Draxen Farms

Training is conducted in group sessions on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays from 9am–3pm. Beginners start in round pens with experienced “School Sheep,” progressing to larger fields as skills improve. Each dog gets three working turns per session. Advanced handlers may work independently outside of beginner slots. Practice sessions are offered for AKC Farm Dog Certification, with 12 test items to master. Duck herding courses with long lines are available for trial preparation. Clinics and trials are hosted throughout the year.

Pricing Summary

Training sessions are by appointment only, with limited slots: 10 per Saturday/Monday and 5 per Sunday. Group rates are available for herding clubs: $300 for a half-day (up to 10 dogs) and $500 for a full-day (up to 15 dogs). AKC Farm Dog Certification tests cost $45 per run. Specific training rates are available upon request by phone or email.

Policies

Classes are by appointment only. Only 10 slots are available on Saturdays and Mondays and 5 on Sundays, so advance booking is required. No cancellation or rescheduling policy is explicitly stated.

Draxen Farms is a herding breed training facility located in Fort Pierce, Florida, offering specialized sheep herding training for all herding dog breeds, including Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and more. Mike Horgan, the trainer, provides group training sessions in a relaxed, family-friendly environment on a 10-acre farm with dedicated round pens, experienced “School Sheep,” and separate fields for advanced handlers. The facility also offers practice sessions for the new AKC Farm Dog Certification, open to all dog breeds, helping dogs apply basic training in a farm setting. Additional training options include duck herding courses with A and B courses for AKC and AHBA trial preparation. Training sessions are conducted on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays from 9am–3pm, with each dog getting three working turns in a group setting. The farm provides shaded kennel runs, fresh water tubs, restrooms, and parking for client comfort. Draxen Farms also hosts herding trials, clinics, and events in partnership with the Florida Working Dog Club and BCCUSA.

The facility welcomes dogs of all experience levels—from first-time owners testing instinct to advanced competitors preparing for USBCHA, AKC, or AHBA trials. Mike has over 20 years of experience in obedience, tracking, and herding, with titled dogs in multiple disciplines. The farm is a short drive from South Florida, Orlando, and Tampa, making it accessible to owners across Central and Southeast Florida.

Draxen Farms does not offer grooming, boarding, walking, or other pet services beyond herding training and trial preparation.

Accomplishments

Mike Horgan has over 20 years of experience in obedience, tracking, and sheep herding. His dogs, including Border Collies Liam and Mara, are titled in AKC, AHBA, and USBCHA competitions. He has participated in numerous herding clinics led by well-known handlers and has hosted AKC Farm Dog Certification events. His Rottweiler Flash earned championships in obedience and breed shows, and his dog Driver was featured in Dog Fancy Magazine for tracking.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients must call in advance to schedule an appointment. Training is available by appointment only on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays. First-time visitors are encouraged to contact Mike to discuss their dog’s experience level and availability.