tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71800525316469139442024-03-14T08:44:37.826-07:00Border Collie CornerAli's life, a dog's tail.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08148220845730480721noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180052531646913944.post-71072521072790471782015-08-14T16:04:00.000-07:002015-08-14T16:09:08.365-07:00Hot Weather Tips For Your Border Collie & YouWoof, woof, from me and my human. It's been a while. I am happy to tell you all that I have successfully become a well trained, well adjusted city dog.<br />
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My human's new job has him working 10 hours a day, during which time I am kenneled. Trust me though, this isn't a bad thing, in fact it is the safest place for me. When he says, "Time to go.", I willingly go to my kennel on my own.<br />
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Spring went by so fast and summer is almost over! We have had record breaking temperatures this year, with 23 days so far being +30° C or higher! Yesterday hit +38° C! Unless you are from a desert area you'd have to agree that is hot!<br />
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Speaking of hot weather I have some tips for you and your human.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qn73JHg5Ww8/Vc5vLjVq0uI/AAAAAAAAXXU/YzEge33_Wvw/s1600/IMG_20150809_120105355_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A Border Collie sitting, wearing a bandana." border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qn73JHg5Ww8/Vc5vLjVq0uI/AAAAAAAAXXU/YzEge33_Wvw/s320/IMG_20150809_120105355_HDR.jpg" title="Ali at Dog Daze of Summer" width="180" /></a></div>
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Water, water and more water</h3>
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I can't stress this enough! I get thirsty out there. I am happy my human never forgets to bring water for me. Whether your playing or just going for a walk it doesn't take long to get dehydrated in the heat. Especially with a coat like mine. Make sure your human brings water for your trip. There are some fancy options out there like this bottle with a fold out tray or this fold up ziplock bowl.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gLdbbY8fSLA/Vc5wrjQGYcI/AAAAAAAAXXs/JB5yIAhzx0g/s1600/IMG_20150814_164756294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Picture of a dog water bottle and water bowl." border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gLdbbY8fSLA/Vc5wrjQGYcI/AAAAAAAAXXs/JB5yIAhzx0g/s320/IMG_20150814_164756294.jpg" title="Two different types of water containers for your dog." width="180" /></a></div>
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Of course just a bottle and a hand to drink from is all you really need. And if your lucky your trip might include going somewhere for a swim! Even I have been known to enjoy a little swim on these hot days.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QIxn14D3HLs/Vc5xQ1WWk2I/AAAAAAAAXX8/vMsXPddDR4s/s1600/IMG_20150812_183025668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Picture of a Border Collie after a swim." border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QIxn14D3HLs/Vc5xQ1WWk2I/AAAAAAAAXX8/vMsXPddDR4s/s320/IMG_20150812_183025668.jpg" title="Ali after a swim in the river." width="180" /></a></div>
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<h3>
Watch & Check Our Paws</h3>
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As the mercury rises the surfaces we walk on can become extremely hot, to the point of burning and blistering the pads of our paws and toes! Keep an eye on us and we will let you know if things are uncomfortable for us.<br />
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If we are always making a break for the grass or shady areas, holding our feet up or limping these are signs that the surface we are on is likely hot.<br />
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Some simple solutions are to try and take us where the grass or shaded areas are. Let us cool our paws off if there is water nearby. I have also seen some humans put booties on their canine friends. My human knows I wouldn't be caught dead in those though, fortunately I have durable paws and have not had the discomfort of burning them.<br />
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These are precautions to avoid the problem, however if your canine has burned their paws then added measures will have to be taken. Depending on the severity a visit to the vet might be required.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vmp0raXu63o/Vc5yLhRr5FI/AAAAAAAAXYM/Srf6GefHMKI/s1600/IMG_20150813_174022957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A Border Collie standing on a big rock." border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vmp0raXu63o/Vc5yLhRr5FI/AAAAAAAAXYM/Srf6GefHMKI/s320/IMG_20150813_174022957.jpg" title="Ali showing off." width="180" /></a></div>
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<h3>
Less Duration, More Frequency</h3>
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On really hot days your human may have to decrease the amount of time spent out in the heat, walking or playing, but increase the frequency of going out.<br />
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When my human takes me out for ball time I easily forget how hot it is outside. Lucky for me he doesn't, our play sessions are shorter, with lots of water and more break periods to cool down. The upside is that we go out to play more often.<br />
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Humans can be busy animals so sometimes more trips outside are not possible. Just remember to use caution in the heat, watch for the signs we give you that we are getting hot and need to cool down. Heavy panting, laying or rolling in the grass, these are some of the things we will do when we need to rest and cool off.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pAfExu4ExBY/Vc5zBtJHlHI/AAAAAAAAXYY/Wk-Aarjlk1Q/s1600/IMG_20150809_155550915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Two Border collies laying in the grass." border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pAfExu4ExBY/Vc5zBtJHlHI/AAAAAAAAXYY/Wk-Aarjlk1Q/s320/IMG_20150809_155550915.jpg" title="Ali and Belle taking a break at Dog Daze of Summer." width="180" /></a></div>
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Hopefully this helps you to enjoy your summer without causing any problems or distress for your four legged friend.<br />
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Remember to get out there and have fun!<br />
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Ali :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180052531646913944.post-13637160785836645882015-03-06T12:04:00.002-08:002015-03-06T12:11:44.419-08:003 Reasons To Choose A Border CollieThere is no doubt, in my mind, that a <a href="http://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/border-collie" target="_blank">Border Collie</a> is by far one of the most exciting and rewarding breeds to choose as a life time companion.<br />
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This does not mean a Border Collie is for everyone. They do not come without the price of <a href="http://bordercolliecorner.blogspot.com/2015/01/a-border-collie-you.html" target="_blank">considerable commitment</a> on the human's part.<br />
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That being said, and as the proud companion of an incredible Border Collie, let's take a look at my top reasons to choose this breed.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Top 3 Reasons To Choose A Border Collie.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;">#3- Your Health.</span></h4>
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This breed is good for your health. Provided you are ready and able to meet the physical requirements they need. These dogs have no shortage of energy. They are workaholics, always wanting to be doing something.<br />
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This in turn is good for your own health. Ali gets 4 to 6 walks a day, each anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes. She also gets several outings for ball time throughout the day. Often times I combine the two by starting or ending our walks at a field to throw the ball. When the weather permits some of those walks are actually bike rides.<br />
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I have certainly put thousands upon thousands of kilometers on my feet since adopting Ali. Has she been good for my health? Absolutely!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i8svm-PYugk/VPoBeU2ww3I/AAAAAAAAV28/QalUzBs5IS8/s1600/IMG_20150222_140533326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Border Collie on a hill." border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i8svm-PYugk/VPoBeU2ww3I/AAAAAAAAV28/QalUzBs5IS8/s1600/IMG_20150222_140533326.jpg" height="400" title="Ali in the hills." width="225" /></a></div>
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<h4>
<span style="font-size: large;">#2 - Your Happiness.</span></h4>
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I find it difficult to believe that anyone can spend time around one of these dogs and not feel an overwhelming sense of happiness.<br />
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Whether it is from their amazing intelligence, their devoted loyalty or, often times, their goofy personalities.<br />
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Teaching Ali something new always makes me happy. I don't know if it is the fact that she learns it so quickly or that she is so happy to do what I ask of her. Most times she knows what I want of her before I ask it. Her eagerness to please knows no limit.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vqDaF39GE9o/VPoF3XxxCbI/AAAAAAAAV3I/F4OpTqWZPNE/s1600/IMG_20150213_155744108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="A Border Collie smiling." border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vqDaF39GE9o/VPoF3XxxCbI/AAAAAAAAV3I/F4OpTqWZPNE/s1600/IMG_20150213_155744108.jpg" height="400" title="Ali's bright smile." width="225" /></a></div>
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Her personality always brings a smile to my face. She is so happy, her energy rubs off on me. Even on the rare occasions when she pouts (yes, these dogs pout like no other dog I have seen) I find myself laughing. Pouting is her way of telling me I have not given her enough attention or that we should currently be doing something that is far more fun than what we are doing.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">#1 - Your Understanding Of Friendship.</span></h4>
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Make no mistake if you choose this breed and can fulfill all the needs, you will be rewarded with a friendship like no other.<br />
