unusal topic for this forum,but....I need some advise

[tlea]

Hi,.I know this for cats,.and I am very new,.but I was offered a puppy,(half border collie/half rough collie,),.otherwise they are going to be put to sleep,.does anyone know anything about these,(either breed)???I don't have a fenced yard,.but I really don't want what I call a "yard dog",.can this big of a dog be a house pet???If anyone knows or knows where I could get some sound advise on this,.I'd be very grateful,..plus,.I already have 3 small house dogs,..3 cats,.and 3 birds,.I also feed an outside cat too,.or maybe even a few of the neighbors cats,.If they are hungry,.we usually feed them,.
Thanks so much!!!
TLEA

 

[safron]

As long is the dog is well behaved any size dog makes a good house dog, in my opinion. I would start basic training commands asap or enroll him in a puppy training class. Socializing a puppy with your cats and small dogs early would avoid any problems later on. Not positive, but I think collies are cosidered hyper dogs

. Games of frisbee and catch are great a couple of times a day to work off some of that energy.

-safron

 

[hissy]

This rescue is a working dog and it is in the genetic code for this dog to herd. So he will be looking for things to herd such as cats, small dogs, and children.

He will need plenty of exercise everyday and will become bored easily. When he is bored, he will dig and get into trouble but understand that he just wants to stay occupied.

We rescued a border collie some years back, he had 21 toes and we called him Blackjack. Finally, we took him to Border try-outs and someone saw he had "the eye" for sheep and offered to buy him. He is now herding sheep in Washington. But while he was here in the few months he was herding cats, grandchildren, and visitors.

 

[tlea]

Hi,.THANKS!!!!!Thats what I thought,.they do need alot more exercise than I can give at this time,.more room to roam,..and since I don't have a fenced yard,and a husband that was in agreement,.well,.but I had to ask,.Does anyone know if shelties require as much,room to roam,.and are also a "herding/working" type dog???
I fostered one some time ago,.but she was very content just to be with me,.
Thanks,I don't feel quite as guilty now,.sometimes,.people,.tend to rope me in,.so that,.I end up taking on more than I can handle,.if you know what I mean..
TLEA

 

[okeefecl]

I believe rough collies are like the "normal" Lassie-type collies. Their coats are shorter and look rough, as opposed to the longer haired smooth collies.

A friend has two collies, and although they need exercise, they don't seem to need any more than my brother's boston terrier and terrier mix. Border collies, however...I know someone who has a border collie, and I'm not joking when I say he walks the dog for hours at a time. A mix might not be as active, but everything I have read has pointed out their need for space to run.

 

[hissy]

Shelties are better dogs for what you have described is your living conditions. The sad fact about borders is that they usually end up in shelters and pounds because they are as smart as whips and if people take them in and can't keep up with their energy level, they tend to just drop them off at the pound and let them become someone else's problem. Some people are uneasy with dogs that are smarter than they are themselves. There is a rescue border collie bulletin board if you want to make this dog's plight known to others who could do some good. You can go here and ask about it.......

Border Collie

 

[tlea]

HI,.Thanks so much for answering my questions,.and all,.I had a feeling that they were very smart little dogs,.and really not that big,.but with all that I have now,.I don't honestly know if I could totally commit to taking another one in,.and also,.theres a money factor,.I just rescued 2 cats,one being pretty ill,.with a very unknown outcome as yet,we still don't know if she is going to be ok,.we have to wait and see if the meds are going to work,.But,.I have to try,.and care for what I have now,.I can't not,..I don't know how long she was ill before I rescued her,.so...
But SOME DAY,I do want to adopt a sheltie,.when I have both more money,.in case,its needed,.and also,.time,.and attention too,.But thanks so much for your time,.and all of your info.
TLEA

 

[imagyne]

I have a friend who rescued a border collie... It got to the point where he was hearding the children in the back yard, and if gentle persuasion wouldn't work, then he would lightly nip them to get them to ge places. So... instead of getting rid of the dog, he went to the local feed store and bought 5 chicks/almost chickens. Kept the dog occupied and the kids could play with being herded.

*smiles*
Ken

 

[badhabit]

How old is the puppy? The younger he is the easier it will be for him to teach him to get along with his house mates.

Being mixed with 2 high energy highly intellegent breeds, one, he'll need a lot of physical exercise and two he'll need a lot of mental exercise.

Border collies and Rough coated collies generally are not humungous so I don't think you'd have to worry about his size. It's very hard to predict anything with a mutt because they carry on traits from more than one breed and you never know what they may be. I would suggest if you can to enroll him in puppy class so he can socialize with other dogs, people and learn the basic commands.

 

[vikki]

That's a funny story, and an inventive solution. I guess if you have room for a dog to romp, you have room for some chickens

.

