Training Camp Inc

Training Camp Inc. offers individual herding lessons, with each working session lasting approximately 20 minutes. Dogs work individually at their own level, and sessions may be divided into two very short sessions. Handlers are encouraged to observe other students to learn herding techniques.

A classroom seminar, “Herding 101,” is available on an as-needed basis. This seminar covers basic principles of herding, including terminology, training principles, and the roles played by the handler, dog, and livestock.

Pricing Summary

An initial herding evaluation costs $35. Lessons are $20 per lesson when purchased in pre-paid blocks, which expire with a 1-week grace period. If a commitment to pre-paid blocks cannot be made, lessons are $25 per lesson. The cost is also $25 per lesson if the trainer works the dog.

Policies

Students must provide 24 hours notice to change the time or day of their lessons; otherwise, they are expected to pay for their scheduled time. Class will be cancelled if the heat index exceeds 100 degrees Fahrenheit or if the temperature drops below zero degrees Fahrenheit. Light rain does not cancel class, but heavy rain or lightning will.

All dogs must be current on vaccinations. Students are required to clean up after their dogs everywhere and keep barking to a minimum. Handlers are responsible for any damage caused by their dog to livestock and/or fences, which may include medical expenses, animal replacement, or fence/obstacle repair.

Training Camp Inc. specializes in training stock dogs for herding, helping dogs move and control livestock calmly. They offer stock dog training at all levels and for all breeds. Their goal is to help each dog and handler reach their herding potential, whether for doing what the dog was bred to do, trial competition, or becoming a working partner.

Herding instruction focuses on teaching the handler and dog partnership to have calm, confident control of livestock, with the handler controlling the dog and the dog controlling the livestock. Training uses sheep primarily, with goats or ducks available when possible. They emphasize that herding requires a serious commitment to training to ensure the dog progresses and doesn’t become frustrated or frightening to livestock.

Accomplishments

JoAnna Yund began obedience training in 1971 and has earned numerous titles, including 12 CDs, 10 CDXs, 8 UDs, 1 UDX, 3 TDs, and 1 TDX on Border Collies, Shelties, Australian Kelpie, a German Shepherd, and a Gordon Setter. She also trains her dogs in agility, with one competing at the AKC Excellent level.

She is approved by the AKC and ASCA to judge all obedience classes, and by the AKC and AHBA to judge herding tests and trials. Since starting livestock herding training in 1989, she has obtained 6 WTCH (Working Trial Champion) from ASCA, 4 HX, 3 HC (Herding Champion) from AKC, and 4 HCH from AHBA, along with AHBA and ASCA Ranch titles. She competes on AKC A, B & D Courses, and her dogs hold titles on cattle, sheep, and ducks. JoAnna had the privilege of being mentored by Bob Vest, Vern Thorp, Nyle Sealine, and Ben Means.

How to Get Started!

To begin training, prospective students must first complete an initial herding evaluation, which costs $35. This evaluation is a prerequisite for qualifying for the pre-paid block pricing for lessons. Training Camp Inc. is currently accepting new students, though availability is limited. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact JoAnna Yund via email for specific requests or to ask questions.