Episode 25: Learning About Herding with MacRae Sheepdogs
Today's episode is all about sheep herding, and we're talking about this sport with two legends - Patricia and Alasdair MacRae of MacRae Sheepdogs. We talk about how herding started, what it looks like in real life on the farms of Scotland, and what US trials are all about.
More about Patricia and Alasdair:
Alasdair has been around border collies for nearly his whole life, growing up on a farm in Scotland. Alasdair’s time with his dogs has included trick training, true herding as a shepherd at 18 years old, and when his interest was piqued, he learned to herd with dogs who were otherwise rejected by other farmers and handlers in Great Britain. His early work with these dogs helped him learn to adapt his training to each individual dog, bringing out every last bit of their potential. Alasdair has competed on national and international stages in herding and is a 14 time US National Champion.
Patricia is an amazing herding trainer and competitor, with high placements at the US Nationals, including winning the US National right here in the state of Oregon! Together with Alasdair, Macrae Way Online Sheepdog Training Courses was launched in 2014 to take their intuitive, positive training methodology and make it available to handlers worldwide. In 2018, they launched the MacRae Way Academy, which provides a membership platform to enhance their ability to share their knowledge with handlers and their dogs.
Interested in their classes? Find them online at www.macraeway.com.
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