Took my 6-year-old Aussie, Taco, here for her instinct test this past Sunday and it was such a fun, memorable experience! Our appointment was at 10:15am, and while the website says the test is about 15 minutes, I expected it to run longer (you're working with animals, after all). We ended up being there until about 12:30pm, and honestly it was worth every minute. A few tips: -Definitely bring an SUV if you can, the last stretch of dirt road is steep, bumpy with potholes, and super dusty. -There are porta potties but no hand-washing station, so come prepared. -Shade is limited, so bring a hat, sunblock, and plenty of water. And wear boots you don't mind getting dusty! Now, about the trainers: anyone complaining about Paul really needs to get over themselves, lol. He's dry, sarcastic, and doesn't care about sugar-coating things- but he's good at what he does, and honestly I think he's hilarious. You're coming to a ranch to watch your dog tap into their primal instincts, not a spa retreat. It's gritty and authentic, exactly what you'd expect from someone teaching skills that working cowboys have relied on for generations. We started with Paul, then switched to Janna in a more private area since Taco was distracted by other dogs in the big pen. Once she had fewer distractions, she absolutely thrived! she went in three times total and passed her instinct test on her very first day! Janna was amazing with her. The way she spoke about dogs was so soft, thoughtful, and full of love. you can tell she really cares about each dog as an individual. Her patience and gentle approach made the whole experience feel special, and Taco clearly felt comfortable with her. And for anyone spreading misinformation about Janna's GoFundMe being a fraud: her facility in Malibu really did burn down in the fires. It's sad how quick people are to make assumptions without knowing the full story. Overall, Drummond Ranch was a fantastic experience. If you go in with realistic expectations, time runs differently here, it's dusty, hot, and not polished, you and your dog will have a blast. Taco sure did, and we'll definitely be back! read more

Drummond Ranch - Passed her instinct test! - Pet Training Near Me - Palmdale, California

I took my dog here even after reading the reviews about how unpleasant and rude the owner was. I thought "how bad could he be?" Well let me tell you, he was more awful than even the worst review! I tried to have a sense of humor about, but it was impossible. He yelled that my dog (a malinois mix) better not kill his sheep and shouldn't even be there. After my dog did really well (in fairness the handler who took the dogs into the ring was very nice), I said "see, he proved you wrong", the owner grunted "I wasn't watching". Just an all around unpleasant experience. I feel bad for the woman who takes the payments, she seemed embarrassed by his behavior. read more

We've been going to Drummond Ranch for herding lessons for some time. We started with our Belgian Sheepdog and an instinct test. She loved it, turned out to be good at it, and we were hooked. The dog goes in with the trainer twice during Instinct tests. It may not be very long each time because a Dog connecting to its instinct is hard mental work! The sessions get longer as the dog develops confidence in the new things he/she has learned. If you don't pass the first time they let you come back for free until you do. Pretty soon my husband was training his dog (with coaching from the sidelines!) and I got the bug too. We now have two border collies as well as our Belgian. Herding dogs need a job and working with them at the job they were born to do deepens your relationship with them. Drummond is a working ranch with South African Dorper sheep uniquely suited to the high desert. Someone here said you need a 4 wheel drive vehicle to get there. We don't own one. If you have doubts, just call. The bottom line here is that this is an experience your dog will love, and if you want, it can grow into a satisfying hobby for both of you. read more

Drummond Ranch - Husband and our dog herding at Drummond - Pet Training Near Me - Palmdale, California

Jana and Drummond Ranch are absolute con artists. They stole our money and created a fraudulent go-fund me where they stole others money as well. Their dog herding services are a scam and the ranch hands are rude and cruel to the animals. The ranch is dirty and unkempt and they offer no actual training whatsoever, just let your dog run around for 5 minutes and onto the next one. After an hour plus drive what a disappointment so do yourself a favor and save the gas money or EV charge and if you ever do consider using them make sure you pay on a cc so you can at least get your money back when they try to steal it from you. read more

