Double M Stock Dogs

Who We Are

MOLLY

I started herding in California in 1989 after purchasing my first Aussie.  Impressed by the intelligence of this dog, I investigated the purpose for the breed. I saw an opportunity to train and trial herding dogs by using my experience in competition equine events and my knowledge of livestock.  I was fortunate to find   a very knowledgeable trainer closely.  After watching her work her dogs, I was bitten by the herding bug.  A short time later, I stopped barrel racing and committed all my spare time to training my dog to herd.  

I purchased my first Border Collie in 1991, and immediately started competing in United States Border Collie Handlers Association (USBCHA) field competitions I found this to be very exciting and a true test for the breed.  I currently enjoy training and trialing both Border Collies and my original breed, Australian Shepherds. 

I moved to Arizona in 2000.  There were not many field trials in Arizona so I started to compete in arena trials.  I competed in my first AKC arena trial in 2002.  I expected this venue to be easy after competing in USBCHA trials for years - I was wrong.  On the first day of competition,  I timed out on both cattle and sheep. Returning home that night I thought long and hard about the course, especially the cross drive.  The next day was much better - I won High in Trial in the Advance Class on sheep, ducks, and cattle with my dog Murdoch.  I really enjoy the AKC “A” course, with its tight quarters and  obstacles it really offers a challenge to the both the handler and dog.  Just because a course doesn’t have a large out run doesn’t mean it is not difficult. I continue to compete in UBCHA field trials. I also compete in AHBA, ASCA, and AKC.  I believe the true test for a handler and dog is versatility.

I work with my own dogs, and also train and trial client's dogs.  I have worked with many breeds, including Border Collies, Australian Shepherd’s, Belgian Malnois, Belgian Tervuren, Belgian Sheep Dogs, Australian Cattle Dogs, Cardigan Welch Corgi’s, Bearded Collies, Shelties and Rottweilers.  I enjoy the diversity of the herding breeds and apply my training methods differently, depending on both the breed and the temperament and drive of individual dogs.  I enjoy working with client dogs, it gives me a great sense of accomplishment to develop their inherent herding abilities.  I have put advanced herding titles and Herding Championships on many dogs, including several AKC Breed Champions. 

Without the support of my family I would not be as successful as I am today.  My husband always makes sure my facility is in top working condition and my daughter, Mary Alice travels and trials with me.  She has become quite the competitor in all venues.  She trains and trials dogs in herding, conformation, showmanship, and agility and is ASCA ’s  #1 Herding Jr. in the Nation for 2007 at the age of 12.