Paws22

OMG...where to start ???? For starters I would get into clicker training & teach all sorts of tricks. How to get started Introduction to Clicker Training. My guys go nuts for it :) Hi Border Collie Lover & Agility Nut, yes I started clicker training him when I got him and so far it's working well. I actually read through your website before I got my pup as you have some fabulous information and I LOVE the pics and youtube videos of your gorgeous dogs. My boy seems to enjoy obedience training, but I guess I was looking for some stimulating games that he would really enjoy that would let him just cut loose, for example, maybe a really fun game to finish an obedience session? I can't take him out for another week (he had his third lot of vaccines a week ago) so in the meantime I've been trying to find some games to play with him. I feel he may be getting bored of soccer and "find the toy".

I had to put my puppy in doggy daycare for a few days when I first got him (unexpected circumstances), and it was awful. The owner was rude and condescending. The first day I arrived, I carried my puppy in and there were about five other large dogs running around in a fenced area (the dogs were much bigger than my pup). The dogs started jumping around trying to get to my puppy, and the owner demanded that I put my pup down amongst the dogs. She said he would be fine and that she would be there to "break up any fights". She then had the nerve to tell me to "stop stressing so much" as the dogs were "constantly supervised". THEN she said "you are the reason your dog has anxiety issues, he picks up on your tension". I had to bite my tongue and really felt like picking my puppy back up and walking out of there. Maybe the anxiety issues was because my puppy didn't want to play with those massive dogs?? Luckily my pup was fine, but that night when I picked him up he vomited up a large piece of torn leather!!!So much for "constant supervision". On the third day I picked him up, paid the fee (which was excessive, by the way) and got away from there as fast as I could. I feel sick to my stomach thinking about how I left my puppy there, it really gives me chills. And this place had good reviews! Just goes to show you just can't trust some people. Certainly taught me a lesson I will never forget.

That's just silly Sick is more like it. How selfish can a person be? Perhaps your colleague should have done her research into the breed instead of just deciding on the spur of the moment she felt like buying a "fluffy puppy".

I can't... It was never a consideration when my daughter was born. If you get a dog you are responsible for its life for the next 12-15 years. If you think there is a slight chance in that time that you will have a baby and can't have them live under the same roof then DONT GET THE DOG. It is all about responsibility and few people take the responsibility of dog ownership seriously. I agree. A dog is a committment. I'm in my early twenties and, having got my first pup a few months ago, I know that there is no way I could give my dog up if I ever start a family. Getting a dog is a choice. A dog isn't something you can just get rid of when it isn't convenient to have the dog anymore.

The parents are entirely responsible. I understand mistakes happen, but this is just inexcusable.

A Black Dog lead and harness, heaps of chew/cuddly toys, a knitted jumper and a new mattress for his crate so he doesn't get cold :)

Hi everyone, I've got a sixteen week old border collie pup and I'm wondering if anyone has any idea of some games I can play with him? So far we play fetch, "hide the toy", soccer and obedience training. Does anyone know of some games that are really fun for puppies and that also encourages them to use their brains and think? Although he loves toys when I'm not around, he becomes quite focussed on me when I play with him. I'd love some ideas on bonding games or just games in general that puppies love to play. Many thanks

Beyond sick, the terrified looks on the faces of the dogs as they await their death makes me feel physically ill.

So the dogs have to be maimed because the owners were too selfish to re-home them to a more suitable home? Disgusting.

I have signed my 13 week border collie pup up and can't wait to start the course :). The wonderdogs are sooo beautiful and amazing

Oh my gosh I'm so relieved!! I am a recent owner of a border collie pup (I love him to bits) and I was terrified that I had missed something in my research and I was going to find out these terrible things about the breed! HAHA great links and pics, just adorable. :)

Then you are on the right track. Good for you for asking the questions! He's a lucky boy to have such a caring Momma.

He was looking at me in the eye, his ears were slightly back. His hair on his back was not raised. I said "no" firmly, and then when he growled I said "time out" firmly and walked away. I ignored him for about five minutes, then when I came back he seemed much more settled. He was eight weeks old when I got him. I use treats and praise to encourage good behaviours. I correct bad behaviour by giving him a firm "no" or "uh uh!". He is the first puppy I've ever had. I have read forums and a couple of books about training, but I'm very inexperienced and hate to think that I may be allowing him to develop bad behaviours.

