Arizona StockDogs

September 2012 – Arizona StockDogs will be forming.  This is a common group of individuals in Arizona coming together ot expand herding in Arizona.  Any working/herding breed dog can join us.  The focus of the group is for owners who are looking to work their own dogs in herding.  Classes, clinics will be offered.  Sheep, Cattle and Ducks available.  Primary training location offers a 50 x 50 pen, 270 x 180 arena, several working pens.  First classes will be offered Labor day weekend.  Sept 9 – Introduction to Herding Seminar, including Instinct Testing.  The club is looking to promote herding and owner participation in a fun environment.

First USBCHA Trial – Vista, CA

WooHoo…we made it through our very first USBCHA field trial.  And boy was it a challenge.  Scottish Highland Games in Vista, CA.  Narrow, uphill outrun was the start out.  I am so proud of Sassy.  She is 2 yrs old and handled it well, even though her handler was very nervous…oh yeah that was me.  Everyone at the trial was so supportive.  Anne Mock was the judge and such a true wonderful “Lady”.  You put in the time at home, go to lessons, go to clinics and then pay your money to enter the trial.  You get there early and look around and think “what was I thinking…”  My goal was simply to get through  each phase of the run.  Outrun, Lift, Fetch, Around the Post, Fetch/Drive Panel and Pen.  Not hard..practiced it a million times and yet…I forgot how to do it…but Sassy didn’t.  Yes, I know who names there dog Sassy…well its really her nickname…Scottish Lass whose real name is Shannon.  And not only did she help her handler get through the course but she took 3rd doing it on Day one.  When Day 2 arrived I was ready to actually help her through the course, but by then the sheep had a whole different idea and decided to go back to the setout pens.  Oh well…it was a great lesson to work through and good time to meet amazing people who love these wonderful animals….

Puppies Available

2012 – Our first litter arrived out of Duke and Mercer.

Duke has been a great asset here on my farm.  He is 2 years old and does a great job moving sheep, ducks and cattle around when we need him.  In the trial arena he has earned his ASCA (Australian Shepherd Club of America) Advanced Titles in Sheep, Ducks and needs 1 more leg in Cattle…and will then also earn his WTCH.  He is a great young dog and an asset to our program.  Mercer is 3 years old and also herds…although she is much more focused on ducks and sheep.  She works mostly here although we did trial her in 2010/2011, and she earned her Started titles in Sheep, Ducks.  In addition, Mercer is a wonderful frisbee and agility dog.  

This combination has produced a great litter of puppies.  4 of them have already found homes with wonderful individuals.  3 of the puppies are going to previous puppy homes of Arizona Border Collies.  We currently have 3 Red and White Male puppies available.   Please contact us if you are interested in these wonderful puppies.

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USBCHA Novice Preparation Clinic, Caldwell, ID

Mom and I made the trip to Caldwell today.  What a varying drive.  We came thru Las Vegas then up Highway 93…lots of country with lots of nature in it…but not a great deal of green until we came into Twin Falls, ID.  It was beautiful along the Snake River.  Arrived in Caldwell around 4..due to a ton of construction traffic.  One of the differences in traffic…Idaho drives actually use the right lane.  In Arizona so many come from California that the right lane is seldom used.  It was great!

We are kicking off in the morning with 18pp at the clinic.  Patrick Shannahan and Dianne Deal have their work cut out for them.  Mostly looks to be young dogs and very novice handlers from all over.  We met some of them…5 from Arizona, 2 from Houston, 1 from Washington.  Looking forward to meeting more tomorrow.  

Will keep you all posted.  Away to Idaho!!!  Come Bye and Visit! 

New Website for Arizona Border Collies!

May 2012 has brought a change to Arizona Border Collies website.  Thank you for visiting our new site.  We currently have four puppies available for sale.  This is an exciting combination.  The father, Duke is 2 years old and very keen.  He works Ducks, Cattle and Sheep and needs only one leg to finish his ASCA championship.  Mercer also works in the herding pen on ducks and sheep, but she also does agility and plays frisbee.  Its a great combination.  On another from, over the next few months we will be adding some exciting reference information on herding in and around Arizona, border collies, stockdogs and more.  Also starting in September of 2012 we will be offering herding lessons and instruction.  We continue to make this a family affair.  Mom (Peggy) is trialing Lobo and Stryker, Dad (Jim) facility builder, dog sitter, puppy watcher…while Mom and I are away.  My brother (Justin) takes care of the stock and holds down the fort when I am gone.  If we can ever be of help, please contact us.