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These dogs thrive on interaction with people. They want to be with you at all times, if they can, no matter what it is you are doing. This can lead to issues of destructive behavior and / or separation anxiety when they do have to be left alone. Issues like this can be avoided with proper training and the physical and mental needs of the dog being met.<br />
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Ali is kennel trained, which I highly recommend, so the destructive behavior (often out of boredom and done as a signal to the human that the dog needs something to do) issue is eliminated. She whines a bit at first then settles down.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W9JopiuCqrg/VPoG4NWx2UI/AAAAAAAAV3Q/aeFCQqY0yjk/s1600/IMG_20150224_142622219_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Smiling Border Collie at the park." border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W9JopiuCqrg/VPoG4NWx2UI/AAAAAAAAV3Q/aeFCQqY0yjk/s1600/IMG_20150224_142622219_HDR.jpg" height="400" title="Loving her playtime!" width="225" /></a></div>
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I do not scold her for it, I know it is her protesting about not going with me. Again, it is the deep level of companionship that develops with this breed. "Why can't I come Dad??", is what she is saying to me.<br />
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Returning home and seeing the excitement and happiness in her eyes is all I need to realize that I have a friend for life, no matter what. That makes this my top reason. A Border Collie will give you a whole new understanding of what friendship, and loyalty, really is.<br />
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A Border Collie is not for everyone. Do your research, ask yourself if you can handle the commitment required of these dogs. If your answer is yes, and you are ready, you will not find a more rewarding experience or a better friend than one of these dogs! My opinion of course and it is certainly biased.<br />
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Also consider <a href="http://bordercolliecorner.blogspot.com/2015/01/rescue-dogs-alis-tail.html" target="_blank">adopting</a> as the sad reality is many people do not know what they are getting into with these dogs. Due to this they are a highly surrendered or abanonded breed. Ali's former home at <a href="http://www.ridgerescue.com/" target="_blank">Ridge Rescue</a> is just one place that can attest to how many of this breed passes through their loving doors.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">© Irwin McNeely & Border Collie Corner, 2015. Unauthorized use or duplication of this material without written permission from this blog’s author or owner is strictly prohibited. All pictures are my own & property of Irwin McNeely & Border Collie Corner</span>.</div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180052531646913944.post-59384084986354509632015-02-22T10:16:00.000-08:002015-02-22T10:16:00.655-08:00My Dog Is A Kleptomaniac!I did not want to believe it. It couldn't be true. Could it? My precious Ali a thief? Not just a thief but a kleptomaniac!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F7YRjgZVdX4/VOoaEegvLiI/AAAAAAAAVjY/FJJ4vBZnLJw/s1600/IMG_20150127_092439663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A Border Collie laying with a ball." border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F7YRjgZVdX4/VOoaEegvLiI/AAAAAAAAVjY/FJJ4vBZnLJw/s1600/IMG_20150127_092439663.jpg" height="400" title="Ali the Border Collie." width="225" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">She Has A Problem.</span></h3>
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There is no such thing as my ball and your ball. They are all her balls. Try as I might I cannot get her to understand some things are not her things.<br />
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It first happened a few months ago. We were out on a walk. Ali is a good walker so I let her <a href="http://bordercolliecorner.blogspot.com/2015/02/border-collie-training-videos_4.html" target="_blank">walk off leash</a> most times. She usually walks ahead of me a little bit, sniffing around yards and fences. She will get distracted occasionally by an inticing scent and fall behind. I continue walking as she always catches up before I get to far.<br />
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This time she did not catch up. She had disappeared into the yard. I called her as I walked back and could hear her in the yard. <i>"Ali! Here! Nowww!"</i>, I said. Over the fence she jumped, proud as could be, with a tennis ball in her mouth.<br />
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It was cute, I won't lie. Only my Ali would sniff out a ball in someone's backyard.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LmxIz-rpHxQ/VOobwCCXXBI/AAAAAAAAVjk/2UrTcWJVuXE/s1600/IMG_20150118_121750058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A Border Collie carrying a stick." border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LmxIz-rpHxQ/VOobwCCXXBI/AAAAAAAAVjk/2UrTcWJVuXE/s1600/IMG_20150118_121750058.jpg" height="400" title="Proud as can be with her stick!" width="225" /></a></div>
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<h3>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The Ball Thief Strikes Again!</span></h3>
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Then it happened again. Same scenario. Out on a walk and like a cat burglar (pun intended) she slips into a yard and returns with her prize. This time a plastic treat ball. The kind you can stuff with tasty treats to keep your canine friend occupied for a while.<br />
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It is difficult to describe the sheer pride in her eyes when she does this. "<i>Dad! Dad! Look! I found a ball! Now we can play!</i>", is what she is saying to me I am sure.<br />
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This has happened on two more occasions. A rubber ball from a yard and a plastic ball she found at the park. While finding a ball left at the park is not exactly stealing I have to wonder if Ali has a problem.<br />
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<h3>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Is It Time For Therapy?</span></h3>
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Perhaps Ali has some issues she needs to talk out? Maybe there is an underlying reason for her need to claim all balls as her own? Is she trying tell me something? Or is she just ball obsessed?<br />
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This is written in jest of course. And I find it quite amsusing that she is so resourceful. I mean, how does she even know there is a ball in a yard? It is not like she goes searching in every yard. She knows which yards have a prize.<br />
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A ball is a bigger reward to Ali than treats are. She is ball driven. I <a href="http://bordercolliecorner.blogspot.com/2015/01/breaking-herding-instinct.html" target="_blank">redirected her instinct</a> to herd onto fetching. I guess ultimately her problem is my fault. I worry about walking through the neighborhood one day and seeing posters of lost balls.<br />
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Does your dog do this? Does your dog have any behaviors that make you wonder if they have a problem? Leave us a comment and let us know.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">© Irwin McNeely & Border Collie Corner, 2015. Unauthorized use or duplication of this material without written permission from this blog’s author or owner is strictly prohibited. All pictures are my own & property of Irwin McNeely & Border Collie Corner</span>.</div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180052531646913944.post-39394761347959134322015-02-18T08:03:00.000-08:002015-02-18T08:13:28.580-08:00Spoil Your Pet!<h3>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Spoil Your Pet Month!</span></h3>
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In celebration of spoil your pet month and this week's <a href="http://blogpaws.com/executive-blog/pet-parenting-health-lifestyle/wordless-wednesday/wordless-wednesday-blog-hop-spoiled-pets/" target="_blank">Wordless Wednesday BlogHop</a> I decided to share some pictures of Ali & friends.</div>
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Thanks of course to <b>BlogPaws</b> for hosting this each week! It is a great way to connect with many new people in the community.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Ali & Friends!</span></h3>
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Spoiling Ali is easy. It requires only 2 things. An open space and a throw able object. Adding some friends to the mix only makes it better.</div>
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All other dogs pictured here are Ali's former rescue roommates at <a href="http://www.ridgerescue.com/" target="_blank">Ridge Rescue Society</a>. They are all awaiting their forever homes.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p7DDFYOycMc/VOSzsTfJhtI/AAAAAAAAViY/1Cbn18IkJ1w/s1600/2014-11-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Dogs playing fetch." border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p7DDFYOycMc/VOSzsTfJhtI/AAAAAAAAViY/1Cbn18IkJ1w/s1600/2014-11-13.jpg" height="400" title="Ball time with friends!" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KC (front), Ali (middle) & Mickey (rear)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jRmZGv1Bjzs/VOSzygva31I/AAAAAAAAVik/0lf7RnhiDpc/s1600/IMG_20141118_134546585.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Dogs playing with a boomerang." border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jRmZGv1Bjzs/VOSzygva31I/AAAAAAAAVik/0lf7RnhiDpc/s1600/IMG_20141118_134546585.jpg" height="400" title="Ali proving she has what it takes." width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ali, Mickey & KC</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zIP3GMx2-qs/VOSzyCklJfI/AAAAAAAAVig/DlFIhiF315w/s1600/IMG_20141112_125534639~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Border Collie jumping in air to catch a snowball." border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zIP3GMx2-qs/VOSzyCklJfI/AAAAAAAAVig/DlFIhiF315w/s1600/IMG_20141112_125534639~2.jpg" height="400" title="Mickey crushing snowballs." width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mickey the snowball destroyer</td></tr>
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Mickey & KC are among Ali's best of friends. Both still waiting to find their forever families.</div>
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Happy Wordless Wednesday everyone!</div>