Drummond Ranch - Pet Training Near Me - Palmdale, California

See all

What a scam. "Ranch" is dusty, dirty, broken down. Incredibly rude and unethical people. These are not professionals. Just some old, crusty farmers trying to make a buck as a side hustle. They'll take your prepayment for classes and refuse to honor it. Our dog got diagnosed with a neurological disorder and the doctor was very clear she could not take the classes anymore. Jana REFUSED to refund us. She ignored me for days when I tried to reach out, then finally said she was just going to "hold on" to the classes. Wtf?? Oh, and the $85 "trial" is a joke. You wait outside in the dust and cold for 3 hours and get maybe 5 min. So disappointing from supposed animal lovers. read more

Drummond Ranch - SCAM. The animals are kept in bad conditions. They ignore you after you pay. These are just some rude, old farmers trying to make a buck. - Pet Training Near Me - Palmdale, California

Drummond, Janna & Paul are a God send. My dog Wylie was in a very traumatized state when I took him. He did not respond to typical command training. Within 2 lessons at Drummond, not only was he experiencing Joy at the highest levels herding sheep, but he had also found a pathway to build his self-confidence through honing is innate ability to herd. In addition to witnessing Wylie build his self-confidence; I have also witnessed him "transcend" his prey drive to control a flock of sheep by creating movement. Very cool to witness! read more

I took my dog Clancy to Drummond for the last year and a half we lived in SoCal. We lived about 100 miles away in Joshua Tree, but it was worth the trek for me to see Clancy happier than she's ever appeared to be in any other setting. I wish there was a facility like this where I live now. Janna & Paul are godsends for dogs! read more

We took our 2 year old Australian Shepherd for his birthday today! The drive from west LA was about an hour on a early Sunday morning with no traffic. Overall, we were there from 10AM-2PM. We started with the instinct test that took more than 15 minutes, so don't let the reviews and website fool you out of it! The owner, Janna, is working on getting it fixed but I recommend calling them to ask any questions you may have prior as she will answer any and all questions about this training. Janna loves her job and you can definitely tell when she's in the arena with the dogs. She made the experience seamless and it was incredible to see my Aussie naturally work with the sheep. You'll be able to see other dogs train while waiting for your turn. We had two lessons in one day (including the instinct test). It was a wonderful experience! read more

Drummond Ranch - Pet Training Near Me - Palmdale, California

We took our border collie to his instinct test and he loved it. We met Paul and he told us what our dog needed to improve on. They ran out of the instinct test forms so we are still waiting for it to come via email. Paul told us that there were certain rules we had to follow. Our dog had to be on a leash at all times and if he got too close and decided to attack Paul, that he would not hesitate to kick our dog. He was being super serious about it. Our dog, luckily, is friendly so he only sniffed around. The workers take their jobs really seriously around this ranch and emphasis that the ranch is not a dog park and we need to be careful not to have our dog socializing with another dog. We will definitely take our dog back for classes as he enjoyed it a lot. The ranch is off a dirt beaten path. read more

Drummond Ranch - Pet Training Near Me - Palmdale, California

If you have a herding breed (even if it's a mixed breed) bring them here! We have a dog that is 50/50 herding and she did great! And, she had the best time ever. A really great opportunity to be able to tap into your dogs natural instincts. The people at the ranch are amazing and you will learn so much about your dog. Sugar Magnolia gave this place 5 stars! read more

See all

Once upon a time, this Faerie Queen and her favorite man Friday thought it was a good idea to try out his goat herding prowess. What a day! We spent the morning having Friday assessed. He had a ball! The trainer was kind, took time to explain each significant trait, and what to expect. Who knew a city dog had such skills? Definitely innate instinct in use! Although Friday did not quite pass the assessment, yet, the trainer shared that a re-assessment is without charge and recommended we return. We are already looking forward to the next experience! The end. read more

