thanks for some good advice?

Question

posted recently asking for advice about my border collie pup snapping at us, received some really helpfull advice thanks to all, but one lady did gave a bit of a telling off. just for the record i did do research into the breed, was fully aware of the pros and cons of a border collie and am extremely willing to put in the time and effort, never actually owned a border collie myself so one of the questions that i did ask a number of people who do own them was if they would be suitable for a family, everyone that i asked said yes. Like i said this is the only problem we have come accross, everything else is going really well, he sits when told, gives paw, great with toilet training, spends lots of time around other dogs as most of my family have them no problems so far, also comes with me to work,generally spends most of his time with me. we love him dearly and just want to overcome problems as they arise. thanks again to everyone who gave positive advice.

Answer 1

Some people just dont understand the questions or are just trying to get you going.

Answer 2

I was one of the people who answered your first question.

I'm so glad you did some research. Border Collies are a wonderful breed and easily trained for so many different uses.

They can make very troublesome pets because of their active minds and physical energy which means you have to do the work when they are puppies and do the basic training.

They don't have to do flyball, agility or competitive obedience or need a flock of sheep to keep them occupied but they definitely like to be included in the family activities.

I don't generally recommend them as pets in case they are left too much on their own as they don't cope very well with being idle. Your pup seems to have found the right home and I'm sure he'll be fine.

Remember to check out the APDT for a good trainer.

Answer 3

i did answer your question and I'm so glad that you are sorting out your problem your dog will be fine there are so many people that have these dogs and don't try hard enough with them and just dump then in a kennel or pass them on or even beat them you will be fine and so will the dog with a lot of love and care as i said to you my sister has a border collie with her children and he is so good with them so you take great care and don't worry about stupid remarks good luck

Answer 4

I have a Border Collie rescue who came to me (after going through 3 very knowledgeable rescue homes) for euthanasia due to extremely severe fear-biting and other behavioral issues.

I don't do 'euthanasias of convenience'....but this one seemed justified, as they had legitimately made a concerted effort with her, and couldn't get anywhere. She was not placeable in a home/family situation. In a weak moment, however....I decided to give her one last chance myself. I made no promises that we might not be right back up there in the same situation if it didn't work out. They were in tears about having to put her down, so they jumped at the chance I offered. I didn't have a clue whether I would be able to make any headway....but with their permission, I took her home to my acreage in the country, showed her the food bowls and dog houses, and told her she was welcome to stay as long as she didn't cause any problems. (She was also known to be a garbage fiend.) Otherwise....*slashing motion across neck*. I made it clear that this was her LAST chance. She was petrified (not because of what I said...LOL...she was just a very fearful dog.) I didn't do anything special, I just practiced a little something that we call 'benign scientific neglect.'

I made sure she had plenty of food available on the front porch, and would only nod in her direction to acknowledge her when she stood in the woods and looked at me from afar every time I drove into my driveway and got out of my car. It took about a month of that, then she started coming to me on her own. Now, we're the best of friends. Neighbors later told me she almost never left my porch when I wasn't home, and would merely bark at them as they walked past. (It's a rural dead-end road, and the few of us who live out here like to walk.) She has turned into a great natural guard dog. Now, almost 3 years later, she can be around anyone without making any motion to bite. She is still a tad tentative with strangers and shows her belly in submission, but is very friendly. She loves the kids who live out here, and they love her. When I left her at my clinic to go on vacation, I warned everyone that she might revert to old behavior and to be cautious....but they said she was a model boarder. :-)

Living out here like this, she has plenty of critters to 'round up' as Border Collies are so wont to do. (You put 3 or more of anything in relatively close proximity, and they are GOING to gather them up for you. LOL. They'll often even round up children who are out playing in the yard.)

They are a very special breed with special 'way of thinking' quirks that many people don't understand. I can't recommend the book "Nop's Trials" by Donald McCaig highly ENOUGH for anyone who chooses to include a Border Collie in their family. I read it as a young teenager, but adults love it, too. It will help you understand the way they think. You'll be glad you read it.

Answer 5

Some people think the object of this site is to pass judgement, not to give advice ! Just ignore the self righteous sods. Good luck with your dog. : - )

Answer 6

i DID NOT ANSWER YOUR QUESTION BUT I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR SAYING THANK YOU TO THE ONES THAT DID ANSWER IT. PEOPLE DO TRY TO HELP WITH ANSWERING QUESTIONS, BUT THERE IS SOME THAT DO GET REALLY DEGRADING ANSWERS, AND ALL PEOPLE WANT IS KNOWLEDGE FROM PEOPLE ON THINGS THAT THEY ARE NOT AWARE OF THEIRSELVES.
GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR DOG AND BY THE WAY, BORDER COLLIES ARE WONDERFUL, SMART DOGS AND THEY DO MAKE LOYAL PETS.

Answer 7

Glad to hear it's working out for you!
Hope you all enjoy your dog for many years to come.

Answer 8

Awe that's nice, so glad your baby is doing great, he will do you proud because you are brilliant owners, good luck.

Answer 9

glad you got the right advice. good luck with your pup, glad you happy. x

Answer 10

I didn't give any advice, but I think that it is very nice of you to return and say 'thank you'.