I recently got a border collie pup; he is nine weeks old. He's a very friendly boy and I'm really happy with him. I've been doing basic obedience training with him (sit, down stay etc). We do short sessions three times a day. I have noticed lately though (particularly in the last week) that when I correct his behaviour by telling him "No" firmly, it tends to excite him and he thinks I'm playing. I then repeat "No" and if he doesn't stop the bad behaviour, I stand and walk away. The other day he was biting too hard, and I told him "no". When I said this, he showed his teeth at me and growled. I was quite upset when he did it as he seems to have a lovely nature and I bought him from a very reputable breeder. What should I do in future when he behaves this way? Is this a sign of aggression, or is he just playing?

Hi everyone I'm getting a border collie puppy in the next few months (FINALLY! After much research and planning I finally feel I'm ready to own a BC) and would like to know the best foods to feed the puppy. Can anyone recommend a high quality dried food? I'm also keen to feed raw food too, but I'm not sure which are the best foods to feed. Any advice would be appreciated.

DancinBCs, thank you very much for the wonderful information! I had no idea that most reputable breeders mainly just breed black and white longhaired. That certainly helps to narrow down the list of breeders that I have been considering. I also had no idea that I should avoid breeders who advertise their dogs as "family pets". Many of the breeders I have looked at advertise their dogs as pets. It really is extremely helpful to know that I should now be looking at breeders who breed dogs for showing. Thank you Tassie also for the great tips on keeping BCs active. Just wondering - does anyone have much information about buying a puppy from another state and having the puppy transported by plane? I'm considering a few breeders in the Sydney area, and I just wondered whether it would be more stressful for the puppy to be transported 1.5 hours on a plane or 11 hours in a car (Sydney to Brisbane). I've found some breeders in Qld who look great, but if I do decide to go with one in NSW I just wanted to know the options. Thanks

Thanks for the great info Mystiqview!! The information about the colours really helped. I've spoken to a few breeders who have indeed called their colours "rare". I know now I'll be avoiding those!! It was great to also know what you thought was a reasonable price too. Border Collie and Agility Nut, thanks for your response. I do want the dog to be a pet, that is, I won't be entering into any serious competitions etc. I do however definitely want to invest a lot of time into the dog's training and physical/mental exercise. I'd love to hear more about the competitions you enter your dogs in?

Wow, thank you all for such wonderful responses!! I will definitely be taking all of this information on board. Mystiqview, thanks for all your great information - I had no idea that black and white BCs tend to have longer coats. That would explain the differences I've wondered about. Can I just ask what you meant when you said not to pay more than $1,200.00 for a pup? I have looked at a couple of breeders who charge around that price....would you say for a well bred, healthy pup this would be a standard price? Many thanks to you all again! And sorry for all the questions - I am just a tad excited :)

Disgusting, pathetic excuse for a human being. If he can't handle a dog pooping then I hate to imagine how he reacts after a busy day when his children are screaming and won't eat their dinner - you going to break their ribs too?? Scum should be locked away. It's only a matter of time before he starts bashing his kids/partner.

Hi everyone :) I've always had my heart set on getting a Border Collie and finally feel that I am ready to own one. I would be looking to purchase in 8-12 months time. I have looked at many breeders, but it is very difficult to know which are reputable. I've gone on to a few waiting lists for dogs in Queensland, but a few of them asked for an upfront deposit before the dogs were even bred (I can understand paying a deposit once the puppies are born, but before they're even bred??). When I politely queried if the deposit is refundable if there are no males in the litter (as I want a male pup) the breeder never replied and I just got the feeling that this particular breeder was more interested in selling dogs than matching the right pup to the right person. I was quite disappointed as the dogs on the website looked beautiful and well bred. I have emailed a few breeders in NSW who specialise in breeding show dogs, and the responses I got were wonderful - they seemed like they genuinely wanted to help, and weren't overly concerned about a deposit. I'm looking for a dog for a pet (won't be competing in dog sports, agility etc) but I still want a well bred dog out of parents with low health risks etc, with intelligence and a good temperament. Lastly, I know looks shouldn't matter but I do have my heart set on getting a black/white or choc/white with long hair. Actually, do most breeders breed long hair Borders? Sorry for the silly question, but on some breeders' websites some of the dogs have really long hair, others have mid length. Do the dogs shed then re-grow their coats and that's why some look to have shorter hair? Can anyone recommend some good, reputable breeders please?