I took my 5 1/2 month cattle dog cross to be instinct tested last week and guess what...she failed! lol of course she did she's a baby! BUT she had a great time 2 , 5-ish minute runs. This is normal and necessary as it is new, intellect and energy intensive activity and I appreciate that the trainers are sensitive to the idea of quit while they still want to work and very attuned to the level of sensitivity of the individual personalties of the dogs. my puppy is keen to work, but gets butt hurt if you come down on her to harshly. My puppy passed her instinct test on the second week and will begin lessons next week. The operations can be a little chaotic, but was not any type of hindrance to our experience so far. read more

Drummond Ranch - Roo lett'n her instincts do the walkin! - Pet Training Near Me - Palmdale, California

My dog and I have been coming to Drummond for the past few months for herding lessons. It has been so fun to learn about the sport and meet other people with herding dogs as well! Janna is such a lovely and compassionate trainer, who cares deeply about each and every dog having a good experience. Anyone planning to go to Drummond should understand they are going to a real working ranch, not a Petco training class. Sometimes there are cancellations due to weather, sometimes the ranch is running behind because their sheep need some special attention. Schedules can be unpredictable when you're dealing with animals. If you're passionate about herding, you learn to just go with the flow - enjoy the mountain views and have fun watching the dogs be dogs. I highly recommend Drummond to anyone who wants to learn more about herding, but patience and a good attitude are definitely a must. read more

Drummond Ranch - Pet Training Near Me - Palmdale, California

See all

My dog Mav had a blast! The owner, Paul, is fabulous! Paul pulled in one of his dogs with Mav (to show him the ropes) and it was neat to watch them both in action. We can't wait to come back again. Before you come, go to their website so that you know what to expect as far as how much time they will get to spend with the sheep. Side Note: My original review did discuss the bad review that was posted. I was standing right by the ring when the situation occurred (Paul had to leave my lesson to deal with the situation). However, the individual that made the comment is aggressively attempting to attack my post (which I deleted those comments). I think that speaks for itself. I was simply a bystander with no ties to either party and commenting on what I saw. read more

Drummond Ranch - Pet Training Near Me - Palmdale, California

DO NOT GO HERE!!!!!!!! We set up an appointment here for a herding test for our dog. They rescheduled at the last minute twice (we were in the car on the way) but we were patient because we came to understand that the owner was having health concerns. Finally, after months we were able to take our dog in for a test. The test went well and we decided to sign up for classes on the spot because they promised better communication for their students. Unfortunately, that was our last interaction with Drummond, as we have not received any further communication about the classes in two months. Having taken our money for four classes two months ago, they are still not returning calls, emails, or texts. We did receive one lengthy and incoherent email from the owner asking us not to leave a bad review but has still not sent our refund for the services that they promised but have not delivered. I have refrained from posting a bad review, but since I am again receiving no communication I wanted to share my experience so no one else gets scammed. Someone at the dog park warned us about Drummond, having mentioned that they are known for having poor management and policies which include their dog training. I wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt, but given how they run their operation I am highly disappointed. STAY AWAY! read more

I'm in love with Drummond Ranch! My dog and I've been making the trek from Los Feliz up to Acton every Saturday for a year and half. Even though he's an untraditional sheepdog, my miniature schnauzer has a blast trying to herd sheep. It's the most rewarding experience to see him doing what dogs should do. A dog park, doggie daycare, or even a hike are all great ways to exhaust a dog, but sheep herding at Drummond Ranch not only exhausts him physically, but mentally as well. Highly recommend! read more

See all

Everything appears to run smoothly , except I believe they over book considering they have only one trainer! She is good and definitely knows what she is doing with dogs. That being said if you are fine with spending 75 dollars for your dog to play for 15 minutes after 3 exhausted sheep in a tiny enclosure and spend 3 hours watching other dogs do the same! Knock yourself out... not for me and my dog. I felt taken advantage of and some of those people take themselves a little too seriously! Take your dog on a hike and let them run free after a squirrel once in while they ll have just as much fun or more and you ll save your time and money! read more

