WORKNGSD

Training begins with a herding instinct test, followed by progressive lessons tailored to the dog’s ability and stamina. Owners participate in training unless the trainer works the dog exclusively. Programs include herding, Barn Hunts, Carting, Dock Diving, Tracking, Weight Pulling, and Therapeutic Swimming. In-house boarding combines 30 days of daily personalized training with home-life exposure. Sessions are scheduled individually and vary in length based on the dog’s needs.

Pricing Summary

Herding instinct testing and lessons cost $40 per dog for owner-participating sessions; $50 if the trainer works the dog exclusively. Livestock rentals are $20. The in-house boarding and training program is $500 per month. Barn Hunt, Carting, Dock Diving, Tracking, Weight Pulling, and Therapeutic Swimming sessions are offered but specific pricing is not listed. The “Bring Your Puppy to Work” special is $10.

Policies

Lessons are available year-round, seven days a week. No formal cancellation policy is stated. Sessions may be shortened if multiple students are scheduled on the same day, and training is conducted in shared time slots. Livestock rentals are restricted to experienced handlers only.

WORKNGSD is a dog training facility in Barberton, Ohio, owned by Tonya Haney, specializing in herding training for dogs, particularly German Shepherds. The business offers year-round herding instinct testing and training using a flock of 35 Cheviot and Cheviot-cross sheep in multiple fenced fields and an indoor barn. In addition to herding, they provide training in Barn Hunts, Carting, Dock Diving, Tracking, Weight Pulling, and Therapeutic Swimming using a 20 x 40 in-ground pool. They offer an in-house boarding and training program at a flat monthly rate of $500, where dogs live in the owner’s home and farm environment rather than a kennel. Lessons are available seven days a week, and owners are encouraged to participate in training sessions. The facility is also available for rent for events and mock trials.

The business is focused on working and competition-oriented dog sports, with resources and links provided for AKC and UKC sanctioned events. They also breed and sell German Shepherd puppies and offer a “Bring Your Puppy to Work” special for $10 during herding lessons.

The facility features extensive outdoor and indoor training areas, including wooded and pasture land, a creek, and livestock handling areas. Training is conducted in person at the farm, with no virtual or home-based services offered.

Accomplishments

WORKNGSD hosts practice Barn Hunt events, mock trials, and non-sanctioned Weight Pulling Days. The facility is used for training and hosting club events. Tonya Haney has trained multiple dogs in competitive herding and other working sports, and the business is recognized locally for its specialized herding and working dog training.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients should contact Tonya Haney to schedule an appointment for a herding instinct test. No online booking system is available; contact is made by phone. The first visit includes an instinct test with three sheep to evaluate the dog’s natural herding ability.