Training

At Bootleather BorderCollies, I strive to bring out the best in all the dogs I train.

I take dogs in for training for any class of livestock.  Whether you need a cattledog or a sheep and goat dog I can train your dog to whatever level of training you need.   

 Dogs are taken in for 30-60 day training programs.  If it fits with the customer and the dog I will keep your dog to 90 days. 

I can customize a training program tailored to fit the individual needs of the owner and dog. 

I recommend most dogs stay for 60 days.  In that period of time most dogs will know their left and right flank commands, stop, call off, be able to outrun to at least 200 yards and able to drive to some degree(short distances on their own away from the handler or at the least staying on the back side with you doing the pushing and the dog taking one side or the other and helping to drive)

Some dogs only stay for 30 days.  Sometimes this is the owners choice as some dogs after 30 days may be able to do what the owner wants one to do.   Some dogs after 30 days have learned all that they are capable of learning, not that they won't make useful dogs, but that they have some fault wrong with them that doesn't make it worth my time or your money to continue their training.  This is usually a temperment problem.  The dog isn't tempermentally sound enough to stand the pressures of training or doesn't want to work in a partnership with the handler. Most dogs of this type will make useful working dogs with time and experience

I use only sound safe training methods to train all dogs Absolutely no shock collars. 

I start all dogs on sheep or goats even if the dog is to go home and work cattle, never seeing a sheep or goat again.  Using sheep or goats makes it easier to get the dog working properly.  The dog will work sheep or goats for the first week or so and then be started on cattle, if it is going home to be a cattledog.  At the same time if the dog is here for training as a sheepdog he will also be worked some on cattle for the experience.

I have a wide range of areas to work the dogs in, from round pen to open pastures.  The dogs will spend the first week or so in the round pen then steadily progress to bigger and more open areas.

I have a variety of different types of livestock to work your dog on.  Hair sheep, wooled sheep, calves, cows

After the dog has been here for 2 weeks I call the owner and give them a progress report.  And then every 2 weeks there after.  If at anytime curiosity gets to you then by all means give me a call

Prices for training are $350 for the first month and then $300 there after.  The extra $50 for the first month is for the extra time spent with the dog teaching obedience.  The first months training fee is paid in advance when you bring the dog and then the rest will be paid when you pick the dog up.  Fees are all inclusive, feed, medicines etc.

Dogs must be free of internal and external parasites and must be up to date on all vaccinations.  Your dog will be wormed  after it has been here 2 weeks and then again 2 weeks later.  Any other vaccinations or medicines required can be arranged.

We feed a good quality dog food.   One that meets or exceeds the dogs nutritional requirements during training.  However if your dog requires special feed of any kind, that cannot be purchased locally, then you will have to supply feed for the time your dog is here.  I will adjust the training fee as needed.

Dogs are kept in clean comfortable kennels.  The kennels are not fancy but they are safe and cleaned daily.