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Advice on adopting BC in North NJ


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Hi, first time here and first time we are looking to adopt a dog. Working wife, husband with two kids, about 1/4 acre urban house. I am not usually politically correct, so please correct me as needed.

 

We have chickens for eggs (not for meat) in the backyard and would like to adobe a dog, preferably Border Collie. I did a bit of research and understand (but may not completely can estimate) the effort it takes with BC. I enjoyed my friend (dog) growing up and honestly can say took care of it without much help from my parents.

 

Couple of questions:

 

1. With 1/4 acre and chickens in backyard (with their own run) and two kids (10 and 13), is it advisable to get a BC

 

2. Any recommendations on where we can adopt in North NJ area

 

Thank you.

 

 

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Welcome!

 

I have known people who are very successful owners of Border Collies, living anywhere from the back of beyond to the depths of NYC. A great deal of what is required is that you utilize intelligent, thoughtful, and knowledgeable training techniques; challenge the dog's mind as much as or more than his/her body; set limits and don't allow bad behaviors to even start (for instance, with the chickens, no fixating or staring, and don't wait for chasing to try and avoid a problem but address it before it even starts; or, with the youngsters, don't allow behaviors that will lead to something you don't want happening, like no chase and bite games that can lead to - well - unwanted chasing and biting).

 

These boards are a great source of information. People can get passionate but they will also give your their best advice when you have questions or problems, and kudos when you have good things to share.

 

I don't know rescues in your area but you could possibly contact reputable rescues in neighboring areas to get recommendations - North East Border Collie Rescue (NEBCR) and Mid-Atlantic Border Collie Rescue (MABCR) are two that I have either had dealings with or have heard good things about. Both may even adopt into your area.

 

Best wishes!

 

PS - Border Collies *can* make good family pets. Not all do, and not all fit into particular family situations. A good rescue will do a home visit; has fostered their animals and know them well, and have even done some training; and will be honest with you.

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I second what Sue says.

 

But a correction -- NEBCR is New England Border Collie Rescue. There is also a smaller NBCR, Northeast Border Collie Rescue.

 

NEBCR isn't currently adopting into NJ,

 

Glen Highland Farm Sweet Border Collie Rescue adopts into NJ.

 

Good luck finding your new companion.

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If you are in northern NJ, you are not that far away from Glen Highland Farm.

 

I wouldn't count on your BC getting enough mental and physical stimulation with your situation unless you are willing to take the time every day to provide some training and work (even if the work is picking up clothes to put in the dirty laundry basket, or stupid pet tricks, or any number of tasks that stretch and focus their mind). You should be ready to commit yourself to training. Just running around a (small) yard with kids is not enough - and as Sue said, may lead to unwanted behaviors unless you are on top of things. And her advice with the chicken issue is good too.

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Its not so much the size of your yard that matters. What's more important is the time you and your family can commit to spending with the dog. Are you willing to walk the dog, take the dog to the park, take classes, spend time training at home, take the dog to the beach, let the dog come with you when you run errands, etc? You don't have to do all of this, but you do have to find the time to keep your dog stimulated, physically and mentally, however you may do that. Most border collies would not be content with a few minutes playtime in the yard each day. Think about what things you want to do with your new dog.

 

Make sure you think carefully about what you really need from a dog and talk in depth with the rescuers before you bring a dog home. Obviously you need a dog that is good with kids and won't eat or harass the chickens. Think about other things that are also deal-breakers for you and make sure you bring home the right dog for your family. Also ask about a return policy. Many rescues now have a 1-4 week trial period in which you can return the dog for a full refund if it isn't working out. However, understand that it will likely take longer than that time period for the dog to settle in and feel like a part of the family.

