News and Updates

Welcome to the latest happenings.  This page has all the latest news, events and happenings at the ranch and on the trialing circuit.  It is a place for quick updates and relevant news.

Check out the nice Kelpie in Redtop Rescue.

There are a few spots left in the Training Clinic held at the Spring Ranch near Enning, SD (about 45 minutes from Sturgis on June 7th & 8th. The information can be found on the Wyoming Stockdog Association website or print the entry form here.

Contact Jamie Spring at

19586 Stoneville Rd
Union Center, SD 57787
605 985-5961
605 490-1681
jamiespringbc@yahoo.com

Patrick Shannahan Training Clinic - For young dogs and puppies May 17 & 18, 2008 Caldwell, ID Click Here for Registration Forms

11/14/07 Announcing the Redtop Training Clinic for young dogs and puppies. It will be Feb. 9 & 10 in Caldwell. Click here for more information.

10/17/07 40 young Katahdin ewes for sale. Have been selected for productivity, low maintenance, white color and good feet. They are ready for breeding, but could be held until they are bred here at the farm. Contact Patrick at 208-249-1667

10/15/07 The Redtop 0r-Deal Trial was a huge success this past weekend. Friday we saw some great runs in PN and Novice. Saturday and Sunday were double lift Open runs. Congratulations to all the winners! Click here to see the full results

9/28/07 Well, we made it home from the Finals late last night. Luckily, the trip home was very uneventful, and all the dogs arrived on time with us.

Just an update on the finals, since I didn't have email access during the trial. The eastern group ran a great event. They were extremely well organized, and I heard only positive comments. They are speaking about putting in a bid for 2010. It would be great for the organization, if they did.

The preliminary round was a bit scary at first. Riggs ran ninth, and no one had even come close to having a competent run when we ran. In fact, the high score was a 69, and that was combining two judges scores. We had a little bit of trouble on the fetch, where the sheep dip out of sight, but the run went well. We also had a lamb that didn't want to participate, and hid behind the first drive panel, but Riggs handled him well, and we finished the run with a score of 136. Now, I had to wait and see if the score held to get me into the semi's.

Jill ran her preliminary round on Friday afternoon. At that time, the sheep were quite cranky, and score reflected it. Jill had a good start, but missed her fetch gates. The drive started well, but the draw after the
second drive gate was very strong, and she headed them too early. We finished well, but with a score not high enough to get in the semi's.

Saturday's semi-finals took the top 40 dogs. Riggs ran 12th, and had a great run. I can't think of much that he could have improved on, as he handled the sheep very well, and had a beautiful flow during the run. Our "at hand" was very good and we finished very quickly. Ended up with a 198 and fourth place.

Sunday was the double lift. I was really looking forward to the run, and being able to show what a great dog Riggs has become. Unfortunately, Sunday morning, I discovered Riggs had become sick during the night, and I was a little concerned. He seemed to look okay, and I thought he felt well enough to run. During his run, it became apparent that something was not right. He became disoriented on the drive, so I stopped then and came off the field. I know I could have probably finished the course, but I didn't want to risk Riggs's health or even have the possibility of him not showing people his good stuff. He seemed to have a slight bug, but Monday he felt much better and seems fully recovered now.

So, with the retire, we ended up in 15th. I am not unhappy, I still am very proud of what Riggs was able to accomplish this year.

The Nursery finals started on Monday, and each dog was able to do two runs. I was running Bett, who is owned by Dianne Deal. Bett is really young, and is eligible for next years Nursery as well. The outrun was possibly the most difficult part, as one side had a hill that put the sheep out of sight, and the other side had a rock wall that the dogs had to contend with. I chose the hill, which was a mistake, as Bett crossed on her outrun. After that, she ran well.

The second go, Bett ran really well. We finished with a great score, even with me turning her too quickly on the first drive panel, and missing the gate.

We ended up 18th in the Nursery. I feel great about that placement, as if I would add the points from the cross-over , we would most likely been in the top 5.

Anyway, wanted to thank you all for your support and good thoughts. I really enjoyed the trip, and look forward to preparing for next years final.

9/4/07 Just returned home from Soldier Hollow Classic Sheepdog Championship (www.soldierhollowclassic.com). I was invited with Jill and Riggs. There were 9 countries represented, and lots of extremely talented dogs. Riggs had a great run on Sunday, beating the course record for all the previous years. Later that day, Bev Lambert and the great Pippa, scored even higher. This got me into the double lift on Sunday.