I have a VERY reactive dog daughter (German shepherd/Dudley lab/Australian cattle dog rescue) and am so excited to find a potential outlet for her. Here ya go: -Many of the operations are volunteer run, so it took time to hear back and get her scheduled (they are very busy). If you are seriously interested, I would encourage a call/text/email trio mid-morning on a weekday. Once we talked about scheduling, it was about a 1-2 month wait. Went on Sunday (weekends tend to be busier). -$75 for the herding instinct test (they take Venmo; you can pay day of); potential for a free retest (if they are considered appropriate for this; their discretion). -We didn't heed the direction advice and used google maps - it got us there but we had to take a very long dirt road rather than just doubling back a bit on the highway. You will need to go up a dirt road with a fairly steep hill, and there will be a sign on the left. You will hear the dogs barking! -Check-in is outside under a tarp (was with Marie :) ) -We muzzled/backpacked daughter in the car while filling out the liability release. I heavily encourage a muzzle if your dog nips/is unpredictable/aggressive; dogs everywhere. I also used my waist leash and kept her close (use with caution - only do it if you know what you're doing). I used her backpack because she can slip out of her harness. Muzzle and backpack may have inhibited some herding but helped us get there in one piece! -There are signs reminding people to keep dogs close/on a short leash/ask permission before approaching. I avoided everyone because of my wild child, and most of the other people were mindful (the muzzle and crazy behavior usually sends a clear message). Don't pet any dogs/animals without asking, especially the working dogs/fenced sheep. -It was sunny but very windy - make sure you bring layers and gloves so your fingers don't get too numb. Sunglasses, hat, lip balm, sunscreen, windbreaker, jacket, etc. I also wore rigid jeans and timberland boots for warmth/protection (my child likes to jump up and claw when she doesn't get her way). There isn't a lot of shelter from the elements and it can get dusty. Just be prepared for wild weather and lots of dirt (and probably poop). And bring hand sanitizer/snacks! -There is a port-a-potty for human bathrooming. -Water buckets for dogs; I brought my own in case but they are around. -We walked around while waiting for our turn. Kenny was our guy and was very kind. My girl initially went for his dog (thank god for the muzzle) and was put in her place; she seemed to understand, which was amazing. They also have a rattle stick to guide them. She seemed to go for the sheep. She then got distracted and began running around, looking at the neighboring pen, pooping, and really enjoying the freedom (took the backpack and muzzle off eventually). The process probably takes 15-20 minutes. Because of all the stimuli, she didn't quite pass but qualified for a free retest. Going back in a few weeks to do it :) -Both Marie and Kenny were very sweet and patient, such lovely people. Really understanding. -Be aware that there is a LOT of stimuli; next time I will try to get there early/possibly do some intense exercise ahead to tire her out. I think if the novelty had worn off a bit, she might have stuck with the herding. -They run on "ranch time" which accounts for all the animals needs; I would plan to spend at least a few hours there (but it might not take that long). -In a nutshell, this was an amazing experience. I got to see a whole new side of my dog and a joy come out of her as she ran around freely in the dirt like a little wild hog. She slept QUIETLY on the car ride home! Whining has decreased in the 36 hour post afterglow. This might be the first time I've had sincere calm my lovable but difficult baby. I am very grateful for the potential of this continued experience and am hopeful she will pass her retest. Even if she doesn't, a great experience. A little bit of peace :) Thank you Drummond Ranch! read more

I made a reservation over a month ago for my 2 Corgis to do a herding instinct trial. Me family was really looking forward to this as it is the last week my daughter is home before she moves. They cancelled the day before when I called to confirm; filling my spot with someone who was displaced last week! Awful way to run a business...... read more

We took our 8 month old cattle dog mix here for a herding instinct test. We reached out over email and they responded very quickly. We set up our appointments and they sent us a ton of information on the process and the rules. They set our expectations correctly and the entire process played out exactly that way. We had an appointment on a Sunday for 11am. We showed up a little early. We got settled, filled out some paperwork, and then watched as other dogs did their tests or retests. Paul and Janna are great. They communicate clearly. We started our test around 11:45 (this extra time before allows the dogs to get comfortable on the farm, around the sheep pens, around the other dogs, etc.) it was about 10 minutes and we were in the pen as well. After the test, they give clear feedback and evaluations. We hung out a while longer to watch our friends dog do the test as well. Both of our pups were deemed a little too young though having the instinct so we are both returning for a retest (for free) in a few months. We all enjoyed our time and actually look forward to driving back out there! The road up to the ranch is very bumpy so highly recommend taking your truck or a less nice car if you go up there! read more