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<!-- start LinkyTools script --><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=251791" type="text/javascript" ></script><!-- end LinkyTools script -->Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180052531646913944.post-67060090227847321922015-02-14T09:19:00.001-08:002015-02-14T09:19:52.931-08:00Happy Valentine's Day!<h3>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">How Do You Show Your Pet Love?</span></h3>
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Valentine's Day does not have to be exclusive to people. Many people express their love and friendship for their pets on this day as well.<br />
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I have seen many great examples of celebrating the day with your pet. From delicious treat recipes to photos and contests.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">It's Complicated..</span></h3>
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Or so Ali would tell anyone that might try to woo her from me.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TQNHPWDq6kk/VN9_PIHHG5I/AAAAAAAAVf0/huj5opj9zLQ/s1600/IMG_20150213_145856066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Border Collie laying by a "It's Complicated." cup." border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TQNHPWDq6kk/VN9_PIHHG5I/AAAAAAAAVf0/huj5opj9zLQ/s400/IMG_20150213_145856066.jpg" title="Ali says her status is complicated." /></a></div>
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<h3>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Spring Is In The Air!</span></h3>
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We have had an unusually mild winter. More spring like weather than winter weather. Knock on wood that it continues. There is a lot to be said for being able to be out in a T-shirt, this time of year, in Canada.<br />
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Ali got to enjoy the day down at the river bottom. I was able to get some good pictures of her as well.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aTpVYG0AXDo/VN-ARbWl2AI/AAAAAAAAVf8/DJ3iec33liM/s1600/IMG_20150213_155744108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Border Collie at river bottom showing happy smile." border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aTpVYG0AXDo/VN-ARbWl2AI/AAAAAAAAVf8/DJ3iec33liM/s1600/IMG_20150213_155744108.jpg" height="400" title="Ali showing off her smile!" width="225" /></a></div>
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While I did not bake her any special treats or get her a present I know she enjoyed this gift. All dogs love getting out but I feel as though it is extra exciting for a Border Collie.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dhby2lU9SxQ/VN-A08rqT1I/AAAAAAAAVgE/g3b5tPwwSQc/s1600/IMG_20150213_155503670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Border Collie standing beneath a train bridge." border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dhby2lU9SxQ/VN-A08rqT1I/AAAAAAAAVgE/g3b5tPwwSQc/s1600/IMG_20150213_155503670.jpg" height="400" title="Something caught Ali's attention." width="225" /></a></div>
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Ali is always a good sport when it comes to posing for pictures as well. Nothing but patience even when I can tell she would rather be off sniffing out rabbits.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fccBN8CHhH8/VN-BaRq_-AI/AAAAAAAAVgQ/BMzxRgDTQqo/s1600/IMG_20150213_155706628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Border Collie sniffing ground by a tree." border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fccBN8CHhH8/VN-BaRq_-AI/AAAAAAAAVgQ/BMzxRgDTQqo/s1600/IMG_20150213_155706628.jpg" height="400" title="Where them rabbits at?" width="225" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Happy Valentine's Day From Ali & I!</span></h3>
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We wish you all a great day today! And feel free to share with us how you celebrated the day with your pet(s).<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">© Irwin McNeely & Border Collie Corner, 2015. Unauthorized use or duplication of this material without written permission from this blog’s author or owner is strictly prohibited. All pictures are my own & property of Irwin McNeely & Border Collie Corner.</span></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180052531646913944.post-10184836824977911442015-02-11T10:21:00.002-08:002015-02-11T10:23:00.152-08:00Wordless Wednesday!<h3>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop!</span></h3>
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Another Wednesday brings another blog hop. This is a great chance to interact with many great bloggers out there and I am happy to participate in it. Be sure to check out the <a href="http://community.blogpaws.com/" target="_blank">BlogPaws Community</a> if you have not already.<br />
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<i>I love this picture of me! Thank you for visiting and hope you enjoy my blog. - Ali</i><br />
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<!-- start LinkyTools script --><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=251513" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- end LinkyTools script -->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08148220845730480721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180052531646913944.post-72957238569754413092015-02-09T11:22:00.000-08:002015-02-09T14:47:54.643-08:00Agility & Your Border Collie<h3>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Agility & A Border Collie.</span></h3>
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<a href="http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog_agility" target="_blank">Dog agility</a> is a very popular sport on a competitive level. A quick search on Google or YouTube will give you an idea of just how popular it is.<br />
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Another thing you are likely to find is that certain breeds tend to excel at this sport. It is no surprise to me that a <a href="http://www.bordercollie.org/training/agility.html" target="_blank">Border Collie</a> falls into this category. Their athletic abilities, intelligence and skill at working with their master from a distance makes them perfectly suited for the sport.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7mgB8ije2Kc/VNj4Nwpzm1I/AAAAAAAAVYQ/7yY-sERxPDE/s1600/IMG_20141104_161008377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A Border Collie showing agility jumping from barrel to barrel." border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7mgB8ije2Kc/VNj4Nwpzm1I/AAAAAAAAVYQ/7yY-sERxPDE/s1600/IMG_20141104_161008377.jpg" height="400" title="Border Collie & agility. Barrel jumping." width="225" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The Benefits Of Agility Training.</span></h3>
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Reaching the competitive levels of the sport requires a great deal of hard work, patience and commitment. Of course the rewards are worth it.<br />
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Agility training for your dog comes with <a href="http://dogtime.com/agility.html" target="_blank">many benefits</a>. You do not have to be at the professional level to experience these either.<br />
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The strengthening of the bond between you and your dog alone is worth it. It also provides your dog with an incredible mental and physical workout. <a href="http://bordercolliecorner.blogspot.com/2015/01/mentally-stimulate-your-dog-mental_25.html" target="_blank">Mental stimulation</a> for a Border Collie is particularly important.<br />
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As I said, one does not have to be at the professional level to enjoy the fun and benefits of the sport. I have not focused on training Ali specifically for the sport. I do however partake in her ability to perform many of the tasks and tricks. I take advantage of things while we are out on adventures.<br />
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Playgrounds seem like they were built for the sport. While I know this is not true, and I made sure the park was empty, it did prove as a good chance to see how easily Ali understands what I am asking of her.<br />
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This second video was something we came across on our walk and I decided to see if Ali would pick up on what I wanted. She did, and she outsmarted me as well.<br />
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Agility is easily in Ali's blood and is something I plan to work on with her. Always keep in mind the safety of your dog. If Ali shows hesitation to anything I do not force it on her.<br />
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I would love to hear about your experiences with agility training so feel free to leave us a comment and link to anything you have to share. You might also be interested in other training Ali and I work on, I have taught her to be a responsible <a href="http://bordercolliecorner.blogspot.com/2015/02/border-collie-training-videos_4.html" target="_blank">city walker off leash</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">© Irwin McNeely & Border Collie Corner, 2015. Unauthorized use or duplication of this material without written permission from this blog’s author or owner is strictly prohibited. All pictures are my own & property of Irwin McNeely & Border Collie Corner.</span></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180052531646913944.post-82069361716648915012015-02-04T10:47:00.002-08:002015-02-06T09:52:18.519-08:00Wordless Wednesday BlogPaws Blog HopJoin Ali on the blog hop!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Wl5NheJQaw/VNJkADuzP8I/AAAAAAAAVSA/De6tXLMcT4U/s1600/IMG_20141025_135206993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Border Collie laying on rocks." border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Wl5NheJQaw/VNJkADuzP8I/AAAAAAAAVSA/De6tXLMcT4U/s1600/IMG_20141025_135206993.jpg" height="400" title="Ali the Border Collie" width="225" /></a></div>
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Join the hop below.</div>