 

Meg was around 2 yrs old when I adopted her. Among my requirements in a new dog was that she do well with cats and not try to eat my chinchillas. I also did not want an excessive barker or an escape artist. The rescuer I adopted from was great at making sure I brought home the right dog for our household. We talked for over an hour on the phone about two dogs. My first choice would probably not have worked out because she focused too much on small animals. Meg was just right though. She is also great around our cockatiel and ignores chickens, horses and other large livestock. She's thinks turkeys are scary. Kids make her nervous, especially little boys.

 

Border Collies are not usually the first choice of dog for people with small children, but can do well with older kids. As long as you are willing to put in the work and teach both the dog and kids how to behave, it can be great. Your children are at a nice age where they can help train the dog. I don't know if they have had a dog before, but make sure you talk to them and make sure that they are up to the task as well.

 

Not sure what age you were thinking of for the new dog, but that is something to consider too. Puppies are a lot of work and rescue pups can be a bit of a mystery on how they'll turn out (in appearance, size, personality, etc). With an adult dog you know more of what you're getting, but there may be some bad habits or 'baggage' to work through. Adult dogs may already have some training (an already house trained dog is a great thing!). You may be able to find a dog with great house manners that has been around kids. Search for the right dog for your family. Again, talk to the rescue/foster home. They can be a great help in making sure you bring home the right dog.

 

Don't set yourself on a Border Collie just for the sake of having a Border Collie. They are great dogs as all of us here know, but if its not the right dog for your household at this time, it can be disastrous for both you and the dog. They are smart dogs that often require more mental stimulation and consistent physical exercise than other breeds. If the new dog gets lots of attention and activity the first few months, but then not so much once the 'newness' wears off, he/she is likely to get into to trouble looking for things to do. Make sure that you and your family have room in your life for many years to come for an active, intelligent dog.

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This is so very true, and it happens way too often, in spite of the very best intentions and expectations.

 

Don't set yourself on a Border Collie just for the sake of having a Border Collie. They are great dogs as all of us here know, but if its not the right dog for your household at this time, it can be disastrous for both you and the dog. They are smart dogs that often require more mental stimulation and consistent physical exercise than other breeds. If the new dog gets lots of attention and activity the first few months, but then not so much once the 'newness' wears off, he/she is likely to get into to trouble looking for things to do. Make sure that you and your family have room in your life for many years to come for an active, intelligent dog.

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........

Don't set yourself on a Border Collie just for the sake of having a Border Collie. They are great dogs as all of us here know, but if its not the right dog for your household at this time, it can be disastrous for both you and the dog. They are smart dogs that often require more mental stimulation and consistent physical exercise than other breeds. If the new dog gets lots of attention and activity the first few months, but then not so much once the 'newness' wears off, he/she is likely to get into to trouble looking for things to do. Make sure that you and your family have room in your life for many years to come for an active, intelligent dog.

 

 

I'll second this. They are wonderful dogs but they require more interaction than many other breeds. It's not the they require tons of exercise or need to run 30 miles a day. It's that their minds need to be frequently engaged - preferably daily. A bored border collie can become a destructive or neurotic border collie.

 

Per chickens in the back yard: are they in a pen or running loose? If they are running loose, you're very apt to have trouble. Border collies key on movement and chickens are some of the most attractive things out there, for a dog. What will you do, if the dog starts stalking or chasing the chickens?

 

The ages of your children are actually good for getting a dog, but you'd have to train them how to behave around the dog. They'd have to be consistent in how they interact with the dog, they'd have to follow house rules on what to do or not do with the dog, You can't have one kid feeding the dog scraps and another letting the dog jump on him. The rules would have to be the rules all across the board. ALL dogs need this, but the intelligence of border collies enables them to make some pretty amazing leaps of logic or associations, when it comes to figuring out how to get away with naughty behaviors.

 

All of this is do-able! But border collies are a bigger commitment than many other breeds, and the very reason so many end up in rescue is because they were accidentally mishandled and developed behaviors or habits the owners could not address.

 

Sorry if I sound discouraging! But I want to help you have a clear view of what you may be getting into. Best of luck! :)

 

~ Gloria

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