Herding is fun hobby for both dogs and handlers

By Cherry Sokoloski
North Forty News

A few generations ago, using dogs to herd livestock was a necessity in much of the West. Now, people teach dogs to herd mostly for fun.

The problem is, however, most people who own herding dogs don't own farms, much less sheep or cattle.

That dilemma was a big factor in formation of the Northern Colorado Herding Cooperative, a group of dog lovers who enjoy herding as a sport and a way to satisfy their dogs' natural instincts. The group, sponsored by the Buckhorn Valley Kennel Club, formed in 2003 and has about 30 members.

One of the membership benefits is a flock of 30 sheep purchased with a grant from BVKC. The sheep are housed at a small farm on Buckeye Road, where members meet throughout the year to hone herding skills in themselves and their dogs.

"We help people reach their potential--both for themselves and their dogs," said Val Manning, manager of the co-op and co-owner of Rancho Terra Norté, the group's headquarters. People with all levels of experience are invited to participate.

This month, the co-op is hosting two special events at the farm, both open to the public at no charge. On Oct. 6 and 7, herding tests and trials under the auspices of the American Herding Breed Association will be held. Trials run from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. both days.

On the following weekend, Oct. 13 and 14, BVKC will hold tests and trials for herding breeds registered with the American Kennel Club, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. The co-op, which boasts the only training center for herding dogs in northern Colorado, has regulation-size arenas for these competitive events.

Herding breeds, Manning pointed out, are not limited to border collies and Australian shepherds. The AKC recognizes many others in the group including Australian cattle dogs, collies, German shepherds, shelties and Welsh corgis.

In addition, there are many dogs that don't belong to the official herding group but have a natural ability to herd. Those include Rottweilers, Samoyeds, giant schnauzers and Bernese mountain dogs.

Aside from planning special events, the co-op keeps busy with clinics, lessons for novice handlers and practice sessions for more experienced folks. Evaluations are also available to determine a dog's herding instinct.

Linda Sunday of Livermore, who joined the co-op this year, said Manning's lessons have been the most valuable part of the group for her. "She's taught me so much about learning to work as a team with my dog," she said.

Sunday is thinking about buying some sheep of her own so she can practice at home with her border collie, Jack.

Suzanne Yehle, who lives east of Wellington, is another newcomer to the group. She, her daughter Camden and their Australian shepherd, Queej, have enjoyed the co-op's "fun days" with potlucks and competitive herding exercises.

"It's a good group of people," she said, offering lots of help and encouragement to novice herders.

The one-time membership fee for NCHC is $75. Since the group is a co-op, members also donate their time and talents to the group. People wanting more information about NCHC or the upcoming herding events may contact Manning at 568-7708.