About Us
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.
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.
MOLLY
My name is Mary Alice Wisecarver. I’m 13 and live in a small town in Arizona. We live on a small ranch, and own
sheep, milk goats, ducks, chickens, cattle and horses. I own four Aussies of my own, Charm, Libby, Jobie and my
new puppy (not named yet). I’m lucky to be home schooled. On the days I finish school early I go out and play with
dogs.
I started competing with my dogs when I was 6. My mom loves to herd so naturally that’s where I started too. I
competed in the 2002 nationals when I was 8 as most versatile junior handler. I used the same dog, Charm, for all
four events - herding, obedience, showmanship and agility. Charm is now retired from competitions, but she still
helps with chores around the house. Mostly she lies around watching the younger dogs work. Without Charm I
would not have won High Open working Junior at the 2002 Nationals. I still compete in Agility, Showmanship and
Obedience, but herding is where my heart is. In November 2007 I put a WTCH on my Aussie Mary’s Libby Lees and
have a few points towards 2008 National. My goal is to accumulate enough points to be invited to the 2008 or 2009
Nationals.
I also belong to a local 4-H group called the Lonesome Valley Wranglers. I show sheep (breeding and market),
horse (English and Western), small stock (poultry), public speaking and of course Dog. This year I am taking on a
new project, swine. I am very excited as I have never owned a pig before. 4-H keeps me very busy, but I love
learning about all the different animals.
I would have to say the best part about owning my dogs is all the friends I have made. Our Region 2 has 4 top
juniors, Megan Sims, her brother Tyler Sims and Shelby Shank. We are all good friends and compete and play
together. After the herding trials we get to stay up late and play with our dogs in the dark. We also sit around the
fire ring and cook marshmallows for everyone. I would like to congratulate all the juniors for their hard-earned
accomplishment this year.
2009 DOCNA Championship Clean Run Article
http://www.cleanrun.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=feature.display&feature_id=98
sheep, milk goats, ducks, chickens, cattle and horses. I own four Aussies of my own, Charm, Libby, Jobie and my
new puppy (not named yet). I’m lucky to be home schooled. On the days I finish school early I go out and play with
dogs.
I started competing with my dogs when I was 6. My mom loves to herd so naturally that’s where I started too. I
competed in the 2002 nationals when I was 8 as most versatile junior handler. I used the same dog, Charm, for all
four events - herding, obedience, showmanship and agility. Charm is now retired from competitions, but she still
helps with chores around the house. Mostly she lies around watching the younger dogs work. Without Charm I
would not have won High Open working Junior at the 2002 Nationals. I still compete in Agility, Showmanship and
Obedience, but herding is where my heart is. In November 2007 I put a WTCH on my Aussie Mary’s Libby Lees and
have a few points towards 2008 National. My goal is to accumulate enough points to be invited to the 2008 or 2009
Nationals.
I also belong to a local 4-H group called the Lonesome Valley Wranglers. I show sheep (breeding and market),
horse (English and Western), small stock (poultry), public speaking and of course Dog. This year I am taking on a
new project, swine. I am very excited as I have never owned a pig before. 4-H keeps me very busy, but I love
learning about all the different animals.
I would have to say the best part about owning my dogs is all the friends I have made. Our Region 2 has 4 top
juniors, Megan Sims, her brother Tyler Sims and Shelby Shank. We are all good friends and compete and play
together. After the herding trials we get to stay up late and play with our dogs in the dark. We also sit around the
fire ring and cook marshmallows for everyone. I would like to congratulate all the juniors for their hard-earned
accomplishment this year.
2009 DOCNA Championship Clean Run Article
http://www.cleanrun.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=feature.display&feature_id=98
Mary- Alice
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