Drummond Ranch owners Paul and Janna are extremely nice and patient people. They care about dogs, their customers and the sheep that the dogs' herd. Sheepherding is an art which requires patience and training. Going to Drummond Ranch in Acton, CA is not like attending a hairdresser's appointment. This is an actual ranch. While it is difficult to criticize a fellow yelper's review, sometimes you have to. I find Mallory L.'s review to be extremely spiteful and unreasonable. It is clear something transpired when Mallory L. visited Drummond Ranch; a consumer flipped out for little to no reason. To call the ranch owner a "horrible, evil human being" and the business a "ripoff and a fraud" requires more than hyperbole. It requires facts. So what are Mallory L's purported facts? Mallory L's says she had to "wait more than an hour" to "get into a ring" and then her dog only had "a few minutes with the sheep." Having visited Drummond Ranch several times, these facts are wildly out of context. Any dog owner at the Drummond Ranch is told upfront that on their first visit an Instinct Test is given. The Instinct Test can last approximately ten to fifteen minutes. An Instinct Test is where a dog is placed with approximately three sheep and the rancher sees if the dog naturally herds sheep. There is no, I repeat no any actual sheep herding done until an owner's dog passes the Instinct Test. The reason an Instinct Test is provided is sometimes a dog can be too rough with sheep, biting them. Or, a dog can be too shy and/or show little to no interest in herding. A plan is made with the rancher to help the dog if they aren't initially ready to herd sheep. This includes more time with sheep and personalized help from the rancher/trainer. It is not hard to see from the tenor of Mallory L.'s yelp review why she would be asked to leave a herding ranch. Border Collies and other herding dogs respond badly to extremely agitated or angry people. I can say emphatically - no anger or drama is tolerated at Drummond Ranch. Border Collies and other working breeds shut down when exposed to yelling and screaming. I would wager that Mallory L.'s written review is endemic of how she behaved at Drummond Ranch. Such carrying on garners great attention. With a clear inability to calm herself or control her barking dogs, a ranch visitor can reasonably expect to be asked to leave if they refuse to desist. This is for the sake of other people, their dogs and the sheep. Such an action in Acton makes complete sense to me. Stay Calm And Herd On.... read more

AWFUL EXPERIENCE! Perhaps there was a time when things were better to receive stars, but if no stars were option, thats what I would give in hopes no one else has same experience. My 4 yr old Aussie has been to herding facilities in San Diego & Ventura Counties for recreational purposes, has instinct certificates to attend classes. I was fine when told he'd need another 10 minute instinct class for $75. that would go towards 1st class right after, I was totally fine with the 1.5 hour drive (yes, for my dog!) & early for 10am appt. because I know & respect everyone getting their allotted time in. Upon arrival was immediately distracted with rows of caged working breed dogs (mostly border collies) in deplorable conditions, spinning, barking to point of being crazed. I know wasn't supposed to look over in that area but when you hear those kinds of distressed animals, you have to at least look....my heart sank. As I proceeded to wait almost 1 hr., the man in lawn chair sitting next to me who I was told would do evaluation & class remained grumpy & refused to acknowledge that my dog & I were even there. When he did signal us to go into ring, basically watched my dog do his herding business as best he could with cornered sheep for about 6 minutes, still acting like I did not exist. My attempt to engage in herding conversation was met with couple rude remarks in return. After being sent out of ring & sitting down for another 45 minutes, went thru the exact same routine for another 6 minutes. At this point I'm ready to have class begin asap only for him to snap "no class after instinct test, make another appointment, pay over there" as he once again returned to lawn chair which was very clear the only place he planned to be 99% of the time, totally obviously to crated border collie at his feet spinning, barking, going berserk the entire time I was there. He'd randomly give crate quick kick & gruff "shut up". I'd now been there almost 2 hrs, my dog had been in ring with 3 cornered, worn out sheep for total of about 12 minutes....I left in tears of frustration for wasted time & money, anger at the way this "operation" was being run, sadness at the condition animals were surviving in & apologetic to my Aussie for not giving him the outlet of physical & mental exercise of doing what he loves, herding sheep. From past experiences, my opinion Drummond Ranch should no longer be in business & all those animals re-homed ASAP. As mentioned at start, perhaps this was once a good facility but now its clearly about continuing to go after money & trying to hang on to the bitter end... its not about that!! Its about respect & care for all the animals involved which I WISH I'd experienced but unfortunately did not. read more

