are they too smart for their own good or am I too dumb (shut up peanut gallery!) Seriously though don’t know how to direct this breed. Standoffish to all company and comes to alpha (me) and house training has been hit er miss. Rather talk to a car dude that’s had one than a snooty breeder
Vie Gehtz, herr Hundt Meister Fritz...! She's a cutie John, and I can tell good looks run in yer family! As cruel as it sounds, dogs need to be crate trained. Derived from wild animals, they actually get comfort and security from a "house" (cave) they can call their own. At 10 pm we give a "last call" for the 3 boys and they all go out. Boner still sleeps in his house and the door is open 24/7. If he's been bad (ruffhousing) its "Get in yer house" and he goes in and lays down. Door still open. BULLITT sleeps in our bed at the foot after a belly rub, its lights out. Chewbaca (Harry dog!) sleeps on a comforter in the laundry room. At 0400, Im up and its Lets Go! They all go out, and come back in and retire until sunrise. If there's a dog park by you, take her there to make friends and acclimate to human contact. Youll probably have to encourage her to play with others (dogs and people). She's probably young enough that life is a bit confusing. Let her develope dad, and she can always come to Papa; thats good too. YOU should be her ultimate focus even tho she's investigating the surroundings. Right now she's a baby. Let her grow up and develop her own personality, but she really should sleep in her house at night, and if yer gone for the day. They "respect" their own bedroom and usually wont dump or make wee wee were they sleep. She's a keeper! ws
Gotta be firm & consistent or they will have you trained before you have them trained. Friend is on his 3rd Border Collie. Super intelligent & easily trained......patience.......it will come. They tended to herd his children together when they were young.
Mixed with what? That helps alot. I got 3 mutts and I had to research each race to completely understand them. They say one races characteristics will overpower
When you say "direct her" what do you mean Fritz, like she won't come to you or ... I'm into dogs and have learned that if you put a dog on the ground, flip it on its back and place your whole hand on its chest and it lets you you will have an easier time during training time. If the dog whimpers and spins his way out of it it will be more of a challenge But still doable. When a dog is a puppy the parents move it by picking it up but the skin of the neck. At the size of your dog it would be painful. BUT imho they need still until about age one, how I do it is just pulling up slowly until you feel a fraction of the weight or pick up the dog from under and hold all the weight while your pulling the neck. Spending time will earn you so much bonding with him. Setting boundaries is a must. There has to be an area where he cant go in like the kitchen or whatever. Never hit them or scream. A deep voice and a scream ain't the same. Lay down on the floor with your dog and play with him and pin him down letting him know your boss but nicely. Easy your breathing and never let him go until he eases his breathing like yours. Never spend to much time trying to train him. 15mins then a treat and some praise
Border collie dogs are fabulous dogs! When i was young we had these dogs on the farm. great herders, friendly, loyal, smart....
That pup is a working dog. It has to have a job, or it will make one up. Better for all, you choose the line of work, or you will be slap worn out. Look for "agility" group, or BC groups in your area. Them doggies are one of the smartest and most cunning, and really need to be directed.
We got a border Collie Bernese mountain dog mix. She’s great but Stubborn as a mule. She knows your calling her but looks the other way and then eventually comes. However we did get her as a rescue at a year old and believe she was abused and beaten. Went straight to the kids and wife but Took her a couple months to get use to me. Now she’s my best friend (cause I’m the one that feeds and walks her). Still Very skittish around other people.
...all identifiable breeds have traits. Borders are clearly working dogs, specifically herding...sheep, ducks, kids, you...highly intelligent and trainable, aka easily bored. Your job is defined...
Border Collies are a great dog, they are as loyal as can be, but untrained they can be very aggravating! Bob H.
