Training Camp Inc

Training is conducted in individual 20-minute sessions with livestock, with handlers expected to observe other students for about an hour per lesson. Lessons are scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during summer hours. A classroom seminar called “Herding 101” is available on request. Training progresses based on individual dog and handler goals, with no fixed curriculum. Students must schedule in advance and provide 24-hour notice for changes. Lessons are canceled only due to extreme weather.

Pricing Summary

Initial herding evaluation is $35. Lessons are $20 each when purchased in pre-paid blocks, with a one-week grace period; otherwise $25 per lesson. Dog-only training is $25 per lesson. Blocks expire after one week if unused. Payment is required in advance for block pricing.

Policies

Lessons require advance scheduling. Cancellations must be communicated 24 hours in advance; otherwise, the lesson fee is forfeited. Lessons may be canceled due to extreme weather (heat index over 100°F or temperature below 0°F). Heavy rain or lightning cancels sessions. Clients are responsible for any damage to livestock or fences. All dogs must be current on vaccinations. No refunds for unused block lessons after the one-week grace period.

Training Camp Inc, led by JoAnna Yund, is a specialized dog training business focused on herding instruction for dogs bred to work with livestock. JoAnna has been training dogs since 1971 and holds multiple titles in obedience, agility, and herding with breeds including Border Collies, Shelties, and German Shepherds. She is an AKC and ASCA-approved obedience and herding judge, and has earned numerous herding championships including WTCH, HX, HC, and HCH titles. Training is conducted at a private farm in Chisago City, MN, using sheep, goats, or ducks as livestock. Lessons emphasize handler-dog partnership, calm control, and reading livestock behavior. The program requires a serious commitment, as herding cannot be dabbled in. JoAnna offers an initial herding evaluation and structured lessons in pre-paid blocks, with group observation encouraged to enhance learning. She also provides a classroom seminar called “Herding 101” for foundational knowledge.

Herding lessons are held at the farm on scheduled days and times, with priority given to booked clients. Lessons last approximately 20 minutes per dog, but handlers are expected to spend about an hour observing others. Training is weather-dependent, with cancellations for extreme heat or cold. All dogs must be vaccinated, leashed when not working, and owners must clean up after their pets. Handlers are financially responsible for any damage to livestock or fences. JoAnna’s approach is rooted in traditional stockdog training methods learned from mentors like Bob Vest and Vern Thorp, emphasizing real-world livestock experience over canned training routines.

Accomplishments

JoAnna Yund has earned 12 CDs, 10 CDXs, 8 UDs, 1 UDX, 3 TDs, and 1 TDX in obedience; 6 WTCH from ASCA; 4 HX, 3 HC from AKC; 4 HCH from AHBA; and multiple Ranch titles. She is an AKC-approved judge for obedience and herding tests, and ASCA-approved for all obedience classes and herding trials. She has trained dogs to AKC Excellent level in agility and competed on A, B, and D courses with cattle, sheep, and ducks.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients must first schedule an initial herding evaluation for $35. This evaluation is required before qualifying for pre-paid lesson blocks. After the evaluation, clients can book ongoing lessons based on the seasonal schedule. A classroom seminar, “Herding 101,” is available upon request via email.