<!-- start LinkyTools script --><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=251166" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- end LinkyTools script -->Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180052531646913944.post-6576764974314421322015-02-04T08:06:00.000-08:002015-02-04T08:08:30.164-08:00Border Collie Training Videos<h3>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Training with Ali.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Training is always something Ali and I work on. No matter what we are doing I always incorporate reinforcement of the commands she already knows. Practice makes perfect.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Ali comes from a line of working dogs but she is not used for work (herding) as I have no need of this skill. The commands I use with her are not traditional <a href="http://www.herding-dog-training-border-collie-sheepdog-dvd.com/sheepdog-terminology/" target="_blank">herding / sheep dog commands</a>. Due to the unique characteristics of the breed though the commands seem secondary to her instinct of knowing what to do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The intelligence of a Border Collie also means they are easily able to learn, understand and perform many things other than just herding animals.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mbvq_4zM4mE/VMqEMSfcxQI/AAAAAAAAVK8/Mf8qS8LaraQ/s1600/IMG_20141009_093925642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Border Collie Laying In The Grass." border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mbvq_4zM4mE/VMqEMSfcxQI/AAAAAAAAVK8/Mf8qS8LaraQ/s1600/IMG_20141009_093925642.jpg" height="180" title="Border Collie Training Videos." width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Off Leash Walking In The City.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">We spend a lot of time in the city and I prefer not to always have Ali on a leash. A Border Collie just seems happier when given the freedom to walk at their own pace. Ali knows the leash and is great on it but I can see the excitement in her eyes when I take it off her.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I have taught her to walk in the city. To wait for me of she gets too far ahead and to stop at corners until she is told to cross. As you can see in this short video.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Up & Off.</span></h3>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Up & off are commands we work on for fun. This kind of work (fun) is easy with a Border Collie as these dogs are well suited for <a href="http://www.bordercollie.org/training/agility.html" target="_blank">agility sports</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">In this video we were working on her commands with some other dogs around. I like work with Ali with distractions around at times to help her learn to keep her focus on me. The other dogs in the video are dogs of <a href="http://www.ridgerescue.com/" target="_blank">Ridge Rescue</a>, waiting to find their forever homes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">A Picture Montage.</span></h3>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">This last video is a montage of pictures of Ali. Something I put together to capture some of great fun we have together.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">If you enjoyed this article please feel free to share it. Leave a comment as well. If it is your first time here check out the <a href="http://bordercolliecorner.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">other articles</a> we have posted.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">© Irwin McNeely & Border Collie Corner, 2015. Unauthorized use or duplication of this material without written permission from this blog’s author or owner is strictly prohibited. All pictures are my own & property of Irwin McNeely & Border Collie Corner.</span></div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180052531646913944.post-12388629003613603222015-02-03T12:05:00.000-08:002015-02-03T18:25:48.307-08:00Tips For Moving With Your Dog<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Moving With Your Dog.</span></h2>
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Moving is stressful, there is no denying it. Your dog (or cat) is no exception. They are going to feel the stress of a move as well, perhaps more so as they do not have the understanding of what is happening.</div>
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Fortunately there are some things we can do to make the transition easier on our four legged friends.<br />
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Ensure your dog feels secure. Do not leave them at the new house alone while moving things over. You are your dog's most important security blanket.</div>
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Provide them with a safe place in the new home that they can retreat to while the chaos of the move is happening. This could be a room in which you put out their favorite toys. For Ali, her kennel is her safe place. Setting this up, with easy access gave her a place to go and feel at ease. Ali's kennel has never been used as a punishment so she willingly goes to it when she wants to feel secure.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cnhsNlJWSDo/VNEnWlQCdsI/AAAAAAAAVQs/CbTiABwLf6s/s1600/IMG_20150123_123111349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A Border Collie laying in the grass with a toy." border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cnhsNlJWSDo/VNEnWlQCdsI/AAAAAAAAVQs/CbTiABwLf6s/s1600/IMG_20150123_123111349.jpg" height="225" title="Ali, a happy Border Collie." width="400" /></a></div>
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Allow For Exploration.</span></h2>
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Your new home is going to contain many new smells for your dog. Be sure to allow them plenty of time to explore the new home, at their pace.</div>
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Start with the inside of the home. Keep an eye on them as if the home was lived in by previous people there might be smells of other pets, your dog could be inclined to <a href="https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/urine-marking-dogs" target="_blank">mark their territory</a>. If this happens let your dog know it is not acceptable but understand your dog is not doing it out of spite, it is a sign of insecurity in it's new environment.</div>
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If your home has a yard then you will want to allow your dog time to explore their new yard as well.</div>
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A final tip for exploration is taking your dog on a <a href="http://bordercolliecorner.blogspot.com/2015/01/mentally-stimulate-your-dog-mental_25.html" target="_blank">smell walk</a> through the new neighborhood once you are settled in. Give your dog plenty of time to take in the scents scents, this will provide them with a much better understanding of their new environment and it's inhabitants. Remember dogs interpret their world predominantly through their sense of smell.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-_NbbcIL5A/VNEoNo3nLrI/AAAAAAAAVQ0/63X5aA9PjWc/s1600/IMG_20150126_113720051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Border Collie standing on rocks at lake shore." border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-_NbbcIL5A/VNEoNo3nLrI/AAAAAAAAVQ0/63X5aA9PjWc/s1600/IMG_20150126_113720051.jpg" height="640" title="Ali at the lake." width="360" /></a></div>
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Don't Break Routine.</span></h2>
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Moving to a new home is always a hectic ordeal. Even after the move is complete we are left with unpacking. It can be a very busy time.</div>
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An important tip to helping your dog adjust to the new home is sticking to the routine they are accustomed to as much as possible.</div>
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Keep feeding time(s) the same. If you walked your dog at specific times each day try and keep that routine as close to normal as you can. Ali and I have 15 minutes each morning and night of what I call "Ali time". She gets belly rubs, petting and brushing during this time. She is also allowed up on my lap if she wants. If you have attention time like this with your dog try to adhere to this as well.</div>
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Keeping to the routine your dog is used to will help them retain the sense that everything is OK. Dogs <a href="http://m.petco.com/Content/ArticleList/Article/30/1/285/Stress-and-the-Importance-of-Routine-for-Dogs.aspx" target="_blank">need routine</a>, it gives them a sense of security and helps them remain stress free. They do not have to worry about things like eating because they know that always comes at a certain time each day.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4y-SmYpH4kw/VNEo5XcwIiI/AAAAAAAAVQ8/AMtmBluBU6k/s1600/IMG_20141025_133513687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Border Collie playing in a pile of leaves." border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4y-SmYpH4kw/VNEo5XcwIiI/AAAAAAAAVQ8/AMtmBluBU6k/s1600/IMG_20141025_133513687.jpg" height="640" title="Ali playing in the leaves." width="360" /></a></div>
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Avoid Stress.</span></h2>
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This point is as much a benefit to us as it is to our dogs. Try to make your move as stress free as possible. Dogs are sensitive to our moods and feelings. If you are stressed your dog will feel this and become worried themselves. Your calmness will help to show them there is nothing to be worried about.</div>
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Moves will happen from time to time. With a little preparation we can make the transition as easy as possible on our pets and ourselves.</div>
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If you found this article useful be sure to check some of our <a href="http://bordercolliecorner.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">other articles</a> out.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">© Irwin McNeely & Border Collie Corner, 2015. Unauthorized use or duplication of this material without written permission from this blog’s author or owner is strictly prohibited. All pictures are my own & property of Irwin McNeely & Border Collie Corner.</span></div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180052531646913944.post-83677365159704545662015-01-29T11:10:00.003-08:002015-01-29T11:17:04.700-08:005 Reasons You Should Adopt A Dog<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">5 Reasons To Adopt A Dog.</span></h2>
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When considering getting a dog people often overlook the <b>adoption option</b>. There are a lot of misconceptions about <a href="http://www.ridgerescue.com/animals/browse?species=Dog" target="_blank">adopting</a> a dog. Here are 5 reasons you should consider adopting a dog.<br />
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<li>Saving A Life</li>
<li>Help Reduce The Unwanted Pet Population</li>
<li>Saving Yourself Money</li>
<li>Don't Support Puppy Mills</li>
<li>Make A Friend For Life</li>
