shyfig

I use Revolution. Once a month squeezed onto the back of the neck and protects against heartworm, fleas, ticks and some other parasites (including ear mite I think). Available for cats also.

I can vouch for the effectiveness of this using lots of pepper to "cure" a Rottweiler of the habit. Hang the pantyhose lower than the lowest article on the line and make sure it is done when you are there and able to supervise the experiment and observe the results. My boy had been pulling clothes off the line for months whilst my husband and I were at work. When we tried the "pepper in the pantyhose" experiment our dear dog could not drink enough water and developed an immediate disinterest in the clothes line. After this I always hung a pair of pantyhose on the line when I put clothes out and our Rottie was never ever a problem again.

Thanks Busterlove and JulesP and Mystiqview

I can really relate to that! I speak to Jed all day generally rambling on but will highlight specifics such as "John's room...let's go to John's room" ...that way he has learn't where the boys are situated in the house (as they spend most time in their rooms). I also do the let's go to the clothesline, kitchen etc, Jed's toy, not toy (obviously if it isn't) and probably much more than I can think of. Oh I introduced him to the "gas man" yesterday and becuase I had a Hidden fence installed I am letting anyone that visits (including utility persons) know and practice entering and leaving so they will do the right thing with Jed. Being in a small country town most people are more than willing to cooperate. By far the most rewarding achievement so far is introducing Jed to our two beautiful cats Pudicus and Charlotte. That of course is worthy of another longer post later. P.S How does one do the picture thing at the bottom of posts...of pets...some sort of photo signature??

That would be so cool!! I keep telling people that I'm going to teach Jed to help me with the housework and mostly they laugh....but I'm pretty determined to see what we can do.

My boy would also die for pats....he is so affectionate and that is exactly as I was dreaming. Jed is a huge part of our family....as I mentioned in my initial post we are home 24/7 all day most days of the year as I am a full time carer to 3 boys whom have high functioning autism and are home schooled. Jed will never be lonely that's for sure. He loves "his boys" and is quickly learning their names and has instinctively picked up on the boys individual preferences. For example my oldest boy (15) has OCD and his fear of germs overtakes his life....so Jed has picked up very quickly that his cuddles and playtime with John is broken up a lot with "attending" the bathroom for handwashing. I am trying to focus on Jed's mental stimulation as I do believe that this is what he would find difficult to cope without...lack of problem solving. Jed has learnt all of our names including the two cats....can sit....sits and waits before he can eat...knows the difference between inside and outside and of course that is then built on (i.e). if he brings a bone inside I only have to say "ah..ahh...outside food Jed" and he remembers to take it outside. I think for a less than a month of owning Jed he is certainly doing OK. He is just adorable....having said that I work hard and firmly but fairly and consistently to help him become a well mannered pet and a dog that will know what to expect from his people.

Most of the articles about Border Collies that I have read imply that Border Collies are only suited to owners who will work them with livestock or owners who, having the Border as a pet, are willing to dedicate hours and hours in the day to one on one physical exercise and to ensure that they are involved in dog sports at least in lieu of being able to utilize their herding instinct with stock. The challenging information of course being that if the new or potential owner isn't prepared for this type of committment, then the Border, as a result of the supressed or unused herding desire, will most likely be heading for a one way trip to the pound as the disappointed but "failed" owner is unable to handle the repercussions. Some of the repercussions being undesirable behaviour such as digging, chasing cars...people, rounding up family pets, and eating and destroying the home inside and out. That's why I have been concerned about it...and sought advice from members of this forum whom, having the practical experience with these dogs, may be able to shed some light on any areas of this information which may ring true should my boy'/s herding instinct switch on.

Whoops...that didn't work but I'll get my head around replying soon enough!! Thanks everyone so much for your replies. I was quite taken aback at the number and speed of replies....very encouraging. Unfortunately I can't work out how to multi quote posts so be convinced for now that everyone's thoughts and advice has been sincerely appreciated. I've been able to see Jed a little more for what he is and to learn more of how he can be. Invaluable advice has also been given to help me through the beginning stages of obedience training and to help me feel a great deal more confident as Jed and I really begin our walk together. And of course my questions and concerns about the herding instinct has really been tended to! Looking forward to meeting you all again in many discussions to come.

Hi all.. I am new to this forum and have a beautiful 5 1/2 month old male Border Collie whom we have had for a month. I am curious about other BC's as Jed does not seem to fit the "typical" descriptions of the breed that I have read. He is so easy going, quite...not at all boisterous or overloaded with energy. He has loads of company during the day as I am an at home mum with 3 boys that are home schooled. Perhaps this constant "people" availability keeps Jed pretty happy. He has a 1/4 acre fenced yard and the freedom to be off lead all day. At night he sleeps indoors with us and is doing pretty well learning to get along with our two cats. My big question at the moment is does the "herding instinct" switch on at a particular age? How will I know when it happens as this is the time I don't want to be caught out.