GeorgiB

The RSPCA weren't too strict when they gave rusty to us, didn't ask any questions and we brought our other puppy in with us so if we took him back there I wouldn't count on them giving him to someone suitable. Either that or he could be euthanised. Thought it much better to find someone ourselves. It would be very unlikely that the two dogs would ever run into each other, rusty's new home is half an hour away. And they could usually go for a walk together and walk reasonably close without fighting, it was really a problem only at home. Rupert our border collie had the neighbours dog over to play tonight and they played happily for hours. Going for walks he will greet and play with other dogs too. I really think we had a case of two dogs that really didn't want to share a home. Meanwhile, how do you deal with the loss of one of your best friends???!! Rusty went this afternoon and I feel completely and utterly heartbroken :(

They are rotated regularly so one is not always inside. I have honestly never thought that one particular dog was the problem child, the only reason we are rehoming the CD is because we have had him for less time. If it were up to me I would probably prefer to keep the CD as he is so loyal and trusting towards me but then we raised the BC from 7 weeks so he is our baby! Obviously I would love to keep them both. BC loves to play with other dogs and regularly plays with the dog next door.

I am worried though about him feeling unsettled and more defensive now that he's fought a lot with our other dog. I can only hope that the new owner is prepared to do a lot of work with him. He has had cattle dogs before and has always taken his dog everywhere with him so it sounds like he will spend a lot of time with him. I feel good about it knowing he is a friend of someone I trust. We can never really know once they are out of our hands. That scares me a lot

Also, the RSPCA had picked him up as a stray. No aggression issues were mentioned. Only that he was very timid and afraid of people, which he still is (although he has improved a lot). I have found a new home for Rusty, a friend of my neighbour who has had cattle dogs all his life. I was very clear about what the problems have been. I don't want him to end up being surrendered or put down so of course I wanted to give this guy all the facts! He's not so aggressive he needs to be put to sleep, it's only because I was irresponsible enough to try and raise two male puppies around the same age that are both working breeds and my inexperience probably only made it worse. So I am confident about him being successfully rehomed.

Thank you everyone! Both dogs are desexed and it was initially the Border Collie who would initiate the fights. Then it was the Cattle Dog that was instigating it more and now that they are separated the BC is the one who will growl and try and fight through the glass door. When we got the CD from the RSPCA we took our other pup in with us. Having experienced this and done lots of research I am surprised that they let us take him, knowing he would be living with another male puppy. I don't want to take him back to the RSPCA as I'm worried they would put him down knowing there's been aggression issues. With a very heavy heart I have decided to rehome him. He is afraid of new people and we have formed such a close bond so it is a heartbreaking decision. I'm sure it's the right one for all of us but knowing that doesn't make it any easier.

I have a 7 month old border collie and a 12 month old blue cattle dog. I got the BC at 7 weeks from a breeder and the CD at 8 months, from the RSPCA. For the first couple of months they got along well but have recently started fighting. It has become so vicious that they, and I, have been injured and they growl at each other through the glass door (they have been separated for a few weeks). I do not want to put myself, or them, through the trauma of another fight again and my partner and I wonder if the best thing for all of us might be to rehome our CD. I have spoken to so many professionals and it seems hopeful that, with a lot of training, time and persistence they could get along again but I am terrified one of them will end up dead before that happens. I am torn now between getting more help for them, surrendering the CD to the Animal Welfare League or rehoming him myself. Has anyone had experience with this type of situation?