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Adopting a dog could be the difference between life and death for that dog. The statistics are higher than you might think.<br />
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In 2013, in Canada 8000 dogs taken into shelters were euthanized. These <a href="http://cfhs.ca/athome/shelter_animal_statistics/" target="_blank">statistics</a> are for humane societies and SPCAs only. They are based on the 52% that responsed to the survey sent out during 2014. Adopting a dog can certainly save a life.<br />
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It also brings me to my second reason.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Help Reduce The Unwanted Pet Population.</span></h3>
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In 2013 Canadian shelters took in over 46000 dogs. This is staggering amount. Above I mentioned 8000 of those dogs were euthanized. It is not all bleak news though.<br />
<br />
That number amounts to 16% of the dogs taken in. 25% were returned to their guardians. An astounding 45% were adopted.<br />
<br />
The remaining percentages were comprised of dogs that were transferred or remained in the shelter. Your adoption can, and does, help control the unwanted pet population.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1W-qiLcplt4/VMqCwU4NIqI/AAAAAAAAVKs/Mm-M2JAPpoE/s1600/IMG_20141025_163118357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Border Collie dog, laying on grass. An adoption success story." border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1W-qiLcplt4/VMqCwU4NIqI/AAAAAAAAVKs/Mm-M2JAPpoE/s1600/IMG_20141025_163118357.jpg" height="640" title="Belle, an adoption success story!" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An adoption success story!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">Saving Yourself Money.</span></h3>
<br />
Many people say, "Why would I pay for a lost dog, a stray or a dog from a shelter?" They fail to understand that adopting a dog often costs less in the long run.<br />
<br />
Most shelters and reputable rescues spay and neuter dogs when they come in. They also make sure their vaccinations are current and take care of any immediate medical attention the dogs might require.<br />
<br />
This is not always true when buying a dog from a store or a breeder. I say not always because this is a controversial subject and there are many reputable stores and breeders that do ensure the good health of their dogs. However while they might ensure the health of the dogs they usually do not alter them. This does not help reduce the unwanted pet population nor does it promote responsible pet ownership.<br />
<br />
In the end the adoption fee is likely the only cost you have to cover for the first year of owning your dog, barring any unforeseen incidents.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">Don't Support Puppy Mills.</span></h3>
<br />
Sadly while there are many trusted sources for buying a dog there are also many of the puppy mill variety. These are situations where the health of the dog, the home it is placed in and the general well being of the dog and family come secondary to money.<br />
<br />
This is something no caring pet owner or animal lover would want to support. The fact is you do not always know what conditions the dog you are buying is coming from.<br />
<br />
Many rescues, like <a href="http://www.ridgerescue.com/" target="_blank">Ridge Rescue</a>, go out of their way to ensure the dog you are adopting is the right fit for you and your family and that you are the right fit for the dog. This includes meet & greet visits to introduce the dog and family. Follow up visits and assistance with any issues that arise during the transition period.<br />
<br />
Not supporting puppy mills <b>and the extended support</b> you can receive are both excellent reasons to choose the adoption option.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">Make A Friend For Life.</span></h3>
<br />
I should have put this point first. The dog you adopt, the life you save, is going to become part of your family.<br />
<br />
With my sister running an animal rescue I get a lot of exposure to dogs (she rescues cats and horses as well) and I can honestly say they are some of the best dogs I have met. They have different stories but they all have one thing in common. They are looking for their forever home, they want to be a loving and contributing member of a family.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mbvq_4zM4mE/VMqEMSfcxQI/AAAAAAAAVK4/OvSiUm8OABk/s1600/IMG_20141009_093925642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Border Collie laying in the sun. An adopted dog." border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mbvq_4zM4mE/VMqEMSfcxQI/AAAAAAAAVK4/OvSiUm8OABk/s1600/IMG_20141009_093925642.jpg" height="225" title="Ali, my best friend." width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ali, my best friend!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
If you missed it read <a href="http://bordercolliecorner.blogspot.com/2015/01/rescue-dogs-alis-tail.html" target="_blank">Ali's rescue</a> story.<br />
<br />
If you're looking for a dog I highly suggest adopting as an option. With a quick search you should be able to find shelters and rescues in your area.<br />
<br />
I like to think I adopted Ali but the truth is I think she had already adopted me the first time we met.<br />
<br />
<i>This article also applies if you are looking to add a cat to your family. The statistics for cats are roughly double that of dogs.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">© Irwin McNeely & Border Collie Corner, 2015. Unauthorized use or duplication of this material without written permission from this blog’s author or owner is strictly prohibited. All pictures are my own & property of Irwin McNeely & Border Collie Corner.</span></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180052531646913944.post-15436112389227558372015-01-28T15:23:00.000-08:002015-01-29T05:51:33.561-08:00Ali Posing For The Camera<h2>
Ali In Action!</h2>
<br />
If you own a Border Collie than you already know the <a href="http://bordercolliehelp.com/border-collie-energy-level/" target="_blank">high energy</a> these dogs have. Ali has no shortage of get-up-and-go. She will spring up from a dead sleep at the first sign of movement to the door.<br />
<br />
I enjoy taking pictures of her in whatever we do. Action shots are some of the most fun. They are not always easy to catch, I am not a professional photographer by any means. I use my phone for pictures.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">Boomerangs & Balls.</span></h3>
<br />
Ali's love of chasing down anything thrown made it easy to redirect her natural <a href="http://bordercolliecorner.blogspot.com/2015/01/breaking-herding-instinct.html" target="_blank">desire to herd</a>. This is one of our main activities each day, several times a day. Here are a couple pictures involving boomerangs (one of the best throwable toys I have ever found) and air time.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ynxFVfmbFvY/VMlmfHVL07I/AAAAAAAAVJQ/0Sp95p9z598/s1600/IMG_20141025_162311353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Border Collie catching a boomerang in mid air." border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ynxFVfmbFvY/VMlmfHVL07I/AAAAAAAAVJQ/0Sp95p9z598/s1600/IMG_20141025_162311353.jpg" height="640" title="Ali Catching The Boomerang" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jumping for joy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mz-lfP_mLQg/VMlmyFxq_dI/AAAAAAAAVJY/fKholmPL_7w/s1600/2014%2B-%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Border Collie leaping into air to catch a boomerang." border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mz-lfP_mLQg/VMlmyFxq_dI/AAAAAAAAVJY/fKholmPL_7w/s1600/2014%2B-%2B4.jpg" height="640" title="Ali leaping for the boomerang." width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reaching for it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">Hiking In The Hoodoos.</span></h3>
<br />
We have made many trips to <a href="http://www.albertaparks.ca/writing-on-stone.aspx" target="_blank">Writing on Stone</a> Provincial Park for walk time. My sister likes to take the <a href="http://www.ridgerescue.com/" target="_blank">rescue dogs</a> out for exercise here. Ali has become an expert as posing for pictures. She has incredible patience with me.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EKmzD57Tu1E/VMlrglcqjNI/AAAAAAAAVJo/TWClPtvozrs/s1600/IMG_20141009_163242748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Border Collie sitting at the edge of a hoodoo." border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EKmzD57Tu1E/VMlrglcqjNI/AAAAAAAAVJo/TWClPtvozrs/s1600/IMG_20141009_163242748.jpg" height="225" title="Ali relaxing at the hoodoos edge." width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the view.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-txBYc3ixGoE/VMlrmaTOsjI/AAAAAAAAVJw/sirGNfmESmw/s1600/IMG_20141009_155808426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Border Collie sitting at edge of hoodoo overlooking the river." border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-txBYc3ixGoE/VMlrmaTOsjI/AAAAAAAAVJw/sirGNfmESmw/s1600/IMG_20141009_155808426.jpg" height="225" title="Ali at Writing on Stone Park." width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken at Writing on Stone Park.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I have always been a person who enjoys walking so having Ali was never a concern as far as her demands for exercise went. Her and I put a lot of miles on our feet each day.<br />
<br />
How do you spend your play time with your canine friend(s)?<br />
<br />
If you're interested in Ali's background be sure to read about her <a href="http://bordercolliecorner.blogspot.com/2015/01/rescue-dogs-alis-tail.html" target="_blank">rescue story</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">© Irwin McNeely & Border Collie Corner, 2015. Unauthorized use or duplication of this material without written permission from this blog’s author or owner is strictly prohibited. All pictures are my own & property of Irwin McNeely & Border Collie Corner.</span></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180052531646913944.post-13173591303266567622015-01-27T11:22:00.002-08:002015-01-29T05:51:14.935-08:00Rescue Dogs: Ali's Tail<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">My Name Is Ali & I Want To Tell You About Rescue Dogs.</span></h2>
<br />
I am a 2½ year old, purebred border collie. I come from a line of working dogs, bred to love, respect and help my human work. This is the life I want to live.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">Humans Can Be Cruel.</span></h3>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
I was purchased by a human for working purposes. My human lived on a cattle farm. Life was going to be good for me!
