Dog dreaming

[ShrekDawg]

We definitely don't hold Lucy! She would be disgusted if treated her like a baby. She is a huge dog in a little suit and lives a dangerous and fantastic life daily.

She sounds amazing!!

 

[chickens really]

She sounds amazing!!

Well definitely don't only think of big dogs as being better because it all depends on how you raise and the individual dogs temperament too...

 

[ShrekDawg]

Well definitely don't only think of big dogs as being better because it all depends on how you raise and the individual dogs temperament too...

That is very true!!

 

[Building Bridges]

They do seem like great dogs!! I personally don’t think they’re stupid or boring or anything and think they are full of personality but I know some people see them that way or as accessories. Personally I think with the right owner and training, they can be amazing dogs!! Some people treat them as an accessory or furry baby and they wind up so spoiled and bratty!! Yappy, aggressive, etc. and some of them think this is cute!

Realistically though I know this is not the dogs fault and that they are great dogs when not ruined by idiots

I have always said little dogs become bratty because people can let them get away with things that they can't let a 50lb dog get away with! They treat them like babies instead of dogs. I always feel sorry for the dog because they don't have the boundaries they need in order to relax and enjoy life.

 

[ShrekDawg]

I understand the attraction....I LOVE training!!! IMO....an Aussie would be a great choice. I must say, however, you must do your homework. There are lines that are "hard" and can be aggressive....and there are lots of lines that are kinda cowardly. If you have visions of doing performance events (I LOVE RALLY and recommend as a first performance event)...look for breeders who have dogs that are demonstrating success in performance venues. To me, temperament is everything...so I went to shows, talked to people, and talked to judges....and zeroed in on the kennel I wanted my Aussie from. I drove from Ohio to Connecticut to get a puppy. He is spectacular. He has earned titles in obedience, rally, agility, trick dog....he has a CGCA....he is a registered therapy dog with Therapy Dog International and he helps me in training classes as a demo dog. He and I go tent camping....he just stays where he needs to be. We've done our county's hiking program for the past three years...he's an awesoe trail dog. He is perfect. At ten years old, he still visits two facilities weekly as a therapy dog....including Ronald McDonald House in Cleveland. He and I recently did a tv spot for them. He is bombproof and absolutely reliable. Yes...I did a lot of work with him....but I made sure I got the right pup to begin with. My vet loves him so much she flew to Florida to get a puppy from the same breeder (who had moved from CT to FL). Two other people I know have gotten pups from that breeder based upon their acquaintance with my dog. I hope you find one just like him!! )
Good luck and feel free to stay in touch....I will be excited to see what you get. )

Thank you so much for this post!!! It is very helpful and informative!! Your dog sounds so amazing!!!

Is his breeder still breeding? They sound like a great breeder! Would you mind sharing their name? You can private message me with it if you prefer. Or if not, that’s fine.

It’s too bad they moved to FL because we’re in MA and CT isn’t too far... although I’ll go anywhere for the right dog.

Also here are a couple herding dog threads you might enjoy as well.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/border-collies-australian-shepherds-all-herding-breeds-tell-me-about-yours.1342663/

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/aussie-or-border-collie-which-is-your-favorite-and-why.1342723/

Also I have a performance dog thread too. Hasn’t been active in a bit but maybe we can revive it.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/performance-dogs.1271265/

Oh and

 

[ShrekDawg]

Oh and your dog is gorgeous, @Building Bridges .

 

[ShrekDawg]

I have always said little dogs become bratty because people can let them get away with things that they can't let a 50lb dog get away with! They treat them like babies instead of dogs. I always feel sorry for the dog because they don't have the boundaries they need in order to relax and enjoy life.

Exactly!! People let little dogs get away with murder!! I always feel bad for them. And then the people carrying them everywhere instead of letting them walk for themselves!

 

[Building Bridges]

Exactly!! People let little dogs get away with murder!! I always feel bad for them. And then the people carrying them everywhere instead of letting them walk for themselves!

YES!!!!

 

[ShrekDawg]

YES!!!!

I wish more people would let them be dogs!!

Btw I love your profile picture... Border Collies? Are those your dogs?

 

[FortCluck]

Exactly!! People let little dogs get away with murder!! I always feel bad for them. And then the people carrying them everywhere instead of letting them walk for themselves!

I know a lot of people who carry their dogs instead of having them walk in stores because their dog has that attitude and it doesn't come across great when they're first meeting a dog.

Molly is that way... She can be a complete jerk and it can never be taken out of her brain to not be like that because she is a little dog. She wants a bigger dog to know that she is the alpha. When you have a dog that has an alpha personality, you never want them to confront a dog face-to-face unless you do it slowly... If not there will be a fight

I always put Molly in the cart when we go to a store. That is her safe zone and she knows that she is safe inside the cart.

Jolene on the other hand doesn't really have that alpha in her even though she's been challenging Molly but she doesn't do it towards other dogs that are not in her pack. Jolene loves playing with other dogs.