KellieinTX Posted April 2, 2007 Report Share Posted April 2, 2007 My coworker got a puppy. "A border collie puppy actually, 8 weeks old! It's so cute" I say, "Oh yeah? I've heard they can be hell on wheels." To which she replies, "Oh really? I've never heard a bad thing about them!" Which says to me that she's never heard anything about them. Maybe she got a conformation BC? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maralynn Posted April 2, 2007 Report Share Posted April 2, 2007 Yikes! I doubt it is a conformation BC, but most very likely a BYB one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nancy Posted April 2, 2007 Report Share Posted April 2, 2007 Give her lots of advice - and this URL. I'd never say "hell on wheels" - I think it gives the wrong impression and leads people to being too strict. I always say "too smart for my own good". Then I talk about their needing jobs - both physical and mental. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaisingRiver Posted April 2, 2007 Report Share Posted April 2, 2007 Well, I think the general public only sees the well trained, trick-showing, sheep herding, frisbee jumping BCs. I don't think when people talk about their BCs they generally say 'wow, he's a firecracker'! I imagine they say, 'This is the best dog ever'! Hopefully your co-worker will make good choices for her new pup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KellieinTX Posted April 2, 2007 Author Report Share Posted April 2, 2007 Luckily, I believe she is the type that will keep it and love it regardless. If it digs up her yard, then she'll just throw up her hands and let it. She's definitely not the type to do extra things to make sure her dog is challenged (like herding or agility or learning tricks), but at least she'll make sure it's taken care of. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shetlander Posted April 2, 2007 Report Share Posted April 2, 2007 I don't think when people talk about their BCs they generally say 'wow, he's a firecracker'! I imagine they say, 'This is the best dog ever'! When I'm out with Quinn, a number of people have come over to tell me about a Border Colile they had or have and how it's the best dog they ever had. Recently I was at the vet's and the sweetest, smooth haired BC stuck her head out of one of the rooms. So I went to say hi and told the owner I also had a BC. The person's response was "They're so exciteable, aren't they?" This bothered me because happy Border Collie people never say that. Happy Border Collie people say "They're the best" or "They're so much fun" or maybe, maybe "They can be a handful" if the dog is very stimulated at the moment. Happy Border Collie people don't generally notice or comment on their dog's energy levels and besides we know our dogs aren't really all that excitable. Intense at times, but we enjoy that about them. Anyway, Quinn's behavior at the vet is not like his behavior most other places. Now if I think someone is poor prospect as an owner, I will talk about the time, structure, training, etc. that you need to give BC's. I call it my Border Collie Spiel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
painted_ponies Posted April 2, 2007 Report Share Posted April 2, 2007 I think BCs are the best breed I've ever had anything to do with. Maybe your friend will have the same experience - I hope so. If I were in your place, I think I'd say something like, "Oh, a BC - they're great dogs! What job is yours going to do?" That way, you're not saying anything negative (like "Hooboy, will your insurance pay for rehab after s/he drives you to drink?" ), but it lets you find out what your friend knows about BC. If her answer makes her seem a little clueless, then you can point her towards this forum and the website. I'd let her know that BCs really really need a job, but try emphasizing all the new fun things she might do with her dog, etc. so she doesn't think she's just been drafted into drudgery or has to undergo some weird intiation into the Cult of the Collie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MirageMerle Posted April 2, 2007 Report Share Posted April 2, 2007 Maybe it's just me, but I would never get ANY breed of dog knowing nothing about them. Ever. Dogs are not like children -- you can actually pick the dog that fits with your personality and lifestyle rather than just ending up with whatever nature decides you should get. My DH wanted an English Bulldog and I immediately started doing research. Through the research, we determined it wasn't the dog for us. He wanted it because it "looked cool" and I was like...uhhhh, no, honey! You never pick a dog just because it "looks cool". Heck, we did the same thing when we decided to get rodents. We did research before we picked what we got (5 rats and a guinea pig). I'm glad that she's still going to love her BC, but still...I can't help but think it's a bit irresponsible... - Brooke - Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carson Crazies Posted April 2, 2007 Report Share Posted April 2, 2007 Maybe it's just me, but I would never get ANY breed of dog knowing nothing about them. Ever. True, but some folks don't start out that educated, or that dog savvy. I didn't. Not even close. I got a "free puppy" to be a companion to my Ginger dog, and that "Free Christmas Puppy" turned out to be a BC Mix (and the hell on wheels). I was totally unprepared. I was unprepared for a PUPPY, and I was unprepared