Nathan

I can't tell if Don looks like he is a little out of his element, or perhaps he's thinking about jumping behind the wheel and really taking charge. Glad no one was hurt!

Great to hear SuperGibbs was so well received! And I love to see dogs interact with each other, esp in situations like this one. Great work!

That video is amazing!!! Blows my mind, unbelievable how impressive these dogs are.

These dogs all have wonderful stories! And Emily, all of your dogs are striking! Cola is my 4 year old German Shepherd. I got her when she was an eight week old puppy and as prepared as I thought I was, I sooned learned that nothing teaches you like experience. Cola is my first dog. Yes, I had dogs growing up, but I would say they were more my dad's dogs than my own. She and I are always together. I cook dinner... by my feet, go to the bathroom... by my side, watching TV... on the floor next to the couch, yard work... right there behind the mower or whatever else is happening outside. Cola loves her walks and happily jogs right along beside me (when I run). She is definitely a little bit of a headcase (has some serious separation anxiety and noise phobia) and we are working on getting that under control. She used to be a one person kind of dog, and a little bit of a loner, but is finding out that having a little sister, and another person isn't too bad. My wife and I got married last year in May. I think Cola wanted to know why we needed to add another person to the house, but she soon realized that new person isn't too bad, and with her came a little buddy, her adopted sister, Marlee. Marlee is a 3 year old Morkie and might be the most loving dog I have ever met. She has probably been the best form of therapy for Cola I could have provided. Marlee has more personality in her 8 pounds than I could have ever imagined possible. She was bought from a breeder as a puppy when she was 8 weeks old and has been the center of my wife's world ever since. Marlee is one of those dogs that puts other little dogs to shame... she listens, she loves, she is a cuddler, but she is still very much a dog. She currently loves the water hose, and is determined to get wet when we water the plants. She also loves a good hike just as much as Cola, and does her best to keep up with her big sister and her people. She also sleeps in the bed with us, and takes up more space than me! I wasn't sure about little dogs, but when I saw her with my Cola, I knew she was special. I'm also keeping my eyes open for a border collie, but with my son soon on the way, my wife and I are going to be patient. One baby at a time

I can't tell everyone what their honesty and sincere comments mean to me. The whole idea of putting anyone(esp our dogs) on medication always has a negative stigma behind it. But, I think our dog is truly struggling w her anxiety. Tommy Coyote, I too am dreading the fireworks, but prob not as much as my Cola. Ruth, what kind of beer do you want? After doing all the yard work and mulching the flower bed, I'm drinking a Sierra Nevada Hefeweizen right now... Pretty good, but that's prob for another forum... On a more serious note, talked to the vet yesterday and we're going to talk next week and discuss some things. I feel "OK" about this, and really appreciate everyone's feedback. I guess my only other questions would be how often do I medicate my dog? Everyday w dinner? Only when it seems like she needs it... She's pretty calm when not having one of her pacing, scratching the door, barking at the sound of us closing a kitchen cupboard fits. Honestly, questions for the vet next week... Once again thank you everyone! Nathan

Yes, the pacing is a common theme at our house. And before we got our fence, she would sit at the window crying for me as I mowed the grass. I was/am someone that tends to think we rush to meds to fix our problems... But as I've gotten older and more experienced I see the need for it when appropriate and properly diagnosed. I also brought it up here to listen to some examples, reassure myself that it is ok, and just be certain. I've confided with some friends and family about this, and some of them tell me I'm crazy... So yeah, just feels good to know I'm not the only one that has considered/used some form of anxiety medication.

^^^ Yes. And eventually you'll get to where they just go in thier crate to relax, to sleep, bc they're unsure of something. The crate is def not a bad thing and I'm very thankful for it.

Something I've been contemplating for a long time, and I apologize if this a repeat thread. I have a high anxiety dog with severe separation issues and noise phobia. For the longest time I believed there was something that I wasn't doing, or was doing to cause these issues. My wife and I have been trying to ease her anxieties with little success. If I put her on medication of some sort i.e. prozac is that doing what's best for our dog or just what's best for us? Ive really been struggling with this, as I never would have thought our dog needed that, rather just accepting that I screwed up somewhere along the way... Also I don't wantbtge meds to change her. I love her, but she seems to be getting worse, now 4 years old. Finally, if this is the right path, what to get... I've been researching but it's all new to me. Thanks, everyone.

