Blue Merle Sheepdog

[quizzer01]

I have a beautiful 2year old dog , but when i let him out for a wee he keeps jumping the fence and goes wandering for hours .Does anyone know how i can stop him doing this ? thanks

[Kleiber]

Now, now, everyone, let's stop bickering and get back to the (perfectly reasonable) question that quizzer asked in the first place. Quizzer, I know how you feel - I'm no longer as fit and young as I used to be and, as I said before, my little bitch can be a right wee madam! Collies are really clever (as you no doubt know) and I must admit I think they really understand a lot of what we say to them. One of the things I've done with Meg is, when I let her out, if she heads for the wall I tell her to go "round the back" and she comes straight away to the back garden. It works - try it (and reward him when he gets the hang of it!). By the way, does anyone have any advice on convincing my Meg that she's a dog, not a cat, and that dogs don't climb trees??? :-) K

[bednobs]

also, when we did flyball with ours, i used to do it from a mobility scooter!

[Kleiber]

Hiya, bedknobs - how are you?

[woofgang]

no divgirl, I for one would never question her right to have a dog based on her posts. What i do question, again from her posts (and politely) is whether this is the right dog for her. and more importantly to me, whether this is the right situation for this dog.

[quizzer01]

this is the 3rd sheepdog I have had ,I had a sheltie for 14yrs and then another blue merle for 15yrs ,i know i am older now have difficulty walking ,but i play throwing toys for him all day but the minute i open the door he is gone - when i had my other blue merle i had a chain out the back and would secure him to that if it was a nice day - will have to try that with blue ( thats his name cos he has very blue eyes ,apart from running away he is gorgeous and yes there are some bitches on heat around here at the moment Gillx

[chaptazbru]

I agree with Sharingan - the Cinammon Trust is a marvellous organisation (I did voluntary work for them some time ago) and they will arrange for somebody to walk your dog if he doesn't get enough exercise.

[woofgang]

quizzer when your son takes the dog out how far do they go and what sort of exercise is it? on lead, off lead? training? what?

If bitches are an issue then yes castration will help BUT it will take around six weeks, maybe longer for the hormones to leave his system and if you aren't going to train him in a sold recall during that time then you might as well not bother.

Like other dogs who are smart and lively he needs and outlet for his intelligence which, with respect, retrieving toys and being allowed outdoors on a chain is not.
Letting him continually retrieve might actually be making matters worse by continually exciting him and adding to the stress. The chain in the garden (sorry I HATE that) will stop him legging it but will do nothing to make him happier to stay with you or do as he is asked.

What did you do with your previous collies?

I really really don't say this to upset or offend you, its just that now and forever I am on the side of the dog...any dog.