I thought this was the worst experience ever lol I'm shocked at any of these good reviews. The old man working there was the biggest piece of you know what, he was so rude to us and my dog. He went on and on about how the breed of my dog is garbage and how Shepard's made in the US are trash..then he proceeded to talk about politics, how he's a liberal democrat, isn't this a herding test? I don't care about your political views or your views about my dog's breed. Anyway, it was $75 for a 2 minute test, and we waited in the cold for AN HOUR AND A HALF! They over book and they are horrible, I found another place in acton, I'll never be back. Money hungry terrible people. read more

This place is not what I was expecting at all. They are very unprofessional and very rude! We brought my dog for an instinct test and while we're waiting for my dogs turn, a lady there have my 11 yr old son permission to pet the owners dog. When he did, the trainer scolded my son for petting him because he's a "working dog". He scared my son and he yelled at other people there for having they're dogs too close together and they were giving off "bad energy" we are not professional dog herders! We were paying guests! $65 wasted on a 10 min "instinct test" don't waste your money! read more

If you want to see what your herding dog do what it was meant to do, Drummond is the place for it. Great people and great experience.....your dog will love you. read more

Drummond Ranch - Put me in coach! - Pet Training Near Me - Palmdale, California

Loved taking my dogs here for the sheep herding assessment. I will definitely come back for training.

I met Janna about a year and a half ago when I took my rottweiler Bastian to her herding facility. I can't say enough about her professionalism, expertise and the awesome results she got from my rottie, he absolutely loved it and her. Janna is pleasant, down to earth and an awesome trainer. She does a great job with the dogs and also takes time to integrate the owner into the process. I would highly recommend Janna and Drummand ranch to anyone looking for assistance herding whether its as an outlet for your dog or something you want to take to the next level and do competitively. read more

Saturday mornings at Drummond Ranch are a blast for my dog, Maggie, and me too. It has been great to see how she has matured from a scared little pup to a more confident dog. Many thanks to the owners/trainers for their patience, support, and encouragement. We are looking forward to many more fun herding days ahead. :) read more

I came once in February to see if my Mini Australian Shepard had the instincts to herd sheep and have not gone back due to the lack of communication with the place. They allow two tries for the instinct test, and although my pup failed the first time, I tried making an appointment to bring him back another day and they never answered the phone or got back to me. I enjoyed seeing my dog herding sheep, however, the entire process when you're there is complicated and long. I came in with an 11:00am appointment and was told that the instinct test would be an hour long. However, I did not get to take the test until 12:00pm. During the time, I sat and talked to other dog owners while the other dogs got lessons. When it was finally my turn, we were put in a fenced area with sheep for roughly 15 minutes until being told that we would relocate to a larger area and was told to wait all over again. This happened twice and the overall instinct test ended up spanning more than three hours from the time we got there to the time we left. read more

Five stars at least. My border collie Dylan and I have been training at Drummond for about two years. Impressed by the patience of the trainers (with me primarily, Dylan learns much faster!), as well as their many, many years of experience and their expertise (Herding Trials, including national level). Fascinating and fun, all kinds of breeds including a rescue from the Korean dog meat market! Dylan loves it, worth the 65 mi drive. read more