thesheepdog club
Working and trialing dog training club - monthly clinics for handlers and dogs
The Sheepdog Club provides community focussed sheepdog and handler training, offering a full-day session that combines classroom learning with practical, hands-on training for sheepdogs and handlers of all experience levels.
How our club sessions are organised
Frequency: Clinics on the first Saturday of every month.
Format: Clubroom tea and coffee → Theory session (topic varies monthly) → Practical field work (each dog runs twice).
Access to learning resources: All club members have access to the classroom videos so they can refresh what they learned.
COMMUNITY: this is so important for our members. You will be immersed, in a day of training, learning from each other as well as Mark Banham. You don’t get this from online training!
Sheepdog Club Training: Building Strong for Working and Trials
As part of the Sheepdog Club, our training sessions focus on general sheepdog development for both dogs and handlers, forming the foundation that underpins all successful trial and working performance.
While trials are an important element of the Club, the majority of Sheepdog Club sessions are dedicated to practical, everyday sheepdog training – helping handlers develop calm, confident, capable dogs through regular, structured work with livestock.
General Sheepdog Training Within the Club Environment
Sheepdog Club training mirrors the principles used across Banham Sheepdogs, but is delivered in a community-driven club setting, allowing handlers to train consistently, learn collaboratively, and progress at a sustainable pace.
Training focuses on developing the core skills every working sheepdog needs, including:
- Confident and controlled introduction to sheep
- Establishing balance, pace, and appropriate pressure
- Improving stock sense and calm decision-making
- Developing reliable responses to handler guidance
- Strengthening the working partnership between dog and handler
Sessions are structured to accommodate dogs and handlers at different stages, ensuring beginners are supported while more experienced members continue refining their skills.
Learning for Handlers, Not Just Dogs
A key part of Sheepdog Club training is handler education. Members learn how to:
- Read sheep behaviour and movement
- Understand how pressure and positioning influence stock
- Improve timing, feel, and communication
- Adapt their handling to suit different dogs and situations
This emphasis on handler skill ensures progress is repeatable and transferable, whether members are working livestock at home or preparing for competition.
A Supportive, Ongoing Training Pathway
Unlike private lessons, the Sheepdog Club provides a day long community focussed session, allowing dogs to develop confidence gradually and handlers to deepen their understanding over time and with friends. The shared environment encourages discussion, observation, and learning from others – an essential part of developing capable sheepdogs.
For members who later choose to pursue trials, this general training forms the practical foundation that trial work builds upon. For others, it delivers a reliable, effective working sheepdog suited to real-world livestock handling.
Sheepdog Club Trial Sessions
What's involved with the sheepdog trial lessons?
The lesson focussed on sheepdog trials cover all the key phased of the sheepdog trial. We really focus on this in the classroom, understanding rules and the core principles.
We’ve outlined a more in depth look at trials on our Eight Stages of the Sheepdog Trial.
We have our Trials videos available in the Members Area
All club members have access to the classroom videos, so you’ve can refresh what you learned.
More videos are being added, so bear with us.
1) The Basics
This session gives a grounding in sheepdog trials. Topics covered include:
- Terminology, trial etiquette and rules.
- Common commands.
- Crooks, sticks, and whistles.
The International Sheepdog Society rulebook will be referenced as the standard for trial rules, points, and scoring.
2) Judging Points Explained
Trials assess a dog’s ability to gather, drive, pen and shed sheep. Judges award or deduct points based on precision, obedience and effective handler communication.
This session explains how points are awarded and what judges look for.
3) All about the dog
Instructor Mark Banham will cover the handler and dog relationship and practical dog work:
- Dog selection and basic training.
- What makes a good working dog.
- Introducing dogs to sheep and spotting sheep.
- Pace and flanks.
- The relationship between dog and handler.
4) OLF Technique
5) Driving Technique
Teaching a dog to drive sheep away from the handler. We cover common training methods, typical problems and how to fix them. We will also start to use a whistle where necessary.
6) Shed and Pen
Shed training teaches dogs to split a flock into two groups. Penning teaches dogs to push sheep into a trailer, pen or barn. Both skills are essential for working farms and trials.
The training here will involve learning to improve working with a crook or stick and gate handling as well.
A Club and Community for Sheepdog Handlers and Dogs
There is no good flock without a good shepherd, and no good shepherd without a good dog.
Membership and joining
Prices and fees
Club membership: £20 per month
Monthly training: is just £50.00 for the entire day
Discounts: Being a member also gets you £10.00 off any private lessons.
1st of every month *
Remember – 1st of every month is Club Day, but you can join us on an agreed day for private lessons.
New Enquiries
If you’re interested in joining us as a Club Member get in touch to arrange a private assessment lesson. If you want to find out more about the lessons and assessment session, check out our training page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sheepdog Club?
A monthly training group for handlers and working or trial dogs, combining classroom learning with practical work on sheep.
Who can join?
Beginners, working-farm handlers, and experienced trialists — any handler–dog team wanting structured guidance and progression.
What happens in a typical session?
Sessions run on the first Saturday of each month and include a short theory lesson, practical training in the fields, and two working runs per dog.
What skills are taught?
Training covers foundations, trial rules, judging points, OLF (Outrun–Lift–Fetch), driving, shedding, penning, and general stock-handling skills.
Who leads the training?
The club is run by Mark Banham, an experienced trainer, trial competitor and judge with decades of livestock-dog expertise.
Do members get extra learning resources?
Yes — members can access classroom videos to review techniques between sessions.
Can I take part in trials?
Regular attendees can enter the club’s friendly trial to gain experience in a supportive environment.
How do I join?
Email thesheepdogclub@gmail.com for membership information, dates and availability.