Also, I think hjtras may be a young kid... 13-15 maybe?

All right, does anyone else get that uncomfortable feeling in the pit of their stomach when this person posts anything... It's like watching a train wreck, just when you think the situation can't get any worse, another train comes off the rails causing even more damage than the first. I want to believe hjtras but I just can't... It's like he/she is from another planet and is totally unaware of our earthly social structure. Yeah, ppl are kind of rude sometimes and I get the sense that they're going to be rude to hjtras without consideration to how that might make him/her feel. Sometimes ppl dismiss certain ppl or come off slightly pedantic, and makes the novice or inexperienced bc/dog owner feel small, so I can sympathize w his agitation... but this cat just keeps adding fuel to the fire... Many ppl have held their tongue and tried to help and hjtras kind of changes the subject and comes up w off-the-wall obscure comments, that are obviously beyond sensible.

BCnew... I don't disagree. I believe sometimes our dogs need a correction, need to be reminded to listen, and so on. It just isn't that simple for me and my shepherd on walks. I wish it was, I'm kind of like Camden's mom, in that I'm always working on our leash walking. Wish I was better at this and had a better handle on it like you seem to be. Just giving my experiences...

You must have one of the most well behaved dogs out there, bc this tactic DOES NOT work for me, and I don't think I've ever seen it work. I feel for the original poster bc a walk w your dog is a wonderful thing and can be so rewarding. A chance to have your dog on display, and know the comfort of having your companion right there by your side.

Thanks! I have looked into GH farm and am impressed w them. My wife and I are taking our time, no rush whatsoever, but I'm extremely amped knowing one day that day will be here when I find the right dog, the right fit, hopefully attend a few trials, and eventually have everything as ready as can be. As for now hope everyone won't mind me being a BC admirer

I'm in a similar position. Been looking for a BC rescue or good working breeder, and not going to lie, I've heard lots of horror stories. Reading your posts is refreshing and your pup is a GREAT LOOKING dog!

To me... Red sable

I don't like the idea of leaving the dog in the car. When I was still in college I left my dog in the car on a mild day (61°) during a writer's workshop session. It was fall, not supposed to get much warmer - but it did. When I went out to check on her, car was no longer in the shade and it was HOT in that car. For now on I only leave my dogs in the car during the winter months or when I'll only be 5 mins tops. 4 hrs is nothing, he'll be fine.

I believe our perception of our dogs is up for interpretation from each individual owner. Do I view them as human? No, and that may be what makes them so special to me. There is something in her that is her, my dog - my Cola, and sometimes that is better than being human. My dog has never failed me, even though I know I've failed her on occasion. We don't speak each other's language but there is an understanding there between the two of us. I've taught her behaviors, and likewise she teaches me on occasion. I certainly have never looked at her like a stuffed inanimate object... She's real, she has a personality, desires, emotions and a soul.

I've never used a "thundershirt" but wrap my Cola in one of my old t-shirts and do exactly as geonni said, tie a knot at the hem, put her legs through the sleeves and it works nicely. I wouldn't say it's a cure-all, but she is extremely thunder phobic, noise/sound phobic and I notice a calming sensation when wearing "dad's" ratty shirts She will run out of the room if someone takes a picture, doesn't have to be of her, either... someone could be texting and if she's suspicious, poof--gone!

^^^ Couldnt agree more! One good looking Collie.

Some great looking dogs! All three! And I really like the floppy ears!

I think the best advice you got was keeping it simple with the tricks for now. Reward the simple sits and downs heavily and let him get excited, reinforcing that tricks are fun and a great chance to interact with you. The sooner he realizes it's fun, the more relaxed he'll become... In theory.

gcv, what treatment did you switch to?

We can learn so much from our dogs. The expressions he's making in those pictures, melts my heart to see a dog look so wonderfully happy. I believe he was both blessed and a blessing to you. Nathan

I am interested in her story and situations like hers. From some people on here I get the impression that it is next to impossible to own a BC, and some make BC ownership sound like it is just a matter of caring for and loving your pet. Not unlike my German Shepherd, who def has certain quarks.

Some really good responses here. Did she ever make a decision on a border collie? I can't help but want to know how some of these stories finish when I read these old posts...