…provided the toy has enough handles.
Taken three years ago, almost to the day, this photo shows the lovely Oliver. He is with his litter mates Justin and Jess, and (nearest to the camera) a friend of the family, Tiny White.
We’re lucky to have the time and space to keep several puppies at a time. These include either those we’ve bred or those we’ve bought in to train. If you’d like to buy two (or more) puppies and raise them together, it’s important that you make time in your day – EVERY day – to give each dog some quality time. Aim for a minimum of 30 minutes each. You can spend that time training, playing, grooming, or just having the dog with you while you do something else, but don’t underestimate its importance!
Left to entertain themselves, puppies don’t EVER pick up good habits from each other. Moreover, there’s a risk that they become so devoted to each other that you simply don’t figure in their priorities. To avoid this, the pups should be housed separately too. They don’t have to be isolated, they’re pack animals after all. However, separate and within sight of each other is the ideal.
You can find out more about sheepdog puppies, and what to do with them before you start sheepdog training, from our short tutorial Puppy Training Essentials and the Bronwen & Scylla series.
We waste spend hours just watching our puppies playing, trying to identify their developing personalities. It’s surprising how much you learn from the way the puppies play and behave towards each other. Oliver (2nd from the left) is looking a bit self-conscious, and that trait stayed with him. He likes to play, but stops and tries to look casual if he sees us watching him.
The other three never had any such inhibitions!
BORDER COLLIE SHEEPDOGS – OFF DUTY! (DVD)
WATCH THIS TRAILER!
Watch Pearl and our other dogs in action on this preview of our first DVD Border Collie Sheepdogs – Off Duty! (You’ll love it.) The DVD is available from our Online DVD Store. The price includes shipping worldwide – and we automatically ship the correct format for your country. More info.
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