March 30th, 2025
- addi0691
- Mar 30
- 1 min read
Herding Clinics
I love a good herding clinic weekend—just watching dogs work sheep and soaking in the clinician’s voice, full of wisdom too rich to measure.
Every time I attend, I walk away with a deeper understanding of Border Collies, sheep, and the relationship between them.
What always amazes me is how clinicians can work four or five dogs in an hour and still meet each dog exactly where they are.
When working sheepdogs, no two dogs are alike. Some are pushy and bold; others are thoughtful and soft. The job of the handler is to read the dog and adjust—not to force the dog into a mold.
You can have all the goals in the world, but if you can’t talk to your dog, what’s the point?
That ability to stay fair, respectful, and clear with every dog in a fast-paced clinic setting blows me away.
I’ll be honest—I shine in one-on-one sessions. That’s where I give my full focus and best ideas.
But I wonder… how do clinicians do it so well, staying flexible and consistent at once?
Can I get there too?
Happy Training!
Addi and The Girls
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