I don't know what I did wrong or when I did it. I must have done something though. The first 8 months of my life was spent in a quonset outside. I did not get to work. I did not get to do the things I was born to do. I did not get to do much of anything.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">Idle Paws Do The Devil's Work.</span></h3>
<br />
I was bored, really bored. I chewed things, lots of things. Tractor seats are fun to chew when you're bored. Maybe that is what I did wrong? My human was not happy with me.<br />
<br />
My human was giving me away, to another human.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg96HU1-oRq2wSmijUJEJMbFIR-_4kNev97CH-2CqXVe0CgVMAp9IoM028Zdi2o49LCeBqIrX6nCje-7oBNd-QeWJn_1ESECNbe3W3gOwYCoeZ-qwqtg1cg4Uf1wYXdSSxrEfxVj2tfxF0/s1600/IMG_20141201_153835626~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ali, a rescue dog, border collie breed" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg96HU1-oRq2wSmijUJEJMbFIR-_4kNev97CH-2CqXVe0CgVMAp9IoM028Zdi2o49LCeBqIrX6nCje-7oBNd-QeWJn_1ESECNbe3W3gOwYCoeZ-qwqtg1cg4Uf1wYXdSSxrEfxVj2tfxF0/s1600/IMG_20141201_153835626~2.jpg" height="640" title="Ali, a rescue dog" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Living the good life.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">I Was Scared And Confused.</span></h3>
<br />
I did not know at the time but this human was from <a href="http://www.ridgerescue.com/" target="_blank">Ridge Rescue Society</a>. I did not know what was going on, I had lost my trust in these humans. I bit her. Actually I bit her many times during the journey she took me on.<br />
<br />
Where was I going? What was happening?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">Something Was Different Here.</span></h3>
<br />
She took me into the place where the humans stay. This place had many dogs and more humans. I was terrified, so many new smells and sounds. Then I saw him. There was something about that human. I knew he was a good human, I could smell it.<br />
<br />
I was not afraid of him. I let him touch me when he said my name, I even let him put something around my neck. I didn't bite him.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVjKRcuC86Yw0PWhphCLU8lAukCe-BSkBn5e7Qmlq9D0VHW_KuqS3gCews2QsKeecbAK2GlrLxoZ_Iw_-K04tYB3ZlDBDEHZD6388r7Yb33yoHMsG8eoQnWTAZYb7s8JhzQPo1HWSpKfE/s1600/IMG_20141022_153441426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ali, a rescue dog, border collie breed" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVjKRcuC86Yw0PWhphCLU8lAukCe-BSkBn5e7Qmlq9D0VHW_KuqS3gCews2QsKeecbAK2GlrLxoZ_Iw_-K04tYB3ZlDBDEHZD6388r7Yb33yoHMsG8eoQnWTAZYb7s8JhzQPo1HWSpKfE/s1600/IMG_20141022_153441426.jpg" height="640" title="Ali, a rescue dog" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I get all the love & attention I need now!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span id="goog_565877104"></span><span id="goog_565877105"></span><br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">All We Need Is A Little Love.</span></h3>
<br />
I quickly learned that this was a good place. I learned that these humans were good. I got to play with other dogs, go outside, sleep where it was warm. I was getting lots of attention, which I really like. I felt bad for biting her so many times. I now know she is a kind soul and not like my other human.<br />
<br />
Finally I felt like a dog again, life was good!<br />
<br />
I had already chosen my human though. He adopted me. I now live a good life and get all the love and attention that I need. I get exercise every day, I get to learn new things all the time! I am <a href="http://bordercolliecorner.blogspot.com/2015/01/mentally-stimulate-your-dog-mental_25.html" target="_blank">never bored now</a>. Best of all, through all of this, I learned that not all humans are bad. I can trust humans and I do not have to be scared all the time.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">Adopt, Don't Shop.</span></h3>
<br />
My story ended with a happy tail. Not all dogs have found their happy tail yet. I had to leave many friends behind (I get to visit them often though!) when I was adopted. They are all wonderful dogs that just want the chance to live a happy life.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6BP02ChJjD5NzVyzsTawaDGMvG1scaIsXzpTh0teMVtICsgAcEcP6RlU48ymLAjBscVVovL5w8yf1VXd5YNNM7GdYz5yvJjK3RAb2bwMTfJGH3foKjTJ9u9CUgmoRhZ5SlxeNMfczALg/s1600/IMG_20141104_133034645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="3 rescue dogs playing fetch" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6BP02ChJjD5NzVyzsTawaDGMvG1scaIsXzpTh0teMVtICsgAcEcP6RlU48ymLAjBscVVovL5w8yf1VXd5YNNM7GdYz5yvJjK3RAb2bwMTfJGH3foKjTJ9u9CUgmoRhZ5SlxeNMfczALg/s1600/IMG_20141104_133034645.jpg" height="640" title="Ali & other rescue dogs" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me & a couple of my rescue friends playing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
If I could tell you one thing it would be this. If you are thinking about getting a dog make sure you have the time for a dog. <a href="http://bordercolliecorner.blogspot.com/2015/01/a-border-collie-you.html" target="_blank">Research the breed</a> you want so you know all about the dog and are sure it is the right dog for you.<br />
<br />
When you are ready for a dog consider <a href="http://www.ridgerescue.com/animals/browse?species=Dog" target="_blank">rescue dogs</a>. There are so many great dogs out there waiting to find their forever home! Adopting saves lives.<br />
<br />
My name is Ali, I am a rescue dog.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">© Irwin McNeely & Border Collie Corner, 2015. Unauthorized use or duplication of this material without written permission from this blog’s author or owner is strictly prohibited. All pictures are my own & property of Irwin McNeely & Border Collie Corner.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08148220845730480721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180052531646913944.post-2764112897784135792015-01-25T21:48:00.002-08:002015-01-29T05:50:48.084-08:00Border Collie Training<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">
Training A Border Collie.</span></h2>
I have read a lot of articles about training a Border Collie. I won't say they are all wrong but I will say, from my experience with Ali, I disagree with most of them.<br />
<br />
I understand each dog is different and each situation is unique. My sister runs an animal rescue, <a href="http://www.ridgerescue.com/" target="_blank">Ridge Rescue Society</a>, this is where I adopted Ali from. Around these parts Border Collies get surrendered often. It is not an issue with the dogs but the people not understanding what they were getting into. Some of the dogs certainly have had some obediance issues, again not the dog's fault.<br />
<br />
What I have learned though is these dogs all have certain characteristics that are almost always consistent from dog to dog.<br />
<br />
I am not a professional dog trainer but I know what works with my dog.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bHfnIiIPgMY/VMXKPZfmEiI/AAAAAAAAU6g/_1CWdDZ87Mg/s1600/IMG_20141025_162803043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Border Collie Trained to Climb a Tree" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bHfnIiIPgMY/VMXKPZfmEiI/AAAAAAAAU6g/_1CWdDZ87Mg/s1600/IMG_20141025_162803043.jpg" height="640" title="Border Collie In a Tree" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here kitty, kitty..</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><h3>
<span style="font-size: small;">Barking Up The Right Tree.</span></h3>
<br />
Considering I can get her to climb up a tree and walk out on a branch I figure I am doing something right.<br />
<br />
Ali has never been hard to train nor have any of the other Border Collies my sister has had. They want to please you, this is what makes them so nice to work with. Their intelligence makes it a winning combination.<br />
<br />
<h3>
No Treats Needed.</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
I give Ali treats but I have never treat trained her. A Border Collie lives for praise. More often than not the thought of praise is the only reward Ali needs. I did need more to get her in that tree though. That is where her ball or boomerang come in. I redirected her <a href="http://bordercolliecorner.blogspot.com/2015/01/breaking-herding-instinct.html" target="_blank">focus to herd</a> to fetching. As soon as a ball is in hand she cannot resist. She does get tasty treats, I just do not use them as rewards for training.<br />
<br />
In the video below you will see us working on basic commands. I always incorporate these into fetch time as well. This keeps her sharp and alert. Consistent reinforcement of learned behaviors goes a long way.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/DsfwY-wS-YA?list=UU6rHTVYBZgOlGjlJx_LBY_g" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: small;">They Always Want To Learn.</span></h3>
