My name is Lisa, and I have been a stockdog trainer for the past 8 years. I work with all breeds of herding dogs:  Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Kelpies, German Shepherds, Collies, Corgies, Shelties, Bouvier des Flanders and others. I train dogs to work stock quietly and with confidence. I help bring out the dog's natural abilities, which I combine with steady guidance and direction. The overall goal is for the handler and dog to learn to work as a team. Always working with low stress controlled stock movement.

Learning to herd is not as simple as it looks, but it's great fun! I want my students to be able to understand the stock's behavior and movements as well as the dog's. One of my greatest joys is to see that light bulb go off in a student's head, when they "get" something that had mystified them before. Another is when I see a new dog start to work the stock rather than just chase them, and say "He's doing it!!!"

People who have watched me work dogs have always been impressed with my quiet voice and demeanor. I believe it's possible to gain a dog's respect with calm and relaxed commands. Although I correct dogs when necessary, I use a lot of praise with them, as well. After all, praise is what helps them learn that what they're doing is right, and makes them want to keep doing whatever's "right" in order to please you.

Some people want a dog that's trained to work on a ranch, and others want to enter stockdog trials with their dogs. I enjoy both kinds of training. There are more and more venues available for trialing dogs, and a lot of great people who enjoy this sport. Still others aren't interested in competitions, but want their dogs to gain the confidence that comes from learning to do what comes naturally! If any of these options appeal to you, call me at 775-790-1970. We'll talk about what you're wanting, and set you up to start training.

ALL BREED STOCK DOG TRAINING

HERDING LESSONS

TRIAL HANDLING

CLINICS

AHBA HERDING JUDGE

                                  The Judges were Terri Jones (Center) and Rusty Jeffers (Right)