Gordon Watt Sheepdogs & Sheepdog Training

Gordon Watt Sheepdogs offers private lessons and clinics focused on sheepdog training for Border Collies, specifically for handlers working towards USBCHA trials. Lessons are available on a limited basis, lasting 45 minutes to 1 hour, for dogs 10 months or older. Gordon may work with the dog initially before introducing the handler.

Clinics are offered at Irish Woods Farm and out-of-town locations. On-farm clinics include Young Dog Clinics (for dogs 10 months to 3 years), Handler’s Clinics (for dogs 2 years and older), Novice Clinics (for novice handlers, dogs of any age/level), and Shedding Clinics (Novice and Open levels). Clinic participants are asked to sign up for the full weekend, and only one dog per handler is allowed to ensure spots for others.

Pricing Summary

Lessons at Irish Woods Farm cost $75 per dog for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. Clinics at the farm are $270 for a weekend, which includes lunch, tea, coffee, and snacks. Auditing a clinic costs $40 per day.

Payment can be made via PayPal, check (payable to Gordonwattsheepdogs), or cash. For winter clinics, payment is required on the day of signing up via PayPal or check to hold a spot, with a 5-day grace period for checks to arrive.

Policies

For on-farm clinics and lessons, clients are asked to exercise their dogs only in the fenced-off area. Unwell or sick dogs should not be brought to the farm, whether participating or just accompanying. Dogs should be kept quiet in vehicles when unattended, and excessive barking/howling may result in being asked to leave.

Harsh handling of dogs is strictly prohibited on the property, and offenders will be asked to leave. Gordon only works with handlers who are fully vaccinated for Covid.

Gordon Watt Sheepdogs & Sheepdog Training, located at Irish Woods Farm in Woodstock, IL, specializes in training Border Collies for sheepdog trials, specifically for USBCHA competitions. They do not train for AKC competitions. Gordon Watt also works with farmers to prepare Border Collies for farm work on large flocks and provides advice on stock management.

They offer both private lessons and clinics at their farm, catering to Border Collies and handlers of all levels. Clinics are held through winter months, including young dog clinics and handlers’ clinics, with shedding clinics offered in spring to prepare for the trialing season. During summer, they focus on their trialing season and offer out-of-town clinics.

Other services include drop-off training for dogs, stud dog services for approved bitches on a limited basis, and occasional sales of pups/dogs. They also offer Stock Management Clinics covering all aspects of keeping and maintaining a flock of sheep.

Accomplishments

Gordon Watt was born in Ireland in 1964 to a family of shepherds, including his father, William Watt, a renowned sheepdog figure. Gordon began his career at 15, winning second in the Irish Nationals with his first dog, Chum. He became the Irish National Champion in 1999 and the World Champion in 2005, after also winning the English National Championship with his dog, York.

His current main trial dog, Huthwaite Storm, has won the Northumberland League Nursery and numerous Open trials, placed fourth at the English Nationals in 2015, and was Reserve Champion at the 2016 USBCHA National Finals. Another trial dog, Moss, won many Open trials and was third in the English National in 2014, also being part of the English team that year.

How to Get Started!

To register for a lesson, clients can use the online scheduling button. If the button is unavailable, a form can be filled out to receive a link. For clinics at Irish Woods Farm, a form should be filled out by new clients before signing up to discuss the best fit. Clinic sign-up links are posted under the clinic date. For out-of-town clinics, individuals must contact the specific clinic host directly for registration and information.