At this time, the herding program is full and has an extensive waiting list - please check back for updates

Herding at Parson Creek, in a beautiful setting where rolling green fields meet the sea:
Our herding program has been thoughtfully designed to encourage and accommodate the hobbyist as well as the serious competitor. Whether you are curious to see if your dog has interest, or your goal with your dog is ultimately, trialing, we welcome you "into the fold" in our herding program. Our teachings reflect the philosophy that all species in herding training; dogs, handlers, and livestock, are treated with kindness and respect.

Dates may change. Please call to confirm!
FMI and for directions Marcia can be reached at 207-522-6001

Training is offered for dogs and handlers of all levels and, interestingly, all breeds and mixed breeds! We have had experience working with many breeds, including:
From the herding group:
Border Collie
Australian Shepherd
Australian Cattle Dog
German Shepherd Dog
Bearded Collie
Icelandic Sheepdog
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Shetland Sheepdog
Belgian Malinois
Belgian Tervueren
Old English Sheepdog
Pyrenean Shepherd
Catahoula

and some who are not from the herding group!

Poodle
Gordon Setter
Border Terrier
Pomeranian
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rottweiler
Chihuaha
Boxer

Marcia Welch has been fortunate to work with some of the country's best trainers - some known internationally, as well as nationally. She trained for 14 years with her friend and mentor, Bob Vest, an all-breed trainer (undoubtedly one of the best trainers and stockmen of the last 1/2 century) prior to his untimely death in 2009. She has also trained with another friend and mentor, Tenley Dexter, an all-breed trainer, also one of Bob's students who, among other accomplishments, has been invited, with her dogs, to National Events and won, with competition not only from North America but from all over the world. Tenley has six (ASCA) Working Trial Champions to her credit. Marcia has also trained with Janet Larson, renowned author and all-breed trainer, with a specialty in border collies, Cheryl Jagger-Williams, a border collie trainer, Jerry Rowe, an all-breed trainer, owner of Australian Shepherds, Morris McGregor, and Bruce Fogt, both border collie trainers with all-breed experience.

Marcia has trained and trialed many dogs - her own, as well as her clients. She has two (ASCA) Working Trial Champions, Hannah, and Arrow, both Australian Shepherds. Hannah is a dual champion as she has also earned her AKC Herding Championship. Hannah was also a National Stockdog Finalist on sheep in 2009. Marcia and her dogs have received multiple high in trials on all stock: Cattle, Sheep, and Ducks.

Many of Marcia's students have also enjoyed success in the trialing arena.

Herding classes are fun and low key. The stock (Katahdin hair sheep and Indian Runner ducks) is well trained and appropriate for dogs of many different levels and abilities. There are various size pens and arenas for the beginner to advanced dog and handler teams.