Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who can train a dog with me?
A: Anyone who is interested in titling a GSD or a different tending dog with an HGH herding title. Please only inquire about training if you are serious about titling your dog.

Q: What prior experience does one need?
A: None whatsoever. The handler will learn all what is needed here.

Q: What prior experience does my dog need?
A: None whatsoever. The dog will learn all what is needed here.

Q: How old should the dog be before starting herding?
A: The absolute minimum is about ten months. About one year of age is a good time to start. The dog can be as old as 6 or 7 years when starting training.

Q: How regular does the training need to be in order to be successful?
A: About once a week. It should not be less than every other week.

Q: What breed of dog works for tending?
A: I am a German Shepherd Dog person and clearly prefer GSDs. However, I have also worked with Briards and Beaucerons, Belgian Sheepdogs, Tervuren and Malinois. Other common herding breeds like Border Collies etc. do not suit this style of herding.

Q: If I have a GSD what line does my dog need to come from?
A: The dog will be tested as an individual and will be evaluated according to its abilities and potential, not according to its blood line or country of origin.

Q: How do I start with training?
A: With an instinct test. We can make an appointment, let's test the dog on sheep and we will take it from there.

Q: Is the title a recognized working title?
A: The HGH title is equal to a SchH title and therefore a working title recognized by the SV, USA and WDA.

Q: What if my dog has HD?
A: When a dog has mild HD it is actually best to keep the dog exercised. All dogs that had mild HD and did herding benefited from it. A dog with severe HD is not suitable for herding.

Q: What is the cost per lesson?
A: The cost is $50 per lesson.

Q: What is the size of the class?
A: There are no classes. There are only individual lessons.