It’s been a week of new additions, though not the new additions (border collie puppies) we were expecting.
Mum’s relaxed!
The litter of puppies that was due last Friday has yet to put in an appearance. The mother, who’s usually a stickler for due dates, is looking very relaxed about it all though. It’s OK for her; she knows what’s going on! For the rest of us it’s a tense time until they’re all safely gathered in (well, out).
There are some new Border Collie kids on the block. We have been given three smooth-coated puppies. They’ll be ready to start training in the spring. Being litter mates of about 10 weeks old, they’re kicking up a fuss about being separated. Even though they can still see each other, we have to stick with it. We try to ignore them until they quieten down. It’s very hard, especially when you have neighbours AND it’s a Sunday. Though barking never sounds better on weekdays, I don’t know why I’m so worried about Sundays.
Quiet pups!
Whenever I notice they’re being quiet, I should go to them. I tell them how clever and quiet they are and reward them with some fuss. I’m always in the middle of something when this happens, juggling a cake out of the oven. Or I am trying to get involved in the latest Reading Group set book, but I have to do it. It’s just the same when you’re house training a puppy. If you’re vigilant, it shouldn’t take more than a day or two.
New sheep!
Our other new additions are our new sheep, this year’s lambs taken straight off the Welsh hills. Compared with the ones who’ve just left us, they’re TINY! To prove this point, they’ve been taking advantage of the holes in the hedge that were too small for the previous incumbents. They have been taking the opportunity to explore the neighbouring fields. Still, getting them back makes a change of work for the dogs. They really benefit from having an actual job to do. You can tell by a dog’s expression that it knows when it’s done something useful. They learn so much, even if only that Mum’s voice gets very high when 14 sheep dodge in 14 directions out into the bridlepaths.
A challenge for the dogs
These little sheep will give the younger dogs a challenge. It’ll help keep their interest too. Endless training, going through the same exercise time and time again, gets boring for the trainer and the dog. So it’s good to add a little excitement occasionally. We’ll have to make a point of choosing six and getting them dogged in time for the next training course. You can have too much excitement!
In between my dog and puppy care duties and keeping Andy’s nose firmly to the grindstone of his Mac keyboard. This week will be dedicated to getting some new DVD titles onto the website. They’re chiefly agricultural interest topics. I’ve been trying to find new sheepdog training or sheepdog-related DVDs but drawn a blank. So if anyone’s made, or is making, a new DVD that’s relevant to Border collies, I’d love to hear about it. The other thing the online shop needs is a good general obedience and training title, in addition to Jan Fennell’s excellent “The Dog Listener”. I’m always willing to consider recommendations.
Right, must dash – it’s all gone very quiet…
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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