Samsonsworld

Haven't been on here in some time. I laughed when I saw that avatar. She's all grown up, now. Just to follow up, my dog's digestive problems stopped as suddenly as they started. We never were quite sure what cause them????? Now she's just happy and healthy....and beautiful, if I do say so myself. Madi Bell

I guess you can write to Merriam-Webster. Maybe they can add a disclaimer for BCs. The behavior doesn't count unless it's taught and used on stock animals.

Then no, but if you he is going to argue against my case by what his dogs are doing, then at least allow me to define my criteria for why I consider my dog's behavior as herding as I've mentioned groups several times. There seems to be some questions regarding my remarks that they can herd non-stock animals. I was simply trying to clarify because I obviously didn't do a very good job up front. I certainly think it can be instinctive and not always a learned behavior. I didn't teach it to my dog and if it was learned, how? And why didn't my other BC pick it up???

If your dog is working to prevent you from leaving a group, then yes, by definition it is herding.

Not talking about chasing, I'm talking about cutting you off and trying to turn you back. I just don't see how trying to keep the pack together isn't herding? By definition 'to herd' means to gather or place in a group. Guess we'll have to agree to disagree on this one.

And that dog wraps around you in an effort to turn you back? Not saying it isn't possible, I just haven't ever seen it. But if it's not a herding instinct I don't know what is. I know my dog is in work mode when she does it. She has a completely different demeanor than when in play mode. EDIT: Guess I'm not the only one who thinks that way. These dogs are genetically programmed to want to keep livestock, pack members or even children in one area. Link

I'm predictable but you're the one trying to stereotype? Do I even know you? Truth is people that turn their pets over to rescue should have never been pet owners at all and had unrealistic views of how a dog will act. I'm not the problem and I'd bet the person who started this post isn't either. So lighten up.

OMG, Cujo tries to redirect my path on the way to the bathroom. Let's take her to the pound! Give me a break. Now I remember why I quit coming around here. Lots of good people but a few too many judgemental know it alls.

Really? Because I've yet to see a non-herding dog try that but have known a couple herding dogs that did/do. They try to keep you in a group. And I think you're the one that needs to chill. She isn't hurting anybody. I just walk through her and she goes on her merry way. I also never said behavior doesn't need to be addressed but it it won't change overnight and overreacting about it doesn't help anything or anybody.

I thought it was cute. Puppies can do no evil. They have to learn to communicate with you through trial and error and it takes a little time. I think it's much better to get a chuckle than to panic because you have Cujo on your hands. When BC tries to turn you around to prevent you from leaving a room, I think that is a unique characteristic of a herding dog. I've got one that will stare at my youngest for eternity and as soon as he moves, she runs to cut him off. She's even tried to turn me around a few times. My $.02.

Yep, pretty slick. I actually thought I was buying a semi-rough coat on the drive to pick Madi up (got Marli, on right, a month later). I didn't know they got that slick until I read up on them.

Don't feel bad. I don't think my vet even believes mine are BCs. She's got a chart of breeds and smooth coats are not listed. I get funny looks when I say they are supposed to be purebred.

That is a beautiful pup. Sorry to hear about the seizures, though.

I was sorta under the impression if one parent is a smooth coat, the pups will be smooth coat???? That's how it worked with my dogs. Their mama was a rough coat, daddy was a smooth. All the pups were smooth coat. Is that wrong thinking???

I was gone most of Saturday and ran a lot of errands on Sunday and didn't play ball like we usually do. I noticed Madi didn't get sick. So the last several days I have intentionally not played ball with her. No sickness. Could be coincidence. Not sure but she loves that ball. This is not the answer I was looking for. I tried taking her to a parking lot but her paws didn't make it 10 minutes. I wonder if switching to a racket ball would make a difference? I think it's safe to say she's eating something somewhere that is upsetting her tummy. I do have some relief though. I was starting to worry about blockage.