Great Plains Bearded Collie Club does it all. We have hosted over 100 herding trials, including the Bearded Collie National.

Results

Terry Workman Clinic: April 15 through 17, 2009

Gaelyn Glen Farms and Anne Witte hosted a herding clinic in Springfield Nebraska with noted clinician Terry Workman. Eight intrepid students braved rain, sun, wind and dust devils to further their skills and partnerships with their dogs.

Mr. Workman evaluated each dog and handler and helped develop specific exercises for each pair. Typical sessions included round pen and open field activities. As each student (and/or dog) progressed, new activities were added. After each student completed their turn, Mr. Workman would provide the entire clinic an explanation of what was being worked on, what happened during that session and why the specific training technique was used. In this way, the students would be able to extend their knowledge base and take away the “why” of the actions rather than just a rote exercise to continue to practice after the clinic was over.

Being an early spring clinic, the stock was a bit on the “light” side. In spite of the stock, with Terry’s patient explanations and coaching, each student and dog were able to make remarkable progress.  As the clinic progressed, the calm, low stress training environment allowed not only the students to advance, but allowed the stock to rapidly become acclimated to the dogs as well.

Along with the excellent facilities provided by Gaelyn Farm, outstanding lunches were catered in by Great Planes Bearded Collie club member Sue Williams.  Other students provided breakfast goodies and snacks to ensure that energy levels and enthusiasm remained high throughout the clinic.

Be sure to not miss next year’s spring clinic. You can be confident that you will have both a productive and enjoyable time.

Article by Lee Hoover

Back to Top