How old is too old?

[clara]

I have a five year old rescued Border Collie, Ling, who I got when she was 10 months old. We've done lots of agility and frisbee, but never any herding. I know she want to herd SOMETHING, because she herds any other dog she can get close to. The usual victim is our 9 year old SpringerX. He used to be a runner, but now he can't get further than 100 feet from us without her running a circle in front of him to turn him back to us. If after a couple of tries that doesn't work, she comes from behind and bites his heels until he stops or turns around.

 

I finally learned the name of someone in my area who does instinct testing and training for stockdogs, but I wonder whether Ling is too old to start. Do any of you who train stockdogs have opinions about starting a dog at this age? She learns fast, but I wonder whether she'd just be a menace to the sheep at this point. Since she's been allowed to follow her own rules in herding our other dog, will she resist the rules of herding? I'm sure the trainer can answer these questions too, but I'd like to get a few opinions before I even decide whether to call. How old is too old for a Border Collie to start herding?

 

Thanks for ANY opinions, I'm just very curious!

 

Clara

[donna frankland (uk)]

though we didnt do any professional training at all, and he was never pretty to watch, i didnt get sheep till tikki was 8, he still learned enough to help me out

not pretty like i said, but if i had got some real training for him he would be much better than he is!

good luck!

[GoldenCollie]

I don't have much experience with working BC's, but i do have a labrador who does gundog stuff. From that end of my experience, i would have to say, they are never to old! As long as you have a dog who is willing to learn and is very keen on pleasing you, then your a winner and well on your way already!

I have seen dogs only beginning at 4 or 5 years old out in the field and as long as both owner and dog are dedicated, thats all you need! No matter what age! Of course, most of the more sucsessful dogs or ones who do FT's etc are going to be the ones who have been training sinse a younger age (in most cases), but if your only planning to do it for fun or your own enjoyment and of course the dogs plesure too, then i'd say go for it!