Riggs ran extremely well, with a few mistakes. He ended up in fourth place, in a highly competitive International style Double Lift. I look forward to taking Riggs, Jill and Bet (Nursery) to the National Finals next week (http://www.usbcha.com/sheepdog.htm).

8/20/07 Just returned home from the Lacamas Sheepdog Trial hosted by Lynn and Allison Johnston. It was a great trial, with the trial paying close attention to every detail. The sheep were from Reed Anderson, and were a great challenge to dogs, especially during the shed and pen.

I won the first round of Pro-Novice with Bet, and was tied for 3rd on the second round. Bet is the Nursery dog I am taking to Gettysburg, owned by Dianne Deal.

Riggs was 3rd on Saturday, with a great run without a pen and shed. Saturday's trial was won by Joe Haynes with Redtop Rain, a littermate to my Jill. Saturday's results got me into the double lift for Sunday.

Sunday was a really nice morning, with a slight rain that cleared as the trial began. I ran last out of the ten dogs. Riggs had a great run and we ended up winning the Double Lift Final! I am very proud of the way that Riggs worked through the course.

An article from the Columbian Newspaper had pictures of Riggs and I. Here is a link. http://www.columbian.com/news/localNews/08192007news185520.cfm

8/15/2007 Announcing the 2007 Red Top Sheepdog trial, hosted right here at Red Top Kennels in Caldwell, ID. We are looking forward to seeing some great teams in Open, Pro/Novice and Novice classes. Click here for an entry, or go to Redtop Trial on the main menu.

8/8/07 It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of a dear friend, Evie Kimberly.
You can read about Evie here.

7/20/07 Congratulations to Jo Ferguson of Monroe, OR and Teak. Teak won the Pro-Novice Class at the Palm Cottage Trial in Cottage Grove, OR on July 20. Teak is a daughter of Redtop Jen and Riggs. Jo's other Pro- Novice dog also did well and ended up second in the class. Jo (pictured with celebratory leis) is standing with judge Ginger Zuppan.

7/01/07 Just returned from The Kelly Creek Farm Trial in Hunstville, UT. Brent and Patsy Dickens hosted a grand event with the Utah Stockdog Association. The sheep were some of the best range ewes that I have seen used for a trial. Saturday, I judged the Open and Pro-Novice. Sunday, I was able to compete in Open and Nursery. Riggs was the winner on Sunday with a score of 91. Jill tied for 4th, and ended up placing 7th with the tie breaker.

6/11/07 Just returned home from the Wessels Dirt Blowing Trial in Dayton, WA. It was a great trial, with the sheep being very challenging. The wind blew, we had hot weather, we had cool weather, we had rain. But everyone who went really enjoyed the trial, and appreciated what a great job the Wessel Family did in hosting the event. Riggs and Jill both had a great weekend as well. Riggs was the Open winner on Saturday, with Jill coming in 6th place. On Sunday, had great runs with both dogs. Riggs ended up second, and Jill was third. Riggs was the Overall Open winner for the weekend.

 

6/5/07 For those of you that have visited the farm, it is with great sorrow that I announce the passing of Lobo, our guard dog. Lobo was a great help to the farm, and was a loyal and faithful friend to the sheep that he guarded. He was 12 years old, and had been healthy most all of his life. I will miss seeing Lobo each morning, waiting by his food bucket. His easy manner made him a great friend to all that came to know him.

 

5/14/07 Congratulations to Sandy Rowen and Redtop Strike. He earned his agility MACH at the Dobie Trial in Salem, OR. In true Strike fashion, as they presented Sandy with a ribbon, Strike grabbed it from her and she couldn't get it out of his mouth! Congratulations Sandy and Strike!

 

5/14/07 We had a great weekend at Big Willow Sheepdog Trial. Riggs and I were named Big Willow Champions at the Double Lift on Sunday. It was an exciting Final with the following results. 1. Patrick Shannahan and Riggs 2. Al Zuppan with Babe 3. Haley Howard with Ross

5/11/07 Check out the scores for the Red Top Nursery Trial. Click here to see all the scores.