<br />
Ali seems to always want to learn new stuff, do new things. I can honestly say I know when she is bored and I try to avoid that happening. Walks are always different routes, we take <a href="http://bordercolliecorner.blogspot.com/2015/01/mentally-stimulate-your-dog-mental_25.html" target="_blank">smell walks</a>, I mix command training and fetch in with walks. Currently I am teaching her to play the shell game. 3 cups, one rock. I cover the rock and mix them around trying to trick her. The rock works for Ali because it is something that can be thrown. She is getting quite good at it, I will be taking a video of it soon.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: small;">It's Not Them It's Us.</span></h3>
<br />
I do not believe anyone that will say Border Collies are difficult to train or hard to work with. I would say in most cases it is the people that do not understand what these dogs need. If you do not have time for them they will be trouble. Border Collies and boredom do not mix.<br />
<br />
What are your thoughts? How do you train your dog?<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">© Irwin McNeely | BorderCollieAli & Border Collie Corner, 2015. Unauthorized use or duplication of this material without written permission from this blog’s author or owner is strictly prohibited. All pictures are my own & property of Irwin McNeely & Border Collie Corner.</span></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180052531646913944.post-58073911940604033602015-01-25T12:12:00.000-08:002015-01-29T05:50:29.192-08:00Mentally Stimulate Your Dog<h3 style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 10pt;">
</h3>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.15;">Mental stimulation is important for all dogs.</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.15;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 1.15;">Dogs are thinking animals and, like you and I, they can become bored.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;">This is even more true with your Border Collie. These dogs have a high, very high, level of intelligence. Without proper mental stimulation, along with exercise, unacceptable and destructive behaviors are going to become an issue. This is not because your dog is bad, your dog, like a child, is bored and acting out. Idle paws do the devil's work.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;">The good news is with a Border Collie it is easy to give them a good brain workout. In fact there is one way you can do this by slightly altering something you likely do already.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; line-height: 1.15;">Take Your Dog For A Smell Walk.</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;">Here are a few things about your dog's sense of smell, these apply to all breeds.</span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline;">A dog's sense of smell is at least 1000 times more sensitive than a humans, it is much higher in some breeds</span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline;">A dog interprets it's world mainly through smell</span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline;">A dog's nose is wet in order to capture scent particles, this is why they often lick their nose when it is dry</span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline;">The part of a dog's brain that controls smell is 40% larger than a humans</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8FnTVDKafwo/VMVF19H9FBI/AAAAAAAAU4w/7pDSeYqHv7Q/s1600/IMG_20141120_133516632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Border Collie, smelling on a scent walk" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8FnTVDKafwo/VMVF19H9FBI/AAAAAAAAU4w/7pDSeYqHv7Q/s1600/IMG_20141120_133516632.jpg" height="640" title="Border Collie smelling her world" width="360" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;">Dog's learn everything about their world through smell. When your dog smells the marking of another dog they learn more than you might think. Sex, fertility, which direction they came from and went, even their mood.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;">Denying your dog the chance to take in the scents of their world is really to deny them the chance to know their world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;">We all walk our dogs. We all have our own routines and times that we do this. A smell walk is nothing more than taking a walk at your dog's pace. Allowing them the chance to stop and smell the things they want to along the way. Having the patience to wait for them is the key.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 1.15;">A smell walk does not have to take longer than a normal walk if time is critical for you. You can just shorten your regular walk. Your dog will get more out of a shorter, smell walk, than a regular walk.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; vertical-align: baseline;">Social Media For Dogs.</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;">Think of a smell walk as social media interaction for your dog. When your dog stops at that lamp post and is lost in the smells, they are checking their Facebook news feed. Catching up with what others in the neighborhood have been up to. Who knows, if there is something really interesting they might tweet about it as well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;">There are many benefits to taking your dog on a smell walk, the biggest being your dog is going to enjoy it.</span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline;">You will be allowing your dog the chance to really get to know the area they live in</span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline;">You are providing both physical exercise and mental exercise</span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline;">Your dog will be far more content after the walk than they would be on just a regular walk</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;">There are more benefits than just those of course. Those are some of the important ones. Do you take your dog(s) on smell walks?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;">If you are interested in knowing more about your dogs sense of smell, and other senses, this is a <a href="http://m.dogbreedinfo.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogbreedinfo.com%2Farticles%2Fdogsenses.htm#2994" target="_blank">great article.</a> They also have great information on specific breeds including my choice, the <a href="http://m.dogbreedinfo.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogbreedinfo.com%2Farticles%2Fdogsenses.htm#2803" target="_blank">Border Collie</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 1.15;">If you enjoyed this article please like & share. Leave us a comment as well. Be sure to check out our </span><a href="http://bordercolliecorner.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 1.15;" target="_blank">other articles</a><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 1.15;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small; line-height: 36.7999992370606px;">© Irwin McNeely | BorderCollieAli & Border Collie Corner, 2015. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express &amp; written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. All pictures are my own and are property of Irwin McNeely & Border Collie Corner.</span></div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180052531646913944.post-36921087563709476762015-01-24T10:37:00.000-08:002015-01-29T05:48:13.365-08:00Breaking The Herding Instinct<div dir="ltr">
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I will start by saying anything stated here is based on my experience with my own dog, Ali. For the record she is a purebred Border Collie from a line of working dogs.</div>
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Herding behavior is a trait in dogs that has been bred into them over centuries by man. The natural predatory instincts have been bred out while still maintaining their instinct to herd their quarry. This produces a very effective helper. I won't go into detail on this behavior, if you want to know more you can <a href="http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herding_dog">read up on it here.</a><br />
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Understanding that this is a natural instinct they are born with is the first step in managing it.</div>
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The behavior is not easy to miss. Does your dog circle around other animals or people, moving in and nipping at them? This is herding.
