Tag Archives: handling

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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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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Students well pleased with Gordon Watt clinic

Posted on December 26, 2013 by John

                    Handler after handler walked off the field thrilled by the improvements their dogs and their handling made in a very short time.   Gordon Watt, Irish, English and World Champion … Continue reading →

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Gordon Watt Dog Handling Clinic, Nov. 7 and 8

Posted on October 12, 2013 by John

Gordon Watt of England will return to Heatherhope Farm for his third sheepdog handling clinic here, Thursday and Friday, November 7 and 8, 2013. Approximate times for the clinic are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eight working slots are now … Continue reading →

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Post-Sheep-Handling Thoughts on Olympian Spirit

Posted on August 10, 2012 by John

The great 19th century Danish-Lutheran philosopher, Soren Kierkegaard, wrote scathingly of a certain bishop who was called a “faithful witness of the truth” at his funeral. Kierkegaard thought that faithful witnesses, or, what he would also call “knights of faith,” … 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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Free Sheepdog Trial Judging Seminar Jan 21

Posted on November 26, 2011 by John

               “Up North” here we aren’t usually doing much sheepdog training in the dead of winter.  So, how about gathering for some lunch and snacks and talking about judging sheepdog trials by discussing Stuart Walton’s sheepdog trial judging video and … Continue reading →

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Bobby Dalziel Returns to Heatherhope for April, 2012 Clinic

Posted on December 9, 2010 by John

Top Scottish sheepdog handler and trainer, Bobby Dalziel, returns to Heatherhope Farm April 26 through May 1 for a handling clinic. 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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