MoonMaiden

Hi and thanks for your reply. We had him off the lead last night mainly because there were few people around to distract him. He was very good bar the jogger incident and take your point We are lucky to have a very busy nature trail nearby which we took him on over the weekend. Lots of mountain bikers, kids, people, dogs, joggers...particularly during nice weather with a good selection of bits that are quiet and less busy so he can explore. He was very good..got a bit over excited when he met another pup and scared him with his enthusiasm *eek* Will give it a try thanks. Moon

Hi Tor has finally had his injections and we have been taking him out and discovered a little problem, which I believe is quite common for BC's. Most of the time he was okay with people, but he becomes very alert when anyone walks past or near him. He also seems to have a problem with a male neighbour - but no one else in the yard male or female? Last night on a walk round the park he stood to attention again and if the people were coming towards he would start to move towards them and growl. Initially we had him off the lead but he started to chase the heels of a passer by and we had to get hold of him (much to this guys relief) and thankfully the man wasn't too upset. This has only just surfaced and I would like to nip it in the bud now. So does anyone have any tips for the next time he goes walking? He has been great with everything else so far house training/sit/down/pulling on his lead. Moon & Tor

hi I cannot even pretend to understand the politics and rules and regulations you are talking about but I thought I would put my un-doggyeducated two penceworth in anyway When I read about the English sheepdogs, all I saw was a description of a border collie. That is how I have been brought up to understand a border collies role, that is how I have seen BC's worked here in the UK on our local farms. Same goes for my husband. Perhaps it is simply how the Brits percieve the breed I don't know. It has been very interesting and bit frightening to learn how the 'border collie' has been trained, bred and re designed from the original working dogs of peaks and borders. Very intesresting read - thank you. Moon Maiden

Hi Folks thanks for all the great suggestions. I spied a clicked in our local pet shop so will look into that post haste. Yes we have a large local park in fact sheffield has a few. It has pond football pitch and playground. If I take him a bit further there is Rivelin Valley Nature trail. First part of that in hot weather is filled with kids and dogs because of the outdoor swimming pool and we love it up there. As for other dogs at the moment there is my sisters Akita and they live next door. They have played with each other thru the fence but we worried about Bailey (the akita) being too rough and the territory issue. Again thanks for the advice..we both appreciate it Moon & Tor

Hi It is the one at Wadsley - been told to leave Attercliffe one alone as it isn't very good. Moon Maiden

Thanks Doug... I agree puppy classes would be great - but there doesn't seem to be any in the local area. The local classes that I have booked in January for are the only ones I have found and they work on a voluntary basis. It seems a bit stupid considering I am living in a major city in the UK....but there you go. If anyone UK side knows of anywhere or anyone I can speak to about puppy classes please let me know. Moon

Hi I have a few weeks to wait before Tor is able to be walked properly due to his injections. At present we only have a small yard whilst we wait for our new house to be fixed and I need ideas to keep him out of trouble. I have bought him a knotted rope to chew on and a kong and a ball and play with him lots. He is gettng the idea of 'sit' and 'down' too which is great considering he only been here since Sunday. I am careful not to let my two younger children play with him as they and him are not capable of stopping any playfulness that may get out of hand. My oldest daughter is perhaps more of a handful because she is a teenager and knows it all I can't get him into a class until January next year which leaves me with lots of time to get him into bad habbits if I am not careful. I have read lots of books, lots of websites...but I would like MORE advice please. Moon Maiden

awwwww he gorgeous Liz. I reckon I may stick around here also - the champdogs site is good but it is very generalised, not breed specific. Moon

Hi Spike MoonMaiden is actually someone else on Champdogs. Moon Maiden is the name I have used all over the net for the last four years but someone beat me to it on Champdogs.... Tho I have registered on that site my name on there is CardenMayda to save any confusion on user names Thank you for the welcome both. Moon Maiden

Hi I have a new baby who I have called Tor. He is an 8 week old farm bred tri colour BC. I am looking for information on nutrition and best foods. There doesn't seem to be any BC message baords for the UK, but I am looking for opinions on high protein content in a young pups diet. There seems to be a leaning towards there being minmal amounts so as to ensure slow and strong growth as opposed to rapid weak growth which is put down to the protein content. I have been researching holistic foods like Burns which is looking like my best option to move him onto at the moment. But wished to get more opinions from other BC owners. So what are peoples opinions on nutrition for a BC feeding. Moon Maiden