Action K9 Sports

Training begins with a herding instinct test to assess the dog’s natural drive. Successful dogs progress to private, individual lessons tailored to breed and skill level. Lessons occur in progressively larger arenas and open fields as the handler-dog team advances. Training focuses on teaching the owner to use body language and cues to guide the dog in herding sheep. Competitions are encouraged but not required. Repeat clients may book Saturdays online; new clients must contact Terry directly to schedule.

Pricing Summary

Instinct tests cost $100 one-time. Private lessons are $60 for weekly (30 mins), $70 for bi-weekly (30 mins), or $80 for drop-in (30 mins). Trial entry fees range from $40–$70 per dog per day depending on class. Payment is made directly to Terry Parrish via check or Venmo.

Policies

Participants must complete a liability waiver before any training or testing. Lessons and instinct tests require advance appointment. Saturday lessons have high demand and require direct contact with Terry Parrish. No cancellation or rescheduling policy is explicitly stated.

Action K9 Sports is a herding-focused dog training facility founded in 1985 by Terry Parrish in Escondido, California. They specialize in teaching dog owners how to train their own dogs to herd sheep, with lessons tailored to each dog’s breed and instinct type—whether loose-eyed or strong-eyed. The facility offers instinct tests for dogs new to herding, private lessons in pens, arenas, and open fields, and hosts USBCHA-sanctioned herding trials. With 150 head of sheep and 6 acres of land, they provide a dedicated environment for herding training that accommodates dogs from 6 months to 10 years old. Their trainers, including Terry Parrish and Rich Godfrey, are certified judges with decades of experience and have produced numerous championship dogs. The program emphasizes building a strong handler-dog bond through positive, breed-specific methods, and encourages participation in competitions as a fun, rewarding goal.

Action K9 Sports does not offer general obedience, behavior modification, or non-herding services. Their focus is exclusively on herding as a sport and working activity for herding breeds and high-drive dogs. They do not provide boarding, grooming, daycare, or walking services.

The facility is located just 10 minutes off the I-15 Freeway and serves dog owners across Southern California who are seeking specialized herding training for their dogs.

Accomplishments

Terry Parrish is a founding herding judge for AKC and AHBA, judged the first all-breed herding event in the U.S., designed AHBA courses, and has qualified her own dogs for National Finals since inception. Rich Godfrey has earned six herding championships including two Triple Crowns in AKC, AHBA, and ASCA. Steve Kilgore’s dog Ellie holds multiple AKC and AHBA herding titles and has worked in film. Action K9 Sports hosted the first USBCHA cattle trial in the West and the first USBCHA Nursery trial in California.

How to Get Started!

Begin by completing the Instinct Test Entry Form and Liability Waiver online. After submission, Terry Parrish will contact you by phone or email to schedule a test day. Instinct tests are offered Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday by appointment only.