Residents enjoy working with dogs
By Sylvie Belmond belmond@theacorn.com

Training that relies on herding dogs' instincts for rounding up stray livestock out on the range is now used to keep pet dogs well-adjusted.

"Herding is one of the best things people can do together with their dog," said Janna Duncan, a dog trainer who offers weekly classes in Moorpark and Malibu.

Duncan operates Drummond Ranch in Acton, a yearround facility dedicated to dogs that herd. She also competes nationally with her dogs.

This is a competitive dog sport that requires skills and stamina, she said. But people don't have to seek awards to enjoy the activity with their pets.

"Herding dogs need a lot of exercise or they can become difficult companions," Duncan said.

The training is good for both the owner and the dog, said Westlake Village resident Barbara Billig, who owns a large German shepherd named Sacha.

For about a year, Billig has taken classes with her dog. The exercise is especially good for Sacha because of her strong herding instinct, the dog owner said.

"Without a way to channel this energy herding dogs get frustrated and they begin to misbehave, which can be problematic, especially with large dogs," said Billig.

The program helped Billig to take a difficult dog and turn her into a much more obedient, happy and confident pet, she said. "She would rather do this than anything else," Billig said.

While working with Sacha in the corral, Billig expects the large dog to stop and obey every command. "She can't touch the sheep. It's about getting your dog under control," she said.

Herding is a partnership between canine and handler because the pair must work collaboratively, said Derek Fisher.

At 13, Fisher started to work with dogs and competed in the national finals shortly thereafter. The young man came from Idaho to work with Duncan at her ranch, and he is now training a new dog to compete at the national level.

While in the corral, Fisher patiently used his voice commands to guide an eager young border collie named Paige. The dog circled around four sheep to keep them tightly together at all times.

Other dogs sat on the sidelines, waiting for their turn. "They really love this," said Duncan.

While working with livestock, dogs need to cooperate with their handler and use their own initiative and judgment at the same time.

"They're very smart," said Simi Valley resident Dave Dowding, who came to work with his Australian Cattle Dog Ginger.

Dowding, a retired firefighter who volunteers for the California Highway Patrol and the Ventura County Fire Department, owns five dogs and has kept involved in the sport and learned from Duncan for about 10 years.

Herding dogs come in many shapes and sizes, and they're used throughout the world. Swiss Appenzeller mountain dogs, schnauzers and Icelandic sheepdogs are among the many breeds that like to rally livestock.

These dogs know when to use gentleness with a pregnant female or when they need to show strength because they're dealing with a stubborn animal, said Fisher.

Training boosts these natural skills, which come in handy for Moorpark rancher Charlotte Crocker, who owns a herd of about 80 cattle. She and her Australian Cattle Dog Wyatt also attend the weekly training sessions.

Wyatt practices with sheep, and then he will work with the cattle when they return from pasture this fall, said Crocker.

The need to use herding dogs on ranches has diminished, but the art isn't going to fade away as more pet owners choose to take part in herding activities and contests for fun.

The renewed interest also helps to preserve the talents and abilities of the herding breeds, according to herding dog organizations.

For more information about Duncan and her training programs, visit her website at www.drummondranch.net.