Puppies

[Murphygirl]

Looking for some advice, growing up I have had 2 border collies over the years, I took them to classes and trained them and both were loving, obedient dogs so I thought I was pretty experienced with the breed and their quirky ways. Last year we decided to get dog as we are both working from home and felt it was the right time as we have wanted one for years. We adopted another border collie from a friend's brother at 11 months old and sadly he was too damaged, under socialised, and was becoming aggressive. He ended up biting my husband as he tried to stop him attacking a dog when he managed to chew through his lead. He had also shown aggression to others and we felt after speaking to the vet we had no other option than to let him go which was heartbreaking. We only had him for 3 months in the end. I don't want it to put me off getting another dog but we will definitely get a puppy that I can train and socialise from an early age. My dilemma is do I go for another collie, my husband really wants to but last year's experience was so upsetting and I don't know if I want to risk getting another or do I go for a totally different breed. I know it was mainly because of his background before we got him (he was chained up alone in a barn all day) but I'm still not sure. I also know how much of a handful they are especially at the puppy stage. Even working from home, how do you keep an eye on them when you are still working and they want to explore and chew everything? I'm happy to take some annual leave but after that? Is crate training an option with lots of toys and puzzles for an active collie mind?
Sorry for the long post but would appreciate an outside view or recommendations of other active intelligent breeds that are known for their good nature

 

[Former_Antelopee]

Looking for some advice, growing up I have had 2 border collies over the years, I took them to classes and trained them and both were loving, obedient dogs so I thought I was pretty experienced with the breed and their quirky ways. Last year we decided to get dog as we are both working from home and felt it was the right time as we have wanted one for years. We adopted another border collie from a friend's brother at 11 months old and sadly he was too damaged, under socialised, and was becoming aggressive. He ended up biting my husband as he tried to stop him attacking a dog when he managed to chew through his lead. He had also shown aggression to others and we felt after speaking to the vet we had no other option than to let him go which was heartbreaking. We only had him for 3 months in the end. I don't want it to put me off getting another dog but we will definitely get a puppy that I can train and socialise from an early age. My dilemma is do I go for another collie, my husband really wants to but last year's experience was so upsetting and I don't know if I want to risk getting another or do I go for a totally different breed. I know it was mainly because of his background before we got him (he was chained up alone in a barn all day) but I'm still not sure. I also know how much of a handful they are especially at the puppy stage. Even working from home, how do you keep an eye on them when you are still working and they want to explore and chew everything? I'm happy to take some annual leave but after that? Is crate training an option with lots of toys and puzzles for an active collie mind?
Sorry for the long post but would appreciate an outside view or recommendations of other active intelligent breeds that are known for their good nature

I wouldn’t let it out you off getting another collie, as you said it was from his upbringing before you got him. Don’t know if you’d be interested in a rescue or where you live but a rescue I follow have 3 collie puppies they are looking for homes for which don’t seem to have any behaviour issues. They are many tears animal rescue posted in their Facebook page.

 

[Murphygirl]

I wouldn’t let it out you off getting another collie, as you said it was from his upbringing before you got him. Don’t know if you’d be interested in a rescue or where you live but a rescue I follow have 3 collie puppies they are looking for homes for which don’t seem to have any behaviour issues. They are many tears animal rescue posted in their Facebook page.

We previously did apply for rescues but were never successful before we got our boy last year. I may consider it again but I would need to be really sure of it's temperament and background so the same issue doesn't happen again. We have also moved house since last year and have a better chance of adopting now as there's usually someone home and we're quite rural with a big secure garden for a dog to run around in and fields nearby. I will check out many tears, where are they based? I'm in Lancashire

 

[Caffeine Fiend]

Collies are working dogs. If you have a sedentary job I wouldnt get one. They need a lot of mental and physical stimulation and I cant imagine they are a breed youd want to crate whilst you work. When they dont get this the frustration can manifest itself in other ways.

When I brought my second dog home, both myself and my partner are WFH. The best advice I can give is keep the space pup has access to small. Set him/her up to succeed. The biggest issue I see with people having huge issues with puppies is when they are given far too much freedom and then they get in to all sorts of mischief, toilet indoors, chew things.

If theyre in sight at all times you can usually see physical cues that they need to toilet. It doesnt mean they need crated but keep the door closed and puppy with you.

Puppies need *alot* of sleep initially and most crappy behaviour can be improved upon with more sleep believe it or not.

 

[Former_Antelopee]

We previously did apply for rescues but were never successful before we got our boy last year. I may consider it again but I would need to be really sure of it's temperament and background so the same issue doesn't happen again. We have also moved house since last year and have a better chance of adopting now as there's usually someone home and we're quite rural with a big secure garden for a dog to run around in and fields nearby. I will check out many tears, where are they based? I'm in Lancashire

I’m pretty sure they are in north wales. I think the way you did it before with taking the puppy from someone you knew is harder as at least rescues have assessed them. I definitely understand my standing is always rescue or buy from a respectable breeder. I don’t agree adopt don’t shop as some people can’t rescue, some can’t find what they are looking for through rescues and I’m sure there are many other reasons for some people.