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This can be cute when you see them playfully keeping other dogs where they want them. Not so cute if it is a group of children or guests at your home. If left unchecked it can quickly lead to problems.</div>
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Make no mistake this is what a Border Collie was born to do. Once they are in the zone their focus is intense and difficult to break.</div>
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<b>Do I want to break my dog of this habit?</b></h4>
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Yes. Unless your dog is meant for working. In that case you will want to encourage further training to refine this behavior. If you live on a farm or acreage but do not plan to work your dog you will not want this behavior. They will at some point exercise their skills and it can lead to injuries to the dog or your other animals. No one wants their cattle unintentionally herded through a fence.</div>
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<b>How to I break this behavior?</b></h4>
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I have read many articles on this. I have mixed opinions on what I have read. Based on my experience with Ali I will agree that the instinct is just that, an instinct. Therefore I do not believe it can ever be fully broken. Remember this has been bred into their line for centuries.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7FP8CbpPs9eW_lv5O0IUebVpX7boq6chuv5WEMciJ-LPxjVyUOXFXLpj0M-wKX9ckhj2jz8TPUyzh3jprXUOYJz25irqHKMXk8ASOKIglnnaduk1f1JOVHu5wsmvtAH1uUIvNVQddNwU/s1600/IMG_20141121_103800593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Herding Instinct - Focused Border Collie" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7FP8CbpPs9eW_lv5O0IUebVpX7boq6chuv5WEMciJ-LPxjVyUOXFXLpj0M-wKX9ckhj2jz8TPUyzh3jprXUOYJz25irqHKMXk8ASOKIglnnaduk1f1JOVHu5wsmvtAH1uUIvNVQddNwU/s1600/IMG_20141121_103800593.jpg" height="640" title="Border Collie - In the Zone" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
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What can you do then? The one thing greater than their desire to herd is to work. Herding after all is a job they were bred to do. If your dog is herding it is likely bored. A Border Collie does not do well with idle time. What you can do then is give them a job to do. Anything that they can focus that desire to work on.</div>
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<b>Transfer the need to herd to something else.</b></h4>
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Giving your dog a job is not as difficult as it sounds. Anything that they will give that intense focus to will work. If you own a Border Collie you know the focused look I am talking about.</div>
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Many people use these dogs as agility dogs. This works great as it satisfies their need for mental stimulation, their desire to learn and gives them a job.</div>
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For Ali it was easy to transfer that herding desire to fetching. Fetching is her job. Watching her fetch you can tell she is not like other dogs. She is focused and in the zone, she is not playing, she is working. If I want her immediate attention all I have to do is pick up anything that could be thrown. Actually, she is so used to me bringing a ball on our walks that I just have to put my hand into my pocket and she is instantly in the working zone, eyes glued to my hand.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgajoJF9iYGINGr4LDf_Ds_7XIXrpjnVbLtywZaOkjc-D8WxsXOacUBjSaabbL2BJpdb93Gduutbyo123jgJdRFfS7NIzSlog3qUMTgp-NX5ns3Z1-AHET45W35jx8Njh7_EUAKUV4kINg/s1600/tmp_8974-image-1817186638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Herding dog, border collie, fetching" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgajoJF9iYGINGr4LDf_Ds_7XIXrpjnVbLtywZaOkjc-D8WxsXOacUBjSaabbL2BJpdb93Gduutbyo123jgJdRFfS7NIzSlog3qUMTgp-NX5ns3Z1-AHET45W35jx8Njh7_EUAKUV4kINg/s1600/tmp_8974-image-1817186638.jpg" height="640" title="Herding focus redirected to fetching" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working, not playing.</td></tr>
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The flip side of this is that it is the one thing that can break her attention from me when we are out just walking. Seeing anyone with a ball, boomerang or something similar and she is ready to go to work.</div>
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<b>My final thoughts.</b>
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Finding a way to redirect your dog's focus is not hard to accomplish. Each dog will be a little different of course. It is simply a matter of finding what your dog likes. Generally anything that stimulates their mind is a good place to start. Fetching, agility training or basic trick training are all good things to try. Even their basic training can be utilized, I have taught Ali her basic commands in English, German and with just hand signals. These dogs have no shortage on the willingness to learn.</div>
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Be sure to check out <a href="http://bordercolliecorner.blogspot.ca/2015/01/a-border-collie-you.html?m=1">A Border Collie & You.</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">© Irwin McNeely | BorderCollieAli & Border Collie Corner, 2015. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08148220845730480721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180052531646913944.post-42705368192532237182015-01-23T14:27:00.000-08:002015-01-29T05:52:57.451-08:00A Border Collie & YouThe <a href="http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Border_Collie" target="_blank">Border Collie</a> is a unique breed of dog. They are as much fun as they are work. All dogs require a commitment of their owner but this breed demands it. If you are not prepared for this then you may find yourself in trouble with yours.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_euwODVrH7nHa7_-c5LklyXuZbF8A0ACX1ietcz5W9IeLb2qAgkR0CTQpcjkKfHl0HP3LFUaG_tjvnIgCruYDstRl95RBGeljHdj4CbylfExI1MP2QUitt4ZvvrcmgZHessvonvQWaUk/s1600/IMG_20150123_123111349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Border Collie" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_euwODVrH7nHa7_-c5LklyXuZbF8A0ACX1ietcz5W9IeLb2qAgkR0CTQpcjkKfHl0HP3LFUaG_tjvnIgCruYDstRl95RBGeljHdj4CbylfExI1MP2QUitt4ZvvrcmgZHessvonvQWaUk/s320/IMG_20150123_123111349.jpg" height="225" title="Ali my Border Collie" width="400" /></a></div>
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What does a Border Collie need?</h3>
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Physical Activity</h4>
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All dogs require physical activity and a Border Collie is no exception. They require a lot of physical activity, especially in their younger years. These dogs come from a long line that was bred for working. These are not lazy dogs. They want to be outside walking, running, working. Doing something. As such if your lifestyle does not permit for a lot of outdoor activity this might not be the breed for you.<br />
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This is not to say you must live on a farm or acreage in order to have a happy Border Collie. Many people will say these dogs are not suited to city life, living in a small house or apartment. I would disagree. In the time that I have had Ali we have lived both in the city and country. With frequent walks and playtime Ali has always been very content living in the city, in a small apartment.
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Mental Stimulation</h4>
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This is a very important need of a Border Collie. Failing to meet these needs will likely result in behavior problems. This can include destruction of property and nipping at people. A Border Collie is a highly intelligent dog and because of this they have a strong desire to work their brain. They enjoy anything that stimulates their mind. They love learning and from my experience with Ali once they learn something it is forever a part of their memory. Something they can recall, remember, and do time and time again.<br />
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This is great for obedience type commands like sit and stay. It can be frustrating with other types of behaviors though as they do not forget them. Early on with Ali she would sit by me in the morning as a slept and gently paw my face until I woke up. This was adorable. It is now a routine, this is how I am awakened each morning.<br />
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Mental stimulation is actually not difficult. I have found many ways to do this with Ali which I will share in later articles. Often it is something I incorporate into our physical activity and kill two birds with one stone. It is absolutely something to consider and think about though before getting a Border Collie, not doing so would be a disservice to you and your dog.
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Rules & Boundaries</h4>
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This is another important requirement of the breed. As a working dog they want to please you. They look to you to tell them what to do and what is acceptable. I have read many articles stating that if you plan to get a Border Collie you should definitely put them through basic obedience school.<br />
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This is not a bad thing. I do not believe it to be a must though based on my work with Ali. As mentioned above these dogs are highly intelligent and they are eager to please. With a little work this makes teaching basic obedience very easy. One of the greatest benefits I found from teaching Ali myself is that she learned her obediance from me. She will listen to anyone she is with but will push the boundaries with people. With me she will not. Since I taught her she knows exactly where my boundaries are therefore does not try to push them.
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In future articles I will share with you the ways I taught Ali her basic obedience as well as ways I teach her new things now.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4AlSKphBO4UDSErkKvgL0nanIo_mOuRv9Eho0Q1IlTU8XSo9iJ2y68DsbOdcj0BiT4GvJRvUEZBuBgva5uesy_JjVg0Tvvs45ZyrNhpBay88qMhWjiqaR-v5ufF4s_GXdUoLFy6Oluc/s1600/IMG_20150123_123233726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Border Collie" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4AlSKphBO4UDSErkKvgL0nanIo_mOuRv9Eho0Q1IlTU8XSo9iJ2y68DsbOdcj0BiT4GvJRvUEZBuBgva5uesy_JjVg0Tvvs45ZyrNhpBay88qMhWjiqaR-v5ufF4s_GXdUoLFy6Oluc/s400/IMG_20150123_123233726.jpg" title="Ali my Border Collie" /></a></div>
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If you are planning to get a Border Collie and are ready for the commitment you will not be disappointed. They are smart, loving and incredibly fun dogs to own.
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">© Irwin McNeely | BorderCollieAli & Border Collie Corner, 2015. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited.</span></div>
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