Fran Evans

Fran apprenticed under Master Trainer Joe Escobar for five years prior to venturing off on her own. Her first dog Ben (a Border Collie) received his WTCH (Working Trial Championship) before he was three years old. Since that time she has been actively involved in training and trialing. Ben is currently in the AHA "Hall of Fame" for his herding accomplishments.

Since the inception of Sweetwater Stockdogs in 2004, Fran has introduced many dogs of various breeds including Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Australian Cattle Dogs, Trevurens, Corgies, Shelties and "All Americans" to the thrill of herding.

Fran not only trains herding dogs, she is also active in the herding community. She has been past president and treasurer of the Arizona Herding Association (AHA). Fran has also played host to both American Kennel Club (AKC) and American Herding Breed Association (AHBA) Trials at Sweetwater Stockdogs.

Fran's philosophy of training involves understanding and "reading" the dogs behavior in the herding arena. She believes that both "high energy" dogs and quiet "shy" canines can benefit from the thrill of herding.

In 2006, Fran noticed that many people never considered herding with their dogs, not because their dogs would not know what to do but rather the owners are unable to participate in this team sport. At that time, Fran began to offer "professional herding handling" for people who want to get their dogs involved with herding but do not want to handle their dogs.

On February 21, 2010, Fran became an AHBA (American Herding Breed Association) Provisional Judge with her first trial as a judge being in Chino Valley on October 30 & 31, 2010.

Located half way between Phoenix and Tucson, Fran is easily accessible from both metropolitan areas of Arizona. She is waiting to welcome you to Sweetwater Stockdogs.

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