The little border collie on the left is Gyspy, my father-in-law's dog. My in-laws are in Florida for the winter and Gypsy spent all of January at dog trainer's house. We just picked her up on Saturday afternoon and she will be with us until the end of March! Yikes! I hope we all make it that long.
She is about 16 months old and is a total handful. We live in a small-ish house in the city, with a small back yard. I knew that I needed to take her out to the barn to run while the weather was nice, because she was going to be cooped up in the house all day. She is ok in the house, but she paces.
And paces.
And paces some more. She has a few things to chew on - her favourite being a piece of deer antler - which is one of the few things she can't shred. She tries to be good but she just has so much nervous energy that she can't help the pacing. We have worked out a schedule where she will be walked 3-4 times a day, so hopefully that is enough to keep her sane.
She is also terrorizing my poor cats. The big cat is NOT amused and has retreated to the basement where he has food, water and a nice bed - he ventures upstairs at night when the beast is in her crate. The kittens are a bit more curious and I think in a few days they will get along ok. Somehow Charlie and Gypsy have come to some sort of agreement. Charlie isn't afraid of her and Gypsy walks by and turns her head the other way and completely ignores Charlie. Roxie is having a harder time - she and Gypsy stalk each other through the house - Gypsy tries to herd her, but if she gets too close, Roxie hisses and smacks her nose. Roxie also gets to a high point and gives Gypsy the stink eye, making the dog nervous. It is kinda funny, but kinda annoying all at the same time!
 |
| I'm watching you! |
5 comments:
Does she play fetch? Also, there are brain games you can play with dogs that are good for the working/herding breeds to help keep them occupied when you can't give them tons of physical exercise. Being mentally exhausted is just as good for them as being physically exhausted.
OS - no, she doesn't fetch well at all. Tried that last night and poor old Max did all of the retrieving!
I'll have to google some brain games for her - keep us both amused!
Laura, I just saw this and thought you might be interested. I haven't checked them out but wanted to pass it on before I forgot!
http://ottawa.en.craigslist.ca/grd/2189711071.html
I have an email to you regarding your other questions in the works!
Copper doesn't fetch too much either. However, he loves games that involve him using his nose to find treats. Also, just basic obedience drills (aka puppy push ups) will also help. BUT, mix it up. This breed gets bored really, really easily. Email me if you need some more suggestions. :)
Oooh! Boy. Some house guests should only come for a weekend. lol!
They don't call border collies working dogs for nothing. They need a job to focu all their energy on...or they'll focus it on stuff you don't want them to.
Hang in there. Just think of all the exercise your going to get this month. hehe!
~Lisa
Post a Comment