Doggie Boot Camp is a book about the author's tried and true training practices that are based on more than 30 years of experience and success in training working stock dogs. By sharing his experience and wisdom in a step-by-step instruction with practical advice and personal stories, the author guides you through basic training for your young dog. Your pup will be actively engaged and learn quickly, which will make you a very happy owner! The techniques described in this book are easy to follow and are designed for any dog owner, regardless of previous experience, from novice to the highly skilled. Discussions include selecting and bonding with your new pup, as well as the length and frequency of training sessions. By the end of this book, you will have the knowledge, skills, and confidence you need to train your new pup.
About the Author: Dorrance Eikamp has been herding with Border collies for over 30 years and uses them in farming, ranching, and Trial competitions. He is recognized as one of the leading handlers in North America and he is well known to USBCHA board members; having entered many competitions over the course of three decades and occasionally serving as a judge, too. Dorrance started in the livestock business without the help of dogs but it didn't take long before he realized that a well-trained dog could replace the work of several hired hands. Individuals that he didn't have the resources to hire, so his first experience with working stock dogs came out of necessity. As he learned to work with his dogs, his respect for their intelligence and ability grew as did his passion for competition. Since that time he has bred, trained, worked and entered numerous competitions with his dogs which continue to be an integral part of his life. Dorrance has experienced considerable success in Trial competitions. Two of his more memorable wins were the United States Border Collie Handler's Association Finals held at the Equestrian Center in Big Horn Wyoming, in 1991, which he won with his dog Rex (pictured on the front cover). The second was winning the Meeker Classic Sheep Dog Trial in 1994 with his dog Blue (pictured in Chapter 9). Having attended and/or participated in most of the major trials in the United States, Dorrance is also a well-loved clinician, often providing demonstrations and interviews that include a lot of first-hand knowledge delivered with a keen sense of humor. Dorrance lives and works on a sheep ranch near Gillette, Wyoming where he raises Border collies. With his love of competition, he continues to enjoy training his dogs and entering various Trials.