dreizehn

An intense topic title for an important topic? Not clickbait I promise So something that's been on my mind for, well, a long time is the concept of 'adopt don't shop'. Let me just explain: I think that everyone can agree that adopting a rescue dog does more good than buying from a breeder. I'm all for adoption. I definitely plan on doing it in the future.The thing is, I've encountered a bit of stigma when it comes to the 'adopt don't shop' movement... meaning that people I know have known to be quite strong in their ideas against getting a dog from a breeder If you've seen my first post you'll know I'm about to get a border collie puppy (in about 3 weeks) from a breeder in my province. I won't lie and say that the dog is from a AKC (god forbid) or ABCA/CBCA breeder. His parents are both border collies, the father is really good looking, but mum i think is just a family dog. Actually I don't really know if they're registered, but it doesn't really matter right now (and I won't be doing any professional competing with him so it won't really matter in the future) So my question I guess is have any of you dealt with shame when it comes to having a purebred dog? I'm worried that I'll have to justify myself to my friends/acquaintances/people on the street when they judge me for 'shopping' not 'adopting'. And then comes the lies part... should I lie and say it was an unplanned puppy and that I regret getting him and etc? Obviously I'd rather not lie but I'm not sure! ahh... do any of you have experience with this? The truth is I love border collies and have basically always wanted one and I love that he's blue merle and I'm so excited. But still, the shame.

Thanks!! I’m so excited I live in a small city (and pup will eventually live in a bigger city during his life) so I definitely will be doing some sort of activity with him for him. I think frisbee is really cool. I don’t see myself doing anything competitive (including ever buying dog agility equipment) so only in classes probably. So his name probably won’t be a problem getting mixed up.. not naming him “Jumper” or “Weaver” hehe. But will keep in mind Good tip on the naming tip. I agree - I really hope that he fits into one of these names cuz I really like them but who knows!

Thanks!! You guys have given me some good ideas I guess it’ll really just come down to his personality when I get him!!!! #3weeks

Aww Dudley is so cute! and such a cute name... When did you start taking him out to play in grass / meet other dogs? I was recently helping my family friends with their new golden retriever puppy, and they weren't letting him meet other dogs until he was 12 weeks and not go on grass until he had some vaccines. Im kinda worried though about not getting enough socialization in in time. I'd like to get in the most positive encounters as possible as young as possible, ykno?

Hey! Woo fellow Canadian where in Ontario are you from? I'm somewhere between Toronto and Guelph Kisses is so cute. I really want to teach him to 'sit pretty' and 'wave' hehe

I definitely will be crate training - We did it with my family dogs and even if my plan is for pup to be allowed to sleep where he wants, I think its so valuable and important for pup's safety to be comfortable in a confined space (re: vet, travel, separation, etc.) And yes I am totally on the same page as you for off leash - I remember reading somewhere a loong time ago (and I'm only 20... so it was probably 11 years ago... half my lifetime. yeesh.) that puppies until about 4 months old have the 'follow mum' instinct where they'll want to stick close to you even though they haven't been 'trained' to do so. Then the get into mischievous teenage phase and dot dot dot I definitley have to look into good off-leash areas

Hi everyone! I’ve been a longtime (and I mean really longtime) lurker here, but never made an account till now! So hi! I live in southern Ontario, and at the start of September I’m about to pick up my first border collie! 1. I need some naming help! Hes a male blue merle who’s got lots of nice big spots on him (see photos) Right now I’m really liking the names River, Haiku, Dipper (as in the Big Dipper constellation — I have a cat named Orion), and Quinn (this one the least). I like the nature/outdoorsy names for sure. I like how River reflects his blue but im not totally set. And other ideas?? 2. Advice for when I first get him Ive gone through the various first time/puppy threads but I’m just wondering what you would suggest as the first things I should do with him! Trainingwise, socialization, leash, etc. I’m hoping that he’ll be able to be off leash, to be outgoing and not fearful.. any thing I can do to start shaping that? (Obvs some pups are more sociable than others, but there are things we can do to help!) i grew up with 2 Siberian huskies so I’m well aware of the whole “when your dog is smarter than you...” complex. Thanks in advance!