Agri Vehicles Insurance from Greenlands

Author Topic: getting a new collie  (Read 3529 times)

OGDerpette

  • Joined Jul 2015
getting a new collie
« on: July 20, 2015, 08:08:57 pm »
We have a one year old border collie mix. dad border collie/mum spaniel cross staffie and she is a fantastic dog, we got her at a far to young age (5 1/2 weeks) and so she didn't get as much socialization with her littermates as she should have. She is generally good with other dogs, (she'll be submissive with large dogs and a bit dominant with smaller dogs. She sometimes runs at and barks at people or dogs if they catch her off guard (eg come tfrom behing a hedge or something) but she comes straight back and its not really an issue. We were thinking of getting another dog. We were going to adopt a border collie but unfortunately he was possessive and bit Storm (our dog) over a cushion and a crumb. He wasn't right for our house but when we do get a dog does anyone have any tips on how to introduce him/her to the house properly. Also what age should we get, we thought we should get a young dog (maybe arround 6-12 months) because Storm is very playful and would love another dog to play with. Storm is quite indipendant and in the house she likes to stay close to us but she isn't very cuddly. the dog we fostered was very cuddly and wouldn't let storm close. What should we do differently and does anyone know of any collies needing homes? We go to agility and obedience with Storm and do trick training at home. she gets around 2 hours exercise (running, jumping, fetching walking etc) and would like a highly energetic dog that storm can chase or that can chase her! We do also have a cat so if you do know a dog it would have to be cat friendly. we live in Scotland
« Last Edit: July 20, 2015, 08:18:17 pm by OGDerpette »

SallyintNorth

  • Joined Feb 2011
  • Cornwall
  • Rarely short of an opinion but I mean well
    • Trelay Cohousing Community
Re: getting a new collie
« Reply #1 on: July 21, 2015, 11:40:10 am »
From what I've seen of The Dogs' Trust, their staff are tremendous at understanding their dogs and making sure they get placed in an appropriate family.  So if you have a DT near you, I'd be inclined to go there, with Storm, and let them guide you.

Otherwise, I hear good things about Border Collie Rescue.

Hopefully one or other of those will be able to find you a collie or collie x that's not interested in sheep, and is a good choice for an active family pet who will get lots of stimulation, mental as well as physical ;) Oh, and is ok with cats  :-\   And not too clingy. 

I suspect that any of the above would have you introduce Storm to your potential new family member at their premises, on neutral ground, so they can become playmates before the new dog arrives in Storm's territory.

Don't listen to the money men - they know the price of everything and the value of nothing

Live in a cohousing community with small farm for our own use.  Dairy cows (rearing their own calves for beef), pigs, sheep for meat and fleece, ducks and hens for eggs, veg and fruit growing

Caroline1

  • Joined Nov 2014
  • Cambridgeshire
Re: getting a new collie
« Reply #2 on: July 21, 2015, 01:53:26 pm »
Most of the good rescues will suggest introductions outside of the house and on neutral ground and so would most good breeders.

When I have fostered dogs I normally do 1 or 2 introductions to see if the dogs get along before bringing home. Just to make sure there will be no personality clashes. I think it is great to get a 6-12 month dog as far too many are abandoned when they no longer have the cute puppy look, but could potentially be more work if they have not been trained/socialised.

Wherever you find a dog, like you say, it needs to be a match to your current dog and your lifestyle. Good luck.  :thumbsup:
________
Caroline

OGDerpette

  • Joined Jul 2015
Re: getting a new collie
« Reply #3 on: July 21, 2015, 02:49:42 pm »
Thank you both. I've been keeping an eye on dogs trust, preloved border collies and a couple other local shelters but a lot of collie's I've seen are either cat agressive (due to their prey drive), they need to be worked on a farm or they are very shy. Our dog is quite boisterous so we don't want to get a dog that will be frightened by her!!! I'll post if/when we do find a dog. We have just gone through the 6-12 month period with Storm so we remember what works! If anyone finds out about any dogs that aren't on the usual websites I'd be gratefull if you could let me know. Thanks!  :)

Old Shep

  • Joined Feb 2011
  • North Yorkshire
Re: getting a new collie
« Reply #4 on: July 21, 2015, 09:59:35 pm »
Have you tried freedom of spirit rescue they are in yorkshire but very good at matching dogs to homes, to the point of being quite blunt if they think a dog doesnt suit!  Dogs trust vary from centre to centre some very good some not. Protecting preloved border collies are another rescue worth checking out, and if you are confident in your assesment of a dog you could just trawl gumtree and preloved.  You may be tempted to get the wrong dog though just to get it out of where it is!
Helen - (used to be just Shep).  Gordon Setters, Border Collies and chief lambing assistant to BigBennyShep.

OGDerpette

  • Joined Jul 2015
Re: getting a new collie
« Reply #5 on: July 23, 2015, 02:55:41 am »
We have been looking on Gumtree etc were looking at a collie x kelpie, 5 months old waiting for them to get back in touch. We know we can't just choose a dog because it needs a home, there will always be more dogs needing homes than we could rescue, plus it's not going to do the dog any good if we can't help it or if we have to rehome it later down the line. Thanks for everyone's advice  :thumbsup:

farmvet

  • Joined Feb 2014
Re: getting a new collie
« Reply #6 on: July 24, 2015, 11:41:57 pm »
I would stick with just storm for now & meet up with doggy friends out walking for a good run around. She is still young and you say tends to be a bit independent, she may well chum up with the new dog & not really want to play with you anymore. Also 2 wild playful adolesecents can be a bit of a handful in the house!

Kitchen Cottage

  • Joined Oct 2012
Re: getting a new collie
« Reply #7 on: July 25, 2015, 08:43:46 am »
Sticking my oar in here.... my once in a lifetime dog was a sprollie, and when circumstances allow (not overrun with blind/deaf dogs) I would love another.

In terms of working dogs, you could try Morgan Dog Rescue in Yorkshire which specialises in working dogs.  I think they only have a facebook page but here it is https://www.facebook.com/pages/Morgans-Dog-Rescue/244076885635414  She never keeps it up to date because she is working but worth a call xxx

Marches Farmer

  • Joined Dec 2012
  • Herefordshire
Re: getting a new collie
« Reply #8 on: August 06, 2015, 02:39:36 pm »
I always decide in advance which is to be Second-in-Command Dog and that's the one that gets petted first, fed first and let in first at night and out in the morning.  Since I am Top Dog what I say goes!

 

Forum sponsors

FibreHut Energy Helpline Thomson & Morgan Time for Paws Scottish Smallholder & Grower Festival Ark Farm Livestock Movement Service

© The Accidental Smallholder Ltd 2003-2024. All rights reserved.

Design by Furness Internet

Site developed by Champion IS