I was given one already-working dog - and he taught me a lot! Still think of you, Ted
- by a farmer who did sheepdog trials; Ted was a good worker but not trials material, and as we needed two, I also went on a 'sheepdog experience' day with a fella who trains and deals (as well as trials.) We worked his dogs that he had at the time, many of whom were for sale.
He had earmarked Jaff for me, an 18 month old Killibrae-bred dog, and he was a super dog, but I knew that he'd have had the beating of me for where I was in working collie handling at the time. Skip, a semi-trained 2-year old Alan had only bought as he was penmate to Jaff, was an easier dog, we clicked and I knew I would be able to handle him. I've never regretted that choice
.
I had also been offered a working dog that didn't suit the farmer who had her - too soppy for him, he said she was a "woman's dog"
- and she'd have been great for working in fields but I wasn't sure she'd cope with hundreds of acres of moorland.
So you can find part-trained dogs that are perfectly fine, just haven't suited whoever owns them.
When I knew enough to have some confidence I wouldn't ruin a pup, I got Dot. Any problems she has are all my fault
- I can't blame her previous training and handling! lol