Bo Peep

I was the idiot with my first border collie. No crate, we had food from our other dog that was a mixed breed. Luckily the bed was too tall and she was afraid to jump off at night. I was prepared for the 2nd one. Now, I always have an extra crate in case one in need walks across my path. It's strange how we learn these things. My first BC was an "impulse" buy and I'm not sorry I did it. She taught me a lot, made me read about Border Collies and got me started in obedience, which then lead me into sheep and more dogs. The people that do it over and over again just don't get it.

Thanks- then count me in as a YES

Jodi- Practiced penning today, but I would like to go. I have no printer, do you think they would mind if I sent the check and filled out the papers there? Is it THIS week-end?

Here's Usher's papers

Sure wish I could have downed my dog on Sunday.

Usher will work for anyone. He will go home with the first person that has their door open- no loyalty. Whoever has the sheep and is in the field is his new best friend.

Here I am. Usher is a great service dog. You would not know that when he doesn't have his jacket on. I trained him in basic obedience first. That included picking up the dumbbell and sitting with it in his mouth waiting for me to say give. So, when I drop an object, I just say "take it" and he picks it up and holds it for me until I take it. I also taught him the stand-stay, so I can help myself up if I should fall. With Baily, she was a hearing ear dog. I taught her how to go to the door and come get me, then also the phone, alarm clock etc... I'm now working on Bliss for a woman in a wheelchair to retrieve. She finally will go get the object, but not bring it back. If you have a good retrieving dog, they certainly can help someone in a wheelchair. Just put some obedience on them. They have to be invisible in a restaurant. Any place you go. Well mannered, no barking or searching for crumbs. They must hold a stay when you go to the salad bar, etc.... There is a lot more involved, you can e-mail me at chatatme@hotmail.com Dianne

If you look up Shepard in the Thesaurus you come up with this- might give you a few ideas. Main Entry: guide Part of Speech: verb Definition: To show the way to. Synonyms: conduct, direct, escort, lead, pilot, route, show, steer, usher I also looked up friend, helper, etc... It's a good place to get started.

I'm thinking, also and it might be a year or so down the line. Will your pup be male or female?

Usher is neutered and ILP or PAL registered. When I first moved to this area, I thought with no acreage, obedience would be our only venue. Turns out last year, my BF and I went to Nascar when the one show per year was on. I can't travel very far because of my Mom, so local stuff is all I can do. Now that we are working sheep, obedience has flown out the window. We will still try to get that CD in October, not quite sure why. I guess because we still practice.

Congrats!!! I think it's a great way to show the public when it is a good time to get a dog, teach more about rescue, and help the family be prepared. Let us know how it goes!

I tend to agree with the others. 3 kids under five years old is a lot of work, add one dog, any breed and you've got yourself some trouble. You can't be everywhere at once. I waited until my kids were older, potty trained, and it was a lot easier. We had one good dog, then another, then another etc..... Take care of your family first. You have time for a dog later. If the breeder doesn't take it back, you found yourself one bad breeder and people on here can help you place your dog.

I love that quirky side of border collies. That's why I'd never have another breed. They are wacky and fun. They are NOT however for everyone. Looks like you are doing your research and have been here long enough to know that. I'm sure your old roommate will just love your border collie.

I'm thinking of adding another pup and was wondering the same thing with the 3 factor. I once had 6. Everything was peachy until the youngest dog decided she wanted to move up the pecking order. Then I had fights between 2 of the 6. Both bitches, of course. Bliss is my drop out foster dog. I kept her because my Mom likes her. I like her, too. But she isn't my type of dog. She's just not quirky enough for me. She plays a little bit with Usher, but not much. Doesn't fetch. Just the most laid back Border Collie I've seen. So, I've seen them get along in all numbers. It just depends on their personalities. Good luck with Laddy if you decide to keep him.

Thank you, Carol. I'll let you know if I go.

I've learned a lot from the boards. I've had Border Collies for 22 years. When I got Usher, my last one had just died weeks before. I always had one to help "show the ropes" to a new puppy. It was like starting over again after many years. Just goes to show you, you can learn something everyday.

I haven't trialed a dog in 8 years. Usher has never trialed. There is an AHBA course coming up quite close to home. My trainer thinks I should enter the 2nd course (looks like a road map) Pat is judging and another person I haven't heard about. Would it be good experience for me to get my nerves out and Usher on a trial field to actually "see for himself" what is expected of him and how things work? The field is pretty large about 3 acres. As you all know, I have dystonia, which is a form of Parkinson's and when I get nervous I really start shakin' . I'd like to hear if this would be a good experience for me and my dog. Thanks in advance for your answer.

When I DID have a farm, my ex-husband raised Angus cattle. I have a pretty sick sense of humor and came up with the name "Kiss my Angus Farm" with lips on the Angus butt. Here's a pic of one of our sweatshirts.

I like RDM's way of speaking (typing) it's to the point, blunt and you sure get what she's talking about. I remember when I my rescue, Blue, and she told me I should keep him more than a week to know his true demeanor. That, normally would have been VERY true. However, you can not pry that dog from his new owners hands. Blue is his for keeps. Things don't seem the same around here, but I'm sticking it out and wish the rest of you would, too.

Barb- Don't let one person drive you away. Please stay!

I'm thinking with the lessons and such, It's time to start looking and be put on a waiting list for a new pup in a year or so. I had a rocky start with Usher and I'm sure I could do better with another. I'm feeling a lot better, want a female this time, as I think the male/female go together better (personally). Just thought I'd put my thoughts down in writing and get your thoughts on it. Usher is 2 1/2.

I use "herding" because I am a week-end warrior. So, we travel to herd sheep. When I had them at home, I would say "I'm off to work my dogs". Hope that makes sense. I may type BC but I never say it- call it typing laziness. I dislike the word borders. If someone asks me if that is a border? I say, yes, they are both border collies.

I'm with Kim (2 Devils) If I run backwards - not easy for me- the dog speeds up and comes right for me.

It's seeing that light bulb go off in your dogs head. "THIS is what I was bred to do" After that, it gets in YOUR blood. It's addictive.

Bliss is a pet. She's not even a very fun pet. She doesn't fetch. She will go grab the toy, shake it and drop it. That is the extent of her play. She's a service dog drop out. Why didn't I place her? Well, she's an easy keeper. Not much fun for anyone. Just sleeps. My mother loves her and is eager to babysit which I think helps her. Here's to you Bliss.