Prinnie

Good Luck. I am in agreement with experimenting with the bedding type..this has previously worked for me. Also the access to water part I think is crucial..... I carefully monitor what they have later in the evening and try to make sure we get plenty of pees on the grass before coming in. I toilet them with a lead when training for staying overnight in the crate and they seem to learn quickly that a pee means lots of praise and they come running for a little play...then we try for a poo. It has become a pretty set routine with my BCs. Also I make these odd hand gestures and use a different (yes, my friends say "odd") little voice to encourage some peeing and pooing. Prinnie

I agree in the training aspect, and the creating a bond. One of our pups from our last litter was a little excited/nervous pee-er. We just kept up the positive training, and she actually seemed to just grow out of it. Pups can be so excited to see you that they do the pee thing. So reduce the excitement if you have been away for a while, be low key and use a calm firm and caring voice, but don't sook them. Focus on rewarding positive behaviour and gaining their self-confidence and trust. Just some thoughts. Good luck. Prinnie

Absolutely agree. Our's are ingraved (first ever was stolen) and even though people could still take one, at least they wouldn't be able to use it at the shows. We too have a pocker and a large one for our BCs. We too got our from Peters of Kensington, you can get them via the website. My mum has one for herself that my dad bought her something like 35 - 40 years ago..still going strong. I remember it from being a kid and using things in her "beauty case" so it is funny now that we have the same brushes but for our dogs..... Prinnie

Totally agree with Seita about BCs loving their crates.....our BCs will go and sleep in them if we leave the doors open....I think (no scientific knowledge of this) that the crate replicates the idea of their cave/hole from pre domestic days. I think dogs sleep so soundly in them because they don't need to "keep one eye open for attacks", they just know they are safe and can truly rest....just a theory...like I said...feel free to shoot me down!! Prinnie

Definitely go with a crate in your laundry or garage. I absolutely encourage our puppy buyers (we breed Border Collies) to get a collapsible crate, big enough for them as adults as well. The crate will have a million uses and probably last the life of the dog. They are perfect for young pups, and you can encourage them by feeding them in it, and making it their special place, with mats and toys. The crate is great for staying with friends or going somewhere not so doggie, as the pup can come too. And with a cover it can double as a light kennel during the day if undercover. If you pup/older BC gets injured the crate is good for recovery, and perfect for when it has been desexed and needs to rest. A crate is also a god-send for when people come over with small children, or non-doggie friends arrive....an hour or two with a lovely bone in the crate is no worries for the pup while the friends are over. Also small pups NEED time out, so if everyone is fussing, or there is lots going on, a crate is a good spot to let them just sleep. BCs fair quite well outside, but for mine, even here in Qld I wouldn't leave my dogs outside in winter at night. The pup will learn that the crate is their place and as it grows and it gets warmer the crate can be moved outside under a patio and the door left open at night. Our pups are all crate trained and sleep through the night by the age of around 10 weeks with no toileting worries...we just make sure they get a pee/poop stop just before we go to bed, and then first thing in the morning, and gradually extend that time. Good luck, and make sure you join us on the BC sub forum...we would all love to see pics!! Prinnie

GREAT NEWS...always used it, and loved it!!! Any ideas from anyone where it might be available in QLD????? Thanx, Prinnie

Hey Eridor, I'm hopeless at finding things...where is that forum??? Thanx, Prinnie

Hoping someone has a hot pink suit that they would like to sell. Looking for large 12 or 14....pant suit or skirt suit. Kepp trying ebay, but not a lot around that is suitable...ha, ha SUITable.... If so could you PM me? Thanx, Prinnie

We bought our pair at Price Attack (a hairdressing chain) they seem to work well.