Tag Archives: training

Spot and a Still Small Voice

Posted on August 28, 2023 by John

In my early days with sheep herding dogs, I thought the only way of getting through to them was through my voice….and the louder the better. You see you train dogs in a big open field; and the sheep start … Continue reading →

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Gordon Watt April, 2020 Clinic Moved

Posted on November 6, 2019 by John

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Gordon Watt clinic, scheduled for Heatherhope for April 23 to 26, has been cancelled for here. But Gordon and Kerry Watt invite people to contact them for a possible clinic at their farm for … Continue reading →

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Another Snowy, Character-building Gordon Watt Clinic

Posted on November 6, 2019 by John

It happened late last April. It happened again this Halloween. Our semi-annual Gordon Watt clinic here at Heatherhope Farm is getting to be the kind of thing that builds real character. It was in 1895 that we last had an … Continue reading →

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Oct. 31 to Nov. 3 Gordon Watt Clinic

Posted on September 22, 2018 by John

Gordon Watt, champion sheepdog handler and popular trainer of other handlers, has been an important part of life at Heatherhope for many years. Gordon is a lifelong shepherd and dog handler, following in his father’s footsteps, so his experience and understanding run deep. … Continue reading →

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April 25-28, 2019 Gordon Watt Clinic

Posted on September 22, 2018 by John

Gordon Watt will return to Heatherhope Farm for a four day, all ability level, sheepdog clinic Thursday through Sunday, April 25-28, 2019. Gordon has been coming to Heatherhope since 2007, and we have heard nothing but praise for the great … Continue reading →

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Gordon Watt Sheepdog Clinic Nov. 2-5

Posted on October 16, 2015 by John

Gordon Watt, 2016 Reserve National Champion of the U.S., Handler of the Year of the Wisconsin Working Stock Dog Association for 2016, World Sheep Dog Trials Champion of 2005, returns to offer a four-day handling clinic here at Heatherhope Farm, … Continue reading →

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A Test of Wills before Bedtime

Posted on January 18, 2014 by John

Before bedtime we always give our seven sheepdogs one last run around the farm to do their business. Last night it was rather typical weather for this winter: about 9 degrees Fahrenheit and a sharp wind of around 20 mph, … Continue reading →

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Prayerfully Gathering with Spot

Posted on February 2, 2012 by John

February 2, 2012                 As an apprentice sheepdog, Spot has had a tumultuous work history. With the help of the insights from three of the very best sheepdog trainers in the world, Bobby Dalziel, Aled Owen and Gordon Watt, I … Continue reading →

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Our New Sheepdog from Scotland

Posted on March 26, 2011 by John

Straid Nell is the newest Border Collie at Heatherhope Farm. She came from Ayrshire, Scotland, very near where Robert Burns wrote his first song about “Handsome Nell.” Continue reading →

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One-of-a-Kind Spot

Posted on October 16, 2010 by John

Training young Spot to be a sheepdog reminds me of the need to see all dogs–and all people–as individuals. Continue reading →

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