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Action K9 Sports began in 1985 as the San Pasqual Herding Facility. It was established by Terry Parrish as a place for ANY herding dog, regardless of breed, to come out and enjoy the herding life. Terry Parrish is the owner and operator of Action K9 Sports, owns 150 head of sheep for training and sheep herding trial purposes. Action K9 Sports sits on 6 acres of land across the road from the San Diego Safari Park in Escondido, California. Ten minutes off of the 15 Freeway. Action K9 Sports offers herding lessons to people who are completely new to the sport and to people who have been herding for years.
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So many of the very active, highly intelligent dogs out there come from HERDING breeds and need to be able to USE that talent to be happy and healthy. Our instinct tests are designed to allow your dog to indulge in that talent and provides opportunity for YOU to join in! The dog, owner and a qualified tester go into a small pen with tame sheep and the dog is encouraged to begin moving them.
The trainers at Action K9 Sports will train YOU to work your own dog. You will be taught how to use appropriate cues and your body to encourage your dog to work sheep properly. Sheep behavior is explained to provide a better understanding of WHY you and your dog have to work a particular way. Instruction is tailored to the breed of the dog, as loose-eyed dogs work differently than strong-eyed dogs.
Action K9 Sports offers ten to twelve competitive herding trials yearly. Our facility is licensed to host AKC, AHBA & USBCHA events. Trialing is FUN and offers dog/handler teams an opportunity to showcase all the progress from their training. AKC & AHBA issue titles and certificates and lovely awards are presented at the culmination of the trials.
Reviews (10)
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SooJin Cho
May 13, 2022
Have been going here with my dog for almost a year and the trainers have never given up on my or my dog and we have come so far in our training thanks to their support. I look forward to many more years with them all.
Anthony Macias
May 09, 2022
So, $100 for a thirty minute diagnostic, which I can't really complain about, but still expensive for a short time. The trainer that 'helped' us with the test was nice but through some weird vibes. Her name is Malory, we were second and the first person was a women with a female Aussie and she had a normal conversation with her. Then when my dad and I went up next, she's telling us she doesn't like training with Australian shepherds.

At a place that trains multiple types of herding dogs? Why didn't you tell the women that too? she had an Australian shepherd. why only us? Then we asked if she trains dogs on the side? She said "yes, I can give you my business card." I was happy for a moment until she handed me the card, looked away, and said "I only train female dogs". Like are serious? She didn't have to make my dad and I wait to tell us that. Not only my dad and I wasted $100, but we felt we were treated differently compared to the other customer.
Allison Fortuna
Apr 09, 2022
Great experience! Terry was communicative and helpful when it came to scheduling and we had to reschedule due to our dog being injured, which she got us right back in. Our blue heeler cattle dog had an amazing time and was completely exhausted after 30 minutes. Kat, was also a great teacher and made the experience enjoyable. Highly highly recommend!
Shawn Blalock
Jan 07, 2022
Great experience with a very knowledgeable staff that made training our Heeler fun. Can't wait to go back.
Alexa Engelhart
May 28, 2021
The only type of training that has worked for my Australian Shepherd! My dog and I both look forward to the weekly lessons and have so much fun at the trials. Words can't describe how happy I am to have found this amazing place! Highly recommend
Morganne M.
May 08, 2021
We have had 3 lessons and absolutely love it! I feel so lucky to learn from the best. We have had 3 lessons so far and will keep coming back for more. Terry's experience speaks for itself in her dogs and how she works with client dogs. Malory is a great instructor as well. It's wonderful learning from them about the sport, herding breeds, and dog behavior.
Lori Morris
May 05, 2021
LOVE Terry and Action K9 Sports! Terry is a no-nonsense, amazing teacher. She reads dogs and their needs extremely well and is creative when determining the best next steps in the learning progression for both the dog and the owner! Monkey (2 year old Boxer) and I really enjoy our time there! I couldn't recommend more highly.
Alexia Andrade
Jun 22, 2020
Took our almost two year old pup to see if she had any herding instincts and she had a great time and came home exhuasted, so in that sense I give Action K9 5 stars BUT I do have to say Terri's interpersonal skills aren't great. We were given a lot of info when we arrived, which was helpful and interesting, but then they kind of just throw you in the pen with your dog and sheep and yell instructions at you- can be a bit overwhelming and confusing.

The others in our group had the same feedback. Also, Terry didn't even introduce herself, she just kind of showed up and randomly started talking. We found the pricing to be rather expensive, but for an occasional day for our dog to do something out of the ordinary It's fine. We would certainly do this more often if it were half the price. Overall, the herding part was great but customer service and pricing were just okay.
Cynthia Monter
Mar 28, 2019
Fabulous! Terry's training expertise turned my 2 year old out of control Border Collie into a great dog. And yes, my dog and I have a great relationship as a result.
Noni Chalison
Jan 09, 2019
, we love Terry. She has a really exceptional dogs. The only complaint most people have with the training methods are the extremely rough and cruel. Most people absolutely adore Terry, and her domain with all the herding sheep and dogs would be packed full if she would not kick in hit her dogs. Terry has won many championships, is extremely competitive and that's wins most of the trial she goes to it is unfortunate that she uses Antiquated training methods, perhaps we should just ask her to be kinder to the dogs.

Most of us would love to go there those of us that are in more polite methods of training the dogs clicker training or positive reinforcement which is what clicker training is or should be miss our ability to play with the sheep and visit with Terry because we're afraid she'll beat their dogs up emotionally or physically. Terry we do love you I wish you'd learn to use the stick and your yelling kicking less love more cuz we love you Noni Calison