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!

Falsely claiming a service dog irritates me so much simply because it undermines those who ACTUALLY need a service dog. It is incredible what a true service dog can do. They and their handlers don't deserve to have to put up with this BS brought about by liars and their ill behaved dogs. Unfortunately most businesses are hesitant to kick out false service dogs for fear of negative backlash in the social media age. They are only allowed to ask if the dog performs a task that aids the handler's disability. Per the law, however, ANY dog who is misbehaving can be legally kicked out regardless of what the owner claims. I wish more businesses had the gumption to do so, to preserve goodwill for those who need a legitimate service dog.

OP, you asked for opinions and received thoughtful, knowledgeable responses. The fact that they do not validate YOUR opinions does not make us "nervous nellies" or "negative". Or argumentative; on the contrary posters on this board by and large are incredibly respectful of others' opinions, and there is certainly a wide range of opinions. Every once and while there does seem to be new posters who get angry that older posters don't agree with them and decide we're all out to get them... If, instead of merely looking for an echo chamber to validate whatever opinions you already hold, you are indeed looking for advice on how best to guide your completely adorable pup into a healthy and well trained adult, then I highly encourage you to stick around and continue asking questions and read previous threads (the search function is great!). You will be most welcome. The catch, of course, is that you will learn nothing and Gina will not benefit if you are not able to do so with an open mind. If you think you have nothing to learn, then perhaps a discussion forum is not for you. We do, after all, like to discuss things here. Training a dog is far more nuanced than many people realize, and training a puppy as intelligent and sensitive as a Border Collie adds heaps of layers of nuance, finesse, and importance of timing. It can be a challenge, but one that is well worth it. Everyone here can learn something from everyone else, and there is a wealth of knowledge on these boards. For Gina's sake I hope you are able to take advantage of that.

Totally agree with CptJack. We have lots of fosters who come through here who know nothing. "Ahht!" is one of the first things they learn, and they learn it means to stop doing whatever it is you're doing. Regardless of how you view the semantics of "no" vs a "correction" vs an "interrupter" with all of the above the dog stops the undesired behavior, correct? Stopping the undesired behavior by looking at you, getting out of trash, stopping their forward movement, what have you, IS offering new behavior that you theoretically reward. Certainly you want to do this without making the dog fearful of you. With puppies who are chewing because they are teething, however, it can be very useful to offer them something that is ok to chew on which only further reinforces the desired behavior: "don't chew on that, but feel free to chew on this instead." I didn't interpret any of the responses to mean "don't tell her no" but rather "don't confuse/frighten her by simply yelling at her without showing her what the correct behavior is". The correct behavior can absolutely be as simple as "stop what you are currently doing", and in my mind that is what a sharp "ah ah!" means. I interpreted some of the responses to mean that mindlessly saying "no" over and over again without rewarding the appropriate response will teach a pup nothing and possibly cause her shut down.

Welcome! Photos of puppies are absolutely required when asking questions As far as leaving your pup outside, it really depends on your weather, how truly escape proof your yard is (puppies are deviously clever little devils!), and, frankly, how quickly you want her to be housebroken. I see you are in Iowa so I would assume this time of year it is starting to get quite cold there. Even with a dog house a puppy is going to have a harder time keeping warm than an adult. I grew up with farm dogs who spent most their lives outside and am not one who thinks that dogs must be in the house at all times. That being said, Border Collies in particular are MUCH happier being with their people than by themselves, and of course it is much easier to train a puppy when you spend more time with them. Muzzles do not deserve the "inherently bad" label they often get and when used properly are a wonderful tool. However, I would do some serious eyebrow raising over a puppy with a muzzle. Why does your wife think she needs one? I'm going to assume it's because, like all puppies, Gina is chewing on literally everything she can get her little puppy jaws on? Puppies chew. It's what they do. If they are chewing on you, a loud "ouch!" and stopping the play will eventually end the behavior. If she is chewing on something inappropriate (like your favorite shoes or the drywall), I would redirect the behavior without scaring her and give her something suitable to chew on. As she goes through this phase I would also set her up for success by removing her access to things you don't want her chewing on via gates/crate/tether her to you. Gina, like every dog, DEFINITELY needs training! How you go about that training is largely up to you. At her age the biggest concern is not inundating her with too much too quickly as their little brains can't concentrate terribly long, and not exposing her to lots of dogs without all her vaccinations completed. Some "puppy kindergarten" classes can be great, others can be terrible. If you let us know where in Iowa you are someone might have a trainer recommendation.