 

[tlea]

I know that even shelties need exercise,.I will give this little one,.and more,..I have also cked into a training/obedience class,.if they are going to have any near any time soon,.the lady is going to be getting back to me,.other wise,.I have some other options,.too,.private lessons,.if need be,...its really not very expensive,and I also know this lady some,.not real well,.but,I do like her,..and she is very good,.had some health issues
is the only reason she quit having the classes,...
but,anyway,.I am REALLY EXCITED about this,.and since I have no small children(grown son,.and family moved out of state),.I do not work outside our home,.I have alot of time to dedicate to this,.also,.I will love this little one so much,.and she will be alittle bit????spoiled,.but I also want her to be well behaved,.and I can do that,and enjoy it too!!!
I want to thank all of you for being so helpful,..and also kind too,.I never ever thought on a cat site!!!!well,.Thank You,.so much!!!
TLEA

 

[tlea]

Hi,.well,.wish me luck,.we are going possibly this
coming wkend,..to meet the breeder,and the sheltie
puppies,.she has quite a big variety of colors,.and from small to the standard ones,.so,...
I think that I may have decided on a name,...it all depends,..on if it fits the puppy or not,..Jazmin Rose,.or Tessa Rose,.I am not sure which one as yet,.I am pretty excited though,.I am also in touch with a trainer/obedience lady,.and am waiting for a call back from her,...
I will keep you guys posted,...
Thanks so very much for your knowledge and also your support,.just everything!!!!I never thought that I could find such great people and could even talk about dogs on a forum that about cats,..I will write about that subject in a little while...
TLEA

 

[jeanie g.]

Jessica, You're right on with the show standard: 24" for females, 26" for males. I happen to have a very large collie, 27" and 82 pounds. I was worried about his size, but the vet says he is all muscle, just an exceptionally large collie. He was not bought to show; my son got him for me as a pet, and he had already been neutered. I'm lucky though. He has a very nice head. Once you're used to show quality collies, it would be hard to have one with a snipey or Roman nose; he just wouldn't appear normal!

The reason my son was able to get him for me is because someone in an apartment in Pittsburgh had bought him as a house pet, and the poor guy was getting no exercise. Now he has a fenced in acre to run. That's the reason I answered the thread. I call him in every night and during rain and snow storms and very cold weather. Otherwise, he can roam the yard and run and play all day. My son has a golden retriever without a big yard, so he comes to play every Sunday. They have a great time together.

 

[patsy]

Hi: My Border Collie who I rescued from the streets likes to heard the cats. She never touches them, just stares them down. She is a house dog but enjoys going to lie out in the yard when the weather is nice. I don't think it is fair for a border collie to be expected to live indoors. Someimes I feel sorry for my Girl because I don't have enough for her to do.

 

[tlea]

Hi,.I agree with you,.thats why I wanted to do some research on border collies,..I thought that they might need more outside time,.and space,.but was unsure,..NO,.I wouldn't want to do that to one of them,.
Thanks,
TLEA

 

[bubbles]

are very intelligent dogs, and really really need a job to do, or they are unhappy. They are extremely easy to train, and want to please you, but it is not your normal, lay-around house dog. On average, you should be giving your BC 2 hours of run time in the morning, and 2 hours in the evening. So if you don't have a fenced yard, I sure hope you're training for a marathon!!!

If not given the proper excercise, they are unhappy and frustrated, which can take the form of chewing, digging, hyperactive behavior, and even biting.

Rough Collies are much similar in terms of intelligence and excercise needs. They have much higher grooming requirements, however.

Shelties are smaller (about 14" high at the shoulder), but have the same instincts. They are herding dogs, but because they are smaller, the excercise requirements are easier to fill. Half an hour walk morning and evening, and maybe a good game of fetch in the afternoon should be enough.
They do bark a lot, however, and you may find they nip at the heels of your kids or your cats (they are "herding" them). YOu can train them out of this if you catch it early.
I would recommend a fenced yard for shelties also, but they are definitely more suited to your situation.

 

[tlea]

Hi Bubbles,
I am definitely getting a sheltie puppy soon,.We are going to look at some in the next few wks,.I do want to be able to do some kind of training/obedience though,.even if its just with her & I,.I haven't found anything that I can use for a "guide" on the internet though,.and my husband said no,.to obedience classes,.so,.I will just have to find another way,.I guess,.I am looking very forward to this,.and it will not only be good for the sheltie,.but myself as well,.I stay in this house,.way too much,so,.wish me luck,..but its also going to be alot of fun,..I willing be looking for some tips on how to,...
Thanks,
TLEA

 

[bubbles]

Try a search for "Shetland Sheepdog of America Club". It should come up with the website for a club of reputable breeders. You can also try www.akc.org . There will be someone to write to for a breeder referral. Breeders affiliated with the AKC will be good, and will know more about what they are selling you than someone out of the newspaper.
Obedience classes are good for several reasons. First, you learn how to teach your dog. This is important, because you will never get anywhere if you don't know how your dog thinks. Second, it teaches your dog that it is a team with you. It realizes you are there to work together. Third, it reinforces in your dog's mind that YOU are in charge. I would highly recommend classes.
Good luck!

 

[tlea]

Hi,.I will ck it out,.and maybe after alittle while,.my husband will come around,.maybe,...the obedience classes are not expensive,.so,..I do have some time,.anyway,.Thanks,
TLEA

 

[tlea]

Hi,.I meant to tell you,.I agree with you completely,.its my husband that doesn't agree with me,.he thinks I don't need a sheltie,.but since I have always wanted one,.I am not getting any younger,.I don't want to have to be out trying to train a puppy,..and have to use my cane also,.I'm not that old,.but,.I am not a spring chicken either,.if you know what I mean,.I am not going to let him get me down,.sometimes he does that,.when he wants to talk me out of something he doesn't like,..see,.we have a few cats already,. and also 3 small dogs already,.small toy house dogs,..plus 3 birds,.too,.I love my pets,.so very much,.they are my family,.I can honestly say that I am closer to them,.than to most humans that I know,.and alot of the time,.prefer it that way too!!!
Thanks,again,
TLEA