Bamford Red

Hi - me again I want my dog Ralph to be a bit more energetic, and there's one thing that puzzles me - how do i get him to jump over something with a gap in it. What I mean is if we come to a fence, I would like him to use a bit of energy jumping over it, but as there is a gap underneath he will always take the easy route (dont get me wrong I dont blame him!!!) when i tel him to jump over he sort of looks at me for a second, then goes underneath. How do i get him to resist temptation to take the easy way and get him to leap gracefully (??!!) over the obstacle?

I am new to this site and would just like to say for the last 5 years my life has been made much more enjoyable by my collie Ralph. I have had dogs in the past that I thought were intelligent but having Ralph is honestly like having a child in the house. Without me meaning to he picks up so many things. He now sleeps with us (on the bed, then off the bed, then back on the bed - little devil (i know we shouldnt but its his one indulgence)) and over the space of a week he learnt that when I say "right i'm going to bed" he runs up the stairs and lies outside the door waiting for me. And lately when I tell him he needs a bath i'll find him sat outside the bathroom anticipating his fate.... the only downside of having a dog like Ralph is that you have to be careful what you say in conversation. If he hears words like "down" or "stay" or as i say "bed" he now lies on the floor, or stays outside in the cold for hours or goes upstairs - i end up feeling guilty. I just wanted to say that I hope you all get as much enjoyment from your collies as much as Ralph gives me. All the best

Ha Ha - thank god it's not just mine!!! My Border/bearded cross Ralph is brilliant. I live out in Derbyshire and there are times when I'm out walking when he can run around safely and still be around 1/2 a mile away from me - if he's just plodding around exploring one shout of his name has him charging back but if he gets his nose into something that's it - it's like his ears just close up...little devil. This is fine most of the time, if he's enjoying a good sniff I dont want to ruin his fun, but i dont want him to charge up to another dog wanting to play and end up getting bitten, you cant be sure of other dogs personality. One thing I have always done with him is the "drop" command. wherever we are and no matter how far away he is if I shout "down"...he drops straight away. Then he looks round at me waiting for a further command. From here I can get him to return. Sorry it's a bit long winded - hope it helps.