Gender: Male - Female
Within a weeks of arriving at our farm, Bebe knew the daily routine and was helping with chores. At nine weeks, she was helping the older farmcollie put the poultry away at night and doing a great job of it. She still needed guidance from the experienced dogs and from me, but she's been the easiest dog to train that I've ever worked with. Part of that is good breeding and temperament, but a lot is early handling. The Bradleys do an excellent job with these pups.
Bebe's two now, and she's the perfect dog for our small farm. She can help move the cattle -- or keep them out of the barn if I want them out. She looks after the poultry, protects the hens, breaks up rooster fights, and noses chicks back to where they belong. Last summer, when Bebe was just a year old, we spotted her and the English Shepherd bearing down fast on a hen near the barn. It looked like they were attacking her. Not so. Bebe leaped over the hen and crouched, sheltering the hen with her body, while the other dog circled around and drove off the five roosters that had been pursuing her. Teamwork and creative thinking! Bebe knows the older Aussies's weaknesses and keeps him out of trouble, too. She's a good companion on long walks, and keeps me company when I'm working in the fields. She'll also go for help when she thinks something's amiss. A few weeks ago, my husband was mowing the overgrown grass along the driveway and got stuck in a soft spot. Bebe ran to the house and barked for me. By the time my husband decided he couldn't get unstuck without my help, I'd already found shoes and leather gloves and was on my way down the driveway.
LauraP -- visit blog at: www.realdirt.blogspot.com
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Rebeca Bradley was so helpful in picking out our farm collies, Sadie and Bo. We told her what characteristics we wanted our dogs to have. The two puppies Rebeca picked out for us have been exactly what we wanted. They are so good at watching our animals. They go out in the fields occasionally to check on the cows. Whenever a cow or chicken is out of its place, they will not rest until it is back in. The collies are also very patient, letting our kittens claw their noses, and pounce on their tails.
When Bo was a year old he was accidentally run over by an RV. This left him with a broken pelvis and a bruised spine. Needless to say, he needed a lot of attention and help. I left him one day so I could feed the chickens. Half way to the coop, I turned around to see Bo limping after me. Such is the loyalty of my farm collies.
Anyone looking for an all-around superior farm dog, I definitely recommend these dogs.
RachelB