gcv-border

That was very sweet, and definitely one of the better ones I have seen. (although I am not an expert) Thanks, D'Elle for the explanation of Freestyle.

D'Elle has given great advice. I will just add a couple of my thoughts: If you get a puppy, check out online training options. I have seen a couple of options that specifically address the topic - "puppy training during social isolation period" (or similar title). I am guessing that the instructor has modified their training regime to offer creative suggestions for our current situation. I am sorry, but I can not remember who is offering an online class like this, but perhaps a Google search will help. Finding a rescue dog is definitely my suggestion, considering the fact that you want a dog that is not reactive, preferable friendly with everyone. With an adult, or even a teenager, you would have a pretty good idea of mature personality. Puppies are a black box. BUT, as your past trainer pointed out, people are adopting dogs and cats at an unprecedented rate now. In this country (USA), I have read of several animal shelters that have been cleared out because all the animals were adopted. While I think that is great, what happens when the adopters go back to work (8 hours a day away from the house plus other extracurricular activities)? I agree that many of those dogs will show up again in the pound when lives get too busy. I volunteer for a foster-based BC rescue, and we have definitely had an increase in adoption applications and have tried to be careful to screen out people who seem to be looking for a companion right now, but haven't thought about what happens to the dog when they return to work away from home.

Happy Birthday beautiful Cressa. You sound like a very special dog.

Congratulations!

Thanks for the heads up.

Hmmm. I might want to reconsider continuing to use that vet. I now try to document any ailments via video or photos (hallelujah for smart phones). I have used photos/videos to show my vet anything from lameness, seizures, poop quality .... you get the idea. I sometimes feel that I am not communicating clearly when I am describing an ailment. Photographic proof removes communication errors, and, in your case, provides concrete evidence.

Initial, random thoughts, in no particular order -- I am going to have to try and take some time to read some of the articles cited - particularly interested in the Cornell study. I don't trust anything from the EPA since IMPOTUS became president. These are good reasons to move to organic foods. I have always rolled my eyes when vegetarians say that not eating meat is more 'healthy', because IMHO, unless one is eating only organic veggies and fruits and grains, and preferably not from industrial agriculture sources, the chemicals involved in industrial crop production are definitely NOT healthy.

If she pushes the toy under another piece of furniture, then block that off too. Another option: get toy(s) too big to fit underneath furniture. In my household, toys are not left out. I only allow them to play with toys under direct supervision - i.e. I am personally interacting with the dog and the toy.

Try putting some rolled up towels or blankets under the furniture. Use something to block the 'disappearing toys' so she doesn't have to dig for it - IF that is the cause of her chewing the furniture. As for bitter apple: it doesn't work for all dogs. One of my dogs started to chew on the stair banisters when younger. After spraying with bitter apple, he would lick it. He thought it was tasty.

Very cute!

I am not surprised to hear that there could be an adverse reaction if both toxic chemicals are given at the same time (if I am understanding your post correctly). I try to give one treatment around the first of the month, and the other chemical treatment in the middle of the month to avoid overloading the dog's system. Works for me. I also use livestock ivermectin for heartworm, and use Vectra 3D for ticks/fleas.

I saw a table a couple of years ago that listed the breeds sensitive to ivermectin. IIRC, about 5% of border collies are sensitive (as compared to about 50% Australian Shepherds, and even higher percentage for Lassie-type collies). If you are really worried, you could have your pups tested for the mdr1 mutation.

Agree with 'it depends on your dogs'. How does your current dog interact with each gender? But this may be a moot point because you will be bringing in a puppy, and the two should become well acquainted before gender issues would develop (if they ever do). Future Neutering may also change the dynamics. Post puppy pics when you get the little rugrat!

Sue, I am just seeing this. Through your writings, I appreciate how special Celt is. I am glad that he graced your life.

Congratulations! What an accomplishment.

So sorry. Glad she is getting better. What was the flea and tick medication? I'll bet you won't be using that again.

Lots to say on this topic, but no time. I hope to come back later to post. But one thing to remember -- don't expect consistency with a puppy. So she likes a dog one day and not the next? No problem. At this age, don't push her to have to engage with other dogs.

Agree with lawgirl. Possibly attention-seeking. If you don't want to use the crate, if you have a half-back or other small room nearby, use that for time-out. I do 1-2 minute time-outs. And be prepared to put him in the time-out space more than once, at least in the beginning. I have also tethered a misbehaving dog to me so I can always be watching them. After all, we are only human, and even though we think we are going to watch them, if the dog isn't tethered to me. I get distracted.

Crate him with a filled long (assuming he is OK in the crate).

Congratulations! So cute.

Congratulations! He is a cutie. As far as the timing, never too soon IMHO. The day I had to say goodby to my epileptic girl (she would have between 9-13 grand mal seizures within a 24 hour period every 3-4weeks), I woke up at 3 am and hopped on the web to start looking at rescue sites and for sale sites. Part of the healing process.

Agree with Julie. AND get X-rays on her hips to make sure they are scored good or excellent AND send off a sample swab for genetic testing to determine her status for several genetic diseases found in the border collie breed, e.g. CEA, EAOD, TNS, mdr1, etc.

To the OP: And your problem is? Seriously, nothing wrong with the behavior. Unless the dog routinely chooses to roll in wet, sloppy, fresh cow poo, as one of my previous dogs LOVED to do. She would come running back to me, so happy, wide, grinning mouth, but it looked like she had rolled in chocolate pudding, but the smell was definitely NOT sweet. She did not enjoy the cold water baths at freezing temperatures. It did not deter her from repeating the offending behavior.

Congrats on your new pups. Photos, please. :-)) I don't have any magic solution, except for what you may know already - the book Click to Calm, do you have a yard that is farther away from cars or not with direct sight of cars?, block view of cars from front yard (tarp or opaque plastic on fencing until chasing is resolved), minimal exposure to cars until you have his focus more consistently, etc. Basically a two-pronged approach: work on his focus staying on you (treats, toys, games) and minimal or distant exposure to cars while he is maturing and learning to focus on you.

LOL. I wish I could buy/adopt/rescue all the dogs, all the time. I do a lot of window shopping (i.e. drool over puppy pics on FB).