Jexa

The grooming gloves work really well on my smooth coat (and the rough coat, but a normal brush works just fine for him). The one issue I found is that they tend to build up static electricity in low humidity, but dryer sheets or a small amount of water helps. She likely has more of an undercoat than you realize...they're tougher to see on a smooth coat until you really start pulling it out. My dogs only get bathed if they *really* need it, regardless of coat type. They'll get hosed off occasionally when they roll in horse poop, but that's it. I can't remember the last time they've been bathed. It's largely personal preference, but remember that too much bathing can strip their coat of needed oils and make her skin dry and itchy. They really do tend to have teflon coats, so you shouldn't need to bathe her often anyway. Any baby wash will be plenty gentle enough. As for helping her tolerate grooming, find what makes it a positive experience for her. One of my dogs LOVES getting brushed because I tell him how pretty he is the whole time. Ridiculous, but he's kind of a ridiculous dog. My smooth coat wants to be working, not be groomed, so I just brush him in short spurts and never force him to endure it. He knows when he's had enough he's free to walk away. It keeps him relaxed. Treats, praise, short sessions and don't force it. She'll learn to at least stay relaxed, if not enjoy it.

Thanks to you both, I'll check them out!

We loved fostering for West TN Border Collie Rescue when we lived in Mississippi (highly recommend them by the way!), and now that we've moved to South Carolina we're too far away to help WTBCR but we want to look into fostering again. Can anyone recommend a BC rescue in the area?

In other words, "I'll look for an echo chamber where people will just agree with me despite the fact that I asked for advice because what I'm doing isn't working." For some reason I am always surprised when people ask for advice from those whom they know to be more experienced than themselves, then get offended and try to trot out their own "credentials" as supporting evidence when they hear anything other than "what you're doing is perfect don't change a thing!" Do you want advice or not? @starry777 - you don't need to analyze groups norms or try to fit in. It's pretty simple: if you'd like to discuss Border Collies and are capable of hearing differing opinions without leaving in a huff, then welcome! That feels like an awfully harsh way of wording it but honestly I couldn't think of another way to phrase it. This forum is rife with very experienced Border Collie owners who are great at patiently and kindly explaining why they hold certain views. I can't tell you how much I've learned from them, simply by keeping an open mind and listening. @TheWoman all of this applies to you too, of course. No one is trying to run you off or wants you to leave. Everyone wants the best for you and your pup. There are very good reasons people are giving you the advice they are - and I'll throw another voice in saying it's not herding behavior, and yes it's an important distinction. Calmly putting the pup in time out won't make the crate a negative place, it simply reinforces your point. Also, timing and consistency are both crucial. Correct the behavior a second too late and the point is missed, which is probably what I struggle with most with training - it's tough to be that precise! Only correct the behavior once it's escalated and it's even tougher to get the point across. It really boils down to this: Did you come here for actual problem solving advice or simply to be pat on the back and told what a good job you're doing (in which case your problem will not resolve and will likely worsen)? Do you want to improve and learn or do you just want hollow platitudes? If it's the latters, then you are correct that this is not the place for you. Regardless, I wish for the best for you and your pup.

I've had bad luck with vet techs and receptionists, and occasionally vets themselves who just want to hustle through an appointment and get to the next one. For example, I've been to a couple different vets (I move around a lot) who will want to take my dog into the back, out of my sight, to do almost everything. While I can understand there are several good reasons they want to do this, it doesn't work for me or my dogs. I have one who is scared, but will calm right down for almost anything if I am still in view. I have another who loves all the new people at the vet a little too much, but will obey my commands and ignore a stranger's, making it easier for everyone involved if I'm present to tell him what to do. I don't mind if they want to take them back. I mind A LOT when I try to gently explain why it's in everyone's best interest, foremost my dogs', if they either allow me in the back with them or do everything in the exam room but am brushed off or ignored. That doesn't fly with me. I now try to speak directly with the vet before the appt if at all possible if it's a new vet. Regardless, I don't tolerate a vet tech or receptionist telling me what they will or won't do with my dogs. I'm calm and polite of course, but they are my dogs, either listen to me or I'll find someone who will. It unfortunately took multiple bad experiences for me to get to this point, definitely do not feel bad that your pup had one bad experience. Good on you for sticking up for her!