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, Thursday, November 2 through Sunday, November 5, 2017.
We have seen Gordon help handlers of all levels make tremendous progress with their dogs. From the earliest stages of training very young dogs to putting polish on seasoned trial dogs, Gordon’s commitment to helping handlers and dogs improve bears fruit every time.
Kathy Farkos works with Gordon Watt. Photo by John
We have had Gordon at the farm many times in the past, most recently for clinics in May and November. We hope to have him regularly in the future. So if you work with him you can count on building on your relationship. He also now lives and trains on Margaret Lass-Gardiner’s Nippersink farm in SE Wisconsin.
Of course, Gordon has won many other accolades in his long career as a sheepdog trainer and handler. Starting out in Ireland he won that nation’s National Championship in both the singles and brace (two dogs) competition, the English National Singles Championship and many other trials. He was fourth on the English National team with his dog Storm in the 2015 International, but moved to the U.S.A. after the English National Trial and so did not compete in the 2015 International. England’s loss is our gain!
We have available working slots at this time; but we will always have room for people to audit–that is, to watch and listen as others work their dogs with Gordon. This too is a great way to learn as we will have Gordon wired for sound with a cordless microphone. So you will be able to hear what he says to each handler. Each day we will have about 10 different dogs going out two times, so there will be a great variety of dogs, at different stages of development.
The fee for a working slot is $130 a day (two times out), for auditing it is $45 a day. You can sign up for any number of days. Both working and auditing include continental breakfast and full lunch. The clinic will be going on for just about all the daylight time on each of the days.
If you are interested in joining us for one or more of those days, please phone us at 815-895-9736 or e-mail heatherhopefarm@gmail.com. Go to the “Directions” tab at the top of any page on this web site for directions to the farm.
I have been hearing about Gordon Watt’s clinic from some folks I know that came to it and are very enthusiastic about his methods and teaching. Can you give me contact info for him? I would like to set up some private lessons. When are you next having him at your farm for a clinic?
I just moved from CA back to IN this year, have 3 Border Collies, one competing in Open, the two pups have done some AKC trials at the beginner or intermediate level. (And you might also be interested in my book, “Dog//God Parables”, subtitled “How relationships with our dogs reflect our relationship with God.”)
Dear John: I just spoke with you on the telephone re: the Gordon Watt clinic. I would like to be placed on a “waiting list” i would be available any day the clinic is given and would appreciate being put on any mailing list you may have. It was a pleasure talking with you and I will also email you. God Bless, Rick E. Danciu and Eva.