dumbbird7

Urge to herd Thanks for your reply. He sticks nose out of the window sometimes and seems to enjoy it but after awhile I close it just leaving 3" gap. Special treats? Don't do treats, perhaps it would have made this palaver a lot easier if he did! He's pretty good at being left at homes for short periods, never cried, and usually asleep when I return )or chewing something he shouldn't). We are now experiencing very hot weather for May, 24-24C. Unless I know that I can park in deep shade where I'm going, I leave him behind in the cool at home. But we go in the car for daily walks when it's cooler in the evenings, and to visit friends etc. Try to give him the best of both worlds as he cannot choose for himself.

Thank you for this,,it sounds about right for him, his attitude. Doesn't like it but tolerates for as long as it takes. Poor little boy, feel so sorry for him. I think you are right in that he isn't frightened but just not happy. I have seen a vet about this problem, who says 'Oh he'll grow out of it", but I think it will always be with him.. A friend gives his lab a ginger biscuit before travel and then she's fine, but Bodi refuses. Perhaps the vet is right. I just wondered if anyone else has had this problem. Have had collies for 50 years or so, they've always just loved the car, so this is as hard on me as it is him I think. I'll ask the vet if we can try Dramamine if we have it in UK. Benadryl I tried a long time ago but now that you mention it, might give it another go.

Ears held sideways, not upright as usual. But not folded. If 'cabin pressure' is an issue, swallowing reduces the pressure in the ears.If he had a bone to chump on, he would swallow and ease the pressure.It does for me. This is why in the good old days, a barley surger sweet was dished out to children on long coach journeys, and often now, to air passengers during take off and landing. Swallowing relieves the ear pressure. Also, he is not a treat dog, I think I mentioned this. Not interested. Adaptil and several 'calming' tablets and sprays have had no affect. He is not sick, nor does he drool. Just looks thoroughly miserable. A Thundershirt had no effect either. Believe me, everything you have suggested has been tried.

Bodi, border collie x Sheltie finds travelling unpleasant. He is 14 months old, and an absolute sweetheart. He used to drool badly, and resist getting into the car, though these problems have ceased thankfully. However, I have the impression that the cabin pressure of the car is affecting his ears, as his normally erect ears are held at half-mast. I always keep the windows open all the time, but he is still unhappy. He is not a 'treat' dog, otherwise I'd leave a meaty marrow bone to keep his ears unblocked. Does anyone have a solution to this problem? I do a lot of driving and like him to be with me. By the way, he is overshot, and I am wondering whether this has affected the ear canals. I have cleft palate and it seems the canals on one side are all haywire!

You're having a bad time of it by the sound of it, but the good old saying says, 'This too shall pass'. I have an 8 month old Border Collie x Sheltie who can drive me to utter obscenities under my breath sometimes. He tends to be nervy, but wriggly, loves everyone, and other dogs too, and kids. This poses problem number 1 - how to stop him pulling so hard I can't hold him. Problem number two, how do I get him used to going in the car without drooling? This last is so bad, none of the 'calming' tablets work and it distresses us both when he has to go to the vet which is far too far to walk. Vet says 'Oh he'll get over it', but after 5 months it's no better. We've done the sitting in the car bit. We've taken toys to play with in the car bit. We don't bother with treats to have in the car bit because he is not a 'treat' kinda dog. If I manage to go to a good walking place (we're in Devon UK so plenty of countryside here), with him in the car, he's out wearing his bright smiley self and has a lovely walk. He senses when the. walk is over and even though the car may be parked 1/4 mile away and out of sight, HE KNOWS, and it might take me another hour to sneak up gently and clip on the lead not daring to say a word! Sometimes, I just get him to sit whilst I do some deep breathing to calm myself down. Oh yes, I too have been almost in tears even though I have had Border Collies for years. They've all loved the car. But not this one! So, Delsinrow, you will be in good company when you're really down about your pup, we've all been there although most of us are too embarrassed to admit it. And I think you posted in 2014, so hopefully by now all the grief will be in the past, and you'll have the dog you hoped you used to hope for.