 

[Murphygirl]

I’m pretty sure they are in north wales. I think the way you did it before with taking the puppy from someone you knew is harder as at least rescues have assessed them. I definitely understand my standing is always rescue or buy from a respectable breeder. I don’t agree adopt don’t shop as some people can’t rescue, some can’t find what they are looking for through rescues and I’m sure there are many other reasons for some people.

Thanks, I will definitely consider adoption again as I know charities will assess them thoroughly, we took the word of a friend and the dog was far more damaged than we were lead to believe. Definitely a lesson learned.

 

[strawberrysunshine_x]

Looking for some advice, growing up I have had 2 border collies over the years, I took them to classes and trained them and both were loving, obedient dogs so I thought I was pretty experienced with the breed and their quirky ways. Last year we decided to get dog as we are both working from home and felt it was the right time as we have wanted one for years. We adopted another border collie from a friend's brother at 11 months old and sadly he was too damaged, under socialised, and was becoming aggressive. He ended up biting my husband as he tried to stop him attacking a dog when he managed to chew through his lead. He had also shown aggression to others and we felt after speaking to the vet we had no other option than to let him go which was heartbreaking. We only had him for 3 months in the end. I don't want it to put me off getting another dog but we will definitely get a puppy that I can train and socialise from an early age. My dilemma is do I go for another collie, my husband really wants to but last year's experience was so upsetting and I don't know if I want to risk getting another or do I go for a totally different breed. I know it was mainly because of his background before we got him (he was chained up alone in a barn all day) but I'm still not sure. I also know how much of a handful they are especially at the puppy stage. Even working from home, how do you keep an eye on them when you are still working and they want to explore and chew everything? I'm happy to take some annual leave but after that? Is crate training an option with lots of toys and puzzles for an active collie mind?
Sorry for the long post but would appreciate an outside view or recommendations of other active intelligent breeds that are known for their good nature

Not sure if you said how long days you work? But we have a collie who is 12 now and only just recently going on one walk a day. Before that we had a dog walker which cost us a small fortune. But they are just so active they need loads of walks dont they. Hed chew his tail when he was bored and pace around and bring us toys until we took him out. He’s not as bad now he’s getting older but he wakes my partner up if he hasn’t taken him a walk by 6am . We used to leave things for him like kongs but they work them out in two seconds. Is a dog walker something you can look into ., I’d say they definitely need two or three walks a day when they’re young. but that aside he is so smart he understands everything we say. When we say we’re going to work he gets on the sofa and lies down. When we say where’s your lead he goes nuts. He’s a loving dog but soooo needy. Always wanting a stroke and attention

 

[Murphygirl]

Not sure if you said how long days you work? But we have a collie who is 12 now and only just recently going on one walk a day. Before that we had a dog walker which cost us a small fortune. But they are just so active they need loads of walks dont they. Hed chew his tail when he was bored and pace around and bring us toys until we took him out. He’s not as bad now he’s getting older but he wakes my partner up if he hasn’t taken him a walk by 6am . We used to leave things for him like kongs but they work them out in two seconds. Is a dog walker something you can look into ., I’d say they definitely need two or three walks a day when they’re young. but that aside he is so smart he understands everything we say. When we say we’re going to work he gets on the sofa and lies down. When we say where’s your lead he goes nuts. He’s a loving dog but soooo needy. Always wanting a stroke and attention

I work 35 hours a week, 3 days at home and my husband is the same so we could make sure one of us is home but I still have my concerns as I know they need mental stimulation and exercise and that’s not easy when you are still trying to work. I remember my mum walking my last collie for a couple of hours and the first thing he did when he got home was go and get his ball and throw it at her . I don’t think my husband realises quite how intense collies are and regular walks aren’t enough. My heart wants another but my head is saying no but not sure what other breeds to consider

 

[strawberrysunshine_x]

I work 35 hours a week, 3 days at home and my husband is the same so we could make sure one of us is home but I still have my concerns as I know they need mental stimulation and exercise and that’s not easy when you are still trying to work. I remember my mum walking my last collie for a couple of hours and the first thing he did when he got home was go and get his ball and throw it at her . I don’t think my husband realises quite how intense collies are and regular walks aren’t enough. My heart wants another but my head is saying no but not sure what other breeds to consider

Yep it’s impossible to tore them out. Ours is the same. We will go for a walk and then when we’re home he brings us his ball
Get a different breed for a change. I don’t think we’d have another after this one. You can see why they’re working dogs can’t you

 

[AladdinSane]

We pick up our puppy tomorrow!!
I'm a mixture of excited, nervous about ruining the status quo we have so far, terrified that I'll be a bad puppy mum and also buzzing cos I've wanted a dog for years.

Honestly the next few months are going to be a crazy ride!

 

[Caffeine Fiend]

We pick up our puppy tomorrow!!
I'm a mixture of excited, nervous about ruining the status quo we have so far, terrified that I'll be a bad puppy mum and also buzzing cos I've wanted a dog for years.

Honestly the next few months are going to be a crazy ride!

