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The doghouse

springer/Dalmation/ border collie owners can I ask something?

13 replies

ditavonteesed · 26/06/2011 08:33

am thinking of one of these breeds for dog 2, cherry is a border terrier so quikte energetic but usually quite chilled out at home. If I outline what I do in the day will you tell me if it would be enough for one iof therse breeds of dog or if I am deluding myself.

morning, walk after school run - 1.5 - 2 hrs, we dont always go that far but often meet up with other dogs in the park and have a good old romp, I do try to do a couple of laps of the park first (1 mile per lap, I know this because when the governement started trying to get people to excercise more they put routes all over the notice boards, really quite handy).

then I tend to go out and do what I need to do, no more than a couple fo hours a day.

school run - about 30 mins round trip, all on lead road walking, I dont take dog every day but I could (or alternate between dogs as 2 dogs outside busy school might be a bit much)

after tea

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ditavonteesed · 26/06/2011 08:37

dont know what happened there will just continue as if nothing.

after tea - 30 mins to half an hour walk on the nights we arent doing anything.

we do obediance 2 nights (I do tend to go for a good walk first as obediance is soewhat improved with knackered dog)

Have just started agility 1 night a week.

I am a sahm so only ever out for a couple of hours at a time, I do like dog to have a bit of cuddly quite time in the evening.
Household is quite a noisy one (understatment), we have chickens in the garden and 2 cats.

so does that sounbd like enough for these breeds, I understand they are all very high energy breeds and require a lot of excercise and stimulation,
oh forgot to mention tend to do a few 5 min training sessions throughout the day.

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ditavonteesed · 26/06/2011 08:41

dh says to tell you that we also go to the common and the woods quite often, mainly at the weekend, and a couple fo morning int he week, so dont just wlak round the park.

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LordSucre · 26/06/2011 18:31

It sounds plenty of exercise!

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chickchickchicken · 26/06/2011 18:47

we have a collie x and two jrts. i think your lifestyle sounds ideal for an active dog.

the only thing i would think about is how you would incorporate taking two dogs to classes. would you go separate nights and would that fit into your week or would you take both together. i have seen people at agility with more than one dog and providing they are in she same class (eg beginners, advanced, etc) then people will get someone who is waiting to hold a dog while they run the other dog. with obedience classes i think you would have to do that separately or take someone with you so that there is one person to one dog.

the class issue would be a minor thing for me though but just thought i would mention it. providing both dogs can behave i would take two dogs on the school run. i would aim to give them a good walk first as tired dogs usually mean well behaved dogs and then take both to school

on the other hand training at home is great fun with more than one dog. you can get one dog to 'wait' while another is doing a task. i like it when all my 3 wait in line while i leave the room to get a treat and i can pretend i have 3 perfectly behaved dogs

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Vroomfondel · 26/06/2011 18:58

We ahve a border collie (BigDog). He is quite simply the nicest dog you could ever meet. Clever, gentle, cuddly (if a little hairy), brilliant with the DDs (had him since they were 2 and 4), does what he is told and is a joy to walk. The only thing he doesn't like is baths and brushing . Your walking/exercise sounds great. Go for it.

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BobLoblaw · 26/06/2011 18:59

That would be enough for dog1 as long as they get a good run off lead, after about 45 minutes I feel the lead pull and dog2 is sitting looking very stubbornly at me, he will run all day off lead though, they're both collieXs. HTH

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bobkate · 26/06/2011 20:58

We have springers and that sounds ideal. Ours are great at home, lovely and calm, provided they've had a good charge about. Although some days, they seem to enjoy a day off and spend the day recharging the batteries! I often see border terriers and springers together. I'd say go for a springer, but then I'm totally and utterly biased!!! Smile

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fifitot · 26/06/2011 21:01

We had a springer. He was unstoppable, never ever ran out of energy no matter how much exercise he got. Fantastic dog though, great personality and good with kids.

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Mollymax · 26/06/2011 21:28

The only dog to have is a Border Collie. Ours is nearly 16 years old and has slowed down to a gentle stroll, but is wonderful.

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QuietTiger · 27/06/2011 15:42

Your lifestyle sounds ideal for a busy, active dog. No bear in mind I am (VERY) biased... Grin

We've got 4 Border Collies/Working sheep dogs. They all have different energy requirements and needs, our youngest boy (2 years old) is a class A shit if he doesn't do 20 miles a day and work for 14 hours. Our 2 year old bitch, OTOH, is quite happy to sleep in her basket all day, but will do 20 miles and work all day if you want her to.

What I would recommend (and BTW, collies are awesome dogs and your home sounds ideal for a carefully chosen one) is to think about approaching a breed specialist rescue - if you choose a BC, talk to "Wiccaweys Border Collie rescue" specifically. They have over 50 collies in care at any time and are pretty spot on at picking the perfect dog for the situation it will live in.

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Bast · 29/06/2011 10:05

I've got a sprocker and mini collie (possible jrt cross).

They'd love living with you Grin

They love having each other to play with (large garden here) and adore walking (and walking, and walking!).

Both are very intelligent and animated dogs. Collie more serious, sprocker more fun, both infallible with the children, cats and general family traffic.

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Bast · 29/06/2011 10:09

Oh, meant to add. Collies (and crosses) and Springers (and crosses) need mental stimulation, every bit as much as physical.

They're working breeds, highly intelligent (don't let a spaniels daft demeanour fool you Wink) and thrive on learning and carrying out endless tricks and tasks, if they aren't living in a working environment.

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fruitshootsandheaves · 29/06/2011 11:03

I have a springer and a border collie. The border collie is harder as she is not good around other dogs so I have to be on guard a lot. My Springer has far more energy and never stops moving but he is the easiest dog I have ever had because he is so fixated on balls and will do anything for one! He is also completely oblivious to people and other dogs.

I have done obedience with both of them, and agility. They don't get excessive amount of walks, usually one long morning walk then they are allowed all day access to our garden.
TBH the Springer is easier as although he is very active he is more relaxed, the collie is always on edge and poised to chase/herd, she will work all day if you want her too, the springer seems to work all day even if you don't want him to! If I had enough money I would have a house full of spaniels. I love my collie too but she's not been easy.

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