My BC pup is 23 weeks old, fit, lively and healthy in every way, about 14k. I started him on raw chicken and beef chunks, some lamb bones too. Some mornings (like this morning) he'll eat for England. This evening, although he tells me he's peckish, he takes a piece of meat and hides it for later. Yesterday there was a lovely chicken wing hiding under my pillow! Along with the raw meals, he'll have a handful of good quality organic 'chicken & veg, herb" kibble that he likes. So this evening he has nothing to eat as I lifted it up after 10 minutes and it's back in the fridge until the morning. At under 6 months, the 'experts' say pups this age must have 2 meals a day. I try telling my boy this but he seems to be a one-meal-a-day dog. Is this normal for collies, I know they can be a bit individual in their tastes. Would appreciate advice please.

Previously, I have posted that 6 month old puppy Jack, 18k, is unwilling to eat his meals in the kitchen, would rather take everything into the sitting room or the hallway. This is still going on. Refused to eat anything yesterday - fresh meat that he has enjoyed before. Knowing he'll refuse it if it gets more than a few hours old, even if kept in the fridge, in a fit of peak, I threw it out for the birds. He ate every bit of it. Can anyone tell me what all this is about please? He gives the impression of being hungry, may condescend to taste a bit, but generally refuses anything I put down. I can leave it down for a brief while then take it up. Or I have left it down longer, assuming that if he's hungry enough, he will eat. Nope. Now, I'm not rich enough to pander to any dog, however much I love him. The meat is clean, and fresh.. Obviously very tasty if it tastes good off the patio. This has to stop, or he goes to live with somone else as it's been a problem almost since the off 3 months ago. I've tiptoed around him, pretended I didn't notice/care. Whatever I'm doing, it ain't working. I have offered to leave his meal in the glass-enclosed outside porch where he is totally private and no-one would be interested in it. No acceptable either. Oh yes, I have tried offering tinned or steamed too, same result. So what's going on in his little head and how can we put it right? He is very healthy and lively, checked by the vet during the week, stools small but comfortably firm, a bit dark though. As far as I am aware, he isn't eating elsewhere else, we're together 24/7 so I'd know. Help, anyone please.

Update: It's early evening here in UK. Jack had lunch in the porch. I put the dish down and left him to it. The dining room door was left ajar to avoid captivity and freak out to refuse everything. However he took only one piece of meat onto the rug. Tattered, threadbare, covered with bags of coal, few logs, mud and all things grimy - utility area. Tonight, last snack in the porch, no problem. Only a few mouthfulls but all eaten in situ. I know him very well now, so one step at a time. Environment of course. When he shows no further signs of grabbing and running for cover, then we have success. The porch is now his dining room. Things should be back to normal by Monday . If I come over all heavy, he'll spook and we'll have to start again. His obedience training is coming on well, loves it, he's loving and affectionate, a tender little flower. My previous collies have been less cerebral shall we say, bright and perceptive as they all are, but Jack is 'knowing' and it's something I can't put my finger on. He knows things, and if I want to be fanciful (I can hear you scoffing, Gentle Lake!) I get the impression he's been here before. Creepy!.. Lovely boy

Yeah, he's a strapping lad is our Jack. Just changed to 2 meals a day and has been off pup food for awhile now. I weaned him onto raw very gradually, chopping tiny bits, just a tablespoons worth and mixing it into his normal food, perhaps with a tiny amount of warm water. Don't think he noticed the gradual increase daily. Took about a week. A raw bone was always received with great joy so that helped, and once a week, a raw chicken wing or thigh. He doesn't mind tinned food but I find one tin goes in, six tins come out, breath smells and often a lot of wind. Keep to raw mostly except when travelling, use trays of Forthglade steamed meat/veggies, or kibble. Does your pup like fish? Jack doesn't but alll my other collies loved a fish dinner from time to time. Lightly boiled cheap white fish fillets., no bones. Not sure where you live and if sardines are available, small tin of sardines in olive oil went down a treat occasionally, good for a snack and good for coat too. But not for Jack unfortunately, no fish thank you Mum. His dad is a tall, slim bc, his mum a dumpier Beaded collie so I guess he has the height of dad and weight of mother. Vet says he'll reach 15 hands the rate he's going Ha ha. His adult teeth are through but for two of the bottom incisors in the middle that seem to be having trouble find the room. However vet says the lower mandible continues growing a little longer so we're just keeping a watching brief. Have just (20 minutes ago) gone out and bought a non-pull harness - oh what bliss. I have resisted because I'd rather train through love than control. My other collies in the past, no problem with this but this young lad is a different kettle of fish altogether. Inside his neat round hard head is a highly tuned computer ready to rule the world. Think he's tuned in to Mr T. Hmmm! We have spent many hours leash training, and walked many miles on the spot to little effect because the world is so exciting and must be explored NOW. Isn't it clever how teeth just appear overnight almost, fascinating to observe, and the coat growing so gradually we never notice until it's time to get the mud out...

