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Molly and Quigley "Australian Shepherds" |
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We have been taking our 3 year old Aussie "Molly" to Fran since 2007. We initially wanted to go for a simple “herding instinct test” but after one lesson we were hooked. Molly is a very active, independent, strong willed “alpha” female; herding allowed her to release some "pent up" energy and has allowed us to further her obedience training. Fran warned us that at first, it may appear that Molly will not remember any obedience in the herding arena and boy was she right. However, Molly has progressed and has already earned her AHA JHD Title and she only needs one more qualifying score to receive her ASCA STDs Title. We have also seen that herding has helped Molly in her agility competitions.
When we decided to get a second Aussie in early 2007, there was no question that our newest addition “Quigley” would participate in herding. Fran immediately saw a lot of potential in her newest student and we decided to have Fran handle Quigley in training and in competition. Quigley has surpassed our wildest dreams. Fran and Quigley have qualified in all but one ASCA competition they have entered and earned their STDs title at the ASCA Nationals in Las Vegas. Quigley is now competing in AHA ranch courses.
We use the boarding facility at Sweetwater whenever we go on vacation or are out of town. The dogs are treated as part of the family. They go on their daily “walks in the desert” and even get extra herding training. We feel very comfortable leaving our “children” with Fran.
We highly recommend Sweetwater for both herding and boarding.
Mark and Tammy Pachura (12/08)
Chandler, AZ
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Kate "Australian Cattle Dog" |
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I couldn't be more thrilled with my high-drive ACD's training with Fran; she's fair, she wants my dog to succeed, and she cares about the mental well-being of my dog. Kate LOVES her training sessions and has become a "good citizen" in everyday life due to her herding experience. I was thrilled to see Fran and Kate earn an AHBA JHD leg in January 2009.
Lois Dimler
Apache Junction, AZ
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Doc Holiday (Border Collie) and Cheena (Catahoula Mix)
What I like most about Fran is her flexibility in training techniques. I have two dogs that have two very different personalities and needs when it comes to herding, and Fran take different approaches with each dog to achieve results. She takes the time to understand your dog and train to his/her strengths.
Fran also takes time to learn what you would like to gain from the session and over all training. She understand that some people want their dog to do the sport because it is natural for the breed, but not be in the arena themselves; and others want to herd with their dogs, even compete. She strives to set you and your dog up for success.
Personally, herding has helped me tune into my dogs and have a better relationship with them. Thank you, Fran, for all that you have done!
Maria
Mesa, AZ
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Chase "Bearded Collie" |
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Chase and I started with Fran about 2 months ago, and I was so excited to learn about this wonderful, yet surprisingly complex world of herding. When Fran took Chase in the pen, she made it look soooooo easy. When I went in for the first time, I thought I was in a fast forward movie!!! Fran has the ability to make both Chase and I learn with a smoothness and quietness that I appreciate. She explains everything with such patience, and I know I'm not the first she has pain stacking lead to the understanding of this fun and disciplined sport. I personally cannot say enough about the joy Chase and I experience every time we set foot on Sweetwater Ranch..
I know my Beardie loves Fran and her Border, Ben, because we come from Scottsdale once a week and when we hit the road to Sweetwater, Chase is hanging out the window smiling. (So am I!)
Can't thank you enough for your great compassion in teaching others . I feel very lucky to have found you.
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Copper, Cameo and Gabriel (Belgium Trevuren)
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I have three dogs that I train with Fran in herding. They are three unique individuals with very different styles of working and are at three different levels. They all love Fran.
Fran is so patient as she clearly and concisely explains to me what I need to do to achieve the desired results. It is sometimes overwhelming to me, as a beginner, to keep what I need to do straight. Fran is very patient and supportive. She is always encouraging me and cheering me on. She applauds the correct actions and helps me to turn my mistakes into opportunities to learn and grow.
She is a positive trainer who shares my belief in developing a partnership with my dogs through love and guidance.
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