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At the first weekend of September sheepdog-handlers from Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Netherlands met on the Mollenkopf farm in Pfullingen, south of Stuttgart accompanied by their dogs, mainly Kelpies but some of other herding breeds, too. All were curious to get advice from Michael Johnston and Kevin Howell, two well known Kelpie handlers and breeders from Australia which were invited by Uta Reichenbach who organized the whole event. Michael and Kevin did not only bring there knowledge with them but also brought along an Australian like weather - it was hot and sunny on all 4 days.
In fact there were 2 clinics held on these 4 days, each was 2 days long. As there where two trainers, two groups of participants were able to train at the same time. One group worked with Michael in the yard section, the other worked with Kevin on the paddock. The groups changed the training areas on the second day. The yard was set up with several steel hurdles and included a small forcing yard and a race. The paddock was divided in 2 parts, one fenced section and an open field with trial obstacles for the more experienced dogs.
As I did not only participate with one of my Kelpies but translated for other participants in my group if necessary, I had only little time to look at the second group during their training. But what I saw and experienced myself in my group was quite interesting. Kevin and Michael took a look at the actual working style and abilities of each dog. Then based on what they had seen and were told by the handler they started their “dog & handler improvement program”. It was really impressing how nearly each dog & handler team improved in a short period of time. Just a few adjustments in the positioning or commanding and everything worked much better. In addition the group developed to a real team, we stood together, discussed what we saw, helped each other if necessary and just had fun.
All in all I spent 2 great days on the clinic and came home very satisfied but very tired. Thanks to everyone who helped to make the clinic such an success, Uta and the whole organisation team, the trainers, the participants, the dogs and of course the sheep.
Alfred Roettgers-Schulte (Translator II
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