He is, as I write, eating hiis breakfast in the outside porch. We've walked down to the shop for the paper (pulling some of the way, harness required methinks) and have now without fuss, put his dish down and left the porch. Lumps of meat still being taken into the adjoining dining room, but we can cope with this. Very old rug, ready to be ditched anyway. Yes Urge to Herd, it looks as though I have one of the super sensitive ones, but this we can cope with too. On our walk, we met joggers running 3 abreast towards up the lane, two blokes on bikes riding along the narrow bit, ladies going to work at Dartington Hall with lots of loud carrier bags flapping around and enlivened by the Christmas spirit, a squirrel I hadn't noticed but of course he had but all under control still. Short cut through the churchyard so a brief respite from the hurly burley of traffic on the main road. He did well. Arrived home after 45 minutes ready for breakfast. Good result.

Highway61, Yes he's getting tiny morsels during our roadwork, leash walking, wait, keep in etc. Perhaps he's getting too many hmmm! I can certainly wait 10 hours before representing the dish, anything's worth a try so we'll give it a go. Thanks for the suggestion.

D'Elle, yes, done this! Gentle Lake, Dogs starving themselves? I don't think so. Common knowledge. And quite frankly, I don't care a hoot if he eats indoors or outside. If outside, the weather is often inclement, (it has been pouring for a fortnight here in Devon) and we have large flocks of Jackdaws and seagulls from the fields, always sitting on the garden fence waiting. The outdoor porch is ideal if he will take to it. Pups refusing to eat is unnerving, t'aint right. Urge to Herd Yes, you're right, I think this is quite likely the environment was the beginning of the problem, but no idea as to what, when or why. The kitchen is quite small floor space 6.5 X 8.5ft Perhaps the washing machine going, or kettle boiling, cutlery being put away. Bowl stands on large mat with rubber backing so it doesn't slip, meant for the front door originally. Always wash dish and always rinse all my washing up stuff, no aromatic washing up liquid for us either. We used to have cats that are especially fussy about this kind of thing. Dog bowl and cups wiped with clean cloth, the rest rinsed and left to drain. I shall leave his dinners on a large mat in the glassed outside porch, and if he leaves it that's his problem. It will be out of the weather, and safe from predators. And it's not his teeth, all are through but thought perhaps gums still a little tender. And anyway, he is refusing fresh mince which is pretty easy on the gums I would have thought. Brilliant help all round, so thanks everyone. It can only get better... Back later

Previously, I have posted that 6 month old puppy Jack, 18k, is unwilling to eat his meals in the kitchen, would rather take everything into the sitting room or the hallway. This is still going on. Refused to eat anything yesterday - fresh meat that he has enjoyed before. Knowing he'll refuse it if it gets more than a few hours old, even if kept in the fridge, in a fit of peak, I threw it out for the birds. He ate every bit of it. Can anyone tell me what all this is about please? He gives the impression of being hungry, may condescend to taste a bit, but generally refuses anything I put down. I can leave it down for a brief while then take it up. Or I have left it down longer, assuming that if he's hungry enough, he will eat. Nope. Now, I'm not rich enough to pander to any dog, however much I love him. The meat is clean, and fresh.. Obviously very tasty if it tastes good off the patio. This has to stop, or he goes to live with somone else as it's been a problem almost since the off 3 months ago. I've tiptoed around him, pretended I didn't notice/care. Whatever I'm doing, it ain't working. I have offered to leave his meal in the glass-enclosed outside porch where he is totally private and no-one would be interested in it. No acceptable either. Oh yes, I have tried offering tinned or steamed too, same result. So what's going on in his little head and how can we put it right? He is very healthy and lively, checked by the vet during the week, stools small but comfortably firm, a bit dark though. As far as I am aware, he isn't eating elsewhere else, we're together 24/7 so I'd know. Help, anyone please.

