Farm Provides "Working Vacation" For Dogs

Farm Provides "Working Vacation" For Dogs LIVESTOCK DOGS 29-5-7 If you like dogs and people, and you're looking for a new business opportunity, you might want to take a look at Ewe-topia in Roy, Wash. It's a farm where city people bring their dogs for "working vacations" by teaching them to herd ducks, sheep and cattle. Dogs need to feed their instinct to be in control, says Linda Leeman, co-owner. "Herding teaches your dog to be in control with running livestock. The benefits of meeting that need transfer into your everyday life with mailmen, dogs and cats. Over time, with training on stock, you can get your dog to æcome' and æstay' with any distraction. It really makes your dog a better pet." And the demand for pet services is booming as young childless professionals and baby boom empty nesters have money to spend on their pets. Owners will spend 36 billion dollars on their pets this year according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association. Along with Joe Kapelos, Linda spends her time training dogs and their owners about herding, on top of running the business. Both are also judges in several herding trial programs. Training dogs is one thing, but the patience and "people" skills to deal with customers is another. Visitors come from all over the U.S. and all walks of life including doctors, lawyers, farriers and massage therapists. "Some of the people who come out here don't listen to you. They have their own agenda," Linda says. "You have to be pretty persistent, patient and nice." They all come because they love dogs though. "When people find out this is a great place to come out to, they do." Some even pitch a tent for a long weekend of herding. Many bring RV's or stay with friends or at a local motel. Ewe-topia has a dog park and snacks available. She says their place feels like a state park, and requires repairing fences and gates along with general litter cleaning. "When you get 150 people a week coming through, there's a lot of repair and upkeep," says Linda. And unlike most herding trainers, Ewe-topia accepts all kinds of dogs, even mixed breeds. "Most people laugh at the fact that we take most any breed. Yet, all dogs have herding instincts." Some aren't as good at the tasks but, with time, they can get by, she adds. The couple holds lessons on Tues., Wed., and Thurs. evening and Sat. afternoon lessons for $11. On Sundays, they have $8 lessons starting at 9:30 am. All are on a first come first served basis. They also sell a story book called "Patience the Herd Dog" for children through age 8. It sells for $11.95 plus $3 S&H. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Ewe-topia, 6311 S. 288th St., Roy, Wash. 98580 (ph/fax 253 843-2929; www.ewe-topia. com).

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