AboutMolly
. . . the Herding Bug
I started herding in California in 1989 after purchasing my first Aussie. Impressed by the intelligence of this dog, I investigated the purpose of the breed which led me to herding. I was soon bitten by the herding bug and a short time later, I stopped barrel racing and committed all my spare time to training my dog to herd.
"With my experience in competitive equine events, my knowledge of livestock, and my training and trialing of numerous breeds of herding dogs, I have acquired a wealth of information on training stock dogs."
. . . Border Collies
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 venue 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.
. . . a move to Arizona and a change
I moved to Arizona in 2000. There were not many field trials in Arizona so I began to compete in my first AKC arena trials in 2002. I expected this venue to be easy after competing in USBCHA trials for years, but 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 with a High In Trial win in the Advance Class on sheep, ducks and cattle with my dog Murdoch. I continue to compete in USBCHA field trials but 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 clients' dogs.
. . . many different breeds
I have worked with many breeds, including Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Belgian Tervuren, Belgian Sheep Dogs, Australian Cattle Dogs, Cardigan Welch Corgi's, Bearded Collies, Shelties, Berger Picards and Rottweilers and German Shepherds. 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, because 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.
. . . family support
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 was ASCA 's #1 Herding Jr. in the Nation for 2007 at the age of 12.
What some of my students say:
What I love about Molly is her patience and way of helping me understand how to train. She has always been supportive of me working my dog myself and allowing me the room to grow in my handling. Couldn't ask for a better teacher!
- Mandy Pilgrim
As a former teacher of elementary school children, whenever I take a lesson in a dog sport, I naturally “tune in” to the instructor’s teaching style. I have been a student of Molly Wisecarver’s for a few years now and have always been impressed with Molly as a teacher. First she has the skill and knowledge to teach herding at all levels from beginning to advanced, arena or field, any venue, and most importantly, she has the patience and sensitivity needed to help others through their difficulties to achieve their herding goals. I have taken lessons from Molly with my two herding dogs, Ralph and Lucy, both very different dogs. Molly never makes you feel like a failure when facing the challenges of training a herding dog. Although, I may lack knowledge of stock, since I have no stock of my own, Molly would always repeat information if needed, draw diagrams, or demonstrate herself with her dog or my dog. Molly wants you to experience success. With my talented Border Collie, Lucy, I lacked many skills to help Lucy achieve her potential, but Molly was always encouraging, helping Lucy improve her field skills, and me improve my skills as well. I never thought I would get Lucy to “do a shed”, but with Molly insisting that if I didn’t continue to try, it would never happen, I did try and it did happen and I was able to feel success. Through Molly’s support and direction, her ability to communicate information in a non-threatening manner, her knowledge of stock and how to properly handle a dog on stock, achieving my herding goals is turning out to be a meaningful and fun journey.
- Linda Tunick
In only 3 months of training, Tops finished his AKC HSAs title with a 4th place, gained HIAs and HSBs legs, both with 2nd place awards. He was awarded highest Champion of record for his B Course run at the BCCGLA Specialty in 2008! He has also completed his ASCA ATDs title and his AHBA HTAD-1 title all with placements!! Thank you Molly for taking such good care of our boy1
- Lisa Schneider