Colton's_Mom Posted March 21, 2009 Report Share Posted March 21, 2009 I am thinking about fostering my first border collie in the near future. Until then I will be volunteering at a local shelter and work with the dogs there (random side note: I saw the *CUTEST* border collie puppy up for adoption if I wasn't in my current housing situation she would be with me right now). I want to do everything to make sure the breed is right for me before I run off and get my own puppy. Any suggestions on how to keep a border collie happy? The best ways to train them, particular things the breed likes? Any quirks they seem to have that no other breed/very few does? Also in the household right now are: -1 cat -4 dogs (3 Rottweilers, 1 small dachsund mix) What would be the best most border collie friendly way to introduce them? Train the border collie not to chase the cat? Typical problems of the breed? Thanks, Rayeanne (aka Colton's Mom) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chriss and Mitsey Posted March 22, 2009 Report Share Posted March 22, 2009 Hi Rayeanne, Dont take this the wrong way, but 1 border collie is as much work if not more work then the 4 dogs you currently have. With that said, its not impossible to have this many dogs including a bordercollie, as I know a lot of people that have multiple dogs of different breeds, or even multiple border collies - its just somthing you need to be warned that one border collie is a handfull. This breed is very high energy, and very intellectual. Having a border collie isnt just about making sure you get your daily walks, and have the housing to accomodate the energy (meaning you dont have a small apartment and no yard) you have to keep them very active in all aspects, and you need to know that they are working dogs that need a "job" of some kind. They require as much mental stimulation as physical activity - if you dont balance out both of these you'll have a dog that is bored and then you will find behavioural problems develope as the dog finds things on its own to keep him/her occupied - and of these things it finds to do - you may or may not appreciate the outcome. They may find things to do that involve wrecking your belongings like chewing carpets, or they may find things to do that will actually effect their own bodies such as chewing on their feet, or being that they are herding dogs they may find somthing to fixate on like shadows that actually consumes them to the point that you can not re-gain control of their attention. I have always been the first one to try and re direct a perspective border collie owner into choosing a different breed unless they completely know what thtye are getting into as its not fiar to the breed if some one fosters or owns one that they dont understand the breed entirely. Mixing the bordercollie with the dogs you do have, depending on their temperment may or may not be a good idea as well. Just as border collies are born to herd and you'll never teach that instinct out of them, rotwielers have their own instinct as well... and border collies like to own a cituation which can push another dogs buttons not always in the right way... as for your cat - just make sure that the claws are kept trimmed and stubby... my border collie is best friends with my cat, plays herd the kitty and one of her 'jobs' is to bring the cat to bed at night... they get along great... but until you know how they are going to be together and until they become friends its always best to assume the worse and try to avoid eyes being taken out or other injuries the cat can cause. Hope this helps you to make a choice. Please dont bring home a cute little black and white fluffball as they do grow up and there is a lot to know to ensure the health of the dog is top notch - both mentally and physically. I would do a lot of reasearch, talk to trainers and breeders, and be extra sure you have the time to have a border collie. Its not fair and selfish of a person to bring one into their home thats not able to make the commitment that one needs, once negative behaviours start to happen, if not stopped promptly the dog always seems to have the crappy end of the stick when the owner gives it up when in all actuallyity had the owner known what they were getting into in the first place there would have not been the negative behavior to begin with. feel free to chat anytime or ask anymore questions if you need to, Chriss I am thinking about fostering my first border collie in the near future. Until then I will be volunteering at a local shelter and work with the dogs there (random side note: I saw the *CUTEST* border collie puppy up for adoption if I wasn't in my current housing situation she would be with me right now). I want to do everything to make sure the breed is right for me before I run off and get my own puppy. Any suggestions on how to keep a border collie happy? The best ways to train them, particular things the breed likes? Any quirks they seem to have that no other breed/very few does? Also in the household right now are: -1 cat -4 dogs (3 Rottweilers, 1 small dachsund mix) What would be the best most border collie friendly way to introduce them? Train the border collie not to chase the cat? Typical problems of the breed? Thanks, Rayeanne (aka Colton's Mom) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sweet_ceana Posted March 22, 2009 Report Share Posted March 22, 2009 We have lots of people in our rescue who foster with multiple dogs and cats. Are you planning on fostering through a rescue? If so they can often find a BC who is known to be alright with cats. They would probably find you a dog who would not be a handful either for your first time. I guess my best suggestion is to meet with a rescue and let them find you a dog that would fit your situation. That is what rescues do best. As for entertaing your foster it will depend on the dog. Some will want to play ball, some will want to just be by your side, some will love learning tricks and commands, and others may just adore playing with your current dogs. Once you have a dog in your home you will get the feel of their personality and we can always help you here on the boards with ideas. As for introductions, we always introduce dogs on nuetral ground. (IE the park) This keeps anyone from trying to protect what is "their's." Fostering dogs is one of the best experiences I have come across, and I reccomend it to a lot of people. It is a good way to find out if you like a breed, and an even better way to wind up with TONS of dogs!