Do you have a stock dog that needs a little more discipline? Or a dog that can use just a little more fine tuning? Or, you need to start training a young dog you hope to have as your hired hand someday. Well, according to Garry Mathes chair of the Missouri Livestock Symposium committee, this year’s event has just the help you may need.
Bob Johnson, owner of BJ Border Collies of Tingley, Iowa, will be on hand to share his knowledge with those who have an interest in stock dogs, whether they are experienced or novice. Johnson specializes in working dogs that are used for helpers on the farm or ranch, regardless of the size of the operation. Johnson is well known in training circles and has trained both winning open and nursery cattle dogs over the years. Some of his most recent winners can be seen at the BJ Border Collies website bjbordercollies.com. Johnson, who trains other’s dogs as well, also provides private instruction, group lessons, and evening lessons year round. Johnson has numerous fields dedicated for training, round pens, and a lighted outdoor arena allowing for flexible training opportunities. However, Mathes says “the nice thing about the Symposium is that Johnson will have 3 hours to share his knowledge about stock dog development at no charge to those who attend the Symposium. This is a golden opportunity if you want to learn more about making your dog more useful and enjoyable around your property.”
The Missouri Livestock Symposium will be held in Kirksville, Missouri on December 7 and 8, 2012. The stock dog program is scheduled for Saturday, December 8th. Hours for the Symposium, which is free, are 4 to 10 p.m. on Friday and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. No registration is needed and there is even a free beef dinner at 6:00 pm on Friday and a free Governor’s Style Luncheon on Saturday. The Symposium also features a great trade show, a classic tractor contest and display, a superb Friday evening program after the dinner, and national experts on Saturday talking on horses, beef cattle, sheep, forages, eating healthy, farm succession, and other great topics.
More information about all of the speakers and their topics, plus additional information about all activities at the Symposium, go to missourilivestock.com. Or you can call Garry Mathes at 660-341-6625 or the Adair County Extension Center at 660-665-9866 (or email Bruce Lane at [email protected] and put MLS in the subject line).
