Daviid

My wife was an active participant in obedience trials back then, I was dragged along. ( in the late 70's till 95) *She has 2 OTCH & several UD's & TD* border collies - not to brag, but to show she was out there. I saw it much different, the obedience border collie people were strongly against any kind of full recognition, at the expense of not ever being able to participate in any performance events. I knew alot of the border community, they sent petitions, gave money to lawyers to fight the AKC, relentlessly handed out flyer's to AKC obedience board members, judges, AKC reps., letters, full page adds. They did not "sell out" the breed, but fought to keep them out of the AKC, even though they knew they would no longer be able to enjoy the sport they loved. They did put the breed they loved first. I spoke to an AKC board member the day after they were fully recognized, ( he was there that day) their were only a handful of people wanting full recognition. There was no discussion at the board meeting about border collies, only the words "They're In ". David

I also echo the benefits of good diet, raw or cooked. This is why my wife starting cooking for our dogs, air born allergies, pollen etc. The Veterinarian wanted to put our then 9 month old border collie on steroids. We didn't want to go that route, so we tried a home made diet. Her skin that was raw on her belly and legs, cleared up in weeks. Her skin cleared, hair grew back thick and silky. It never returned and she lived to 18 with no health problems or allergies. We believe, good nutrition boosts the immune system and can naturally ward off allergies. ( of course this is disputed by many) That was over 25 years ago and we've been doing the same for all our dogs since, with no problems. Just recently our neighbor's rough collie was put on a homemade diet due to very bad fall allergies. His paws were raw and bleeding. After years on steroids for months in the fall, they weren't working anymore, so as a last resort are now cooking good nutritious food, and saw a huge difference in just two weeks. They once laughed at us, now they're calling for recipes. We also give canned mackerel or salmon twice weekly. David

We've been giving safflower oil with vitamin E for years, they also get fed fish once or twice a week, usually mackerel or salmon. Coats are always nice and soft and no dryness. Also, regular brushing stimulates oil glands and brings out your dogs natural oils.

Try putting dog poop in the holes.

I don't train in obedience anymore, but hundreds of years ago I did put several Utility/Tracking degrees and 1 OTCH on Border Collies. Every dog is an individual, not one dog have I trained the same as the last. A lot of the foundation exercises were introduced the same, but each dog had different problems, motivations, and training challenges. Having trained & showed with friends that had Goldens, I would say Border Collies are more sensitive, but that is a general statement - again, it depends on the individual dog. I also would say border collies are quicker to learn and will want to run the show, you will need to stay one step ahead of your dog....always, they know what comes next and are always thinking ahead. Anticipation was my biggest challenge, so I always mixed exercises up, inventing new exercise to keep them from anticipating. It also helped with boredom, you have to work hard at keeping obedience fun and fresh, unlike agility, it's just fun in it's self. We would do the broad jump 20 different ways...just to keep them guessing and keep it fun. If you've started heeling yet, don't let her forge from the start, that is the hardest thing to control. When they get in the ring and get excited they will forge even more, so don't let it start from the beginning...ever! The most important thing is to enjoy your dog and training, don't think about beating other dogs, as you said " The only dog that beat your golden was a border collie." Personally, I hate hearing that, winning & titles are fun, but not what it's all about, it's about forging a wonderful partnership and enjoying the journey. Good luck and have fun! David

I guess I'm the odd one here again, but I don't think it's good to crate a dog 8 - 10 hours a day. - seems cruel and unfair. Not saying dogs can't handle it, I would just find a better way, dog walker, day care, a room where they can get about and stretch their legs a bit. I know my dogs would be very un-happy if they spent their whole day in a crate. Just my opinion- David

"Oh please, most everything is a chemical and/or mixture of chemicals (even you and I); some are natural products while others are synthetic. Hell, even aspirin (which is found in several plants) is now produced from petro-chemicals. Pure acetyl salicylic acid is the same no matter if it comes from plants or coal tar. Unless you are prepared to chew on bark you raise organically and harvest to get your acetyl salicylic acid, you run the risk of exposure to synthetic chemicals used in extracting the acetyl salicylic acid from natural sources or in the synthetic preparation of aspirin." You're right, I research everything now a days, having a grandson with a neurological disorder, I'm an investigative nut. I still prefer the less invasive approach first, if possible. Everyone doesn't have to agree to accept theories and remedies...many of them are anecdotal. In other words there may be no scientific evidence to support a positive outcome, but for some people it works....or it helps. I'm all for anecdotal evidence as long as it does no harm either physically or psychologically.

Now, I don't frequent message boards too often, home with recovering from an injury. So, I don't know message board etiquette? I do think people are lazy and want quick fixes in life in general, this is a general statement. And this is a message board, I was stating mine. I don't know any of you to put you down. I don't like chemicals and another gentler approach works, which for us does, I'd like to pass it along, something wrong with that. I think we're a bit brain washed into thinking that's the only way to go, especially with those wonderful TV commercials with cute puppies advertising harsh chemicals. We've been using garlic (quarter clove a day) in a homemade diet since the early 80's. --yes over 25 years of using garlic with many dogs-- My wife makes a batch of food for the month, freezes and adds some fresh herbs, garlic, parsley...not sure what else. Have had GREAT success with diet and garlic and just checking the dogs regularly. We noticed a change in the dogs after 2 weeks of this diet and never tried anything else. ( Garlic is good, in small quantities. ) Friends, neighbors report they get fleas - - Most of them have their dogs on topical chemicals. We also use Rose Geranium oil -- can get at health food store-- We rub a few drops on the dogs every few days when out in the fields. I use it myself for nasty biting flies and gnats, I rub it on my ears and arms. I also use to eat a whole raw piece of garlic a day, but now my wife won't let me. We had a dog flown to us years ago, breeder said she had an on and off again problem with fleas. Sure enough the puppy arrived with fleas. We gave a flea bath ( not a dip, everyone was dipping dogs in the 80's ) We physically checked this puppy several times a day and squished the fleas, we vacuumed the whole house twice a day and all beds, had flea collar in vacuum cleaner. We kept this exhausting vigil up every day and finally after a few weeks, no fleas. -- my wife did most of the work-- That was last time we had a flea and that was 1988! We got lucky, it was in the fall and we had a frost, so no fleas to worry about outside. We worked hard to rid them naturally as possible. Why is it so hard to believe chemicals is the only way to go?

