The journey started years ago, when I decided to train dogs myself under the prefix "Pentir" here on the farm. Having the ability to rely on good dogs has made a huge difference to my daily work. But more than anything, the process of training them – seeing the dogs develop, learn, and become real partners – has been an extremely rewarding experience.
With the passing of time, requests came to me from others - farmers who wanted to improve their skills with dogs, or who were starting their journey with sheep and working dogs. As a result, I have been holding mentoring sessions on behalf of Farming Connect since 2023. It is a privilege to be able to support others to make the best possible use of their dogs, and to see the improvement in their ability and confidence from week to week.
Despite the seasonal rush of the farm – whether that's shearing a few sheep for others or working a few nights on the milk truck – I try to keep Wednesday as a dog training day. The mentoring sessions are not only a means to share information, but also motivation for me and Erin, who helps me on the farm as a student on work experience, to work on our own dogs.
When the youngest dogs are ready to be trained, I start them in a round pen, using three tame sheep to lay a solid foundation. It is crucial to keep the sheep and the dog under control from the outset, to avoid confusion and to develop an understanding between both parties.
Sioned recently started her mentoring sessions here with her dog Siani. There was a special connection between us immediately - Siani was the daughter of Dunelle Choc who is a dog here on the farm. I have a dog from the litter – Theo. It has been a pleasure to see the development of both over the last few weeks. The intention with Theo is to start teaching him and then find a new work home for him. Look out for him in the Farmers Marts online sale soon!
When Sioned and Siani arrived for the first time, the dog was wild and jumped enthusiastically into the midst of the sheep. But after a few sessions, we managed to keep Siani on the other side of the sheep, and things were starting to make sense to her. Sioned decided that the sheep and the facilities on the farm at home were holding her back, so she came up with a great idea: she created a practice area on her own farm. She chose three quiet sheep, and started using a plastic stick with a paper bag at the front to direct and influence Siani.
After two weeks, Siani was able to go out with the flock on the farm and started doing simple work with more sheep. I believe that dogs learn the most through real work. That's where the real development happens: on the land, with the sheep, in natural situations.
Meanwhile, out on the farm we are busy bringing in sheep to choose lambs for the market. It's quite a task, especially as we have to do the work without Pentir Jen – the main working bitch here, who is currently pregnant with puppies from Clwyd Bob. We are really looking forward to seeing what comes of this promising combination!
Jen's absence has given me the opportunity to bring Non, a young, inexperienced bitch, into the work. The first time was challenging – as it always is – but I firmly believe that the first time is the hardest, and once that's over, the work gets easier each day. By now, myself and Non understand each other quite well, and it's a real pleasure to work with her.
One of the most satisfying aspects of the mentoring work is the opportunity to meet people who share the same interest - passionate, dedicated people, and who are willing to learn. It is a pleasure to see how connections form, experiences are shared, and skills strengthen with each session.
If you are thinking of starting your journey with sheepdogs, or if you are interested in developing the working relationship between yourself and your dog, I would encourage you to try a mentoring session. There is no better way to learn than by doing - and doing with support.
Thank you for reading,
Glynne Jones
Farmer | Dog Trainer | Mentor with Farming Connect