Junior Members Program

BATWK are excited to announce the launch of their Junior Members Program in 2023. We’ve seen an increase in the number of young people enquiring about the breed but are unsure or unable to get the consistent breed specific support required to train Working Kelpies. A lot of young people we speak to may have had Working Kelpies in the past, but they may have either not suited the farm or over the years been replaced with an ATV. We’ve seen a rise to these more traditional working methods used on farm over the last couple of years, with many young people coming to us with enquiries about whether a Working Kelpie would suit them and where they can get support from to train them themselves.

At BATWK we are passionate about encouraging new interest into the breed and inspiring young people to train their own working dogs. So, we are offering one lucky Junior Members the chance to be gifted a free BATWK registered Working Kelpie puppy, and a pairing with a BATWK mentor to help train their pup to a working standard. BATWK has strong links within the industry and can offer a solid base of support, with many excellent training opportunities with globally renowned Working Kelpie trainers.

What is the Junior Members Program?

Gifted a well-bred BATWK registered puppy, from proven working lines
Taught how to successfully train their Working Kelpie
Paired with a BATWK mentor local to them who will have: Experience of the breed, able to work stock with dogs, and good stocksmanship skills and experience
Support from all BATWK trainers online and over the phone for any questions
Free place on any BATWK training clinic

Who can apply?

You must be a Junior Member of BATWK (You can join online at www.batwk.co.uk/join-batwk)
You must be under the age of 21
You must have a job where you require a working sheepdog
This can either be at home if you live on a farm, or at work if you work on one
You must be willing to commit to the dog for life
You must be able to commit time to properly care and provide for the dog

How do I apply?

Complete the application form below before the 28/02/2023
Selected applicants will be offered an interview
The successful applicants will be offered their place by 31/03/2023

If you were too late or unsuccessful - keep an eye on the page for the 2024 launch.

Application

Please complete the form to apply for the Junior Members Program.

Successful applicants will be contacted via email.