|
|
When I met my sweet, (indulgent) husband over fifty years ago, he had a Border Collie. This was back when no one knew about Border Collies except the folks who worked them. We have had Border Collies ever since. It was a natural fit to get into Herding, as the dogs performed a valued task with our livestock. Now that they are recognized by AKC they excel in OBEDIENCE, AGILITY, and we see more of them in other areas as well. Border Collies must have a “job” or they will create one. Sometimes to their uninformed owners’ dismay and aggravation.
I start our dogs, on ducks. Ducks are less intimidating than sheep or cattle and it is easy to direct the ducks as the pup learns the commands necessary for the more challenging work ahead. There are many breeds with “herding” backgrounds and they are all eligible for competition.
We purchased our Border Collies from Arthur Allen starting in 1955. At the time Arthur was, for thirteen years straight, the North American Supreme Champion, with his dogs. He taught me a lot and we knew we would always get an outstanding dog from Arthur. God bless him, and I know he is herding white fluffy clouds now with his spectacular dogs.