Lark is finally adopted!

I get that, and if they are willing to keep the dog until they find a new home even better so they don't take a foster away from another dog, which is why I specifically mentioned a courtesy post. Typically rescues are willing, in a case such as this, to post the dog on their website so the dog can reach a wider audience. The rescue doesn't actually take the dog in or vet potential adopters, it just gets his info out there to more people who are looking to adopt a BC/mix. GentleLake I completely get where you're coming from, but if they're looking to rehome the dog they probably won't be interested in fixes. Honestly if they really wanted to keep him, they'd just not leave him outside unattended. If they're not willing to do that, I'm glad they are looking to rehome him versus him getting loose and hit by a car or dumped at a high kill shelter.

Have they contacted any local BC or Aussie rescues? Most would likely be willing to do a courtesy listing.

Welcome, what a cute pup! One of my Border Collies loves running, while his more laid back "brother" is only interested for short runs, and only if there are interesting smells he can investigate . Max, the more intense one, would happily sprint mile after mile if he could. I prefer to run with him off leash because while he's ok at a walk I still haven't managed to keep him from pulling at a run. You'd think it'd help, but he gets a little too exuberant and could pull me over! I'm much slower these days, but in high school when I ran cross country I frequently took my BC mix on runs ranging from 2-6 miles and 6:00-8:00 mile pace. He never had a problem keeping up but I was careful to watch for signs of fatigue; like many Border Collies he would rather keep running/working than admit he was injured or too tired. That doesn't sound like an issue with Zucchini yet (what a great name!), but it might become one as she gains more stamina. She also might not ever like the faster runs, and there's not much you could do to change that other than trying new places, like you already are. Both of mine prefer to run on trails, but it can be difficult if they need to be leashed and try to stop suddenly to smell something. I've really neglected their leash manners because I'm spoiled with so many off leash areas to run, but it's definitely an important skill to instill. They do tend to rile each other up, by the way, but we've installed a "knock it off" that means they need to find their off switches. If they disobey they just get sent to a time out spot, or if they're really naughty, get crated until they can behave. I honestly think it's easier to have two- they entertain each other! A foster to adopt situation might be ideal so you could see how they interact.

Bumping this sweet girl up, I am so shocked we've had such little interest in Lark! We are hoping to find her a home soon, I am likely moving across the country in a few months and would prefer her to go to her forever home instead of another foster. She has SO much more confidence and energy now than she did a few months ago. She is definitely still going to need a very patient home, but she is just getting so much better at handling new things. I took her hiking with my folks (whom she'd never met) and although she was a bit unsure, she was brave about everything including people and dogs, and spent much of the hike off leash, happy to stick within a few feet of me but confident enough to do some exploring on her own. She seems to bond quite closely with "her" people, like most Border Collies. If she's a bit scared she'll look to me for guidance and trusts me when I tell her she'll be fine. We'd appreciate anyone sharing West TN Border Collie Rescue's post about her on Facebook, hopefully we can find her the perfect family soon!

C'mon, you know you can't resist that face! We've had one family call about her, and it sounded like a great home except that they were unfamiliar with Border Collies and obsessive behaviors. Lark will occasionally exhibit slightly obsessive behavior like circling the couch if she gets anxious. It's in its earliest stages, she's easy to redirect and the tendency is dropping as she gains confidence, but I could see it becoming a big problem if left "untreated". I encouraged them to do some research to see if they'd be comfortable identifying and stopping those behaviors, but haven't heard back. I assume they decided it would be too much. My husband and I laugh that we've been unintentionally encouraging bad behavior in Lark. Most of our fosters we don't allow on the furniture, or to jump on people, or paw us for attention and pets, and usually start the basics (sit/down/stay/recall etc). With Lark, we're so thrilled to see her ASKING for attention instead of cowering in fear that we let her be super demanding. And the rare times she jumps on us it's gentle and she hugs your leg and just sweetly asks to be petted and it's too adorable to admonish her . She was so shut down and terrified of doing something "wrong" that we haven't wanted to pressure her and hurt her confidence. So now she's an attention-demanding couch Collie!

https://flickr.com/photos/130405619@N02/sets/72157681263438273 Flickr decided to work! Several more photos at the link.

