so exciting. And thank you for the invaluable advice. I'm in Durham, North Carolina right now. I found one trainer an hour away but I haven't contacted her in a while because I only recently got a stable job. I will have to contact her again with questions pertaining to your advice.

I'm going to sit down this weekend and seriously look around. I think if I follow your lead I ought to find more possibilities. Thanks so much.