Business Details
We founded Action K-9 Sports in 1985 as the San Pasqual Herding Facility, creating a dedicated space for any herding dog. Over 35 years, we have evolved into a premier training center located on 6 acres near Escondido, California. Our founder, Terry Parrish, owns 150 sheep that provide realistic field training for both dogs and handlers. We offer herding lessons for novices and experienced owners, tailoring instruction to breed type and dog age. Our programs serve dogs from six months old to ten years old, ensuring lifelong development. We maintain multiple arena sizes, including open fields, allowing handlers to progress as their skills grow.
We host national herding trials and specialty events for breed clubs, positioning us as a leader in the herding community. Our team of trainers brings unique backgrounds, providing personalized guidance and advanced techniques. We prioritize professional standards, safety, and transparent communication throughout every lesson and event. Our commitment to client satisfaction drives us to refine training methods and celebrate each dogs success. We continue to expand our facilities and programs, ensuring that every dog and owner receives toptier herding education.
We host national herding trials and specialty events for breed clubs, positioning us as a leader in the herding community. Our team of trainers brings unique backgrounds, providing personalized guidance and advanced techniques. We prioritize professional standards, safety, and transparent communication throughout every lesson and event. Our commitment to client satisfaction drives us to refine training methods and celebrate each dogs success. We continue to expand our facilities and programs, ensuring that every dog and owner receives toptier herding education.
Highlights and features
- We have over 35 years of herding training experience.
- We own 150 sheep for realistic training and trial preparation.
- We host national trials, offering opportunities for all breeds.
- Our trainers bring diverse backgrounds, ensuring personalized instruction.
- We use 6 acres of open fields for handler practice.
Services
Herding Lessons
Our Herding Lessons welcome owners new to the sport and seasoned herders alike. We tailor instruction to breed and age, from 6 months to 10 years, using multiple arenas and open fields. Clients gain confidence, improved dog behavior, and a strong handlerdog partnership.
Herding Instinct Test
Our Herding Instinct Test evaluates a dog's natural herding drive and suitability for training. The test is quick, engaging, and provides owners with clear insight into their dog's potential. Successful dogs receive tailored lesson plans to accelerate skill development, and this assessment also identifies any behavioral issues early, ensuring safer training environments.
Trial Programs
We organize and host national herding trials for breeds such as Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, and German Shepherd. Participants compete in structured courses, earning recognition and advancing their herding skills. Our experienced staff provides coaching, logistics, and award ceremonies to celebrate participant achievements.
Reviews (6)
SooJin Cho
May 13, 2022
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Have been going here with my dog for almost a year and the trainers have never given up on my or my dog and we have come so far in our training thanks to their support. I look forward to many more years with them all.
Anthony Macias
May 09, 2022
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So, $100 for a thirty minute diagnostic, which I can't really complain about, but still expensive for a short time. The trainer that 'helped' us with the test was nice but through some weird vibes. Her name is Malory, we were second and the first person was a women with a female Aussie and she had a normal conversation with her. Then when my dad and I went up next, she's telling us she doesn't like training with Australian shepherds.
At a place that trains multiple types of herding dogs? Why didn't you tell the women that too? she had an Australian shepherd. why only us? Then we asked if she trains dogs on the side? She said "yes, I can give you my business card." I was happy for a moment until she handed me the card, looked away, and said "I only train female dogs". Like are serious? She didn't have to make my dad and I wait to tell us that. Not only my dad and I wasted $100, but we felt we were treated differently compared to the other customer.
At a place that trains multiple types of herding dogs? Why didn't you tell the women that too? she had an Australian shepherd. why only us? Then we asked if she trains dogs on the side? She said "yes, I can give you my business card." I was happy for a moment until she handed me the card, looked away, and said "I only train female dogs". Like are serious? She didn't have to make my dad and I wait to tell us that. Not only my dad and I wasted $100, but we felt we were treated differently compared to the other customer.
Allison Fortuna
Apr 09, 2022
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Great experience! Terry was communicative and helpful when it came to scheduling and we had to reschedule due to our dog being injured, which she got us right back in. Our blue heeler cattle dog had an amazing time and was completely exhausted after 30 minutes. Kat, was also a great teacher and made the experience enjoyable. Highly highly recommend!
Shawn Blalock
Jan 07, 2022
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Great experience with a very knowledgeable staff that made training our Heeler fun. Can't wait to go back.
Alexa Engelhart
May 28, 2021
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The only type of training that has worked for my Australian Shepherd! My dog and I both look forward to the weekly lessons and have so much fun at the trials. Words can't describe how happy I am to have found this amazing place! Highly recommend
Morganne M.
May 08, 2021
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We have had 3 lessons and absolutely love it! I feel so lucky to learn from the best. We have had 3 lessons so far and will keep coming back for more. Terry's experience speaks for itself in her dogs and how she works with client dogs. Malory is a great instructor as well. It's wonderful learning from them about the sport, herding breeds, and dog behavior.
