picking up our 9 week old border collie pup next weekend....

[Moonandstarsandback]

Our 14 year old collie died nearly a year ago today and we are now ready for another dog as our house/family doesn't feel right without one

With my last dog I didn't read any books and just did what came naturally. I was lucky, he was an amazing, lovely and well behaved dog. However, this time I'm not feeling so confident and wondered if anyone had any recommendations of training/puppy books - I am very into gentle kinds of training. Think attachment parenting for dogs

Also, we are driving quite a way to pick him up, any advice on what to take with us? And what do I definitely need for our return?!!! My last pup had newspaper on bin bags to pee on indoors whilst training, but think there are now puppy pads!!!

Any tips or advice is very appreciated

[ImBrian]

How exciting, I bet you're counting down the days.

I don't know much about collies but I have a 17 week old shih fuzz chiuhuahua who thinks he's a lab and the best thing I bought for him is his crate. He's slept in it 10-7 every night since he came home at 10 weeks and it's really helped with house training.

I haven't used puppy pads at all as I read they encourage them to pee in house. I spent a lot of time stood in the garden but he's been clean after a couple of weeks.

The other thing is using biological washing powder I water to clean accidents. 70p for smart price instead of expensive cleaners and it works.

When I picked mine up I just sat him on my knee (I wasn't driving) but he did squirm quite a bit so not sure if a crate might be better?

A blanket or teddy to rub on mam incase they don't give you one might be a good idea as well.

Hopefully the next week goes nice and fast for you.

[Moonandstarsandback]

Hi Brian! It Is VERY exciting!!! We had a border collie before, so know the breed well!

Think I'll take a box/bed for pup to snuggle in on way home. We don't have a crate, but he will have a couple of snuggly beds in the house to feel comfy and safe in.

Do you have a piccy of your little puppy?

[Moonandstarsandback]

Is the biological washing powder/water for on carpets ?

[Moonandstarsandback]

What a brilliant idea about rubbing toy/teddies on mum. I have the perfect toy already.

[Thattimeofyearagain]

We made up a solution of water and bio washing liquid to clean up "accidents". Cheap as chips and worked a treat. Also, as a pp said puppy pads can encourage peeing in the house, due to the scent on them.

[Moonandstarsandback]

Indefinitely not purchasing puppy pads then! So how did you toilet train your pups?

[Moonandstarsandback]

Oops. I'm definitely...that should say. I'm so excited I can't type

[ImBrian]

Here's mine, he's a monkey but lovely.

For toilet training I kept him with me all the time and if I couldn't he was crated as they won't pee in their beds. Every time he woke up, ate, played moved we went outside.
As soon as he went he'd get a treat and a massive fuss. The first couple of weeks we did have daily accidents but then he got the hang of it and now apart from the very odd one he's great touch wood.

Over night he's crated in my room and has never made a mess or a sound.

For the washing powder I just put some in a bowl when needed and used a sponge.

[ChuckyDuck]

Eek how exciting. We have a bc pup although he's 9 months old now and huge! We never had a crate either but he always has access to a comfy bed can retire to if he wants peace and quiet.

We did use puppy pads just incase near the back door etc but to be honest we were really lucky he picked up that he needed to pee outside really quickly, picked up most stuff straight away but bc are clever

For the car journey I think he would be most comfortable on someone's lap if possible, with a blanket/toy from where he's come from to reassure him. Enjoy! Don't forget to post pics

[SiencynArsecandle]

So exciting! Our labradoodle puppy is now 5 months and we're reaping the rewards of the hard work done since we got her at 9 weeks; we are fortunate however as we have a 7 year old Doodle to help train her (or teach her bad habits). WE had to travel 2 hours home from the rescue we had her from, we used a cardboard box filled with some vet bed from the mum plus a comfy blanket and small cuddly toy. We had no accidents at all on the way home, then we had a crate for her to sleep in which drastically cut down on the number of accidents in the home plus settled her into a bedtime routine within a couple of days. She's now house trained and was off the lead on the beach yesterday, pleased to say her recall is fantastic (but I was a bundle of nerves).
Our previous dog was a border collie, a wonderful boy who unfortunately developed a brain tumour which changed his personality and led to a couple of nasty bites, and we had to have him PTS. Still breaks my heart 7 years on.

Enjoy and have fun - keep calm and you'll have a wonderful, happy puppy!

[Moonandstarsandback]

Brian, how cute is he?

Chucky, another border collie pup. He's so sweet I'll take a blanket and bed, but probably put blanket on my lap for cuddles. I'll also have towels on lap in case of any little accidents I will post a pic of him as soon as I have him home but here's one of him the owners sent to me....

Siency, sorry to hear about your last border collie. Very sad for you. but glad your labradoodles is keeping you on your toes

[JohnCusacksWife]

Re training I'd recommend having a look on YouTube at the training videos posted by trainers who use positive reinforcement methods. Totally non aversive and v dog friendly. Look for kikopup, Glasgow dog trainer, (he's my trainer and he's great), Kay Laurence, Katy Sdao. Karen Pryor has written some great clicker training books. All positive, non aversive stuff - I think you'll like it.

[Moonandstarsandback]

John, thanks so much for those recommendations. Sounds perfect

[ThatsNotMyRabbit]

Dog Training Advice And Support. FB group. Run by experts who are knowledgeable and committed to positive reinforcement based, kind, modern training methods.

I'm very jealous - I won't get my BC pup until the middle of the year 😟

[ThatsNotMyRabbit]

Totally agree with JohnCusack ^

Excellent suggestions 👍🏻

[JohnCusacksWife]

John McGuigan (YouTube Glasgow Dog Trainer) also has a great FB page - Glasgow Dog Trainer and Behaviour Consultant). Worth checking out.

[ThatsNotMyRabbit]

He's excellent.

[JohnCusacksWife]

He is. So lucky to have him as my trainer.

[Moonandstarsandback]

Rabbit, ooh thanks! Will join that FB group Are you anywhere near Sussex? If so, come and meet my pup while you wait for yours

John, had a look at Glasgow dog's website...does look fab. Will check his FB page too

[ThatsNotMyRabbit]

Nowhere near Sussex 😟
Thanks though! 😄

[Moonandstarsandback]

Dammit
But.... It will be worth the wait

[ThatsNotMyRabbit]

I know. I can't bloody wait 😄

[Moonandstarsandback]

[DartmoorDoughnut]

Handling360 and DevonDogs (devondogs.co.uk) are fantastic, border collie/agility - Lauren represents GB with a couple of dogs I think - in any case, they also have a puppy training bit I think, my BC is 11 this year so I'm a bit out of the loop!

[ThatsNotMyRabbit]

I'm gutted I don't live nearer Devon - I'd love to train with Tom and Lauren.