Makes me sleepy just watching him!

[Sunnypup]

Hi there. I'm just wondering how many here have aussies or herding dogs like them. I am running out of things to do with him that are safe for his joints. We hike sometimes 2 hrs a day (with lots of breaks) and play ball and play with toys and work on new tricks and go over old tricks but he just can't seem to get enough. I take him places and let him play with other dogs but a 1 hr nap and he is up and ready to go again. I feel like I am somehow failing him but I think he is getting more then enough time being an "only child" with a "stay at home mom". Any suggestions? Maybe he has a.d.d.

 

[Renee750il]

Nope, Sunny, he's just a Border Collie - or is he an Aussie? lol! They really are high energy critters and that energy is mental as well as physical. Looking into something like agility or flyball might also be an answer. These dogs really, really need something to do.

Try getting him some toys like puzzle balls and other things that will make him think as well as act. You might seriously consider a second dog, or even a young cat as a playmate.

 

[BigDog2191]

I have a German Shepherd! (A herding dog.)

 

[Sunnypup]

Nope, Sunny, he's just a Border Collie - or is he an Aussie? lol! They really are high energy critters and that energy is mental as well as physical. Looking into something like agility or flyball might also be an answer. These dogs really, really need something to do.

He is an aussie. We're actually working on obediance with him and would LOVE to do agility and frisbee but the problem right now is that he is only 4 months old and everyone recommends waiting until the dog is ATLEAST 1 year old before doing things like that since it can have a negative impact on their joints. If I had the space I might look into a couple of sheep for this guy (hey Easter is coming up could probably find some lambs cheap afterwords ) but we live in the suburbs. Contrary to what people on this thread have said abut having an aussie or border collie in the burbs it is working out nicely for us since I have the time to take him to the park for a few hours every day. (and when I say a few hours I mean most of the day usually...gotta love my lack of a social life besides my dog ) The problem begins after dark when we can't go out besides to potty. The spoiled baby gets bored. Sigh. I do have a kong toy that he loves and am going to get him a puzzle ball but I was hoping for some good games to play with him that don't involve tug of war that could help curb his spacific energy.We are working on hide and seek but I actually feel bad because he cries when he can't see me Oh well, knew what i was getting into from the start but BOY is he a handful. (and no, I wouldn't have it any other way )

 

[smkie]

we need to put him and Victor together...they could wear each other out while we watch and drink ice tea!

 

[avenlee]

I'll have a Long Island Ice Tea with ya. I'll watch for about 20 mins. and be out like a light. lol

Actually though, I pondered the thought of getting a Border Collie and was told by many of my friends that they require ALOT of excersize and are very hyper and I decided against it. So, I settled for dear 'ole Sadie I think the two breeds are at oppisite ends of the spectrum, but I don't regret it one second.

 

[Renee750il]

LOL, Avenlee! Glad to hear she's an Aussie. Aussie's aren't really at the opposite end, but they are more relaxed than BCs. Our O'Reilly did well in my parents' back yard, but he was born blind and could never have lived without a fence. He had no fear of anything, either, and talk about a guard dog! There was always another dog with him and I think that helped a great deal too. He made my sister's Jack Russell furious by herding him!

Remember, you have to shear sheep! Have you thought about a pygmy goat? They do make the sweetest pets, too. I knew a girl who had several and one in particular just loved to lay down in her lap.

 

[Sunnypup]

LOL, Avenlee! Glad to hear she's an Aussie. Aussie's aren't really at the opposite end, but they are more relaxed than BCs...

Remember, you have to shear sheep! Have you thought about a pygmy goat? They do make the sweetest pets, too. I knew a girl who had several and one in particular just loved to lay down in her lap.

LOL. Wow, if this is relaxed then I really don't want a border collie ! As for the sheep I was mostly joking but the pygmy goat idea could have some merit. Would definatly need to fence the yard (which could be complicated since it isn't "my" yard really) After he is about 6 months old and trained to where I want him to be for the most part I want to get a second pup for him to be friends with (and who am I kidding, I just want more dogs ) but for now I think I will start throwing a soft frisbee down low for him so he won't have to jump so much to catch it. That should be a start anyway. As for playing with Victor I'm all for that, but I live near philly pa so it might just be a drive for you to have a play date I am starting professional obediance next week and I am soooo excited. I previewed the trainers class tonight and I really think Sunny will get along with the other dogs, and learn a lot too. Just need to work on heel so we are up to snuff with them. So anyone have any good games to play anyway?