About Cathy Sumeracki
Cathy with Reba, Jag, Spice and Shea
Cathy began herding in 2005 after getting a rescue Border Collie, Midge, who, despite Cathy's attempts at agility, insisted on herding. Once Midge and Cathy met Dawna Sims (PSR Stock Dogs ) and saw Dawna's training methods, she vowed to articulate those methods so herding training was clearer to the dogs and handlers. She co-founded the ICE Training program with Dawna Sims. She is also co-author of the book, "Teaching the Rules of the Hunt, An Introduction to Herding". She has authored multiple herding shorts and a Herding Practice Manual. These are easy to read and follow step by step instructions (with exercises) on various tipics including take pen, penning, square flanks and more.
Since 2010, her training has evolved into a methodic program that is suitable for all breeds and ensures the dog is doing the work.
Cathy is not about titles or ribbons - it's always about good work! Since her first trial in 2008 , she has had a great track record in all of the herding venues including seven ASCA Working Trial Dog Champions, 10+ AHBA Herding Trial Dog Champions and 12+ AKC Herding Champions. She has earned hundreds of High in Trials and had five Most Promising Started dogs who are now working at open and advanced levels. She has competed in time and points on cattle, making the top ten at the Denver Stock show with her Rowdy boy. She currently has 10 students, (many whom are working at an advanced level) and gives clinics throughout the U.S. Cathy is an AHBA judge and an AKC herding judge.
In addition to lessons, Cathy teaches a number of classes that are designed to assist in the success of herding for the dog and the handler. Her classes are known for there high energy, fun format.
Since 2010, her training has evolved into a methodic program that is suitable for all breeds and ensures the dog is doing the work.
Cathy is not about titles or ribbons - it's always about good work! Since her first trial in 2008 , she has had a great track record in all of the herding venues including seven ASCA Working Trial Dog Champions, 10+ AHBA Herding Trial Dog Champions and 12+ AKC Herding Champions. She has earned hundreds of High in Trials and had five Most Promising Started dogs who are now working at open and advanced levels. She has competed in time and points on cattle, making the top ten at the Denver Stock show with her Rowdy boy. She currently has 10 students, (many whom are working at an advanced level) and gives clinics throughout the U.S. Cathy is an AHBA judge and an AKC herding judge.
In addition to lessons, Cathy teaches a number of classes that are designed to assist in the success of herding for the dog and the handler. Her classes are known for there high energy, fun format.