Since
the early 1960, Jerry has been involved with many aspects of dog
training including conformation, obedience, stockdog trials, and
working ranch dogs. His trial accomplishments span the history of
stockdog trials as they have evolved for over 45 years.
Dick Sorenson, Gunsmoke, and Rusty (1966)
Jerry was involved in breeding Australian Shepherds from the
early 1960's to 1982. He and Dick Sorensen started the JBARD kennel
in the 1960's. In the 1970's Dick married Leslie, and together they started
Colorado Kennels and Jerry kept the JBARD kennel name.
The first cattle, sheep, and duck trial was held at Jerry's farm
in Broomfield, Colorado. The idea of herding ducks came from
Marilynn Little who used her dogs to herd ducks and goats. He felt
that if people lived in town, and could not have livestock, they
could at least have some ducks to train their dog to herd, thus
promoting the herding for all people and all-breeds; not just farmers
and ranchers.
Herding demo at the Civic Center
in downtown Denver, CO (1970's)
After attending one of Jerry's trials
in Colorado in the 70's, Bob Carrillo, a rancher from California,
decided to set up a trial at his country fair. Bob found 7 dogs
that had enough control to put on the program. They would herd sheep
and cattle in the trial. He also had dogs demonstrating obedience,
performing tricks and Jerry and Commanche were to put on a duck
herding demonstration. Jerry was also one of the 12 who competed in
the trial at Petaluma, California, where he placed third. Be sure to
have Jerry tell you about his duck demonstration sometime! This
started trialing in California. |
Winners of Bob Carrillo's Invitational Trial (1970's)
Jerry and his dog Rowe's Commanche
Warrior won High Combined Aussie three years in a row
--1973, 1974, 1975. This lead to the development of the Commanche
Award, a traveling trophy. Many of the top herding Aussie's names
are engraved on the trophy which is currently on display at Twin
Creek Farm.
Jerry was instrumental in starting the
Australian Shepherd Club of Colorado. He also served in
many capacities including: being an officer, serving on committees
and helping write the first breed standard for ASCA.
While living in Colorado, Jerry had students with many herding
breeds. His methods of training involve working with the animals to
get the most out of them by enhancing their natural instinct without
using force. He does not believe pushing the dog faster than it can
comprehend.
Jerry and Sharon have been
married for 50 years and raised 3 kids and currently have 8
grandsons (Not one granddaughter in the bunch!) They currently have six Aussies. They all enjoy going to trials
when they are not judging or giving clinics. Jerry travels
throughout the year judging for ASCA, AKC, CKC, AHBA and USBCHA.
In 2001, Jerry and Sharon purchased a farm in Kansas that is
perfectly suited for training dogs, raising sheep and establishing a
training center. This is fulfilling another dream they have always
had--"To bring small groups together
to train their dogs in a vacation atmosphere."
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