Sally

Bill, that is absolutlely inspiring, what amazing dogs. The cleverist thing I've seen with our BC's was our now departed Rani (BC Kelpie cross) she had a special snake bark. She didn't learn it she just knew and by God if heard that bark you'd go running because everytime she's have a snake in her sights, and furthermore she'd guard it until someone turned up to deal with it, many times at what we thought was a big risk. Plus she knew a bath was coming two hours before we thought of it. I miss her. Sally

Outside in the day and inside at night, though as Tia's getting older she likes to spend longer times outside before coming in. If it's really hot she's in under the fans, same with the cat. I'm glad this subject was brought up. Apart from fencing issues why are so many inside? Sally

Powder Puff, I'm in Qld to, where are you? I clip, I have weighed up the for and against but the three I've had all seemed happier shorn in summer. My little Tia is very shy and sensitive so I was apprehensive about clipping her but she loves it. They bound around like puppies for a couple of days. If you want to go to a groomer they can just take a little off at a time. I also wet Tia's head in the really hot weather. We are trying to coax her into the pool, it'll work once she realises she has a place to stand. If I had my way I'd re design the whole thing so it had a little walk in beach! Sally

Toffeesdad, what behaviours are you refering to exactly? This post has been most interesting, and generally I can find something in most of the replies, and your posts, to agree with, but I am a little lost on the snobbishness link with the alpha and learned behaviour you keep quoting. BTW I am an alpha theory supporter but also a breed snob, the former goes down the leash the latter doesn't. And if you don't think they know their own come on over and we'll show you different! Tia even braves a regular flogging (not serious) from her 'your the same as me' boy at the park. And he's a short hair licorice allsort (Tri BC), she's a b/w fluffy barbie, they look nothing alike! And Cherie, I read your post about the chasing and herding of the non BC's. Tia does this, and gets herself in a lot of trouble on occasion, I'm working on it but do you have a strategy for when the other dogs take offence? Sally

Oookay, I daresay you'll get replies. My opinion, he's too young to really tell but I'd put money that the floppy ear won't perk again. There are a number of methods those that conformation show use to achieve that supposedly 'perfect' ear, ie perky but just flipping over. In fact my pup was subjected to several to, no avail, prior to my adopting her and for that reason I will absolutely not pass on what they were. It does not work, at least for any substantial period of time. On the other hand if you want perfect pointed ears you can have them surgically inserted with wire around the edges, which is quite common practise, I'm led to believe, in breeds like Dobermans. Then they just stick up all the time, exactly the same, and look if one ears bigger than the other they can shave a bit off to make them even at the same time :confused: ............... ridiculous isn't it? Not to mention cruel and annoying for the dog in question. You're exactly right, his ears lend to his character, as do my Tia's, she looks like she has none most of the time but frankly that's none of my business and they don't affect her hearing, plus she could care less. Sally

Sara, I have little to add to the great advice you are being given here but would like to congratulate you on your interest and commitment to these dogs. I have an eleven year old daughter and a BC, Tia. Tia is my dog predominantly but is also quite close to my daughter. I noticed that Tia is sometimes quite disobedient with Jasmine (my daughter) and I started to look at the way Jas was interacting with Tia. The main problem was that Jas complicated everything, it was difficult for Tia to understand what was making Jas unhappy and what she was required to do. The commands were to fast and Jas had no concept of enforcing a command or stopping on a high note, she'd often simply walk off in frustration. Jas's rewarding was also too slow and inconsistent. The biggest thing for Jasmine was realising she had to do things the same way each time, no new rules! This helped immensely and Tia and Jas both have quite an understanding of each other now to build upon. Please let us know how you are going Sally

Olivia, thanks, it is something to think about. The ones I am more worried about though have been dug up by Tia and belonged to a dearly departed friend who buried them over two years ago. I've swept the yard clean of them now but I have no idea how many more there could be. Luckily we're home most of the time but I do note that Tia will bury fresh bones on occasion. I'm starting to think I need surveillance here! Sally

Smoked equals cooked as far as I'm concerned. We feed softer bones like lamb breast in chunks, they're gone pretty quickly. I never knew there was a risk to cats with raw bones, can you guys shed some light there for me? I also wonder about bones that have been dug up after a long time, they look to me like they equal a cooked state. Sally

AK Dog Doc, sorry to all of you from all of us, as D'elle mentioned, remember the rainbow bridge. Tia sends a mournful look and gentle ear sniffs. You were very strong and devoted to help Buddy the way you did. Sally

And - Squiggly

slinky sneaker Princess !!!!

I also wouldn't allow him on the furniture, not for a long while and even then only as a treat, we do Sunday morning romps on the bed but that's it. Have you had hassles when male friends have been over? I ask because of your comment about crating him when these friends come. The biggest thing is to be able to build confidence and trust so unless he's a real risk when men are around it won't teach him anything in the long run and he may also build a negative association with male visitors. Could you maybe try leashing and tethering him and asking that your visitors just ignore him for the time being? You want him to see that nothing bad is going to happen just because a man comes over. We also adopted a fearful dog, Tia, she has only shown very minor fear aggression early on so we are lucky. I'm still careful that visitors don't ever corner her and that they allow her to approach them first if she is fearful. Do you and your husband handle him equally or is one of you the primary handler? Sally

Crikey I'd hate to see what these skinny advocates (no offence)would have said about my Tass, she even looked obese. She was 13 when she went for the last big walk and she'd had weight problems all her life, not desexed, multiple litters (for the breeder) and pyometra. Tia on the other hand is small and weighs 15.6 kilos last weigh in. Vets happy, breeder says she should be just a little leaner. Apparently a longer life span has a greater correlation with really lean dogs, of all breeds. That said, if I fed Tia the 'recommended' amount of food per day I'm sure she'd double her weight inside a month. I can feel her ribs, backbone (little bit of a covering) and she has a tummy tuck, good enough I say. One hand looks at dogs in the wild which are very lean but also troubled with mange, bad teeth etc and domesticated dogs which may carry that little extra weight but not suffer with skin, eye, and coat problems. Know which one I'll pick. Sally

Oh, you make us feel inadequate, please share some training tips!!! Sally

I missed the details too but couldn't resist such a lovely. Well, yes, that is the bluest BC I have ever seen. Do you think he might like a little lady like kissy, like a little side on smoochy? If so pass two on, one from me and one from little Miss Tia. xx Sally