NSA SCOTLAND SHEEPDOG HANDLING COURSES TO BE RUN IN NORTH OF SCOTLAND
29th September 2017
NSA Scotland, with Scott Renwick of Inverbroom Farm, Ullapool, Wester Ross and Joyce Campbell of Armadale Farm in Sutherland have come together to host one-day sheepdog handling courses. These initial training courses will be held in October 2017 with the tuition provided by experienced trainers and accomplished triallists, and are open to a maximum of 12 handlers and their dogs each day.
The first course will be held on Friday 13th October at Armadale Farm, Armadale, Sutherland in the capable hands of Michael Shearer from Caithness, 2014 World Sheep Dog Trial Champion. The second course will be held on Friday 20th October at Clachan, Inverbroom, Ullapool, Ross-shire with the tuition being delivered by sheep dog trainer and trial judge, Alan MacDonald from Fearn.
These sheepdog handling courses are designed for all, from absolute beginner and novices, through to trial standard, as long as they have their own dog. The training is adapted to suit all individual needs and will teach them how to handle and train a working dog using body language and natural communication, and is also aimed at giving confidence to novice sheepdog handlers. Trainees will be working in a group, which can have an advantage as they will be able to watch different dogs and learn from each other.
For many years Scott has been asked by lots of people, where they could go to get some training on sheep dog handling. He approached NSA Scotland to see if they could help pull something together. “We are delighted that Michael Shearer and Alan MacDonald have agreed to impart some of their years of theory and practical hands-on experience with sheep and dogs, to anyone that wants to gain from their unrivalled expertise on a world-wide stage” said Scott, a NSA member and NSA Highlandsheep committee member, who came up with the idea of running the courses.
The courses will run from 9.00am to approximately 5.00pm (with a break for lunch) depending on numbers. The cost of each course is free to fully paid up members of the National Sheep Association. Non-members can sign up beforehand which gives lots of other benefits (Annual NSA Membership Subscription £55: Under 27’s £27.50) or pay a one off course fee of £30 and for under 27’s £15. A soup, sandwiches lunch and refreshments will be included. Booking is essential and open to the first 12 individuals and their dog entered for each course. The closing date for entries is Tuesday 10th October 2017.
Further information and entry forms are available from Euan Emslie, NSA Scotland Event Organiser and Secretariat. Tel: 07718 908523 or email euan@nsascotland.org
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Issued by National Sheep Association Scotland
September 29, 2017
