My community has been my greatest asset. When I got interested I asked my local dog vet and she sent me to a breeder. I took lunch and $175 bucks and she let me follow her around her farm for six hours that day. She then sent me to some local homesteading and vet emergency groups on Facebook where I quietly followed along. Then I offered to be an unpaid apprentice at a local farm where I could got some hands on experience. We also have a local agriculture extension program here (Clemson extension). They have been BEYOND helpful!