SchaSam Farm

SchaSam Farm offers diverse training programs tailored to various dog sports and general manners. Agility training focuses on connection, handler communication, and obstacle negotiation using NADAC equipment, available in private and group formats from beginner to competition levels. Barn Hunt involves instinctual rat-finding work in straw bale rings, with group and private lessons covering all levels from Instinct to Master, including the Crazy 8 game.

Treibball, or urban herding, teaches dogs to move yoga balls, emphasizing impulse control and directionals through group and private classes. North American Sport Dog Association (NASDA) training provides “real world” scent work in both field conditions (Trailing and Locating, Shed Dog) and urban settings (Lost Item Recovery, Urban Locating, Urban Challenge Games), with private lessons available.

AKC Certification training prepares dogs for titles such as Farm Dog, Canine Good Citizen, Temperament Tests, and Trick Dog, focusing on manners and appropriate reactions in various environments. For general behavioral issues, “Being a ‘good dog'” private lessons address common problems like leash pulling, excessive barking, nipping, and recall. Additionally, the “Puppy Engagement & Future Sport Stars” group class introduces young puppies to foundational skills and various dog sports, while the “Introduction to Agility Group Class” covers basic pathwork, handling, and cues for new teams.

Pricing Summary

Private agility lessons are $20 for a 30-minute session. Group agility sessions are $40 for an hour, regardless of the number of dogs. Barn Hunt group lessons cost $35 per session, while 30-minute private Barn Hunt sessions are $30 (or $32 if paying via PayPal to cover fees).

Treibball private sessions are $20 for 30 minutes, and a four-week series costs $100. Private NASDA lessons are $30 for a 30-minute block. AKC certification training and “good dog” manners private lessons are $20 for a 30-minute session.

Puppy Engagement & Future Sports Stars group classes are $100 for a four-week series. Introduction to Agility group classes are also $100 for a four-week series. Payment for series classes is due at the first session. For field use, previous agility students can practice for $5, or RVs can stay for $10 per night, or free if volunteering for at least two classes. Payments are accepted via cash, check (SchaSam Farm), or PayPal.

Policies

All dogs attending training or events at SchaSam facilities must be current on their rabies vaccine; titers are not accepted per Washington State Law. Dogs are not permitted off-leash anywhere on the property except in designated off-leash areas or when actively working under instructor supervision. Leashes must be held by the handler, not dragging or tied.

The use of flexi leads, pinch collars, and e-collars is strictly prohibited for lessons on either property, though event rules may vary. Smoking and vaping are only allowed within a closed vehicle. The off-leash area is for quick potty breaks (under 5 minutes if others are waiting), and handlers must be inside the area with their dog. Entering the off-leash area when another dog is present requires the owner’s explicit permission. Handlers must fasten the gate closed upon exiting.

Clients are required to pick up after their dogs, with poop bags and cans provided. Toys used in the off-leash area must be returned to bins. Dogs are not allowed in barns/buildings unless actively hunting. A 10-foot distance between dogs must be maintained unless both handlers are actively watching their dogs. Clients are encouraged to report any unsafe conditions or issues to their instructor or Sam. Dogs should not urinate on human-contact surfaces like trash cans or gates, with off-leash and parking areas suggested for “draining.” Dog owners are asked to be mindful of their dog’s barking behavior to respect neighbors.

SchaSam Farm is a dog training business that offers a wide variety of dog sports and manners training, from introductory levels to competition preparation. They teach agility, barn hunt, farm dog, North American Sport Dog (NASDA), and treibball, alongside basic manners work essential for success in these sports. The facility also hosts competitions sanctioned by major organizations like NADAC, BHA, AKC, NASDA, and NATE.

Their philosophy emphasizes building a strong connection, trust, and relationship between handlers and their dogs through play and clear communication. They cater to dogs of all sizes and temperaments, from 3lb Chihuahuas to 150lb Mastiffs, and have worked with over 200 handler-dog teams since 2015. Instructors are passionate about their respective sports, continuously honing their skills through competition and continuing education to provide the best knowledge to their students.

SchaSam Farm also provides training for various AKC certifications, including Farm Dog, Canine Good Citizen (CGC), Temperament Tests (ATT), and Trick Dog. They offer guidance on overcoming or managing common behavioral issues such as leash pulling, excessive barking, nipping, and recall problems. Additionally, they support the dog community by hosting fundraising events for charities like Toys for Tots and local humane societies, and by providing training and demonstrations for 4H dog clubs.

Accomplishments

Sam Lietz, owner of SchaSam Farm LLC, has been involved in dog sports since 2008. She is an AKC Farm Dog Judge, a NADAC endorsed trainer in agility, and an AKC evaluator for Canine Good Citizen, Urban CGC, Video Home Manners, and Trick Dog. Sam has been the announcer at the NADAC Championships since 2016 and serves on the Training Committee for the National Association of Treibball Enthusiasts (NATE). She was instrumental in bringing NASDA to Washington State, hosting the first trials in 2021, and founded the SchaSam Agility Group (SAG) in October 2020. Sam actively competes with her own Border Collies and Rat Terriers in all sports taught at the farm, as well as in AHBA, ASCA, and USBCHA herding.

Other instructors include Barb Krause, a Barn Hunt Judge with extensive experience, whose Border Collie Tari achieved success at the 2021 Barn Hunt National Competition. Mandy Schlereth is noted for being the first Russian Toy team to earn Instinct, Novice, and Senior Barn Hunt titles in 2024. Elizabeth Buller is an AKC Farm Dog Judge and professional dog trainer with a Bachelor’s in Psychology, competing in NADAC Agility, NASDA, and Barn Hunt, and has a background in working with behavioral issues. Guest instructors include NASDA Judges Donna Morgan Murray and Jessica Clough, both highly experienced in scent work and dog sports.

SchaSam Farm and its associated groups have a strong record of community giving, raising over $40,000 for Toys for Tots over four years, including $10,000+ in September 2024 and $9,500 in December 2022. They have also donated to the Humane Society of Jefferson County ($965), Salmon for Soldiers ($250), supported an agility competitor’s medical expenses ($1,320), contributed to the Giving Hope Project ($200), and provided equipment and funds to the Little Rascals 4H Club. SchaSam Agility Group teams have achieved notable placements at NADAC Championships, including multiple 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place finishes in various divisions in 2022 and 2024, and several NATCH, Versatility NATCH, and Platinum NATCH titles.

How to Get Started!

To begin training, interested individuals should use the contact page on the SchaSam Farm website to discuss opportunities for private or group lessons. For specific group classes like Puppy Engagement or Introduction to Agility, or for Treibball, direct email contact with the respective instructors (Lizzy Buller at Misslizzybc@gmail.com or Mike V at agilecollie@gmail.com) may be required to inquire about days and times. For Barn Hunt group sessions, a Sign Up Genius link is available on the Events & Classes page. The training calendar varies, with lessons typically scheduled weekdays from 9 AM to 7 PM, as weekends are often reserved for competitions and events.