NSA Scottish Region and ISDS Sheepdog Training courses to be run in Scotland
Date: 4th June 2018
Location: Various
Three one-day sheepdog training courses are being provided next month by the National Sheep Association (NSA) in Scotland and International Sheep Dog Society (ISDS). With tuition provided by experienced trainers and accomplished trialists, the events will provide a fantastic opportunity for up to 12 handlers and their dogs each day.
The first course will be held on Monday 4th June at Dryden, Ashkirk, Selkirk, Roxburghshire, in the capable hands of Bobby Dalziel. The other two courses are being held on Wednesday 13th June, one at Midderry Farm, Kilry, Perthshire, with the tuition by Mosse and Lotta Magnusson, and the other at Dumfries House, Cumnock, Ayrshire, with Jock Welsh.
John Fyall, NSA Scottish Chairman, explains that the training courses follow the success of two similar events held at Inverbroom and Armadale last autumn. He says: “I hope we get the same enthusiasm for these courses as was the case in Sutherland. It’s a great opportunity to use the trainers experience to improve practical skill, after which the trainees may wish to go on and do more. We are grateful to Mark Arres, Dumfries House Trust, and Mosse and Lotte Magnusson for kindly agreeing to host the events.”
The courses are designed for all, from absolute beginners 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 attendees 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, allowing them to watch different dogs and learn from each other.
Ian Brownlie, ISDS Scotland National President, says: “We are delighted Jock Welsh, Bobby Dalziel, Mosse and Lotta Magnusson 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. These training days are primarily aimed at sheep farmers and shepherds in order to help them make better use of their dogs’ abilities and improve efficiency in their everyday work.”
Running from 9am to 5pm (depending on numbers) with lunch provided, the courses are free to attend for NSA and/or ISDS members. Non-members can pay a one-off fee of £30 (or £15 for under 27s) or can join one of the organisations to access a wide range of other membership benefits. Places will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis up until the closing date of Friday 1st June.
Further information and entry forms are available from Euan Emslie, NSA Scotland Event Organiser and Secretariat, on 07718 908523 or euan@nsascotland.org. Alternatively, visit the NSA Scotland or ISDS websites.