Thanks for sharing Sue! Isn't she adorable?? Flickr or my internet one is giving me issues, or I'd post a ton more photos. She has a habit of sticking her tongue out at you, and even has a cute little mustache. And those ears! We've fostered several shy but sweet Border Collies but she is on another level entirely. She was so shut down when we first got her I don't think she wagged at all the first week. Wouldn't eat, had to be picked up to be put outside, and was a total escape artist. She is a totally different dog these days, not quite brave yet but happy and playful with so much more confidence.

Our latest foster Lark is ready to be adopted! She's around four years old, medium energy, quite sensitive, super sweet, and while she's made massive improvements from when we got her a few months ago, she's still prone to some anxiety so will need a Border Collie-savvy home. She is an absolute doll and in the right home will be an amazing pup! For more info see: https://www.bordercollierescuewesttn.org/our-animals or check out West TN Border Collie Rescue on Facebook.

I love this. Cheekiness springs from confidence and happiness. I frequently tell Rudder he could do with a little less confidence and happiness...little bastard thinks it's his job to stir the pot, and he's veeeeery good at it, the goofball. Her foster Barry White sounds exactly like our latest foster girl, Lark. She huddled silently in the back of my car for several hours when I picked her up, and shuts down quickly in response to almost any stimulus. We also have a strict "no fosters on the furniture" for the same reasons she does, but when Lark jumped up on the couch I was thrilled, and encouraged it. She's a very anxious, shy dog and likes to circle the couch obsessively whenever something upsets her, which is often. Usually I can interrupt her by calling her to me, but she wants to take off again immediately. When I called her and she jumped up on the couch, however, she settled and now seems to consider it her safe place. Couldn't be happier. Hopefully it's a sign of things to come. Be naughty, Lark.

Thanks everyone! The table we're adding won't be quite deep enough to stash crates under, but I bet I can put a piece of plastic/wood on top of the crates for more work/storage space. Toney- good to know you could fit 3 crates in the dinette space, maybe my 2 will fit without taking up too much room. Does anyone know of a temperature sensor that you can check on your phone? We'll be living in the RV mostly over the winter and I'll be working 5 min away from the trailer so theoretically it'll be easy to check on them, but it'd be reassuring to check that the AC/heater is working on my phone. How did y'all like cooking in your RV? I've heard the oven in particular can be challenging to use.

And a couple of recent photos for kicks

Hey all! I'll be living in a 5th wheel trailer for several months for work and will have one or both collies with me while my husband has to stay behind in MS. Anyone have helpful tips/tricks/products for the RV? For pups or humans? I'm thinking I'll need to find smaller, perhaps soft-sided crates...their big wire crates just won't fit. We're doing some cosmetic work to the trailer I'm excited about including taking out the dinette and putting in a small table where two chairs are now, so I'll have a bit more room, but two big wire crates take up a lot of real estate! Theoretically the trailer will be parked and not moved, although it sounds like I will not be allowed to have a big outside footprint - adding temporary decking/fencing/etc is probably out. Would love to hear your RVing with border collies stories!

I'm surprised there's not more mention of "border collies need AT LEAST XX number (usually something ridiculous) hours of exercise A DAY. EVERY DAY. YES EVEN MONDAY!" I've had several people make a face when they find out I have border collies and say something to the effect of "how do you find enough time to give them all the exercise they need??". Uh, I dont? My dogs love to be out and active with me, and frequently are, but they don't NEED excessive exercise every day. They're pretty damn content to snooze on the couch!

Just be aware, Amarillo to east of the Mississippi is a solid 11 hour drive, more if you expect them to head northeast, not just east. I'm from the area originally, don't know of anyone making that kind of trek, sorry. Out of curiosity, when you say near Amarillo which town do you mean?

Happy update! Lass was adopted and apparently it was mutual love at first sight! It sounds like a terrific home for her. She was a special one to foster...very very timid but such a strong desire to please. Her response to simple patience and gentle encouragement was incredible, and it was so much fun to watch her come out of her shell. She was tough to let go, but I'm so happy for her!