Border Collie

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whiteforest

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That is a good point Goldenkitty. You can teach a dog their place in the family, but you'd never be able to tell the cat they aren't running the house.
 

momofmany

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Originally Posted by GoldenKitty45

You need to work with your BC and NEVER allow any growling at the cats or stopping them from getting to you. Your BC needs to understand that the cats are higher in pack status and you can control her actions by your top/leader status.
Absolutely agree with this. I use 2 primary techniques with our dogs to place the cats over the dogs.

At feeding time, the cats are fed first and the dogs are put into a down/stay until the cats are finished. They are all in the same room when I do this. In a dog pack, the dogs of alpha status always eat first and leave the remnants to the lesser dogs. Our dogs are allowed to lick the plates clean once the cats have had their fill and have all walked away.

The dogs are not allowed on the furniture where a cat is laying. They can ask me if they can jump up, but I own the decision, not they. If they jump up and disturb a cat, they are removed and scolded. It is really funny to watch a dog ask for permission to join you on the sofa. Worth doing even if there isn't a cat up there.
 

goldenkitty45

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I didn't want Keno stealing the cat's treats either. So she has been taught you have to ask me (or DH) for permission to clean up what the cats don't finish. Agree its kinda funny. You know very well she really wants it, but she just pretends its not there till you release with "ok - its yours".

Even if the food is right in front of her, she will not just grab it without permission. Most dogs are bigger then the cats and can bully them, so its better to train them they are below in terms of status with the cats
 

save_adopt

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Originally Posted by GoldenKitty45

You need to work with your BC and NEVER allow any growling at the cats or stopping them from getting to you. Your BC needs to understand that the cats are higher in pack status and you can control her actions by your top/leader status.
Oh, trust me, i worked with her. Shes an angel at heart though... she has mental issues... shes a rescue dog, missing a leg. she sees me as "her person" because i took her in, she doesnt like anyone getting in the way of that. (unless its my dad with a french fry
) but i worked with her. and im the only one she did it to, not my parents.
 

goldenkitty45

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I'm glad you are working with her, but she still needs to respect the cats - NO growling or preventing you from petting them - work on putting her in her place (below the cats)
 

save_adopt

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the problem kind of erased itself, when i had to move 2000 miles away and she still lives with my parents


but she doesnt prevent the cats from being with them, just me when i lived there because she was my baby hahaha
 

fats mcgee

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http://www.bordercollie.org/core.html <<this is a fantastic site dealing with the issues that face the modern border collie.

A GOOD bc should be able to get an adequate amount of exercise and then be good and quiet. They should not be neurotic crackheads running around all the time that don't have an off switch. That is a no-good sport bred bc.

I would be surprised if your bc growls at the cat so much as does *the stare* which intimidates most cats. That's a big no-no at my house and met with a stern "that'll do, go to your mat"...

They're great dogs but seriously, please check out that website.
 

faith's_mom

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Originally Posted by whiteforest

Does anyone have a Border Collie? We want one so bad, but I have to wait a couple of years. How is your dog with the cats? Some people say they aren't good with small animals because of their herding instincts.
I have Border mix, and she is wonderful with my cats...in fact she has taught them to be virtually FEARLESS of other dogs (not so good!)...Yes she did take some training, because she DOES have herding instincts, but she learned quickly that cats (and other loose four legged furries) whether in my house or outdoors, WERE NOT fair game for 'herding'...

So yes, they CAN be great with other animals, and tend to be good with other dogs. Purebreds can tend to be quite aloof, so be prepared to do TONS of socialization if you don't want a neurotic BC that barks at everyone, and refuses to go up to 'strange people'.

Also, be prepared to work the dog daily, both mentally (Most important!) and physically...these dogs are smarter than the average kindergartener...and if you don't work them they WILL find something to occupy their 'boredom'...like chewing, chasing, barking, fence aggression, etc...

Border Collies (and mixes) are GREAT dogs, but you have to be super prepared to socialize, and mentally and physically stimulate them; more than alot of other breeds; but not uncommon in the Herding group especially. Like I said, they are super smart...my girl knows roughly 55-60 cues\\commands and is still learning...
 
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