MiaP Posted December 3, 2004 Report Share Posted December 3, 2004 I would have to say that some of the way Mia acts with other dogs present comes from the way she was raised but mostly it's because she would rather "work" than associate with ANY dog, Border collie's included. Her typical behavior is to raise her heckles and curl her lip to let the other dog(s) know not to invade her space and if that doesn't work she will give a low growl and that usually does the trick. With that said, Mia is 2.5 years old and didn't actually see another BC until she was about 2. Although she didn't want anything to do with the other BC, she did NOT raise her heckles or curl her lip and did end up letting the other BC get her ball a few times after I threw it. We rarely run into that other BC but when we do, she never exhibits any of her "normal" behavior. Does she "recognize" the other BC as her kind? I think so. Also, I wanted to point out that if all my behaviors rubbed off on Mia, she wouldn't want to do anything after about 6:00 pm during the winter months but sit on the couch wrapped in blanket watching TV. Instead, she doesn't care if it's 50 below zero and pitch black outside, she wants to be out there walking, playing chuck-it, playing with her jolly ball - whatever it is, she wants to be outside. Take it for whatever it's worth.... Gimmie Sue and Mia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riley-dog Posted December 3, 2004 Report Share Posted December 3, 2004 I just have to kick in here because I remember the day Riley made a very unusual comrade. One day I'm outside doing a big fiberglass lay up at work when Riley comes trotting up to me with his head COMPLETELY coated in slobber. Right behind him was one of the biggest damned dogs I have ever seen. He looked something like a Dogue de Bordeaux (Hooch), enormous pit bull, or some combination of the two. They'd start off playing and this thing would fit my 4 month old pups' entire head in his mouth. Riley knows a bunch of Labs, Goldens, Westy and Cairn and Scottish terriers, a Shihtzu, Great Pyranees, and the Big Dog, but his favorite of all is the Aussie and I think a big part of this is their style of play. None of the others have the speed and drive to keep up with him. There's nothing better to this dog then a good race across the field, up the rock wall, through the steam and puddles, and that ends in a tumbling wrestling match and well, the other breeds were too lazy or timid to keep pace. The Dalmatian was a favorite, too. Perhaps that play style is what the dogs are responding to? I think perhaps they can recognize their own breed, but that would explain the draw to other herding breeds, too. Riley hasn't met another BC yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ness_bc Posted December 3, 2004 Report Share Posted December 3, 2004 Hi, I have been reading this thread and totally agree that BCs love to play with other BCs in peference to other breeds. Ness is exactly the same. Usually does not give another dog the light of day BUT if another BC comes she can usually be enticed into a game of chasy. I notice however that all breeds seem to recognise there own kind and naturally this is likely to be due to the fact that during their critical inprint stage even if they never met another dog due to inadequate socialisation the chances are they would have played with other BC pups in their litter. Sally and Ness Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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