HERDING FOUNDATION BOOTCAMP
2026
December 5-6
2027
January 9-10
February 6-7
February 27-28
Two days,
Two trainers,
LOADS OF
WORK TIME!
Click on Dates Above to Register
Hosted at Arizona Working Aussies
Learn. Practice. Improve.
Experience two immersive days of hands-on instruction designed to strengthen the partnership between you and your dog. Led by experienced instructors, the Herding Foundation Boot Camp combines proven training concepts with practical livestock work to help handlers build confidence, sharpen skills, and continue progressing long after the clinic ends.
Whether you're introducing your first dog to stock or refining techniques for competition, you'll receive personalized coaching in a supportive, educational environment.
Click on Dates Above to Register
What You'll Learn
Every session is designed to build a stronger understanding of stockmanship while developing a confident, responsive working dog.
Participants will explore:
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Building and maintaining focus on livestock
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Understanding herding principles and training techniques
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Improving communication between handler and dog
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Developing balanced, dependable flanks
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Refining gathers and livestock movement
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Navigating obstacles with confidence
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Introducing pressure and drive naturally and effectively
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Solving common handling challenges
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Reading courses and planning successful approaches
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Practicing exercises that continue your progress at home
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Learning alongside fellow handlers who share your passion for working dogs
Why Attend?
At the Herding Foundation Boot Camp, you'll enjoy:
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Two full days of immersive instruction
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Two experienced instructors
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Extensive hands-on livestock work
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Individual coaching and feedback
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Small class sizes
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Quality livestock
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A welcoming, encouraging learning atmosphere
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Practical skills you can immediately apply in everyday training
Meet Your Trainers
Cathy Sumeracki
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me or click Edit Text. It's easy to make it your own.
Cathy has been herding for over a decade and is a stickler for foundation at any level. She is known for her creative delivery and keen understanding of the dog’s perspective. Cathy works and competes with all breeds at all levels in all arena/field venues of herding competition. She is also an AHBA judge, an AKC judge and co-author of the book “Teaching the Rules of the Hunt.” as well as other downloadable herding material.
Hana Fullmer
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me or click Edit Text. It's easy to make it your own.
Hana’s role as a commercial farmer using her dogs as tools brings real life experience and application with a working dog. She works with all breeds and levels. She is especially knowledgeable in understanding the struggles folks experience when first starting and brings a calm, fresh perspective.
Who Should Attend?
The clinic welcomes all breeds and all experience levels.
Whether you're building a foundation, overcoming training challenges, or preparing for stockdog competition, the instruction is designed to meet you where you are and help you take the next step.
Hosted at Arizona Working Aussies
Arizona Working Aussies is proud to partner with respected instructors Cathy Sumeracki and Hana Fullmer to bring exceptional educational opportunities to the stockdog community. Our mission is to provide quality livestock, outstanding facilities, and meaningful learning experiences that help handlers and their dogs grow together.
Reserve Your Spot
Class sizes are intentionally limited to maximize working time and personalized instruction.
Early registration is encouraged.
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All breeds welcome. All levels welcome.
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$350 per dog.
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Snacks and water provided.
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Required download of camp manual/workbook ($50)
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Camp size limited to 15.
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Audit spots (no dogs) available for $50 per day.
Great stockdogs aren't built in a weekend, but every great stockdog strts with a strong foundation.
Join us and take the next step in your journey.
Registrations & Questions
All clinic registrations are managed directly by the clinicians through their online registration system.
For registration assistance, availability, clinic details, or any questions regarding the program,
please contact the clinicians directly using the information provided on the registration page.
Arizona Working Aussies is proud to host these educational events and provide the facility for your clinic experience.