for a Border Collie. I figured it out pretty quickly, though, and came here for help post-haste. Actually, I am quite humiliated when I think back to my first few posts here. I didn't really know what a border collie was, other than a vague notion about them being a "herding dog". I found out in a hurry, and made the decision to learn as much as I could as quickly as I could. I hope this friend will do the same. Research is what I would do now. Mistake is what I did then. People make them, and we can hope they have the opportunity to learn and grow from them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KellieinTX Posted April 2, 2007 Author Report Share Posted April 2, 2007 I was just talking to her about it. I asked her where she got it, and she said a breeder way out of Houston. First she visited a HORRIBLE BYB and almost bought one, but they only have a brown and white one, and since "border collies are black and white" she doubted if it was a real one. At which point I mentioned all the varieties that BCs come in, and she looked a bit confused. I explained that they are bred for herding ability and not to any standard of appearance, to which she replied, "Oh, well I don't need that." So she went to a less offensive BYB and bought a black and white puppy. I asked why she got it and she said she had always wanted a fluffy black-and-white Border Collie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beth G Posted April 2, 2007 Report Share Posted April 2, 2007 All I can say is...Oh Boy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
painted_ponies Posted April 2, 2007 Report Share Posted April 2, 2007 Oh, well, it may turn out better than you think - BCs can be great ambassadors for their breed. I didn't know beans about them until Violet came to stay at my house for the weekend. I found her intriguing and wanted to learn more. If you keep things positive and friendly, maybe this lady will turn to you for advice if she encounters problems or wants to educate herself further. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Rockie's mum Posted April 2, 2007 Report Share Posted April 2, 2007 Rockie was my first introduction to a dog as a pet and to the breed, although my husband had grown up on a farm and also with border collies. He explained in detail what to expect. Now I wouldn't be without Rockie, he is such good company, he is the best dog you could imagine ..yes quote unquote. If you have a well trained bc, which we have, you will have the best dog imaginable. What you put in - you get back, in spades. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cbm618 Posted April 3, 2007 Report Share Posted April 3, 2007 Oh my lord! I hate it when people do that... get a dog to just have a dog. My neighbors across the street got their two boys a puppy for Christmas one year. They got rid of it once it reached adulthood (probably because it was no longer cute n fluffy, and the mom was the one who ended up walking it (she hates dogs: note the nasty phone call one morning about my dog having escaped the yard... I love my neighbors). Anywho, I must confess that when I resuced Skip she was 6 mo old and SO energetic I fell madly in love an took her home. I freely admit that my family and I had absolutely no clue about BC and their special needs. The first few months were a total struggle. My mom kept threatening to take her back on a daily basis, but a few beginning obedience classes and some dog training books and we were in the clear. My mom still thinks Skip is a nutter sometimes. Tell your co-worker that obedience classes are fun and good socialization (for her as well as the dog). I certainly hope it works out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beth G Posted April 3, 2007 Report Share Posted April 3, 2007 Yeah that was my worry. She has always wanted a cute, little, fluffy, (maybe even innocent) BC puppy. But we all know that that stage doesn't last very long... then reality kicks in. Part of that reality, is that most of these dogs are brighter than some of us! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WyoBC Posted April 3, 2007 Report Share Posted April 3, 2007 I'm happy that she got one, but not very happy that she got one just because she's always wanted a cute and fluffy BC puppy. They can be pretty good ambassadors for their breed, if the owner knows what they're doing before hand. I agree that a BC owner doesn't say "wow, they're such a hand full" or "I didn't think they were this hyper all the time". I don't. I knew what I was getting into when I finally got one. I hope she puts a lot of work into learning about the breed, and how to train him right. You can mess up a BC fast if your not worried about what he does or when he does it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lunar Posted April 3, 2007 Report Share Posted April 3, 2007 I always thank my lucky stars that my "mistake" (getting a pup from a BYB) gave me a BC that was NOT hyperactive and driven. Since then I've learned a lot about the breed, obviously, and have come to love and respect it, but at that point I got one because my dad said BCs were "cool" and I knew someone who just had a litter. Yeeeks. that could have been bad!! Well we ended up with Oreo who acts, ahem, not much like a border collie. (And isn't really all that bright either sometimes.) In any case. Now that I'm an adult (wasn't back then) I get frustrated by the attitude of, "Well I wanted one." My