Now I'm am old fart, been around a long time, never used all this chemical stuff on my dogs. They eat a great diet (homemade ) get brushed daily and quick check for ticks at night. Haven't had a flea in over 20 years. - few ticks in the spring. Are people just to lazy to do this anymore? drugs and chemicals for too many things. I've been told you're suppose to wash your hands after putting this stuff on your dogs - AFTER this is ABSORBED in the dogs system? - doesn't sound too safe to me? Attempting to get rid of our dogs fleas by utilizing chemicals that are toxic to the brain & nervous system, they may disrupt hormone (endocrine) systems and cause cancer. I'll stick with the old fashioned way- Every night the dogs line up for a brushing and tick check, they get a hug and a cookie.

As our dogs aged sometimes they would over do it and be sore for a day or two. - Trying to keep up with the younger ones. We spend a lot of time at a lake swimming, boating, hiking, I would have my dogs take rests - otherwise they would literally collapse. It's good to exercise old dogs and let them have their fun, just keep a watch out. I let my old gal of 16 swim all day at the lake a few weeks ago, she's in great shape, but it was too much all at once. That evening I carried her up the steps to her bed, the following day she was a little stiff, but ready to go again at the lake! Nothing wrong with keeping a eye out for our old guys and have them take a break. heck, I'm gettin old and need a break! David

If you have access to a holistic veterinarian, acupuncture works great. Had two spayed females that starting leaking at 8 & 15. My veterinarian recommended acupuncture first. - I think to strengthen the sphincter muscle. To my amazement NO drugs were needed, they went for treatment once every 3- 6 months, never leaked again. Have to put in plug for acupuncture! I am board at home replying to a message board... cast on foot coming off next week.......

My wife's elderly mother who is very frail and bruises easily comes to visit us for weeks at a time. All our border collies know not to jump on her, as we told her what to say as they approach her. She says "EASY" when they approach her, then she says "SIT" so they don't jump up.. We told her to yell "ouch" when they played ruff with her, they all know to be very gentle now. Training is the key, not doggie day care, unless that's the route you want. My wife's mother loves our dogs to death and doesn't mind getting bruised, but we do. Teach your dog manners, and show your mother what to say in a meaningful tone. Our dogs are very careful with little children and old people. Even if you decide on daycare, still take some time and train. David

I echo Ba Humbug too! I remember hearing that some 25 years ago when I started working my first border collie on sheep. I was told never to play fetch, do formal obedience, tracking, but especially never play ball with him. My first dog competed in sheep trials, earned his utility title in obedience, a tracking title and loved playing fetch. - they all had there place. Personally, I think a little variety is good, my dog loved doing it all. He would definitely pass by a ball or frisbee to work sheep. Now, I'm told never do sheep work and goose work at the same time. My dogs that do goose work have no problem working sheep and chasing geese. They're different tasks, and they know the difference. I'm glad I don't always listen to people. Our dogs know best! edited to add: I forgot to say when I went to pick up my last pup, the breeder didn't care for toys too much for her dogs. The poor mom had tufts of hair pulled out from her pups, as they had no toys to chew on.

From experience, I always ask ahead of time too. When I was a whole lot younger and not in the best financial means, my first puppy had a stomach obstruction and needed surgery, she was in the hospital for a week. They worked out monthly payments for me. Most vets are more then willing to work with you about payments. One thing you might consider for the future is to set up a savings bank account for your dogs. Put away a little each month, then you'll have it in case of emergencies, hopefully you won't have to use it.

Your dog is trying to bury it, maybe wants to eat it later. I had a dog that did the same thing, she would try and bury her food in a rug. She pushed her bowl around the kitchen just like yours did. She wasn't an aggressive eater till I started adding things at a young age of 1 year old. I too, was told not to add things, only give kibble and take it up after 15 minutes. Heck with that, I wanted my dog to lavishly enjoy eating......I do We started adding "good" tasting foods, chicken, beef, fish, liver, veggies, left over gravy etc. She ate right away, She would lick her bowl dry every time. Never had a problem till she was 17 years old and she started burying her dish in the rug again, she was just old and didn't always want to eat. They'll be those that say, put it down for 15 minutes and if she doesn't eat it take it up, they will eat it when they're hungry. Not me, I'm a softy and I like a good meal, why not my dog? All dogs are different, some are great eaters, my current young dog will eat anything put in front of him. Yet I know some of his litter mates are picky. My dogs now get 80% home cookin and just a little kibble and meaty raw bones twice a week. I give more "real" food now because of health benefits, not because they're picky eaters. Just not a fan of processed food for me, my family, or my dogs. I do feed alittle , canidae, Blue Buffalo, and Evolve dry foods.