What in the World is "Camelidynamics" You Ask?
Raising premier quality alpacas is Nikki's and Collins’ “passion” in life today! But neither Nikki or Collins were in love with the way they had been initially taught to handle their alpacas. Each felt there had to be a kinder, gentler more respectful way.
They met Marty McGee Bennett of Camelidynamics fame for the first time at the AWE show in Portland, OR in 2007 and watched one of her free demonstrations. They were both somewhat familiar with her work, and that weekend purchased their first copy of Marty's book "The Camelid Companion" (which now is their bible of handling alpacas).
Nikki read the book twice, and registered for one of Marty’s introductory and advanced clinics that summer; and as a result was hooked! She came home from the first clinic and told Collins that “he could no longer handle the alpacas unless he was willing to do it the Camelidynamics way” because she wanted consistency in the way they were treated. Nikki has since taken three additional advanced clinics, refining old skills and learning new ones. She was finally able to get her husband Collins to an introductory clinic during 2009, and he now “gets it”! They even have the "real deal" Camelidynamics Handling Facility set up on their farm!
Nikki earned her Camelidynamics Handler Seal in 2008 and in 2009 qualified as a Camelidynamics Apprentice Practioner (AP). She is progressing toward the qualifications required to become a Camelidynamics Practitioner. As stated on the Camelidynamics website:
- "The AP is qualified to teach the concepts and techniques of Camelidynamics to individuals at a discounted rate and required to conduct a minimum of two (2) 1-day Free Workshops that are no charge to participants. Each practitioner determines his or her own policies and rates."
Many new friends came to Sandollar Alpacas in 2010 to find out all about Camelidynamics! The world renowned "Alpaca Whisperer" herself, Marty McGee Bennett, came to the Pacific Northwest! Sandollar Alpacas hosted one of Marty's Camelidynamics 2-day Basic Clinics that weekend. She returned to the Pacific NW for a one-day introductory clinic sponsored by PNAA in October, 2010. We will be inviting her back in 2012! Watch for the announcement.
In the meantime, why not call Nikki today at 509-586-1423 and schedule some time with her? You will be glad you did and she is confident your alpacas will be glad you did!