3/19/07 Just returned home from the annual St. Patrick's Day trial in Heppner, OR. It was a great weekend, with the weather being perfect both days. The sheep were difficult as usual, so it was challenging for all those that participated. My Jill ended up fourth on Saturday. Riggs was the winner for Sunday, and was the overall winner for the weekend! Many thanks to the Karen Child for organizing, and the entire Heppner community for sponsoring the trial.

3/13/07 Announcing Redtop Spring Nursery and Novice Trial held May 10 at the farm. This is being held near the Big Willow Trial, so anyone coming to Big Willow can participate. We will have the Nursery late in the day to accommodate those traveling on that day. Click here for an entry, or go to Redtop Trial on the main menu.

1/27/2007 Check out these two new articles: "Recipe For Failure" and "Out Of Your Comfort Zone"

1/16/07 Listen to an in-depth discussion of TAHITIAN NONI™ Canine Essentials™ featuring Dr. Richard G. Godbee, Ph.D., PAS, Patrick Shannahan, National Champion Border Collie Trainer, Benjamin J. Darien D.V.M., M.S., and J. Tim Potter, Ph.D., PAS.

Listen Now by going to the Nutrition section of this website.

1/10/07 As Pat gets older, I reflect on what a great life that she has had, and what a team member she was. Pat is 14 now, and blind, mostly deaf, and has had diabetes for the past 5 years. Here is a new article about one of her great work days. Escape!

1/9/07 A few spots only remain for the training clinic held Feb.10 & 11 at the Deal ranch in Caldwell. Get your forms in soon! Registration Form

1/3/07 Congratulations to Shauna and Gourley and Redtop Hope for winning
Open at the Brr Bones Trial in Caldwell over New Years.

 

 

 

11/6/07 The 2007 Red Top Training clinic dates and information are now available. Click Here for more information.

10/24/06 Watch for changes on the website. We are working hard to update the website with some exciting new features. Check out the new article
here: Conditioning Your Dog For Trials

03/10/06: I am in Hollywood this week announcing the release of Canine Nutritional products. My dogs have been on it for the past 6 months and now it is available to the public. I have had great results from the product and I am positive that it could work for other dogs as well. If you have any question please free to email me. Click Here for more information on the product.

01-10-06: Click Here for an entry to the 2006 Red Top Trial

09-28-05:  Read all about the 2005 National Finals HERE.

08-29-05:  Over the weekend, I went to the Harlow Hill's Sheepdog Trial held at the Johnson Dairy in Camas, WA. This was the first year for the trial, and the organizers did a great job of putting on a first class event. The outrun was about 525 yards, with drives of 150 x 150 x 150. They used really nice Katahdin sheep and finished with a shed, pen, single.
The course was on a rolling hill, which made the hearing really difficult.
I ran Riggs, Jill and Annie. I ended up 2nd on Sunday with Riggs. You can find the results HERE.
This week I leave to attend Soldier Hollow Classic. I have 2 dogs entered, Jill and Riggs. I really look forward to the trial. You can follow along from the Soldier Hollow website.

08-23-05: Please click HERE to view the RESULTS for the 2005 Idaho Sate Fair Sheepdog Trial.

08-17-05: Please click HERE to view the running order for the 2005 Idaho Sate Fair Sheepdog Trial.

08-15-05:  We recently added a few more Redtop dogs to the Redtop Dogs of the World webpage.  Please click HERE to see them.

08-11-05:  I am home most of this month. The past few days I have been trying to catch up on paperwork and chores around the house. At the same time, I am trying to keep the dogs in shape and get them ready for the Nationals and Soldier Hollow.

Check out fall schedule as it has been updated. It is at http://patrickshannahan.com/clinicsched.asp

Also, I have been busy adding pedigree's to Redtop Dogs page. Each dog has a link with it's own pedigree.

Also, check out the new web page for Redtop dogs that are owned by others.  If you have a Redtop dog, please send a picture and I will get it included.  The link to that page is http://patrickshannahan.com/redtopdogsworld.asp

Patrick

08-02-05:  We have moved the Reports From Ireland.  Please click HERE to read Patrick's journal from the World Trials in Ireland 2005.

08-01-05: We recently added a new article.  Please click HERE to read it.

06-23-05: We have added a Working Dog Rescue Page to the site.  Please feel free to pass the link onto parties you feel may be interested.  Here is the full URL: http://www.patrickshannahan.com/rescue.asp