I have not read the whole thread. I am amazed at the number of responses on this thread that only started Tuesday! ( I am jumping in at page 30.) As herding breeds go, I have a couple of Shetland Sheepdogs (Shelties), not related. Gracie is 10 years old and her idea of joy is to guard the perimeter. She can usually be found lying on either the front step or the back step, regardless of the weather, watching for intruders. Or barking at perceived intruders. Such as squirrels, deer, ladybugs, turtles or random unexplained noises. Walnuts falling, perhaps. We feel very safe with Gracie on guard.
Sammy is the new kid, not quite 18 months old. He is Disney cute. Young and very high energy. Curious. Stares at us intently, trying to figure out what we are thinking, saying or planning. Cracks me up. Very intense stare. When he wants attention, he bumps us with his nose. If he wants to go outside, he grabs one of our feet with his paw, or very gently with his mouth (not biting, just holding), and tries to pull it out the door. He knows we need our feet to go out the door, you see. If he can just get our feet out the door, surely the rest of us will follow... right?
He loves to run once he's out there. We are considering Invisible Fence for him so he can run "free" in a safe zone. I think Shelties and Border collies are not just smart, they are spooky smart. You have to be very smart to read, understand and communicate with them. Sammy likes to play with a ball. He plays fetch and he dribbles the ball. Gracie prefers soccer and Kill the ball.
Well i am fading fast so good night.
I will enjoy dreaming away the winter thinking about the next puppy.
