My new best friend ...

[Mark Wagner]

I just adopted a 'Border Collie' as a running partner. He is a year old, and tonight went on his first run with me ... 5 miles. It was a little tough the first mile, because he kept trying to pull me, then go after cars. I ran with a leash and choke chain to train him. After one mile he overall pretty much stayed in the heel position and to my left.
I was just wondering if any of you have had experence with 'Border Collies' and have any advice for me? He thinks my cats are sheep and is trying to herd them in the house. I'll take all the advice I can in that department. When I stop him he gives me a look like ... "Wait till your not around."
Oh yea ... advice on keeping the dog smell out of the house? My wife is already concerned.

Thanks ... Mark

 

[Ross]

Mark is this one black and white like a true border collie? I know a lady who is into Shetlands, but I don't know just how closely they relate to the real deal border.

I'd love to have a Shetland if only I could do for the dog what they need.

 

[Nancy]

I have a Shih Tzu who loves to herd our 3 cats. She's definitely in charge of them. She doesn't ever hurt them, but she "makes 'em mind". She's the same size as they are.

She gets groomed every 6 weeks and the groomer uses a special shampoo for oily skin. We keep her coat short. She gets her backside cleaned with scented baby wipes every time she goes for a walk, and if there is an area that's particularly "stinky" I dissolve a little baking soda in some warm water and wipe that area down. It takes away smells instantly. She's got long fur and her face around the mouth needs attention, also her eyes run a lot and the dried tears need attention too. Both areas can be smelly.

But a wet dog, is a wet dog.

 

[KristyW]

Smart Dogs

Smart Dogs

Mark,

You have adopted one of the smartest dog breeds in the world. Border Collies are great companions! We had one for about a year, but we decided that we just couldn't keep her. We were a working couple, and we just didn't have the time for Cookie that she needed.

Since Border Collies are so smart, they need to be entertained and exercised regularly. Your dog should make a great running partner. As for the "herding the cats", I'm afraid that's an inborn trait of the breed. They are/were bred for herding sheep. He'll even try to herd you and your wife if you let him.

Enjoy your new friend. He'll give you much joy.

 

[Karlynn]

Our neighbors next door have had a wonderful border collie for 10 years. They do have that natural herding instinct and younger dogs, especially, do a lot of practicing - even on their human family. Our neighbor's dog would nip gently at their heals, especially children. But they trained him out of that. I imagine that the running will help satisfy some of that young energy.

After a while, our neighbor's dog (Nipper!) settled in and must have reassured that the "flock" wasn't going anywhere.

Just become concerned if you find yourself wanting to chase cars too!

What is your new friend's name?

Karlynn

 

[dwfreck]

Mark,

I grew up with a border collie, and she was very smart. Too smart. We "trained" her to do several entertaining things, and she figured out how to do all kinds of other entertaining and less-than-entertaining things.

Of all the official AKC breeds (and border collie is finally one of those), I've heard that border collies are the most trainable, so you might want to consider "obedience" school or something similar.

As for the herding behavior, it will be with your dog all his life. Let him out in an open area with other animals, and he'll literally run circles around them.

My particular collie was the most perceptive, most loving animal I've ever met. I'd own another border collie in a minute, except that my wife and I are in the same "two-earner" category as KristyW, and we, too, don't think it would be fair to the dog to leave it alone all day. You've got a gold mine of a pet; enjoy him!

If you want a reasonable overview of what to expect from your collie, watch the movie "Babe". All the dogs on the Hogget farm are pure-bread border collies, and sheepdog trial champions to boot. All the behavior of the dogs is very true-to-life, except for the talking... (though I'd swear mine could talk, just not in English).

I could go on and on, but I'll stop here so the dial-up modem folks don't get stuck too long downloading. If you have more questions about border collies, just ask, and I'll try to answer them.

 

[labguides]

Border collies

Border collies

Border Collies are intense dogs, who are bred to work. They are happiest when they are working -- be it running with you, herding, or agility. There are lots of border collies in agility. It is great exercise and fun -- good way to bond with your dog.

Mindy who has 2 Westies, a guide dog breeder who had 8 puppies last week and a guide dog puppy (age 5 months)

 

[Mark Wagner]

I appreciate all the information. Ross, he is black and white. I think there is a little Australian Shepard in him, as his legs have some brown. (That came from a breeder.) When I get a picture, I'll post it. His name is Zen, opposite of KAOS! That story is on my other post. Dale, sounds like you had beautiful animal.

Mark

 

[sylviayasgur]

hi mark!
sounds like you have a wonderful new running mate!
about the "dog smell"... we have a golden retriever and a mini poodle and when i find they start to smell like they've been out and have been wet, i take them in the shower with me. otherwise i have them groomed every month or so.
the little one sleeps in my daughter's bed each night, so i really like them smelling and being clean.
enjoy!
be well, sylvia

 

[dwfreck]

Mark,

The discussion of "dog smell" just jogged my memory...

My childhood border collie ran off into the woods on a hike (as she had a habit of doing), but didn't return. Then we heard yelping...

She had found another black-and-white-furred animal to play with...

She came crawling (literally) back to us a few hours later...

"Dog smell" is nothing compared to "skunked dog smell."

We tried absolutely everything anyone has ever heard of to de-skunk her. The smell hung around her for weeks. And you could still detect it when she got wet for years afterwards.

 

[Nancy]

I've had a couple of animals "skunked" too. It's horrible.

Raccoons have a pretty nasty smell too, although not as bad as skunks, but rancid nevertheless. Our last little dog found a raccoon hideaway in the yard and decided to roll in it. Boy, did he smell bad. He thought he smelled pretty good. And possum droppings are another dog delicacy. Terrible stuff.

 

[Georgia]

My folks had a huge dog (Irish wolfhound-Newfoundland cross) who tangled with a skunk - they used 20 cans of tomato juice to de-skunk him.