Action K9 Sports

Terry Parrish founded this Escondido facility in 1985 after years working cattle ranches and managing her own commercial sheep flock. According to the business's website, she helped establish the American Herding Breed Association, which opened herding competition to breeds not traditionally recognized for the work. She has judged AKC and AHBA trials since their inception and helped design AHBA courses. The site notes she has been featured on Animal Planet and various Southern California media outlets.

Action K9 Sports operates on a 6-acre property near the San Diego Safari Park, with multiple arenas, open fields, and what they describe as 150 head of sheep for training and trials. They state it was the first private facility in California to host herding trials—previously only held at fairgrounds or equestrian centers. The site claims they hosted the first USBCHA-sanctioned cattle dog trial in the western U.S. and the first USBCHA Nursery trial in California.

The instructional team includes Rich Godfrey, described as having nearly two decades of herding experience and credentials as an AKC and AHBA judge, and Steve Kilgore, who currently competes with his McNab Shepherd in herding trials. Their stated approach emphasizes teaching owners to work their own dogs, using body cues and understanding sheep behavior. They offer private lessons for dogs from six months to ten years old, instinct testing for beginners, and continue hosting sanctioned trials at the property.