For more information and some of the most frequently asked questions we receive.
Choose Observer status if you’re looking to learn without bringing a dog.
Or upgrade to You and a Dog participation for the complete hands-on experience with personalised instruction for you and your four-legged friend.
You & Your Dog – full participation
Observer Only – fence sitter
Yes, we do.
If nothing is currently listed on our Upcoming Clinics Page, you’re welcome to host one at your property.
Just get in touch with us to arrange it…!
All clinic bookings are made online via our Upcoming Clinics Page.
If it says “sold out,” then all spots have been filled.
You may bring up to two dogs: typically, one young dog (between 4–12 months) and one older dog.
If you don’t have a pup, you may substitute it with an inexperienced older dog.
Please do not bring two fully experienced dogs, as our clinic format doesn’t allow for in-depth work with two advanced dogs from the same handler.
Please double check your clinic booking page for the exact start time. We recommend arriving with plenty of time to toilet your dogs and settle in—and feel free to grab a tea or coffee before we begin.
Yes, absolutely. We understand that many participants travel long distances, so camping on Friday night is welcome. Just let us know in advance so we can make sure space is available.
Yes. We often have started or trained dogs available – you can learn more here.
No. We raise all our pups ourselves. That way, we can get to know their instincts, temperament, and working style before making any decisions about their future.
It depends on your dogs background and level of experience:
If your dog hasn’t been trained by us before – we usually recommend an 8 to 14 week program.
It comes down to the type of work you’re doing, your handling style, and personal preference. We’re more than happy to have a chat and help guide you toward a dog that fits your needs.
Kelpies are more likely to be all-rounders – they’ll work both paddock and yards, and backing and barking often come naturally to them.
Collies can be outstanding paddock dogs for sheep and cattle, but most won’t naturally back or bark unless specifically trained to do so – and even then, it’s not always easy.
At the end of the day, it’s about what you like working with and what kind of work your dogs need to do.
Each dog is different, and so is the price. It depends on age, level of training, and natural working ability.
When your dog first comes in, we spend the first two weeks getting to know them – watching how they respond to stock, assessing their natural instinct, and figuring out where they’re at in their development.
Once we get their instinct to kick in, we start building a bond with the dog, which is the foundation of all good training.
From there, we will desensitise them to our training aids and we’ll put together a clear training plan based on what we think is achievable, and keep you updated along the way.
We breed only two litters a year and keep all the pups ourselves until they’re old enough to show us their natural instinct and character. This gives us the best chance to understand each pup and make sure they’re on the right path.
We only accept approved bitches for breeding.
We know our dogs inside and out, and we want to make sure any pairing complements your bitch – in instinct, temperament, and ability.
If we don’t think the match is right, we won’t go ahead with the breeding. Ensuring the pups go to the right working homes is very important to us.
There’s no difference – a trial dog is just a working dog that’s had more time and training put into them.
Yard trialling not only reveals the strengths and weaknesses in your training, but also in your genetics.
Some people find that confronting, while others use it as a tool to grow, improve their dogs, and better themselves.
At the end of the day, its about building trust, strengthening your working relationship, and being able to place your dog exactly where you need them, in any environment.