When Addie moved into my home 2 1/2 years ago, I knew she had some border collie in her and felt this was great since they are such "smart" dogs. Little did I know how smart and how challenging.
She was found tied to a tombstone, pregant and gave birth to six puppies-I took her and all puppies home. The puppies were adopted, but Addie stayed.
During the early days of puppyhood, she was kept very busy-BUT, after they were able to fend more for themselves, she became very busy in my home. I could not keep her contained-she could take a crate apart in a heartbeat and, if both slide locks were not in place, she could get out. She ate my pictures, doll collection, downstairs bedroom, pooped in the bedroom and could answer the phone. I got real concerned when I found the phone off the hook with a phone book next to it (I am not kidding!).
I started getting on the Internet and getting with friends that work with border collies to find out how to live with these wonderful loving dogs that can tear a house apart unless you commit yourself to them and work with them. I kept Addie because I knew she would have a hard placement. She was placed in an outside kennel during the day and allowed in at night under supervision. I put $3000 into a 6" high fence that surrounded an acre of my home so she could run. She went through 2 different obedience classes with me.
Now she can be trusted in the house for the day while I am gone with no destruction and is one of the best dogs I have ever known. She shows no aggression and is great with kids. She is the best "mother" dog to little pups that are fostered. I wouldn't trade her for the world!! I have even taken in another border mix; went through the same commitment with him and he has turned out great.
COMMITMENT is the word. You always have to keep one step ahead of these great dogs and they will challenge your mind.
If you are not up to a challenge or commitment-PLEASE DO NOT GET A BORDER COLLIE-Mary Baird
(Reprinted with permission from the author)
