JAMES
Owner/Dog Trainer
With many years experience in farming, James has always had a loyal kelpie by his side. His understanding of the need for an excellent working dog is the driving force behind the Shimmy Downs Kelpies brand. He is passionate about training working dogs properly and breeding exceptional future workers. Between running working dog training sessions and training our own pups ready for their future working homes, James is also Dad to eager little apprentices, Amarlia, Mackenzie and Aurora.
MICHELLE Owner/Admin
Originally a city girl, now farmer's wife and admin of the SDK business; Michelle is also a primary school teacher and Mum to Amarlia, Mackenzie and Aurora. While James is the face you see at training sessions, more often than not, Michelle is the face behind the computer, responding to messages and organising the administration side of the business. She leaves the dog training to James but you may see her at lessons, popping out to drop off or pick up forms, take photos or bringing the little apprentices out to wave and say hello to you and your pooch!
AMARLIA,
MACKENZIE
&
AURORA
SDK 'Apprentices'
Budding dog trainers and
puppy cuddlers; Amarlia and Mackenzie LOVE getting out to help Dad with the dogs, especially when there are puppies to cuddle!
​
Having Amarlia, Mackenzie and soon, Aurora, work with James and the dogs is not just for fun. It's also about teaching them how to behave around and handle dogs. This is extremely valuable to ensure everyone is safe and calm.
