PSR_Dawna's

PSR - Dawna's Story

'a shepherd's vision of loveliness' (photo by Mike at a trial in California)

My Story:

Even as a child, I always had an all consuming passion for animals, any kind of animals, but particularly dogs and horses. Where this passion came from, nobody knows since I was raised in a small town, in a small home, with a family that was definitely NOT 'animal people'! My poor mother had to deal with me dragging home every injured bird, snake, lizard, cat and stray dog that I could possibly get my hands on. My brothers and sisters all thought I must be crazy and my parents just kept waiting for me to 'outgrow' this animal-phase I was in. I am now forty-something and they are still waiting!

I begged and pleaded my family and finally got a horse when I was 13 and a registered Doberman when I was 16. These animals were the best teachers any kid could have, not to mention my best friends! Thus started a lifetime of caring for and training animals.

My husband, Mike (what a saint of a man!), and I started our horse business in 1994 and successfully raised, trained, and showed Paint Horses for 10 years. We had many students and kept 50 to 60 horses in our barn. The horses taught me much about training, how to get into an animal's mind, and, of course, patience. And, so did the horse 'kids'! Working with 10-15 teenagers at a time will teach you patience, if nothing else. During these years, we also owned and raised Australian Shepherds. I tried to pursue herding with them, but just didn't have the time to dedicate, although I knew I had the passion. In 2004, my husband and I sold our horse business and decided to do the dogs full time.

In 2001, I met Molly Wisecarver and life as I knew it was never to be the same. I started working under her with one of my Aussies, Dakota, a very tough dog to work. And, I remember thinking, 'Boy, I thought it was going to be easier than this!'. But I am not one to give up so I tried, and tried, and tried. Then, one day, Molly says to me, "I have a Border Collie for you." I remember telling her that I 'don't do Border Collies;' they are wound tight, just like me and I knew we wouldn't get along. She assured me that this was a dog I could live with and convinced me to take him for a week and see if I could live with him. Rudy came home with me that day and is lying at my feet at this very moment as I am typing. Rudy is the 'dog of a lifetime' and I am forever indebted to my friend and trainer, Molly, for talking me into taking him. He has taught me more about stock, work ethic, love, and patience than anyone ever could. He and Molly have worked, over the last few years, to teach me about herding and shape me into the handler and instructor that I am today. What a gift they have both given me. I can't imagine life without them! The two of them have been responsible for making many dreams come true for me.

In my short career, I have managed to put 61 titles (as of 8/06) and numerous legs toward other titles on 19 dogs (as of 8/06) including: Rottweillers, Belgian Turvurens, Australian Shepherds and Border Collies. I have successfully trialed to advanced levels on all three stock in ASCA, AHBA, and AKC, and have successfully trialed in USBCHA to the Pro-Novice level. I also have numerous students who have trialed and titled their own dogs through my training program. What a gift it is to me to be able to share in their successes! On top of this, I have the joy of being able to instruct my own daughter and help her trial and accomplish her dreams. Sharing my passion with her is truly a blessing and we are making memories we'll treasure for a lifetime!

In 2007, I began giving off-site clinics and became a licensed AHBA judge. I have been one of the three instructors at our very popular herding camps each spring. I am always grateful for the wonderful group of folks attending private lessons and providing dogs for my 'client services'. Please join us!! Then, in the summer of 2007, our first herding video, 'What You Need to Know About Herding' was produced (sincere thanks to our friend, Jubie R!). We hope to produce many more. Herd on!!

To me, herding and trialing is all about good friends, good dogs and good times!

Dawna Sims, August 2006