We're About To Get A Border Collie Pup, Any Helpful Hints?

[Dinger]

We should get him in about 2-3 weeks. I'vegot a magazine, and a book on puppy training. Can anyone suggest a good book or website? Anything else?

[Willy Lee]

1. I'd just say this- keep him/her entertained!!

These are such amazingly smart dogs. He'll require (and love) lots of training and attention. It's very important to keep this breed busy with learning and activity! Otherwise you can expect a lot of damage to house and belongings as a bored pup will get into trouble.

Good luck with your new family addition!

[ernstbass]

2. Border collies are such quick learners

and I agreee with the first poster - keep him busy. These dogs must be stimulated or they will act out.

[SiouxJ]

3. I have two BC's

I didn't get them when they were puppies, I adopted them from a BC rescue organization when they were 18 months old. The great part about adopting an adult dog is that they are usually already house trained. These guys were also dog-door trained (bonus!) as well. I highly recommend adopting adult dogs from rescue organizations.

Like others here have said, the trick is to keep them busy. They were bred to chase sheep all day long so they have a lot of energy. I walk mine 3 miles a day, every day. I also take them to a big park and let them really dig in and run (play Frisbee etc.), at least once a week. We have at least 3 play sessions every day too. It also helps to get two if you can so when you can't be paying attention to them, they can entertain each other. If you give them the attention they need, they will reward you by being the most affectionate, non-destructive, smartest companions you have ever known. :-)

Good luck! We want to see the pictures!

[Dinger]

5. Thanks Everybody

and I'll post the pics I took a couple of days ago. It'll probably be 2-3 weeks yet before we get him. It's not far from here, so I paid him a visit with a camera. I'm computer stupid though, and don't know how to upload (I have an iBook), but my sis can (hopefully) do it for me.

[Dinger]

6. Here's One Pic

[SiouxJ]

7. Aaaaawwwww!

What a sweetie! I don't have puppy pics of my guys but I imagine Natasha looked a lot like that. Thanks for sharing!

[livetohike]

4. Echoing what everyone else has said and

just have a really good time with him! I have two cattle dogs (Catahoula Leopard and an Australian Cattle Dog). I got them when they were eight weeks old and they are now two years old.

Be sure to give him lots of exercise. You will be amazed at the energy level and the intelligence :-).

[radfringe]

8. keep him/her active

lots of toys, games etc. Border Collies are herding dogs and that instinct is strong in this this breed -- they have been known to "herd" children in a pinch.

A friend of ours had a Border Collie, it would herd her flock of chickens. There is a small stream across the road from their home -- in the warmer nights of summer the frogs would be out on the road -- and her dog would try to herd them

best advice is to enroll in dog obedience class asap - vet or local animal org. should have a list of available classes

border collies are also good at agility "races" and "fly-ball" -- you might want to check these out if there are any in your area

[roguevalley]

9. Be prepared to play! Constantly. They are so smart. I think you

will be in love forever with this breed. Prepare to be herded. They like to nudge you to go where they believe you should go. They will defend you with their life. Lovely, lovely dogs.

[Dinger]

10. We're Picking Up "Zippy" Tonight

I'll post pics when I can....

[livetohike]

11. Great!

Can't wait to see the pics!

[ajacobson]

12. Jon Katz books?

Jon Katz wrote some interesting books about his experience with border collies. He wrote "A Dog Year" and "The Dogs of Bedlam Farm", among other books.

Ian Dunbar's book on puppy training "Before and After You Get Your Puppy" and Pat Miller's book "The Power of Positive Dog Training" are good general training books.

You may want to check out www.dogwise.org for other books. I have to keep my credit cards locked away when I get on that site, it's the mother lode of dog books.

Finally, go to www.apdt.com Association of Pet Dog Trainers for tips and to locate a trainer near you. Dog to dog socialization is critical, so a puppy class is a must, in my humble opinion.