The longer we keep dogs, the more we realise how little we understand about their behaviour.
If you keep a number of dogs together there will inevitably be the odd disagreement. Whenever possible, we try to remain calm and allow the dogs to sort out the pack hierarchy by themselves.
We’ve learned that, if we interfere, they simply sort it out when we’re not in view. These incidents rarely lead to any actual harm to either dog and are a natural part of pack routine. Of course, there is always the exception to every rule, and Mog and Maeve tested our resolve to the limit.
Both are working sheepdogs and have since moved on to new homes. When they were with us, at least once a day, the two young bitches would square up to each other. Immediately, an apparently furious fight would begin.
At first we were horrified and quickly separated the pair. However, on an occasion when they were too far away, we noticed that the skirmish ended as suddenly as it had begun. The two trotted away together, perfectly happy. In fact, we could have sworn they were laughing!
Despite the ferocity of the incident, there was no apparent damage. There was not even the tell-tale saliva on either coat to suggest there had been mouth contact.
We eventually managed to record one of the incidents. It was only when we slowed the footage down that we were satisfied they were only playing. There was no actual contact between teeth and skin. It was all show.
BORDER COLLIE SHEEPDOGS & FRIENDS – STILL OFF DUTY! (DVD)
WATCH THIS TRAILER!
Watch Pearl Glen, Mel and lots of the dogs you saw in our first DVD Border Collie Sheepdogs – Off Duty! PLUS MANY MORE! The DVD is available from our DVD Store – and we automatically ship the correct format for your country. More info.
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