The Highlights

Discover the art of shepherding sheep with a Border Collie
Spend the day with renowned dog trainer & sheepdog trialist Nij Vyas
Learn Nij's approach to "intelligent sheepdog training"
Experience the thrill of working with a commercial flock of between 50-500 sheep at any one time
Includes a lunch stop at Launde Abbey (for an additional cost)
A private experience of just your group
Exchangeable Experience Gift

1 Location To Choose From

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Leicester

The Main Event

Explore the beauty of the countryside with this Private Sheepdog Training Experience, the perfect gift for anyone looking to try something different. Set against picturesque views, this experience provides an engaging introduction to the time-honoured craft of shepherding with a Border Collie.

During your day, you’ll have the chance to work alongside fully trained dogs and enthusiastic young pups, depending on their willingness to participate. This hands-on experience highlights the special connection that can form between humans and dogs.

You’ll learn valuable lessons in patience, calmness, and teamwork as you observe how three species – humans, dogs, and sheep – can cooperate effectively. The day is designed to be enjoyable and informative, filled with moments that may surprise you.

Under the expert guidance of renowned sheepdog trialist Nij Vyas, you’ll delve into the principles of "intelligent sheepdog training" and discover its wider implications. You’ll also learn about different sheep breeds, their traits, and how to manage a commercial flock that can vary from 50 to 500 sheep.

Time permitting, you might pick up some skills with a sheepdog whistle, engage in practical shepherding tasks, and take a look around areas like the lambing shed. The experience kicks off at 10 am, with a lunch break at the nearby Launde Abbey around 12:15 pm, concluding by 2:30 pm. To commemorate your day and if possible, moments from your day will be captured on camera and the photos emailed to you the afterwards.

Whether you’re treating yourself or searching for a thoughtful gift, this Sheepdog Training Experience offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature and learn something new in a serene setting.

Important Bits

Important to Note

Please note: This is private experience so you won't be sharing the session with anyone else.

All participants must be voucher holders and spectators are discouraged from watching close by as they can be a distraction to the sheep and dogs.

It is not recommended that participants bring their own dog, even to leave in their car.

Food and drink is not included with this voucher. Please allow for this additional cost on the day.

When

Bookable Monday to Friday subject to availability.

Occasional weekends may be available, please ask when booking if a weekend is possible.

Advanced booking is highly recommended.

Duration: Approx 4.5 hours - 10am to 2:30pm (1 hour for lunch at 12:15pm)

Please note: This experience can be weather dependant and in extreme weather, your experience will be rearranged.

Validity

Your voucher is valid for 12 Months from the date of issue.

Please note you must have booked and taken your experience before the expiry date.

Who Can Go

There is no minimum age however this experience isn't really suitable for babies or toddlers. It can be a long day for children so often the summer time is best if children are attending.
All under 18's must be accompanied by an adult.
Please advise of any medical conditions when booking.
Pregnancy can be an issue when coming into contact with pregnant ewes/ewes giving birth and also as the ground can be very uneven.
If you are a wheelchair or mobility scooter user, please advise of this when booking. Advanced notice will help to plan the day so you can enjoy the experience.
Toilet facilities are available.
Please dress suitably for the weather and wear sturdy footwear as the ground can be uneven.

What about Insurance?

The centres contracted with us hold public liability insurance. We also hold contingency liability cover. You will not be liable for accidental damage to equipment, except where damage has been caused as a result of recklessness or wilful negligence.

A cancellation indemnity, subject to terms, is included with every voucher.

How it Works

All you have to do is pay for the experience you wish to purchase and we’ll send a voucher and booking information to you or directly to the recipient, then you just need to check the info and book your experience.

FAQs

The Dogs

The dogs you'll be working with are Border Collies, many of which are competition dogs. The number dogs in attendance in the day will depend on the health of the dogs. Some dogs can be a bit temperamental and some only understand Welsh but this all adds to the fun!

The welfare of both the dogs and sheep is always a priority. The ground and temperature conditions will be assessed on the day to lower any risk of injury to the animals.

Lunch at Launde Abbey

A 1 hour lunch break will be scheduled for around 12:15pm. Launde Abbey offers a good selection of snacks, sandwiches and homemade cakes as well as hot and cold drinks.
Please note that this voucher does not include lunch so please allow for this additional cost on the day.

About Nij Vyas

Nij is a highly regarded dog trainer and sheepdog trialist with 32 years of experience. He has represented England in International trials and has been the owner of multiple competition winning dogs. He has officiated top events such as the English National Sheepdog Trials and the esteemed BBC program, One Man And His Dog.

Nij's sheepdog training philosophy is based on understanding and nurturing the strengths and abilities of each dog as well as the importance of creating a partnership between the handler and dogs.

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