Everything is phase, its normal to have periods of thinking wtf have I done (I want to send them back!), frustration (particularly when youre outside for hours on end and they wont bloody toilet) but it does get better otherwise we wouldnt all be here

A crazy ride is probably the best way to describe it.

Just keep in mind no matter what, your wee puppy is eager to please you and none of the unwanted behaviour is deliberate.

 

[Murphygirl]

Yep it’s impossible to tore them out. Ours is the same. We will go for a walk and then when we’re home he brings us his ball
Get a different breed for a change. I don’t think we’d have another after this one. You can see why they’re working dogs can’t you

I think I know deep down it’s the right decision to go for another breed, I just need to convince my husband now…

 

[strawberrysunshine_x]

I think I know deep down it’s the right decision to go for another breed, I just need to convince my husband now…

This is our beaut boy. We got him as a five year old so didn’t experience the puppy stage but he was a good boy from the off. Just can’t tire him out. On the days we didn’t have a dog Walker a family friend would walk him so we had a lot of help

 

[Murphygirl]

This is our beaut boy. We got him as a five year old so didn’t experience the puppy stage but he was a good boy from the off. Just can’t tire him out. On the days we didn’t have a dog Walker a family friend would walk him so we had a lot of help

He’s beautiful

 

[Felix08]

This is our beaut boy. We got him as a five year old so didn’t experience the puppy stage but he was a good boy from the off. Just can’t tire him out. On the days we didn’t have a dog Walker a family friend would walk him so we had a lot of help

Looks like a gentle soul!

 

[strawberrysunshine_x]

Looks like a gentle soul!

Oh he is. He’s the best dog in the world. I’m sad he’s getting old

 

[AladdinSane]

Everything is phase, its normal to have periods of thinking wtf have I done (I want to send them back!), frustration (particularly when youre outside for hours on end and they wont bloody toilet) but it does get better otherwise we wouldnt all be here

A crazy ride is probably the best way to describe it.

Just keep in mind no matter what, your wee puppy is eager to please you and none of the unwanted behaviour is deliberate.

Honestly I went through all the same emotions when we added a second cat to the mix of our little bubble. And that turned out great.

We're just going to take our time with everything. Slow, steady and calm is going to be the best approach I think. I'm so pleased my partner is around fully for 6 weeks as we can then build a nice routine!

 

[Maid22]

Looking for some advice, growing up I have had 2 border collies over the years, I took them to classes and trained them and both were loving, obedient dogs so I thought I was pretty experienced with the breed and their quirky ways. Last year we decided to get dog as we are both working from home and felt it was the right time as we have wanted one for years. We adopted another border collie from a friend's brother at 11 months old and sadly he was too damaged, under socialised, and was becoming aggressive. He ended up biting my husband as he tried to stop him attacking a dog when he managed to chew through his lead. He had also shown aggression to others and we felt after speaking to the vet we had no other option than to let him go which was heartbreaking. We only had him for 3 months in the end. I don't want it to put me off getting another dog but we will definitely get a puppy that I can train and socialise from an early age. My dilemma is do I go for another collie, my husband really wants to but last year's experience was so upsetting and I don't know if I want to risk getting another or do I go for a totally different breed. I know it was mainly because of his background before we got him (he was chained up alone in a barn all day) but I'm still not sure. I also know how much of a handful they are especially at the puppy stage. Even working from home, how do you keep an eye on them when you are still working and they want to explore and chew everything? I'm happy to take some annual leave but after that? Is crate training an option with lots of toys and puzzles for an active collie mind?
Sorry for the long post but would appreciate an outside view or recommendations of other active intelligent breeds that are known for their good nature

I've had collies all my life, kudos to you rehoming one and sorry it didn't work out, not sure if I could do that, all of mine have been pups, and they've all been so different temperament wise, too independent, too timid, aggressive, and the one I have now is 4 going on 40!! You've had experience with collies before, if you can give them the time, go for a pup, I've always had witches, not sure if that's relevant, but they all had issues, that's the trouble with collies, so finicky and sensitive, you really have to understand the breed! but this one is male, so laid back!

 

[AladdinSane]

Our boy is finally here. He's had a long day and I have a feeling tonight is going to be a very long one! He won't pee on anything other than grass which has us screwed as we don't have grass on our back garden.
The good news is our cats have been pretty calm and chilled out with him so far. They haven't met face to face but have been sniffing outside the door. We're both shattered though

 

[Murphygirl]

I've had collies all my life, kudos to you rehoming one and sorry it didn't work out, not sure if I could do that, all of mine have been pups, and they've all been so different temperament wise, too independent, too timid, aggressive, and the one I have now is 4 going on 40!! You've had experience with collies before, if you can give them the time, go for a pup, I've always had witches, not sure if that's relevant, but they all had issues, that's the trouble with collies, so finicky and sensitive, you really have to understand the breed! but this one is male, so laid back!

I’ve only ever had pups, the last one was a risk and sadly it didn’t pay off. I love collies and if I get another it will be a pup but I’m so torn as I know they can be quirky and sensitive even if you get them at 8 weeks and put time into training and socialisation. I definitely need to give it some more thought before making a decision