Amelia is available for lessons, clinics and judging

Lessons:

At BorderSmith I use a dog's instincts to help him learn the quiet control of livestock. Many times other trainers resort to yelling, throwing things at a dog, intimidation, or even beatings and electric shock collars. You will find none of that here. From my experiences traveling around the country and the world training and trialing, I have learned first hand how to train a stockdog using nothing more than its' instinct and the pressure and release from my body and stock. I produce competant, capable, and most importantly, confident dogs without any of the detrimental side effects found when using harsher techniques. You and your dog will learn together in a supportive environment designed to help you thrive no matter what your level of training and proficiency. I welcome dogs and handlers of all ages and ability to come experience the benefits of training in a way that is natural for the dog.

Lessons at BorderSmith Kennel are by appointment. $60 per lesson, per dog.
Individual lessons are available here at BorderSmith Stockdogs as well as in-house training for your youngster or dog in need of a solution. I am available for clinics too, so please contact me to learn more. My students and dogs I've trained have found success in working environments and trials around the country.

Former youngsters that I trained have gone on with their new owners to win the Canadian Border Collie Association Nursery Championship, the Northeast Border Collie Association Year-end Ranch Championship and have qualified for the USBCHA Nursery and Open National Finals.

I have taught handlers who have qualified for the semi-finals at the Meeker Sheepdog Championship and the semi-finals at the USBCHA National Finals, in addition to winning and placing at local and regional trials.

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WHAT MY STUDENTS ARE SAYING:

"Thanks Amelia for three great lessons. Farina and I benefitted greatly. Prior to meeting you, I had read some of your articles in The Working Border Collie magazine and felt comfortable with your training style and methods. Taking a few lessons with you (and Star) not only confirmed what I had read, but also provided valuable hands on training and feedback. The lessons helped to develop a clearer picture for both Farina and I of where we want to be and practical instruction on how to get there."
Gary Di Paolo

"We're getting good progress because Amelia isn't just training my dog, she's training us as a dog-handler team. She gives us an in-depth lesson, and then she brings new ideas to the next lesson because she's been thinking about us in the meantime. She's very open-minded and creative. Thanks, Amelia!"
Janet Elliott

"I recommend Amelia as a skilled trainer. She is patient with "challenging" dogs and does not work in 30 minute time blocks. She will train with your dog each lesson, until notable progress is reached. Amelia ends each lesson in a positive place, to pave the way for the next session."
Mandy Schaftel

"I found Amelia Smith through an article in Working Border Collie magazine and was impressed by her ability to explain her own learning process with a new dog. I've found her to be attentive, consistent and firm as a teacher, and very supportive and funny about my own shortcomings as a novice student. I've taken lessons with other teachers in California and New Mexico, and Amelia's techniques are perfectly in sync with what other experienced handlers have taught me, plus I appreciate her perspective on the total well-being of the dog. All in all a lesson with Amelia is a positive and productive experience."
David Weiner


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2009/2010 Schedule:

Lessons by appointment.

Clinics

September 5-7, 2010 (Tentative)
Strang Ranch Sheepdog Clinic
Carbondale, Colorado. Please contact me for more information.

Judging

September 10 & 11, 2010
Kensmuir Working Stockdog Center Sheepdog Trial
River Falls, Wisconsin. Please visit www.kensmuir.com for more information

October 16-18, 2009
Strang Ranch Sheepdog Trial
Carbondale, Colorado. USBCHA sanctioned Open and Nursery as well as Pro-novice, Open Ranch and Ranch
Please visit www.StrangRanch.com for more information

After years of being judged by some of the very best handlers and judges in the US, UK and Ireland, I have developed a well-rounded view of a winning run. My judging style is practical and common-sense. Straight lines and tight turns take a back seat to a useful dog properly trained in the quiet control of livestock.

Please contact me for availability and pricing.