Sheepdog Demonstrations

Come and see Julie and her amazing Border Collies in action

A group from Abbey Tours enjoying their visit

The Bumgardners from Texas on their visit

organised by Kathy Pachman of Celebrated Experiences

The Tigers Rugby Team enjoying the Sheepdog Demonstration

Transportation to the farm for demonstrations by taxi, tour group or private hire.

Scotland starts here: Active & Outdoors podcast. Julie talks with David Howard who has put together a collection of podcasts for Scotland starts here. It covers lots of things to do in the Borders and Midlothian.

Comment: What a wonderful time we had today! Your dogs are amazing. Definitely the highlight of the trip.

Demonstration Visits

This is a great chance to see and interact with some wonderful dogs. Watch them work in their home environment at Carcant Farm. Carcant is a breathtaking place to visit, set in the beautiful Moorfoot Hills, where wildlife roam undisturbed.

Carcant is a tradition-run farm, and conservation is a high priority.
Good stockmanship and management of the hill Cheviot Flock is only possible with good working dogs.
Julie pioneered her own training method, ®The Natural Way, after 40 years of study of her packs of dogs while shepherding sheep in some of the remotest parts of Scotland.
Winner of the Prestige Award sheep farming professional
of the year. 2023/2024

Julie and her dogs have reached the highest level of Competition, winning the Supreme International Championship in 1996 with her dog Moss and the Supreme International Champion Brace with Mac & Ban in 2013 and 2016. She made history by becoming the first woman and, to date, the only woman to win these titles since 1906, when the International Sheepdog Society was founded.

Julie offers sheepdog demonstrations by appointment.
Whether you want to see these dogs for pleasure or learn more about her Natural Way method, Julie can adapt the type of demonstration to suit your requirements.

Type of demonstration on offer.
Overview of training a sheepdog using "The Natural Way."
This demonstration briefly shows the different stages of training, from the early stages of communication to the advanced stage of training required for hill work.
Allow one to two hours for demonstration, including time for questions.

Private Hands-on demonstration alongside Julie
If you would like to get close up with sheep and dog to see and feel how the three-way communication works between the dog, sheep and handler, then this is the demo for you.
Allow one to two hours for demonstration, including time for questions.

Private Educational Demonstrations
For those wanting to learn the intricacies of "The Natural Way" method. Timescale will depend on requirements.

A Brief Insight into a Shepherd Life limited number
This starts with a brief explanation of "The Natural Way". Followed by a farm tour, watching the dogs working in the hills.
Travel by ATV alongside Julie.
It is only suitable for one or two people at one time.
Appropriate clothing is required.
New
“Shepherd for a Day” Premium Experience — launched in March 2025, where guests work alongside Julie and her dogs to get a feel for the communication between the sheep and dog, practice whistle commands, and work with Julie as she trains a young dog using the Natural Way and participate in farm life.

How To Find Us

Price Information below for standard Sheepdog Demonstration.
All Prices inclusive of Vat.

Small family groups and coaches welcome

Prices for Private groups are as below.
Prices include refreshments

Groups of up to 10 £200
Groups of up to 20 £250
Groups of up to 30 £300
For groups above 30, several group bookings or bespoke demonstrations contact Julie for prices.
Contact the bottom of the page

The demonstration consists of an introduction to Carcant farm and an insight into the everyday management of a traditional hill farm, Meeting many members of Julie’s pack of working sheepdogs. Explanatory description of the natural way to train a border collie, showing the stages of training that Julie’s dogs go through to become exceptional hill dogs enabling Julie to shepherd single handed & manage her flock of 350 Cheviot ewes & 100 followers. Be prepared to be blown away by what these amazing dogs can do & get an insight into their everyday working life.
Demonstration is usually 1 to 2 hours including time for socialising with the dogs, refreshments & questions.

What to expect.
As you journey into Carcant Farm, home of Nethhill Border Collies, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking scenery. The track leading to Carcant winds through rolling hills, immersing you in nature and setting the stage for an unforgettable experience.
Upon arrival, Julie will warmly welcome you before guiding you on a short walk to the demonstration area. Nestled among the hills, Carcant’s charming house provides a picturesque backdrop, with sheep grazing peacefully across the landscape.
Julie will introduce you to Carcant, sharing a brief history of the family’s connection to the land and her role as a tenant farmer. She will explain the demands of shepherding on such steep terrain and the vital role her remarkable dogs play in managing the flock.
Throughout the demonstration, Julie will bring to life the incredible bond between shepherd and dog. She will showcase how she communicates with her dogs, harnessing their natural instincts and intelligence to work seamlessly as a team. You’ll witness the step-by-step process of training, from young pups learning their first commands to fully trained working dogs performing essential tasks.
Using her Natural Way training method, Julie will highlight how she tailors her approach to suit each dog’s unique temperament, ensuring they reach their full potential. As you watch these extraordinary dogs in action, you’ll gain a deep appreciation for their skill, dedication, and unwavering partnership with their shepherd.
Prepare to be captivated by the intelligence, agility, and instinct of these incredible border collies—a truly unforgettable experience at Carcant Farm.
For all bookings contact Julie on the contact details below.
There are toilet facilities on-site and refreshments are included in the price
Closed through lambing period: 18th April - 18th May
Call Julie on 01875 835249
07926055908
or email sheepdogjulie@icloud.com

Terms & Conditions for demonstrations updated 6.12.24

Demonstrations. Julie Hill, owner of Nethhillbordercollies will not be responsible for any loss, damage or injuries whilst visiting Carcant Farm, Heriot for sheepdog demonstrations or training.
Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the outdoors.

A fifty-pound non-refundable deposit is required to confirm all demonstration dates.
Cancellation policy. Deposits are non-refundable for all bookings although dates are changeable if Julie can offer an alternate date. Outstanding balance payments are required 2 weeks prior to the demonstration date. (unless agreed with Nethhillbordercollies.) Nethhillbordercollies reserves the right to cancel the demonstration date if the outstanding balance payment is not received within seven days of the date of the demonstration.
Nethhillbordercollies reserves the right to cancel demonstrations at any time due to accident or illness, without incurring additional liability to the customer or any delegates. In such circumstances, Nethhillbordercollies will endeavour to make alternative arrangements regarding the demonstration, including offering alternative dates, a full refund or a credit note.

Self-Catering Accommodation
If you would like to stay in the Borders for a few days we have the perfect solution. Luxury accommodation close at hand where you can book your very own private demonstration.

Reviews

Julie, we are home stateside now. I want to thank you for my favorite tour of all that we took. I was truly disappointed that we had to cut it short. I had questions about the dogs and training. You are amazing! Your dogs are brilliant--regardless of what we saw throughout the ten days in your magical country, nothing eclipsed our hour of watching your four-legged darlings. I've reviewed (5 stars, of course), If you can tell me where/how, I will post my raves. How much I would love to know you better and watch you working with your furry geniuses more. Thank you!

Julie is proudly sponsored by Sneyd's Wonderfeeds-working dog food unrivalled in quality and value

®The Natural Way​Sheepdog Demonstrations