What are some of the most common things the every day collie owner would have to worry about?
Besides the general dog stuff (such as food, shelter, fresh water, companionship, and exercise), a collie owner would need to know that collies are sometimes very “nippy” due to their herding instincts, they love to “mouth” things and put their long lovely noses everywhere! Some collies have also been reported to have a habit of herding everything they see - small animals, children, other pets, etc. Because of the job they were bred to do (herd sheep) they also are a very vocal breed, given to incessant barking if not properly trained. With proper guidance from a loving owner though, these collie traits should not be a huge problem.
This comment is for the barking dog article. I have a 6 yr-old tri-collie that is a barker. In the beginning, it was very frustrating trying to get her to stop barking inappropriately (what humans think is inappropriate behaviour). Anyhow, I tried all the stop barking aids. the citronella was prob. the funniest. once she learned how it worked, the spray never phased her. she would just brace herself for the hit and keep on barking. i didn’t use any of the shock/ electronic stuff. don’t agree w/ this method. How the barking was remedied is that i just started thanking her for letting me know what is going on. now. she’ll bark a little and come to me for her thank you.
This comment is regarding the nippying and barking. I have 2- 5yr old tri collies - male & female. The female only barks “legitimately” - when someone is at the door, in front of the house, etc. However the male barks constantly. I have learned to live with this. It’s the nippying that bothers me. The male has been nippying at people who come to the house or are riding bikes/motorcycles. I know he wants attention but I don’t know what to do about this. Does anyone have any suggestions?