Calling All Young Dog Handlers: Share Your story with Us

In this new section of our working dog pages, we are focusing on emerging dog handlers who are heading up the industry. We will explore their successes, trials and tribulations in the journey as they become the next generation of skilled sheepdog handlers.

clock • 1 min read
Calling All Young Dog Handlers: Share Your story with Us

Are you a young sheepdog handler with a passion for working with dogs?

We want to hear from you!

Whether you are just starting your journey or you've been working alongside your four-legged partners for years, we want to share your valuable experiences and insights.

Our weekly Working Dogs pages in Farmers Guardian, supported by Gilbertson and Page, share upcoming trial dates, results and reports from major trials.

READ NOW: Young Dog Handler Focus - Iwan Rees: "I am a member of trial associations and have found its a great community to be part of"

In a new feature, we are focusing on emerging dog handlers, under the age of 35, who are heading up the industry.  We will explore their successes, trials and tribulations in the journey as they become the next generation of skilled sheepdog handlers.

This is a great opportunity to inspire others in the community and showcase your skills, whether you're training for your first competition, managing a flock on the family farm, a contract shepherd or a more experienced handler.

READ NOW: In your field: Dan Jones - "The loss of a sheepdog is heartbreaking. I recently lost my trusted collie, Blaze... We had built a trusted bond over countless hours of shared experiences"

Do not miss the chance to be part of a growing network of young dog handlers who are making a mark in the world of working dogs.

To get involved, please get in touch with Ellie Layton, tel: 07814 997 407 or [email protected].

 

More on Young Farmers and Careers

Rural Education Matters: Olivia Shave – "If we want a future for farming, we have to teach it"

Rural Education Matters: Olivia Shave – "If we want a future for farming, we have to teach it"

Eco Ewe founder Olivia Shave on taking food and farming education from LAMMA to Westminster – and turning conversation into consequence

Olivia Shave
clock 27 January 2026 • 3 min read
McDonald's Progressive Young Farmer: Emma Cooney - "I grew up on a family-run dairy farm, but never planned on getting into ag"

McDonald's Progressive Young Farmer: Emma Cooney - "I grew up on a family-run dairy farm, but never planned on getting into ag"

In the first of an exclusive 12-month blog for Farmers Guardian, the new cohort of youngsters on the McDonald's Progressive Young Farmer programme talk about their hopes for the future and the impact they can make. First up is Emma Cooney, a young dairy farmer from Ireland

Farmers Guardian
clock 05 January 2026 • 4 min read
CAREERS: McDonald's Progressive Young Farmers - 'At school, I had not considered farming as a career path'

CAREERS: McDonald's Progressive Young Farmers - 'At school, I had not considered farming as a career path'

Another cohort of youngsters have joined the McDonald's Progressive Young Farmer programme, and for this careers special, three of them tell Farmers Guardian about their hopes for the future of the industry

clock 29 October 2025 • 5 min read