Kobberdahl K9/Billabong Border Collies

The Professional Dog Obedience Training Program is a one-month “board and train” program for dogs at least 6 months old with current vaccinations. Dogs learn commands such as sit, down, heel, stay, and come, both on and off-leash, with training conducted in various distracting situations. Owners receive a weekly video of their dog’s progress and an illustrated booklet explaining commands. At the end, a 1-2 hour session is held with the owner and dog to transfer commands. Collar conditioning (e-collar training) for off-leash control can be added during the last two weeks for an additional cost.

The Stock Dog and Herding Program is an 8-week “board and train” program. The first four weeks focus on advanced obedience, ensuring faultless response to commands in the presence of livestock. The second four weeks focus on advanced herding skills, aiming to “finish” the dog as a competent stockdog. Dogs learn commands like “comebye,” “away to me,” short outruns, driving at the handler’s side, lying down, staying, cleaning out pens, and calling off stock. Specific commands can be taught based on farm needs. Owners receive weekly videos and a one-on-one lesson at the program’s conclusion.

Pricing Summary

The professional dog obedience training is a one-month “board and train” program costing $1600, payable all upfront or half upfront and half at the end. Providing your own dog food is an option, otherwise, their food (Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete) is an extra $40 per month.

For show dog training, dogs must first complete their basic obedience program, which costs $1000-$1500. After that, show training is $500 per month. They do not charge for showing the dog, but clients are responsible for all show/trial fees and a percentage for travel.

The stock dog and herding program is an 8-week “board and train” program costing $2200, payable all upfront or half upfront and half at the end.

Policies

All dogs must be at least 6 months old and have current vaccinations (distemper combination, rabies, bordetella) with vet records presented prior to training. For show dog training, clients are responsible for all show/trial fees and a percentage for travel. Payment for board and train programs can be made all upfront or half upfront and half at the end of training.

Kobberdahl K9/Billabong Border Collies is a “working dog” training facility specializing in Border Collies and other livestock herding breeds, as well as German Shepherds. They offer professional dog obedience training, stock dog/herding training, and show dog training. The business also engages in high-level dog breeding, focusing on creating trainable dogs with good drive and social skills.

Their training approach includes a “board and train” program where dogs stay at their facility for the duration of training. They emphasize immersion training in various situations and distractions to ensure obedience in real-world scenarios. The facility is temperature-controlled and directly attached to the owner’s home, with dogs handled exclusively by Tracy Kobberdahl.

A unique advantage is the extensive experience of the owners, Steve and Tracy Miller Kobberdahl. Tracy has over 30 years of professional dog training, showing, and trialing experience, and is an AKC Judge in Rally Obedience and Herding. She holds a B.S. degree in Biology with an emphasis in genetics, specializing in dog behavior modification and teaching humans how to “speak” dog language. Steve manages the business and is integral to the training and breeding process. They health test all their dogs and train, trial, and show them, ensuring a deep understanding of the dogs they produce.

Accomplishments

Tracy Miller Kobberdahl has over 30 years of experience professionally training, showing, and trialing dogs. She is an AKC Judge in Rally Obedience and Herding and has conducted clinics, seminars, and demonstrations nationwide. Tracy holds a B.S. degree in Biology with an emphasis in genetics, specializing in dog behavior modification. Their breeding dogs have various titles, including HSAS herding titles for Border Collies Tempo and Josh, and AKC titles (BN, RA, CD) for Border Collie Jiggs. Their German Shepherds have Schutzhund titles (BH) and AKC Rally Novice (RN) titles, with pedigrees including highly accomplished dogs like Erri Z Blatenskeho Zamku, a two-time WUSV competitor and multiple national champion.

How to Get Started!

To begin the professional dog obedience training program, dogs must be at least 6 months old and have current vaccination documentation. A copy of the dog’s vet records must be presented prior to training. For the stock dog and herding program, vaccination requirements include Parvo, distemper, Rabies, and Bordetella. Interested clients are encouraged to email or call with questions, and to book early for the stock dog program.