Learn to Herd, Love to Herd, Live to Herd!
Welcome to Downriver Farm's Website!
Home of Lynn Leach, experienced herding trainer, clinician, one of the only original committee members still on the Council for the CKC Herding Program, a judge in several programs, a key-note speaker for judging seminars and creator of the herding dog training DVDs Introduction to All Breed Herding and All Breed Herding the Next Steps and All Breed Herding Getting Your Driver's Licence.
Lynn working her ACD Leroy in front of the new 'Dowrniver sign' which was designed and created as a Christmas gift by her son James.
How can I help you get a Herding Championship title for your dog(s)?
Back To TopIndividual or Group Lessons
I provide individual attention and instruction best suited to you and your dog's needs. Our stock and facility are suitable for beginners, novices and the experienced.
"Lynn works with many different types of dogs and is well respected in the herding field. She is great. She manages to keep the class involved when working with different dogs, so that everyone learns from each others' handling. She is a friend and is very helpful to those starting out. I value the individual skill building tasks to hone up on overall performance." - Donna Marie Cyr
Above: Beka (owned by Anne Gunn) was one of the Downriver dogs that qualified and attended the 2010 CKC Herding Championship Invitational held in Niagra Falls, Ontario.
Above: Billy Barker competing in ‘A’ Course (AKC) at Gig Harbour. Owned, Handled, Loved & Trained by Nancy Barker.
I invite you to learn more about my training philosophy and techniques.
Back To TopHerding Dog Training Videos or DVDs
Downriver's All Breed Herding Dog Training DVDs are the only "all breed" videos available. If you are new to herding, the Introduction to All Breed Herding dog training DVD will teach you the basic commands, skills and solutions to common problems new handlers' experience. This DVD will teach you and your dog how to work together as a team.
CLICK HERE TO ORDER INTRODUCTION TO ALL BREED HERDING NOW.
"I believe there were Belgians in the Downriver All Breed Herding video. I really liked this video and thought it provided more good information than any of the other videos I've seen combined (and I've seen a few). I think for practical, beginning information, it's by far the best I've seen and would have been great if I had only seen it when I first started training." - Shelby Cook
CLICK HERE TO ORDER ALL BREED HERDING: THE NEXT STEPS NOW.
Thinking about teaching your dog to 'Drive' livestock? All Breed Herding: Getting Your Driver's Licence is a must see! Featuring 16 breeds and over 50 different dogs demonstrating the steps to teach your dog to Drive and Pass the Driver's Test!
You'll learn
- how to turn your dog in on the stock,
- about the "Push" and building confidence,
- about steering and directions,
- controlling speed and covering stock,
- and how to pull it all together!
CLICK HERE TO ORDER ALL BREED HERDING: GETTING YOUR DRIVER'S LICENCE NOW.
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Clinics
Choose a general clinic, or group the participants according to their experience and skills being worked on. Downriver offers clinics from brand new beginners (including Instinct testing) to advanced skills which include driving, take pens, penning and many more. Beginners' clinics usually introduce the basics of herding and help you start building a solid foundation. Novice clinics will build on your fundamental skills. You will practice driving, work on achieving longer outruns and learn to dominate the take pens. The goal is to help you learn, grow and gain confidence!
Cathy Kudryk & her young pup (Australian Shepherd) - Spider in the round pen above.
"My passion for herding was ignited when I attended one of Lynn’s clinics on her first trip to Australia in 2007, so I was delighted when I heard she was coming back! Her clinics here in 2011, hosted by Double K Herding, exceeded my already high expectations.Her ability to cater to each individual dog and handler team, from those having their first look at sheep to Advanced level triallers, was exceptional. We all saw significant improvements in both our handling skills and our dogs’ work. There were many “light bulb” moments amongst the handlers and it was wonderful to watch the confidence of the dogs grow..." -Hannah Barry; Melbourne, Australia
Billie (owned and handled by Downriver Student Nancy Barker) is learning to put her herding skills to work on cattle, while Nancy is learning how her positioning affects the outcome of all the work that Billie does..... Billie and Nancy are turning into a great team!
Look at Nancy Barker Now! ...Below you will see Nancy and her young dog Striker negotiating the sheep through the Y-Chute at an AKC Herding Trial.
Downriver Dogs
I invite you to read about my dogs. CLICK HERE
Above: Striker Leach is working patiently, pushing those stubborn ducks towards the handler's post where Lynn is waiting to negotiate the turn towards the Y-Chute.
Above: Downriver's Pepsi pictured with Beka (owned by Anne Gunn) the winner of the "Pepsi Trophy". Beka has been very consistent, winning this award at least once every year since it has been awarded!
My friend Jerry Rowe always referred to Pepsi as “Head of Ranch Security”. The stock at Downriver Farm have always been Pepsi's responsibility, and she takes that job very seriously!! She LOVES breaking lambs!!!!
The special prize, shown in the photo above, has been dedicated to Pepsi! Awarded anually during the May CKC Trials, this prestigous honor will go to the team that demonstrates respect to the stock. To earn this prize, this team does NOT have to Qualify according to CKC Rules. They must use stock sense, and do the best they can to get the job at hand done, with the least amount of stress on the stock. The word *job* used here, refers not to the trial course, but to the job that the team has decided to take on. (ie: putting stock away, catching dog, etc.). Thanks to Anne Gunn for creating this trophy and making the stock take priority in our herding events!! After all - without stock, we wouldn't be here!
Back To TopPublished Articles
I have published several herding articles. If you would like to learn about:
- Working Pups
- Loose Eyed vs. Strong Eyed
- Grips
- Making the Most of a Clinic
- After the Clinic
- Games People Play
- Line Work
- CKC Process
- ACDs and Ranch Work
If you have feedback, a testimonial or any questions about Downriver Farms, please contact me today!
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