Welcome to Nordika Stockdogs
Nordika Stockdogs is a community for people who believe that stockmanship is about far more than moving livestock. It is about developing thoughtful, capable working partners, strengthening the relationship between dog and handler, and preserving one of the oldest and most rewarding partnerships between humans and animals.
Whether your goal is to compete in stockdog trials, develop a dependable farm or ranch dog, or simply explore urban herding as a meaningful relationship-building activity with your dog, you'll find a welcoming community here. We work with all stockdog breeds and every stage of the journey, from young dogs discovering livestock for the first time to experienced teams refining advanced skills.
Our approach is rooted in practical stockmanship, ethical livestock handling, and a deeper understanding of the canine mind. Through our Canine Relational Theory programs, we help handlers better understand how their working dogs experience the world, why they make the decisions they do, and how to build confidence, clarity, and resilience both on and off stock. Whether you're raising a young prospect, navigating behavioural challenges, or striving for excellence in the trial field, our education is designed to help you become the kind of handler your dog has been looking for.
Based at Nordika Farm in Kelowna, British Columbia, our on-site membership offers regular training opportunities, community practice days, clinics, events, mentorship, and access to our growing network of stock people and working dog enthusiasts. For those farther from the farm, our online membership brings the same sense of connection through educational resources, live coaching, virtual lessons, training reviews, and an active community of handlers learning together from across North America.
We believe that great stock dogs are not built through technique alone. They are developed through thoughtful stockmanship, ethical livestock handling, meaningful relationships, and a commitment to understanding both the practical skills and the emotional needs of our canine partners.
Whether you're raising your first stockdog, building a reliable chore partner, preparing for the trial field, or simply searching for a richer way to connect with your dog, Nordika Stockdogs exists to support your journey. More than a place to train dogs, we're building a community dedicated to preserving the art of stockmanship while helping both dogs and people discover what they're truly capable of.
BOOK NOWSTART your STOCK DOG Journey here.
Inclusive community open to all breeds and experience levels.
Memberships
A long-term home for dogs & their handlers whom are seeking depth, connection, community and purposeful work.
We offer layered membership options designed for handlers near and far. Choose from our online classroom membership or our full access - online & in-person facility membership. Members receive ongoing education, mentorship, community support and exclusive benefits such as reduced rates on clincics, events and special offers.
Lessons & Training
Focused Guidance to help you and your dogs find clarity in the work and your relationship.
One-on-one, online & in-person lesson options that are tailored to you and your dog; focused on building clarity, confidence, and a working partnership rooted in feel, purpose, relationship & the art of stockmanship.
Instinct Testing, semi-private lessons and Behavioural Assessments also available for All Breeds of stock dogs and beyond.
Clinics & Events
Shared learning spaces; online and in-person, where community, stockmanship and growth come together.
We host a wide range of clinics and events let by expert practitioners spanning from stock work, biomechanics, mindset and skill that enhance the partnership between handler and dog - both in the field and in everyday life.Handlers retreats are also available through out the year at our home base; NORDIKA FARM & RETREAT in Kelowna B.C
The Heart behind NORDIKA
Hi, my name is Marylin Anderson - a life long stockwoman with a passion for working with people, horses, and dogs. What started as a simple idea to gather a few folks for stock dog training quickly grew into a thriving community and movement across the Okanagan and beyond. Raised on a working cattle ranch in the Cariboo region of British Columbia, instilled a deep sense of responsibility for stock, our dogs & horses, the land and a strong community. That ethic lives at the core of this program and continues to guide the strong community we are building.
More About MeExplore our Online Courses & Resources Library
Stand alone courses designed to build understanding, confidence and clarity - whether you're preparing for stock work or deepening your knowledge at home. Courses are open to everyone, with discounted access available to members.
View Our Course & Resource Library
Pre-Herding Foundations
(COMING SOON)
This course explores the herding instinct and how it shows up in our modern canines. You'll learn how to develop foundational traits in puppies and dogs at home, long before stepping into the field with stock. You will also learn vital skills, cues and training tools to help you develop a strong partnership and working foundation with your dog. If you are trying to understand your herding/working breed, this may be the best place to start.
Intro to K9 Stockmanship
(COMING SOON)
This online course & classroom access mirrors our 6 week Intro to K9 Stockmanship class, offering a session-by-session breakdown of the curriculum with added depth and clarity. Learn foundations of livestock behaviour, the role of the handler, safe stock introductions, and how dogs begin to understand their jobs.
Can't make it to a class, follow along virtually.
Canine Relational Theory
(COMING SOON)
This course introduces a principle-based framework for understanding dogs through the lens of mind, space and pressure. Guided assessments of both the dog and handlers CRT profile. By identifying your dog's predominant needs along side your own tendencies as a handler, you'll gain clarity on the dynamics that shape your relationship.
Not Stock Specific.
Michelle Cridland
"I have noticed a real difference in my progress and have gained a deeper and more practical understanding of the work."
Dana Deyell
"Being apart of this community has allowed me to connect and collaborate with a supportive group that is on a similar journey!"
Alana Goldney
"My dogs easily had the best day of their lives, getting to work stock in a safe manner guided by Marylin, who is a wealth of knowledge."
Sara Nicole
"Before meeting Marylin, I was feeling pretty alone in my journey with my girl, who has {big emotions}. Marylin, not only embraces the herding dog quirks, she has this incredible ability to help you lean into your innate power."
Rachel Grant
thecollieandthewolf
"Having a reactive border collie has felt isolating at times but Marylin has welcomed us with open arms and turned, what at times feels like a set back, into a place of power."
Deborah Corry
"I've learned how to better read my dog, advocate for her and build a relationship rooted in trust and confidence. The Progress we have made has been absolutely incredible."
Join our online community
To far to attend our regular lessons and events? Still struggling with understanding your herding/working breed dog? Looking for a supportive community. Come join our SHEPHERDS CIRCLE COMMUNITY & Online Classroom.
Weekly online group meetings and supportive feedback. Growing video library of activities and skill building tools for stock work and beyond.
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