Jack is now half a year old, born 15 June this year. He is tall, very leggy, and weighs 18 k, or 39.50lbs, and pretty solid, much muscle. His dad was a tall slim BC, mum a Bearded collie.. Can we guess how big he will be when he is, say 18 months and finished growing? He currently measures about 21inches at the shoulder, though measuring is a little tricky as the little blighter refuses to stand straight and still for more than a few seconds. He loves to play with other dogs when we're out in the fields, and seems to choose dogs of his own size and weight but I worry a little about those Bambi legs when I watch the racing and rough and tumble. After 15 minutes or so, I have to step in and spoil the fun, although he has so much energy, it's difficult to find a calmer way to allow him to let off steam without doing any damage. We have a very small patio garden and very small bungalow (so no stairs to worry about thank heavens with regards to legs). But if I reduce his play time he's hovering at 50,000 feet and we're scraping him off the ceilings! We do half hour early morning running loose in the orchard (no jumping), an hour mid afternoon mix of long leash, free run, perhaps other dog or two, and late afternoon another half hour. 2 hours altogether most days. Difficult to keep him in check. Doing mind games, go find, bring me...doing what I call roadwork, leash training, wait, stop, cross over, keep in and so on, doesn't seem to reduce his energy levels. Whatever he's having for dinner, I could do with some...Is 2 hours too long? My old collie took to swimming in rivers when he was 5 months, any depth, any current, loved it. He introduced the pup to his favourite stream several times before his final days and the passion has taken hold. I always felt water is kinder to joints and tires them out, but weather here is too chilly right now. He makes a bee line for any river or little stream he spies, to go in knee deep, so perhaps this will be the way to tire him out when the weather warms up. Lots of rain lately and rivers running high, I maintain it's No Big Deal attitude and let him explore but keep a very watchful eye ready to rescue. Just like when the kids were young...

Jack is now half a year old, born 15 June this year. He is tall, very leggy, and weighs 18 k, or 39.50lbs, and pretty solid, much muscle. His dad was a tall slim BC, mum a Bearded collie.. Can we guess how big he will be when he is, say 18 months and finished growing? He currently measures about 21inches at the shoulder, though measuring is a little tricky as the little blighter refuses to stand straight and still for more than a few seconds. He loves to play with other dogs when we're out in the fields, and seems to choose dogs of his own size and weight but I worry a little about those Bambi legs when I watch the racing and rough and tumble. After 15 minutes or so, I have to step in and spoil the fun, although he has so much energy, it's difficult to find a calmer way to allow him to let off steam without doing any damage. We have a very small patio garden and very small bungalow (so no stairs to worry about thank heavens with regards to legs). But if I reduce his play time he's hovering at 50,000 feet and we're scraping him off the ceilings! We do half hour early morning running loose in the orchard (no jumping), an hour mid afternoon mix of long leash, free run, perhaps other dog or two, and late afternoon another half hour. 2 hours altogether most days. Difficult to keep him in check. Doing mind games, go find, bring me...doing what I call roadwork, leash training, wait, stop, cross over, keep in and so on, doesn't seem to reduce his energy levels. Whatever he's having for dinner, I could do with some...Is 2 hours too long? My old collie took to swimming in rivers when he was 5 months, any depth, any current, loved it. He introduced the pup to his favourite stream several times before his final days and the passion has taken hold. I always felt water is kinder to joints and tires them out, but weather here is too chilly right now, though he makes a bee line for any river or little stream he spies, to go in knee deep, so perhaps this will be the way to tire him out when the weather warms up.

She's a lovely lass, ears notwithstanding!!

Yes probably, I don't have views either way. I think my lad will have floppy ears, currently standing up like spinakers waiting for a Mistral. But something different every day! Still a bit young perhaps. His mother was a Beardie with floppy lugs I think and as he has her brindle shading behind ears, shoulders and his increasingly meaty thighs. Also her greenish eyes. Dad built like a greyhound and all B&W. What a mix. Jack has the Beardie Bounce for sure, 24/7.

