Working with stock dogs is about more than commands—it’s about building communication, trust, and instinct. A good working dog learns to read livestock, respond to pressure, and work as a thoughtful partner to the handler.
My training approach focuses on developing dogs that are confident around livestock, capable in real working situations, and steady companions both on the farm and in everyday life.
My program is rooted in a lifelong connection to agriculture, livestock, and the working dogs that make farm life possible. I was raised on a mixed farming operation with cattle and sheep, where a good dog wasn’t a luxury—it was a necessity.
From an early age I learned the value of calm, capable dogs that could move stock with confidence, hold pressure at a gate, and settle quietly when the work was done. These principles continue to shape the dogs I train and develop today.
My formal journey into stock dog training began in 2011 while attending stock dog practices at Lakeland College. There I spent countless hours learning alongside experienced handlers and mentors while building a strong foundation in stockmanship and dog development.
I have continued expanding my knowledge through stock dog clinics and training opportunities with respected clinicians including:
Elvin Kogg • Billy Richardson
Jared Epp
Sarah Martin • Lee Lumb
These experiences have helped shape a training program focused on instinct, balance, pressure control, and thoughtful livestock handling.
These experiences have helped shape a training program focused on instinct, balance, pressure control, and thoughtful livestock handling.
The dogs in my program are actively used on the farm with both cattle and sheep. Their work includes cattle moves, managing livestock flow, holding gates, and working calmly through stock when needed.
This daily, real-world exposure ensures dogs develop the confidence, stock sense, and practical ability required for genuine farm work—not just controlled training situations.
As the program continues to grow, I look forward to expanding beyond my own operation by offering stock dog lessons and clinics, as well as pursuing trial opportunities to further evaluate and showcase my dogs’ working ability.
These opportunities will focus on helping handlers and dogs develop strong fundamentals, clear communication, and practical working skills with livestock.
