01/02/2026
As we think about 2025 in review and 2026 ahead - I think about how RTN and its members have grown and achieved many milestones. I am in great awe of the diversity of the group, both in breeds and philosophies. One of my goals for last year was to switch my mindset from developing better handlers, to becoming better Shepherds. Not to be as concerned about being more competitive, finishing more titles, reaching for those Herding Championships.... but also more aware of the relationship and responsibility we have to the livestock and our dogs. Remember - the trials show us where the holes in our training are and the points and titles are just how we keep score, but the relationship the Shepherd has with his/her dog and the care they both take with the flock enriches everyone. 2026 has exciting things to come!
12/22/2025
What a great day for herding with my friends…. Today we held our annual Christmas/Solstice fun day. Special thanks to Heather Powell and David Stanford for bringing several new faces to join the fun. While we got some unexpected snow yesterday, most melted off we enjoyed a balmy, calm day in the 50’s, very uncharacteristic for the first day of Winter. Thanks to everyone to came to play.
09/25/2025
Mark your calendars and join the Rocky Mountain German Shepherd Dog Club and Pikes Peak German Shepherd Dog Club for an Intro to Herding Workshop and more on Sunday, October 5th starting at 10 am. This wonderful event would not be possible without the great training offered by Val Manning and Rancho Terra Norte'.
DETAILS:
Sunday, October 5th, 2025 starting at 10 am
at Rancho Terra Norte', 1227 E. County Road 82 (Buckeye Road), Wellington, CO
Members of RMGSDC and PPGSDC fee is $30 for the first dog and $20 for each additional dog; Non-members $40 for the first dog and $20 for each additional dog, payable by cash or check on day of event.
A pot luck lunch will be provided to all participants by the members of the clubs. Members are asked to bring a dish to share (don't forget serving utensils!)
AGENDA:
10 am - Noon - Intro to Herding
Pot Luck Lunch
50/50 raffle and ranch games
Give us a ❤️ if you are hoping to make it!
Note: this is a GSD only event
08/22/2025
Exciting news at RTN!
Continuing with our mission to provide diverse training opportunities and support all levels and herding disciplines, RTN is excited to announce the addition of Heather Powell to our instructor base.
Heather is not a new face to RTN. She starting bringing Huckleberry - her Australian Cattle Dog, for herding lessons and began trialing in 2017. She went on to get a Border Collie, Jess, to help manage the livestock on her farm. Not only has Jess has proven to be an excellent partner on the farm, she also introduced Heather to field course work. Together the pair have successfully competed in USBCHA, AKC, ASCA, and AHBA venues. Some of her accomplishments include the NWSS Champion Intermediate Sheep 2022, MPBCA Ready to Fly Award 2023, and earned Jess her AKC Herding Championship.
Since then, Heather has welcomed more Border Collies to her farm to train, trial, and help manage her flock of dorper sheep as they graze across Northern Colorado. Heather is a trainer who prides herself on recognizing the natural abilities of both dogs and their handlers and tailoring training sessions to these individuals to meet their goals. She is committed to helping others learn more about the world of herding while strengthening their partnership with their dog.
07/26/2025