Border Collie kwestion

[bcjake]

Border Collie Evil Eye

As stated before, we're new to Border Collies. One thing that has always fascinated me is their hearding style, the low stalking approach and the imfamous stare they're known for. This isn't why we got the dog. We've had Aussies for the last 12 years and thought it would be an interesting change, which is an understatement. Our pup is about 7 months old and more or less acts like any other pup would... wanting to play and chew and is quick to pick up on things. Last night at obedience training, there were a few other Border Collie pups a little younger (4-5 months). One of the pups was constantly staring at his owner, rarely taking his evey off him. Something our pup doesn't do. I know this is bred into them and each dog will develop it differently, to different levels at different times, but when does this typically begin to develop and surface? Don't know if its related, but he seems to have a short attention span... maybe that's from still being a puppy.

He also hasn't begun to stalk anything, other than the neighbor's cat. When he's in the back yard and he sees the cat walking in the neighbor's yard or down the alley, he will seem to stalk it and barks at it. He only does it with that particular cat and not other cats (that' we've witnessed.) We assume it because he doesn't like that particular cat, as most in the neighborhood don't.

 

[RD]

Some BCs are naturally more independent. My adult dog is always looking at me, and has been from a young age, but my pup is more interested in her surroundings and doesn't even glance at me unless I call her name. If you do attention training with him he'll probably stare at you like that too, but I wouldn't do a lot of attention training if you want him to work livestock. Looking back at the handler is usually a big hinderance in stock work.

I think it's a good thing that he isn't showing a lot of eye at this point. Dogs that do stalk every little thing usually freeze up or move at a snail's pace when they're confronted with actual livestock, because their eye overpowers them. I was told that it's easier to build eye in a "loose" dog than loosen up a "tight" dog.

 

[bcjake]

We didn't get him to work with livestock (unless you count a cat or two here and there.) He's a family member/pet who we plan to participate in agility and other dog sports. Granted, once we feel comfortable with him off lead and he's a little older, we may take him to my wife's cousin's farm. They work stock with dogs, though I don't know if they're Aussies, Borders, Heelers or what. That would be for fun though.

 

[IlUvMyAnImAlZ05]

I can't help with that question, but I am very happy for you that you got a Border Collie. We did have a Collie but he passed away. They are excellent dogs! I can not remember about that question though, sorry.
Good luck with your new pup!

 

[Herschel]

There is a Mini Aussie in our agility class. She keeps her eyes on her owner at all times, just like Herschel does with us. Both dogs are around 10 months of age. The Mini Aussie is a herding breed and Herschel is a terrier mix.

At this age, it isn't necessarily a matter of breed, breeding, or anything other than training. Work on attention training with your dog and you will see similar results. Does your dog know "Watch me" and "Look"? Can your dog perform these tasks in front of other dogs? While walking? Does your dog know to look at you every time you stop while walking? Teach these things and you will soon have a dog that doesn't take its eyes off of you.

 

[DeeDee]

last week I got a dog from the pound, they listed her as 'terrier mix' but she didnt look veyr terrier to me, she has long collie like fur, feathery around her neck and the collie tail (which also looks a little german shepherdish). The vet said she has some small dog like chihuaua in her, but also she looks very very border collie maybe also some corgi. I havent had her long but on walks she often slinks along like in that crouching run type position and is very alert and stares at birds, cats, then her ears go forward. When I brought her somewhere to run loose, she runs very herding dog like.
Anyways, that's what Ive found and how I also recognized that breed in her, she is very interested in everything and has to stop and stare if she sees anything that catches her eye. SHe seems pretty smart, and as I have her longer I can see she needs alot of mental stimulation when we're at home, unless she's tired and lying down, she likes to be doing something. SHe is sweet but a definate handful, maybe some Corgi in her, she can be stubborn and will forge ahead on the leash and tune me out. Very loyal though and a good watchdog, probably in part bc her hearing is so acute. As somebody put it "she is tiring!", she doesnt just walk easily along on the leash, she is like on alert, noticing eveyritng, ready to pull and forge full speed ahead on the leash with a determination that is downright tiring at times. I am consulting with training on her!!