That is great to hear esp. if the Collies are also kept as pets in their working homes. There are many unwanted collies that would benefit from working. Do you know what their waiting list of dogs due in is like?



I agree with all of this, word for word

I have had friends take on rescue Patterdales and similar, one Border too, their temperaments meant they were not suitable pets alone, the rescues in question agreed that they would be better with a job to do. The transformation is quit remarkable in many cases, from hyper wound up dogs, to well mannered, happy dogs that also live happily as pets, whereas before they were going mad in a pet only environment.
Dawn.

I agree, my dear departed Polly was a rescue..who was homed with us as vermin dispatch was offered, to give a dog who..at that point really was quite neurotic, a focus to life. Turned her right around, so yes I'm very much for it.

I don't know exact figures but am sure there are always plenty of dogs due in

It amazes me how many hyper, out of control collies there are in pet or sport homes, yet most of the working collies you see on the farms around me or at sheepdog trials are calm, relaxed and well mannered.

Yes hyper wound up dogs is somthing I hate to see. Manic crazy behaviour is quite alien for Collies, they should be calm, quiet and controlled. I think its artificial work, "sports" as you say.
Dawn.

A local gamekeeper has had most of his dogs via private rehomings and then gone onto work them. In some cases, they do just need a job to do or just something to stimulate their mind.

Helen

Agree that all the working dogs I know are controlled.
However, you seem to be concluding that working them makes them calm and 'sports' makes them hyper.
Whilst I agree with this to a point (e.g. you would never see a shepherd 'winding up' his dog before work, as you do in 'sports'), I don't think it is as clear cut as this.

Don't forget, not all collies will make the grade for working sheep, even those from working backgrounds. On the whole (and there always exceptions) those that do make the grade to work sheep will be the ones with calmer nature whereas those which are hyper are more likely to end up as pets. IMO for those dogs, sports is probably the best outlet of their 'hyperness'. (though I also appreciate that most bc's are not work-tried before going to pet homes).

Not all collies are suited to work. Not all collies that are suitable for work want to work.
I have a collie who had been pinpointed as a potential worker and the owners weregoing to train him up as he showed good working potential,I have to say, I haven't seen it in him...I see it in some collies when I'm out and about, but not in Mo, but I'm guessing the farmers knew what they were on about. Anyway, he has never done a days work in his life, but when younger he walked pretty much all day with my OH when I was in work. When I got in from work I 'worked' his brain, we did a vast amount of training/play 'work' every day...he has never been hyper, he has never been destructive or nervous.We knew what we were taking on and we wore him out physically and mentally in his youth (not so much now with all his ill health sadly). He, if he went into a rescue when younger, could well have been spotted as a potential worker and offered only to a working home...but why would that be better for him than the life he has had with us as a 'pet' in a house of responsible dog owners??? Each case should be assessed individually and on its own merits...not just on if the home offered can offer 'work' or not.


Good post Hali by the way.

Not sure how I feel about "sports" really. My opinions have changed over time. I used to think agility/flyball etc was great for collies who had excess energy and no work outlet. After witnessing many hyped up, wound up, noisy collies showing manic behaviour (on and off the course) I am really not sure it does them any good at all. I am not saying it isn't fun - it is (I did a little with my GSD) but I just really don't know.