husband did that to me... he wanted a GSD and was just going to read the paper until he saw puppies and go get one. I convinced him to go with a shelter, but we ended up with a purebred (BAD IDEA) that we had no clue what to do with. The whole thing was a disaster. But I don't know that there's any way to convince people to research before buying. You can't MAKE people learn things they don't want to. One of my fundamental frustrations. How to make people care when they have no wish to? I really hope it works out for your friend. Cause oy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bc4pack Posted April 3, 2007 Report Share Posted April 3, 2007 I'm nosey...Where out of Houston,any idea? Tara Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Rockie's mum Posted April 3, 2007 Report Share Posted April 3, 2007 I hate to show my ignorance, but whats a BYB collie? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HHorn Posted April 3, 2007 Report Share Posted April 3, 2007 I hate to show my ignorance, but whats a BYB collie? Back Yard Breeder, I think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Rockie's mum Posted April 3, 2007 Report Share Posted April 3, 2007 Thanks and once again excuse my ignorance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beth G Posted April 4, 2007 Report Share Posted April 4, 2007 Yup Back Yard bred. You are ignorent. We are all here to learn from each other right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fotobridget Posted April 4, 2007 Report Share Posted April 4, 2007 I'm happy that she got one, but not very happy that she got one just because she's always wanted a cute and fluffy BC puppy. They can be pretty good ambassadors for their breed, if the owner knows what they're doing before hand. I agree that a BC owner doesn't say "wow, they're such a hand full" or "I didn't think they were this hyper all the time". I don't. I knew what I was getting into when I finally got one. I hope she puts a lot of work into learning about the breed, and how to train him right. You can mess up a BC fast if your not worried about what he does or when he does it. I agreee totally. Before I rescued Libby from the Humane society I did as much research on Border Collies as i could--and I've had them before. I wanted to refresh myself. She is eventually going to do two things--agility for her, and carry light photo equipment (spare film, etc) for Mommy when we go on photo hikes. I lucked out in that she has the right mix of temperment--smart, agile, smart, sweet, smart, adorable, and did i mention--smart? Hopefully this new owner will learn a bit and not get frustrated and give up on her dog when it hits the stubborn months (we are there right now) and work with the dog. I love working with mine, watching her little face when she is learning a new trick. (I now have her able to 'crawl' on her belly clear across the living room floor) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kcdawg Posted April 4, 2007 Report Share Posted April 4, 2007 Also give her the link to the Bc museum, it shows all the many colors the breed comes in. I get so sick of people telling me that my merles are Aussies! Although i do love Aussies!! I didnt know anything about the border collies when i got mine, now im hooked and now i got 4. I found this site soon after i got Casey, my first bc. He does so much work for me, more than anybody else around here, its not like having a dog, they are too smart sometimes, i cant even spell out words now, he knows how to spell!! ooops........hope hes not reading this...lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MirageMerle Posted April 9, 2007 Report Share Posted April 9, 2007 True, but some folks don't start out that educated, or that dog savvy. Neither did I, but I'm the kind of person who never makes any kind of long-term or major investment without knowing as much as I can about it, especially if a living thing is involved. Mirage is my first dog that's just mine, and my parents HAD dogs but knew nothing about them. So I wasn't super savvy either. In truth, it was my ex-DH who wanted to get a BC and then, once we got her, did nothing with her. No training, no affection, nothing. He was one of those people who gets a dog just to have one, even though he actually knew about the breed and I had never heard of it before. I was the one who was enthusiastic about having her and training her and did a TON of research before we got her (BYB), and I was the one who actually wanted her in the divorce. He didn't even care. And this was when I was a dog novice, and I still am in a lot of ways since she's my first on my own and my first raised from puppyhood. I'm sorry, but I still think your co-worker was irresponsible. Why do you get a dog you know NOTHING about because you always wanted a puppy in "those" colors?? It's like this friend of ours who couldn't even properly care for a rat (to the point where he gave it to us because he couldn't handle it) and then turn around and want to get sugar gliders...why do people do that?? BTW, kcdawg, I'm right there with you. The worst is when I tell people, "No, she's a purebred BC" and they look me in the eye and tell me I'm wrong and she's an Aussie. Perfect strangers have done this to me! And I'll have to explain that while the merle coloring is rare, it happens. And they STILL don't believe me. IT'S MY DOG!! LOL - Brooke - Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.