Sheep in northeast Ohio

Hello!
I recently moved out to a part of northeast Ohio, in the Ashtabula area, and have been in search of a place to go to practice herding with my dogs. I've been herding for over 10 years with multiple dogs but this area is a bit of a dead zone for herding and I'm not able to have my own flock at this point. I do have sheep experience and whenever I work with the dogs on sheep I'm very sensitive to the sheep and their needs. I am just looking for a place that I can regularly go to practice. I of course would pay a "rental" fee for each practice opportunity.

I'm trying to find a place to rent sheep from to practice herding but haven't had any luck yet. Anyone have any ideas or suggests of how to go about finding some sheep in my area? I've tried a local sheep Facebook group, craigslist, and emailing some people with fiber farms in the area. I'm not sure what else to try and thought I'd ask the creative and thoughtful people here!

If I were in your position I would ask at the local feeds stores.  they would know who they sell feed to and might be able to put you in touch with local sheep owners.

Then, either ask them to contact them or get a number to call.

I would then ask if they would be willing to let you come out to visit their sheep with your dogs to keep them in practice.

Another Idea, would you be able to teach sheep herding classes?

If so, put some flyers out at the local feed stores that you are offering classes on an individual or group basis.

I hope some of these suggestions might help.

I would second that. The only other thing I can imagine is going to county fairs, but I think the only one left you didn't miss at this point is Canfield, which should be in the next few weeks.

There aren't a lot of sheep herders around here, though. I've don't think I've ever seen a sheep farm. The area mostly has a lot of cows, chickens & horses. Occasionally something else, like pigs or buffalo or goats. Don't see a lot of sheep.

You could also head over to Middlefield in Geauga County & try to get in touch with some Amish. They're sort of more friendly than average & might know people who have sheep.

I'm not exactly close to you but I just got a border collie and am hoping to start training him. I've been trying to find someone with a trained dog to break my sheep. I'm west of Pittsburgh. If you're still looking I'd love to connect! I haven't been able to find anyone either.

Thanks for the suggestions! I can definitely check out the local feed stores. I also decided to try the local butcher place as I figure they might know who the area farmers are. Here's to hoping something pans out 🙂

I also did take a look at the Ashtabula county fair but it was mostly junior fair and very little in the way of sheep. I guess it's much more horse and cow country around here. I'm going to the Geauga county fair this weekend and hope I might be able to turn something up that way!

Yes! I'm still in search of some sheep! I would be more than happy to see if we could work something out. Right now I have an older trained dog who I'm hoping to finish his advanced titles on. He would be able to help train some sheep as long as you don't have any bottle babies in the group. I also have a young dog who is ready to get started. This area is just devoid of sheep herding unfortunately. I know closer to Central Ohio, western New York and more towards Philadelphia area have more opportunities for herding. I am hoping to get more in this area and maybe eventually some clinicians 🙂

Bini Spisak wrote:Yes! I'm still in search of some sheep! I would be more than happy to see if we could work something out. Right now I have an older trained dog who I'm hoping to finish his advanced titles on. He would be able to help train some sheep as long as you don't have any bottle babies in the group. I also have a young dog who is ready to get started. This area is just devoid of sheep herding unfortunately. I know closer to Central Ohio, western New York and more towards Philadelphia area have more opportunities for herding. I am hoping to get more in this area and maybe eventually some clinicians 🙂

There are a few people running sheep down this way in Medina County!

We're kind of a haul from you, but if interested - perhaps there could be some dialogue had?