The Sims Philosophy of ICE is based on three core principles which are ever present throughout any Sims Training Program.  Instinct, Connection and Enjoyment.

INSTINCT

Know and understand a dog's natural behavior.  In most cases, you dog already "knows" how to herd.  This is instinct from  thousands of years when dogs were great hunters and herded animals for survival. Behaviors such as chasing and barking and biting are all natural. We cannot fight instinct and get good results. Instead, the idea is to recognize instinct, let it flow freely and use it to help improve the dog's performance.

CONNECTION

Know this is a Team Sport. Your dogs sees you as a partner in this game and in their eyes, you are both bringing home the bacon! Your dog is bringing the sheep to you and connecting with you. Connect back. Protect your stock but allow the dog to work as freely as you can. Work in tandem with your dog.

ENJOYMENT

Know this should be fun. So often, we are armed with a flag (herding tool) in one hand and a rattle bottle in the other, we walk around tensely and want to "train."  But remember, if you're first starting out, you don't know what the right way is yet. It can be frustrating for you and your dog. This brings us to the last point which is equally as important as the others. Your dog sees this as the greatest game on earth. Hopefully, you do, too. It should be enjoyable for both of you.

Whenever you see the ICE logo you can be assured that the teaching and training will be based on these core principles.  In addition, the ICE Certification Program enables everyone to certify at different levels, depending on your goals. Whether you want to be a facilitator, an instructor, or just want a formalized, comprehensive curriculum, ICE can help. 

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ICE Class Format

Each ICE class is comprised of a mixture of academic material, slides and various interactive exercises.  Each class is a "chapter" in what eventual becomes a comprehensive herding manual.

In addition to classroom instruction, we will include hands on experience in working around sheep and ducks (and, in some classes, cattle). Often when herding, there is so much to think about, it is hard to focus on everything. The more you can understand stock without having to worry about your dog, the more confident you'll be when all three of you are in the arena.

The ICE classes allow you to experience herding in smaller "bites" so when you, the stock, and your dog come together you'll be better prepared to progress in your training.  ICE 100 series classes are specifically formulated to not include the dog. While you will be given exercises to work on with your dog at home, the idea is to help you be better prepared for the time when you have the dog in the arena.

•101 Introduction to Herding •102 Next Steps •103 Making the Connection

•201 Starting Your Dog on Stock •202 Problem solving for the Beginning Dog •203 How Dogs Learn •204 Working with Ducks and Cattle •205 Introduction to Competitive Herding

•301 Preparing to Drive •302 10 Steps to Driving •303 Leading from a Distance •304 Taking it to the Trial Arena •305 Building a Partnership

•401 Stock Management •402 Competing in AKC •403 Competing on Ranch Courses •404 Competing in AHBA •405 Competing in ASCA •406 Competing in USBCHA •407 Off to a Great Start - Working with Puppies •408 working with Various Herding Breeds