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Herding

🐑 Herding Lessons at Empire Ridge Ranch

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You bought a herding dog, let's put it to work!

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Join us at our mountaintop ranch in southern Arizona — or our secondary location in Benson — for hands-on herding sessions built around your dog’s unique instincts.

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We welcome all breeds and experience levels, from curious first-timers to serious trial competitors.

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We’re proud to be Arizona’s only herding program offering training tailored to tending breeds, including:

  • German Shepherds

  • Belgian Shepherds (all four types)

  • French herding breeds

  • Beaucerons

  • Malinois, Dutch Shepherds, and mixes

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We also work extensively with Border Collies, Aussies, ACD, etc.... Whether you want to handle your own dog or prefer we do the handling, your session will be hands-on, informative, and grounded in livestock safety and respect.

🧠 Why Train With Us?

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  • AKC Herding Judge on staff

  • We host herding trials and mini-camps throughout the year

  • Over a decade of experience on multiple trial fields (USBCHA, AHBA, AKC, ASCA, MSSA)

  • Stock-savvy sheep trained for learning, not chasing

  • Calm, safe environments at two southern AZ training locations:
    ▸ Mountaintop ranch near Tucson
    ▸ Benson, AZ — flat, clean terrain, easy access

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🐕 Meet Our Dogs:

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  • Dice, Cody & Tagg — experienced Border Collies trialed in AKC, AHBA, ASCA, USBCHA, and MSSA

  • Brisco — Australian Shepherd - ASCA, MSSA

  • Spark — Young Border collie - just starting

  • Trigger - Young Dutchie x Malinois - beginning training in tending 

  • For more detailed information on our pack go HERE

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We believe herding should be fair, structured, and fulfilling — for dogs and sheep alike. Whether you want to explore your dog’s instinct, prepare for a trial, or just have fun doing something they were born to do, we’re here to guide you.

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📅 Lessons available September through June (we pause for summer).
🌾 Mini-camps run throughout fall, winter, and early spring.
📲 Want to book a lesson or ask if your dog is a good fit?
Contact us here, or message us on Facebook. We’re always happy to talk dogs and sheep.

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