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maralynn Posted March 22, 2009 Report Share Posted March 22, 2009 Any quirks they seem to have that no other breed/very few does? They tend to be very sensitive, focused and pick up on cues/words quickly (it took Kipp exactly 3 times of hearing the word "Pepper" to figure out that "Pepper" meant "cat"). Other breeds are a bit more forgiving when it comes to handler error, but BCs pick up on everything and try to interpert it. It can be amazing and a pain at the same time! Any suggestions on how to keep a border collie happy? They are dogs that were bred to work with a person and the are happiest being with and working (I use the term loosely here, can be work, tricks, sports, any type of mind work) with you. Train the border collie not to chase the cat? Supervision and redirection. A crate for the dog (when not supervised) and a dog free area for the cats. but 1 border collie is as much work if not more work then the 4 dogs you currently have Maybe yes, maybe no. Depends on the activity level of your current dogs. If they're all couch potatoes, yes, but the Rottie I know is a big active goof - not quite as intense as BCs, but definitely a working dog and takes about the same amount of work that my dogs do! I personally don't find my BCs to be that much work. Part of it is because I incorperate them into many of the things I do (outdoor chores, exercise time, SAR work, I rarely drive anywhere without a couple dogs in the backseat, etc), But part of it is because my dogs know how to chill during down time and have bones to chew, kongs, etc. Not every BC is like this, but a majority can be. Usually if you have the right type of dog friendly, active lifestyle, BCs fit in pretty well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue R Posted March 22, 2009 Report Share Posted March 22, 2009 If you do foster, and if you do fail Fostering 101 (wind up adopting) because the foster is absolutely the right dog for you and your situation, then you will have solved your own dilemma as to whether or not to get a Border Collie. However, looking at your houseful of dogs and other animals (how many are actually "yours" and how many belong to your folks?), I wonder if another might not be biting off more than you should be trying to chew. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BCDreamer Posted March 22, 2009 Report Share Posted March 22, 2009 I have to agree with Sue R, how many of the 4 dogs already in the house are yours? We have 8 full time dogs here right now (two are from foster fails!), and one of which is my border collie, and besides her, I have a German Shepherd who is VERY active, and a Mini Aussie who's VERY active. They keep me on my feet, espicially with full time school, homework, 4-h, and trying to have a life without the dogs. I think that how much work it will be to have a border collie with your 4 dogs depends on the person, really. I don't see a huge difference with my border collie added in. It's just one more dog that needs fed, loved, and trained. Because she picks up on everything so freakin' fast, it's no more then 15 mins extra to my training time. I think fostering would be a good chance to see if the breed fits or not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colton's_Mom Posted March 22, 2009 Author Report Share Posted March 22, 2009 Personally I have one dog, Colton. I'm pretty active with him he's in obedience, and starting agiltiy training today. He has to do something everyday or else he finds ways to get into trouble because he is bord (chase the cat, find something to chew on etc). I would never get more animals than I feel I can handle. They deserve to be properly cared for and looked after. The other dogs are: Missy, she's turning seven this year. She had severe pnemonia so one of her lungs does not work to full capacity. She had distemper as a puppy which seemed to wipe out her energy, and she was bit once by a rattlesnake. My parents call her their $10,000 (antivenom, oxygen tanks, emergency trips to vets are so expensive for large breeds) dog. She's initially curious when new foster animals would come into the house (I've fostered kittens/puppies/teenage dogs of various ages) and then ignores them. She enjoys eating and slow walks, definantly not high energy. She's my Mom's dog but I, mainly, take care of her. Jenna is about six months younger than Missy. She's your typical Rottweiler personality, doesn't tolerate much of puppies jumping up on her face. She's quick to put fosters/new animals into their place and keeps them in line. She has hip dysplasia due to weak bones. She can't do agility due to her hip dysplasia but she still enjoys chasing tennis balls. She's a big couch potatoe as well. Avril is a year old. She's spunky and fiesty and does not believe she is twelve pounds. Avril is as smart as a whip but once again, not super high energy. She is my sister's lap dog. Colton is a two and a half year old Rottweiler with some German Shepherd in there. He has a high prey drive and is intensly loyal (he is my shadow). Saturday he goes to intermediate obedience class, and on sundays he has a beginner agility class. My family is very active, particularly in nice weather, and enjoys going hiking/to lakes. I always take Colton with me. I do something (some form of work) with him daily. For a Rottweiler he is high energy, he is definantly my challenge dog with the mirage of problems he had when I got him. I am happy to say he'll be testing for his CGC in August (it's the next test coming up within 6 hours of me) and we've come a long way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnLloydJones Posted March 22, 2009 Report Share Posted March 22, 2009 Fostering dogs is one of the best experiences I have come across, and I reccomend it to a lot of people. It is a good way to find out if you like a breed, and an even better way to wind up with TONS of dogs!!! While I agree on fostering being a great experience, personally, I would be reluctant to foster a breed I had no experience of. Learning a breed and trying to rehabilitate a foster dog at the same time could be a harrowing experience. Of course, even within a breed, each dog will be different, but usually, a foster dog is nine tenths unknown, so you pretty much get what you get. