All About Juniors

The Future of the Australian Shepherd

 What is the juniors program?

The ASCA® Juniors Program was designed to encourage youth involvement with Australian Shepherds. At ASCNE, we bring this vision to life by helping juniors:

  • Take pride in ownership and responsibility for training 
  • Use humane, effective methods of handling and training 
  • Develop patience and perseverance in working with their Aussies 
  • Build a strong work ethic — proving that hard work pays off 
  • Learn discipline in setting and reaching goals 
  • Compete with good sportsmanship on a fair playing field 
  • Celebrate the bond with a dog trained primarily by the junior handler 

Through the Juniors Program, young handlers gain not only skills in dog training and competition, but also life lessons, confidence, and friendships that last a lifetime.

Opportunities for Juniors

ASCNE juniors can compete in nearly every venue available to adult handlers, including:

  • 🐾 Conformation — show off breed standards in the ring
  • 🐾 Agility — speed, accuracy, and teamwork on the course 
  • 🐾 Obedience — precision training and commands 
  • 🐾 Rally — fun, handler-dog teamwork through a course 
  • 🐾 Stock dog — showcasing the Aussie’s natural instincts 
  • 🐾 Dock Jumping — fast-paced, high-energy sport 
  • 🐾 Tracking — advanced scent work and focus 

These activities help juniors understand the versatility of the Australian Shepherd while strengthening their bond with their dogs.

Eligibility

Juniors ages 3–17

Events

Conformation, agility, obedience, rally, herding, and more

Membership

Requires ASCA® membership plus ASCNE Juniors enrollment

Focus

Education, fair play, and sportsmanship

Benefits

Training experience, friendships, community support

Goals

To prepare tomorrow’s breeders, trainers, and judges

Why Juniors Matters

The future of the Australian Shepherd breed rests in the hands of today’s juniors. By supporting them now, ASCNE ensures the breed continues to thrive in New England and beyond.

👉 [Learn More About Juniors Membership]
 👉 [View Upcoming Juniors Events]