All about ears - i read somewhere that the position of the ears are all to do with the amount of calcium in the cartilage the pup absorbs. The more calcium, the more sticky-up they are. Also, the amount of human handling will affect them, the more they are fondled, the more the cartilage will 'give', and become softer. Jack, at 6 months has ears like wind scanners awaiting a Mistral! But soft and held against the head when out walking, or indoors. Mum was a Beardie so perhaps he'll take after her eventually. Dad was a 'racehorse' with the sticky-up variety. Luck of the draw folks.

My boy Jack ( BC cross Beardie) is now 6 months old and weighs in at 17k, about 37lbs. All legs like Bambi and slim with a waist I could die for. Vet reckons he'll be about 24k when fully grown.

This an old thread but have just come across it and thought I'd throw in my penny'worth... Difference between wait and stay in our house -' wait while I untie your leash', while I open the car door' until we can cross'. Stay is stay while I go into the shop, while I'm in the library, until I'm ready to go. Wait is quick, stay is longer.

Thanks to everyone who has given such good advice. His meat is always thawed with loose lid and never refridgerated (too cold and not natural). At mealtimes, I find I can be busy in the kitchen, washing up to do, cup of tea to make. The lump of beef is quietly and gently returned to the kitchen if it finds itself elsewhere, like it's No Big Deal. Jack never complains and rarely takes it away again, so hopefully the message is getting through. Somehow, the fact that I mentioned him lifting his leg has been totally taken out of context..I mentioned as it has just begun, and was it a sign that adolescence was on its way? The testing of boundaries? Could this be why he is a little protective of his food? Male dogs lift their legs, Duh! of course they do, we all know this. Most of mine have done it long after neutering too. Leg lifting or otherwise was not the issue here. Would post pics but made a mess the first time I tried and had to delete! Not tech savvy these days, can't keep up.

Thanks for these replies, lifting the leg and challenging me has just begun. Ignoring, walking away, jumping on furniture repeatedly the minute I am in another room. Going into those teenage years - normal, this I can cope with and is not a problem. However I thought that being bossy about where he ate was letting me know where HE wants to eat, is part of it. I shall leave his food down for 5 minutes as suggested by D'Elle; 30 minutes is a long time to sit across the kitchen door watching him not eat his food and getting my presence and attention will not escape his notice either. He'll have the same food next meal, drier, smellier, staler but as you say, he won't starve himself. We have tried baby gates - borrowed from neighbours but after hour and half, still no food eaten. If it's in the hall, it'd be gone in a trice. He won't get fresh every time though, I live on basic state pension, cannot spend on good meat and watch it going to waste. So he'll have to eat when its offered PDQ!

Jack, now almost 6 months old spent the first 12 weeks of life in a huge barn with lots of other pups. When food arrived, you grabbed what you could and took it somewhere safe, then went back for more. So now, living in quiet domesticity, his food is all his own. However, old habits die hard. Our small kitchen is open plan - no door. Dog refuses to eat there, but favours the hall carpet a few feet away. If I block his way out of the kitchen, he just refuses to eat. I have put his dish in our outside porch for privacy, still won't eat it. I am now in despair. Laying suitable mats over the favoured area to protect what is mine doesn't work, the bloodied and tripe meat is just dragged further up the hall. Can anyone advise as to how I can break this instinct to defend his food? I say nothing, quietly remove the dish after half hour or so and present it an hour or so later. He still refuses to eat unless it is where he wants it. Until now I have relented, (big mistake) because I couldn't spend hours of the day dealing with this problem, and there's no-one else in the house to take over sentry duty... A couple of days ago he began showing signs of teenagehood lifting the leg, insisting on jumping onto the sofa to sleep, the bed etc. Defiant. We've all been there, remember it? This I can cope with, BUT NOBODY eats their dinner on my hall carpet!

Delighted to hear that all is well. I can see that he is making the best of a bad job. Bet you'll be glad when he can go out again!

Thanks for your sympathies, losing an old friend is hard isn't it, though he had a pretty quiet and peaceful end, in his beloved car! He would have like to be buried in it too given the choice!