Catbird Stockdog Training

Catbird Stockdog Training offers lessons and clinics focused on specific aspects of a trial run. Clinics are typically one-day events with a limited number of handlers, allowing for ample time for questions, discussions, and individual work. Topics covered in clinics include “Back to Basics” (focusing on the first and last steps of a half flank, a stop, and applying this to shedding and penning), “Penning” (reviewing video, discussing strategies, and practical work), “The Drive Away” (strategies for turning the post and making the first drive panel), “Reading the Fetch and Cross Drive” (understanding pressure and moving stock online), and “Shedding” (approaching the shedding ring and setting up the shed).

Clinics can be tailored to suit the experience level of handlers in a specific area or can start with fundamental basics. Online training opportunities are also available for those unable to attend in person.

Catbird Stockdog Training is a business run by Dave and Julie, specializing in stockdog training for herding breeds. Dave, the primary trainer, began working with dogs in 1998 and has trained with many top handlers in North America. He emphasizes understanding the dog’s perspective, believing that if a dog isn’t performing as desired, it likely doesn’t understand the request.

The business offers lessons and clinics, both at their extensive 90-acre farm in Cheney, WA, and by traveling to client sites. The farm features varied terrain, a round pen, nightyard, and pastures, with a new barn providing shelter and an indoor round pen. They also host sheepdog trials, including Nursery/Pro-Novice and Open trials.

Catbird Stockdog Training works with a variety of herding breeds, including Border Collies, Australian Cattle Dogs, Old English Sheepdogs, Bouviers, Malinois, Corgis, Standard Collies, Shelties, and Australian Shepherds. Their goal is to help dogs develop into thinking partners who understand and enjoy their work, fostering a strong partnership between dog and handler for various activities like USBCHA, ASCA, AHBA, AKC, or general farm work.

For out-of-town students, the farm offers dog-friendly overnight accommodations. They also provide online training opportunities and may have sheep available for rent for training purposes.

Accomplishments

Dave began his journey with working dogs in 1998 and has since worked with nearly every top handler and trainer in North America, engaging in extensive analysis and study, including weekly video reviews. His dog, Cap, a son of Peter Gonnett’s Moss, qualified for the USBCHA National Nursery Finals in 2009 and achieved high placements at challenging western trials like Big Willow, Dirt Blowing, and Heppner.

Another of Dave’s dogs, Tip, a son of Suzie Applegate’s Buzz, was 9th in the 2012 National Nursery Finals and 5th in the 2013 Region 1 Championship Double Lift. Tip also placed well in Double Lift Championship rounds at the 2014 USBCHA National Finals, the Meeker Classic (2015, 2017, 2018), the Soldier Hollow Classic (2015), and the Bluegrass Classic (2016, 2018). Tip won the preliminary round of 141 dogs at Meeker in 2014, the semi-final round at Meeker in 2017, and was selected to represent the United States at the World Championship in the Netherlands in July 2017. Tip was also the Washington Dog of the Year for four consecutive years.

Dave’s dog, Wyatt, was 8th at the 2022 National Finals and was selected to compete on the 2023 U.S. team for the World Championships in Northern Ireland. Wyatt also won his first Open trial as a 3-year-old and qualified for the 2019 USBCHA Nursery Championships.

How to Get Started!

To get started or for any questions, clients are encouraged to call or text Julie at 360-941-1613 or email catbirdstockdogs@gmail.com. For those traveling from out of town for lessons, it is advised to let them know in advance if overnight accommodation is desired.