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Welcome to the Academy!

Our positive Method has guided us to 19 combined National Championships and Alasdair’s International Supreme, and is designed to not only help you improve training but moreover, to create an exceptional partnership with your dog.

Where Should I Start?

There is no single path through the Academy; every dog and every handler is different.
Built from 70 combined years of training, teaching and competing at the highest level, the Academy features hundreds of Step-by-Step Training Videos, Problem Solving Exercises, Start to finish training, Trial Runs with Analysis, Judging Discussions, Live Zoom Coaching Discussions and more.
This page is dedicated to helping you get the most immediate value from your membership. To provide you the best, most complete onboarding experience, we ask you please read it entirely, thank you!

• New to sheepdog training?
  Start with our Flagship Course, MacRae Way; Starting Dogs, our Foundation Training Videos and Foundation Sequencing: Please VIEW 1st.
  Before studying individual dogs, you may want to have an understanding of balance point, lie down (or stand) and teaching flanks as these are the core fundamentals we have in place with all young dogs.  These Videos are all on Foundation page. Also, you can use the Search Bar
  Our philosophy is simple: always do what’s best for the individual dog.
  While the Method remains the same, many dogs require adjustments based on eye, ability, confidence, excitability, sensitivity., etc. and it’s why watching many different dogs can be so helpful.
  Throughout the Academy you’ll follow the complete training of young dogs, client dogs, dogs working through challenges, nursery dogs and National Champions.
  Positive, intuitive training from the start is one of the best ways to empower your partnership and ensure success.
• Working through a specific problem?
  Go directly to the topic you need—you don’t have to watch everything first.
  Use the Sheepdog Training drop-down menus or the Search feature (top right) to quickly find relevant content and problem-solving exercises.
  For example, if your issue is with the shape of your dogs flanks, on Sheepdog Training hover over the small downward arrow to the right of ‘Sheepdog Training’ and click on ‘Teaching Flanks’. If you know the Video name or general topic (ie ‘shaping flanks’ , ‘flanks at hand’ , ‘tight flanks’ etc), use the Search Bar in the top right.
  If it’s trial and handling related, you may want to click on Trial Analysis drop down or use Search.
• Preparing for trials?
  Make Trial Analysis and Monthly Office Hours part of your regular training.
  Whether you’re preparing for your first Novice trial, competing in Double -lift International Shed trials, or any level in between, every aspect of trial competition is covered.
  You may want to visit, Best Practices We’ve also included loads of judging content to help you gain a deeper understanding of handling and decision-making.
• Looking to work on advanced aspects or to deepen your understanding of training?
  For aspects such as Turnbacks, Bends (redirects), Pull-ins, Shedding, Keeps and Outs, Confidence building, etc be sure to visit Sheepdog Training (and Search bar) but don’t limit to there, the Trialing Analysis, Tips and Judging of these aspects is invaluable, (especially the International Shed).
  For Philosophical understanding spend time in Key Concepts, Handlers’ Tent, Courses,Office Hours Archive and Search ‘Articles’ in the Search bar.
  These sections explore the principles behind the Method and explain not just what we do, but why we do it. Our Courses explore of each aspect of training comprehensively and Platinum members have unlimited access.
• Still not sure where to start?
  You can read about each section in more detail below and please feel free to Email me, I’m here to help.
• Have Questions about content?
  Simply leave a comment beneath the Video and if possible/relevant please note a time stamp on the video so we know exactly what part you’re referencing. Also, you can submit questions on any topic for our Zoom calls, please Email me those. Many general site questions and answers can be found under FAQs

Many members return to the same videos time and again.
As your knowledge, experience and your dog develops, you’ll continue to see and understand more every time you watch. Watch our Quick Navigation Tutorial →

Sheepdog Training
Whether you’re starting a young dog, building solid foundations, solving a specific training challenge or refining advanced work, you’ll find intuitive, evidence-based instruction for every stage of training.

Videos are organized by aspect of work (Outruns, Driving Flanks, Shedding, Pen, Turnbacks, etc.) making it easy to go directly to the specific facet of interest or challenge you’re encountering.
Use the drop-down menus (small arrow to the right of Sheepdog Training) or Search feature (top right) to quickly navigate.
New Videos are always added to the beginning of each section and on right side of the Desktop making the latest content easy to find.
Go to Sheepdog Training →

Trial Analysis
Understanding why a run it succeeded or why it didn’t—and how you can help your dog is what makes you a better handler. Our Trial Analysis library covers everything from Novice to International level, together with extensive judging content to help you better understand what judges are looking for to become a more effective competitor.

Go to Trial Analysis →

Live Zoom Office Hours
Join us each month for live Zoom coaching, ask questions and learn from the experiences of Academy members around the world. Please send your Questions HERE
If you can’t attend live, you’ll also have access to more than 30 hours of previous Office Hours, available to watch anytime

Go to Office Hours & Archive →

Courses

Explore key aspects of training in depth in a single story, our Courses provide a structured, comprehensive learning experience.
Platinum Members enjoy unlimited access to every Course.
Annual Members receive an exclusive 60% discount on individually purchased Courses that perfectly augments and enhances the Academy content.

Explore Courses →
*Platinum members click “Access My Course” on Drop Down Menu

Virtual Lessons

For complex issues specific to you and your individual dog Virtual lessons provide an incredibly valuable way to problem-solve and meaningfully improve your partnership, without needing to travel.
In these lessons we’ll break down and analyze each frame of the video you provide of your dog as well as path to go forward.
Virtual Lesson Guidelines →

There’s More…Your Academy membership also includes unlimited access to:

• Handlers’ Tent
• Key Concepts
• Downloadable Whistle CD
• Sheep Care & Management
• Life with Dogs
• New Videos added regularly

Thank you for being part of our MacRae Way Community. We hope the Academy becomes a resource you’ll return to throughout your sheepdog journey, helping you build a better partnership with every dog you train.