Sheepdog handlers embrace technology to train dogs during lockdown
1 July 2020
Two Lewis crofters are honing their sheepdog handing skills using hi-
Kathleen Thomson and Sine Nicolson previously travelled to the mainland to train at Braehillor Sheepdog Handler Training Centre, in Dunbeath with Jasmine Grant.
But the lockdown curtailed travel and put a stop to in-
Handling nadlign courses switched Student handlers are guided through the steps to develop training strategies for their dogs.
Delivering digital sessions gives long distance participants the opportunity to learn how to train and work their dogs on their own croft.
Handlers record short video clips on their mobile phones upload them for feedback.
Ms Grant said: “There is no need for lengthy journeys to access training and that reduces the time for many folk who have busy lifestyles. I have developed different levels of training courses to ensure that there is one for all abilities – from eight week old puppy to fully trained sheepdog.”
Kathleen Thomson, a full time crofter and mum from South Galson starting training her own dogs 10 years ago and sought to advance her handling skills.
Kathleen said: “The online course is really good and certainly motivates you into putting the time in to train. The support and guidance from Jasmine is crucial to it all coming together. You learn from others and vice versa in your training group.”
Sheepdog enthusiast, Sine Nicolson from Sheshader, Point, has had been around working dogs all her life.
She said: “I really enjoyed the course as it gave me something to look forward to and taking video clips is really good as you have them to look back on and can use the critique sheets from Jasmine to review your progress.
“My dog can be quite sharp so I found this great for us. I could fully concentrate on what Jasmine was saying when giving feedback as I didn’t have to work Fly at the same time.
Kathleen Thomson and Ruby
Sine Nicolson with Fly and Chance