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2006-2007 Orange Book: Internet Directory |
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Both farmers wanting to train their dogs in an eminently practical skill, and dog hobbyists make up the San Diego County Stock Dog Club, based in Ramona. The group was formed in 1986 and incorporated as a non profit organization in 1994. The club, with about sixty members from San Diego and Riverside counties, gives members the opportunity to learn how to work their dogs, usually stock dogs, on sheep, cattle or ducks. Stock dogs they own include Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, German Shepherds, Corgies and Kelpies. They usually meet the first Sunday of the month at a member's house or in a field, where they talk and work together. They put on sheep dog trials and training clinics, including the trials at the Del Mar Fair and the duck herding demonstration every day of the fair. From time to time members meet and show what their dogs can do. They help each other get ready for trials or everyday farm work with the animals. Once a year in April they have a sheep dog trial to benefit the humane society and many dog rescues. In October they have a Fun Trial. In February they have "instinct testing" at the Silver Bay Dog Show at Del Mar. That's where a non-member can bring a dog to see if it has an instinct to herd, or even shows an interest. "Our dog club tries to gear to the beginning people to help them out, instead of focusing on the advanced. More of a beginning club," says Seweryn. According to Seweryn many herding dogs have had their herding instinct diluted by being show dogs. On the other hand working stock dogs are bred with good qualities to work stock. A mixture of farmers and city folks make up the club. "A lot of people think that people in the dog club are maybe housewives or farmers but we have many occupations, from professionals to farmers. We're very versatile, says Seweryn. She adds that she does it because she has a sheep farm but also for fun too. "I need the dogs. They do the work of many men. He's less expensive to feed and pay off than several men." There are also activities for the youngsters, who compete in their own junior class. The club is always looking for members, for donations and for locations to hold trials. The club is a tax deductible charity. Questions? Call (619)579-5331 or write to 1930 Euclid, El Cajon, CA 92019, or email:
riverrunca@aol.com.
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