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jumpin Boots Posted March 22, 2009 Report Share Posted March 22, 2009 I would make sure to research a rescue group that doesn't just toss you the next foster dog they have come through the system. I had a friend that got way in over her head w/ a GSD foster from a group like this. Be very honest with them about what your dog experience and other animal experience is and what your bc experience is. Be very realistic with how much time you have to put into training and issues, and what the dogs schedule is going to be. If you are at school for 6 hours a day, are your parents going to be around to keep and eye on the dog? Or is the dog going to be crated during that time? Most rescue groups will/should ask these questions anyway, but if not, you should be prepared to make sure that you don't get in over your head with a dog that is more than you can handle for now. When I bring a new foster into the house I like to introduce the dogs on neutral ground. A neutral park, or at least the sidewalk, driveway or garage, but not directly in the house. I like to introduce everyone one at a time. And then depending on the reactions slowly mix the dogs in. As far as cats go, our new dogs/fosters always start by dragging a leash around in the house. This way if they start to have dog issues, chase the cat, or slip out the door it is easier to catch them. I have also been known to attach a dog to me if they are having issues, I had a mini aussie tied to me for about an hour last night as she wouldn't stop harrassing everyone in the house, and by everyone I mean the 5 dogs and one of the cats, she had her full menace hat on. Best of luck. While fostering can be very rewarding it can also be very emotionally and physically draining at times. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack & Co. Posted March 22, 2009 Report Share Posted March 22, 2009 I think fostering is a great idea, but would a rescue group have an age requirement? I know Colton's Mom has said she is in high school. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jumpin Boots Posted March 22, 2009 Report Share Posted March 22, 2009 I think fostering is a great idea, but would a rescue group have an age requirement? I know Colton's Mom has said she is in high school. I would certainly hope so. The foster group I'm involved in now will work with high school students who are want to foster, however, the parents MUST sign off on all paperwork and agree to be involved, mainly at least aware of what is taking place. And that if the foster becomes to much for the teen or parent that they will immediately contact the foster group. That being said, I know there are several senior 4-Her's who foster, and a few of those dogs have been the best I have seen come out of foster situations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack & Co. Posted March 22, 2009 Report Share Posted March 22, 2009 That being said, I know there are several senior 4-Her's who foster, and a few of those dogs have been the best I have seen come out of foster situations. That's great! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sweet_ceana Posted March 22, 2009 Report Share Posted March 22, 2009 I know Colton's Mom has said she is in high school AH, now that changes my just go for it enthusiasm a little. I would check with a rescue and maybe see if you can volunteer and help them out at events or help out at another foster home first. I would also be sure to have your parents or at least one of them come with you to see what fostering a BC would be all about. Then make the decision as a family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AllieMackie Posted March 22, 2009 Report Share Posted March 22, 2009 My two cents: Just from what you've told us, Colton's mom, you seem very responsible about your dog ownership. IMO, fostering is a good idea to get a feel for the breed since I know you're in high school and can't quite commit to keeping a BC full-time just yet. As others have said, I would recommend volunteering with rescue(s) for a little bit first, get the feel for BCs and other breeds, and then decide if fostering is for you. Talk to the rescue folks. If you come across as a mature, responsible individual, I'm sure that the fact that you're in high school wouldn't hinder them, just help them place the right dog for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colton's_Mom Posted March 22, 2009 Author Report Share Posted March 22, 2009 Don't worry guys I completely have my parents support I would definantly never rush into something. Due to a recent setback with Colton I probably will not be bringing a foster in until a few months later then I had planned. I have an orientation at a shelter this thursday so I'll be starting volunteering there as soon as they'll allow. I most definantly do not want to push *anything*. Not my dog, my parents, or myself. I know people can have things built up in their head and want things so badly they make it more glam then it really is. I just took Colton to a beginner agility class and his good (sarcasm) old prey instinct/fear agression cross flared up again (the other dog was not hurt but it was like a stab in the gut to me after working sooo hard with him. Where is the light at the end of the tunnel?). I'm definantly working double time on correcting it. Until I can foster I'll keep learning as much as possible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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