[robert waddell]

well some collies can be nippers and others just don't bother no mater what the situation  but it is training and there environment that brings it out or not
maybe we have been lucky with the dogs we selected to breed from and how quite and gentle that the pups are with there new family's 

[Moleskins]

Border collies are very intelligent. I was finishing off a job one afternoon at a house and all I had to do was explain how the heating worked, then I was away for a longish drive home and my tea, so quite keen to get done and gone!
The dog, a collie, was barking and generally being a pain, the lady of the house stopped my explanation of her heating to go and put the telly on, explaining that "he likes to watch Blue Peter" I was amazed to see the dog lie down in front of the TV once it was on. She demonstrated that if you got the remote and put the other side on he went nuts until Blue Peter was back on then he lay down to watch.

[jaykay]

 

[Remy]

Some working dogs can become quite neurotic if not given the right stimulants.  My sister got a BC pup but kept it as a house pet - it came from working stock and turned out snappy and hyper as it wasn't given enough to do, it ended up being PTS as it went for one of their kids  .

I have Australian Cattle dogs, another high energy and full-on breed.  Their instinct to nip hind legs is very strong and many a time they have driven me mad trying to 'help' with the horses  .  They also hang onto your trouser legs if they are trying to get a point across  .  I love them but they need loads of exercise otherwise they will often get up to no good ..

I also had a Lancashire Heeler, another cattle herding breed.  He was an adorable little thing, no trouble, very obedient.  But once we were walking in the woods and passed this woman who had very skinny legs and shorts on, and trainers with no socks.  Well this little dog just nipped her as she was passing, and drew blood!    He didn't do it in malice, he must have thought her legs looked rather cow-lke - we were mortified but thankfully she was quite good about it!

[Old Shep]

If you decide to get a pup, I presume that you will be careful where you purchase - so many puppy farms out there or backstreet breeders breeding from completely unsuitable parents.  This KC report is quite scary

http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/4186/23/5/3

If you go for an older dog at least you should know what you are getting because their personality will have developed.  If you went for a rescue dog - try to find out how many they get returned if you can - this shows how good they are at matching dogs to their new owners requirements.  Some have a high rate of returns which is more upsetting for the dog.

[Tilly]

Hi Smudger 

Hmmm.....Lots of views on this subject!

 Well done for thinking through all the options -  Everybody is different and every dog is too -so getting the correct combination is very difficult.

I wouldn`t know where to start in advising you, but can only say, I if you have as much fun as I have over the last year with Meg I would get a pup.
-I had hoped for Meggy to be a working dog and as she grew her natural instinct around the animals proved she would fit the bill.
There are times when I "pull my hair out though"- she is a typical collie and is pretty hyper.This spring I am hoping to knuckle down and do some proper sheepdog training.
Today is actually her first Birthday and although I am a rufty tufty Farmer and expect her to work for a living We will be celebrating with a cake..

Happy Birthday Meg 

Best of luck to you Smudger

Tilly 

[SallyintNorth]

Happy birthday Meg !   

[Haylo-peapod]

Hi Tilly - it's Hayley from the old GFD forum but a newbie to TAS - it's good to see you and other fellow GFD breeders here...  Anyhow Happy Birthday to Meg!

Smudger - I have a 15 month old BC from agility/show lines who is a pet but from day one was fascinated with the sheep and cows. She had a few sheepdog training sessions down in Cornwall whilst we were down there on hols last year and she showed real promise. So far I've not found any local trainers up in Derbyshire so for the time being she helps us round up the sheep in her own special way (not that Greyface Dartmoors ever respond that well to being rounded up!). So you can be surprised when a good 'un turns up.  Best of luck with your search!

I don't suppose anyone knows of any sheepdog trainers in the Derbyshire/Cheshire/Staffs area??

[ScottishSmallholdersAssoc]

Totally never take on an older dog, it`s just someone elses problem. Raise a pup from 6 weeks. Even in the 1931 book I Bought a Mountain the author is advocating this and after many many sheepdog problems from bought in dogs our pups are now working well. There is no fasttrack answer to this. But there are lessons for you and your dog to attend as he or she grows.

[colliewoman]

Totally never take on an older dog, it`s just someone elses problem. Raise a pup from 6 weeks. Even in the 1931 book I Bought a Mountain the author is advocating this and after many many sheepdog problems from bought in dogs our pups are now working well. There is no fasttrack answer to this. But there are lessons for you and your dog to attend as he or she grows.

Hi there and welcome
But I totally disagree with you. Pups should not be away from the dam at 6 weeks so unless you are breeding them there is no way to raise a bc from 6 weeks. This isn't just my opinion, it is the law (Scotland may be different but I hope not)
As for other peoples problems, IMO For a newcomer to the sheepdog world, I would actively SUGGEST and older dog.
I have had both pups and older rescues (and an older dog doesn't have to be a rescue I know) and each of them I have loved with all my heart. My rescue bitch would have defended me to the death had she needed to. Her faults and reasons for being discarded? 'Oh she doesn't like other dogs, and doesn't like it when we throw balls at her'. That's right, not for her but AT her. Poor love, her only crime with me? Dying way too soon, she was supposed to live forever, we had an agreement
She was/is missed dreadfully by all, including the dogs she lived with.

Anyhoo hi again

[robert waddell]

6 weeks is way to early to part from mother even at 8 weeks they are just starting to get there individual selves
and nothing wrong with a rescue collie either we had one that was going to end its days tied to a boulder at the bottom of a pond  it did not like children  and never did but one bloody good guard dog and very friendly to adults

[YorkshireLass]

http://www.accidentalsmallholder.net/forum/index.php?topic=21903.0;topicseen

 

[colliewoman]

http://www.accidentalsmallholder.net/forum/index.php?topic=21903.0;topicseen

 

 

[SteveHants]

Would this be a god place to post gratuitous pics of my collie pup, Pip? He is now 11 weeks and was whelped in a house, but is slowly being relocated outdoors. Pip is not registered, but came from a local shepherd and is out of 'known stock' as it were.

[colliewoman]

Oh Steve, I hate to be the one to tell you this, that dog is in the wrong home, but I have a solution
SEND HIM TO ME AT ONCE!!!
Enjoy every minute of his puppyhood it goes way too soon.
I miss puppy breath