I have bloody well had enough

[TwllBach]

And am going to commence intensive training of DogBach as soon as the summer holidays hit.

She's a good girl but I guess we never socialised her properly. She loves people and will settle and relax after about 5 minutes, but these 5 minutes are ones that apparently need to be spent anxiously investigating and, for the love of god, jumping at people.

It's my fault entirely, I know that. I am verging on reclusive and we only ever go out where I know there will be no people, but I have just had another embarrassing trip to the vets, and its not like a can let her off her lead and let her explore for 5 minutes so she can settle down.

So here is my cunning plan. I am going to take her to one of the local beaches. I am going to take supplies - treats and water for her and wine for me. We are going to sit there, all day and every day until she can be quiet about other people - treating as we go.

Is that a shit plan? I'm only half joking.., she's a 4 year old collie so I think she is clever enough to pck it up Irvin at this stage.

Just to make it clear - I do know its my fault.

Sounds like a good enough plan to me!

drinking wine on the beach whilst sitting with your dog? and you are asking us for permission? :o
go for it!

Um, have you thought about dog training classes? Jumping up/doing a controlled greeting is one of the things we work on - we were doing this in class on Wednesday night actually. It's also really helpful in a class environment as you've got various stooges on hand to practice with. If you have a look on the APDT website, that will list where dog trainers are. I'm guessing you're in Wales from your user name - depending on which bit I may be able to recommend a good trainer.

Mind you, going to class is no reason not to go the beach and drink wine with your dog.

when you put it like that Owllady...

We did go to classes when she was a puppy, but our local one was full of tiny little 'show' dogs and we reeeeally didn't fit in!

I'm in North Wales, if that helps?

They do improvers classes here TwlBach which are full of most border collies :o (I have two...)

I don't think I could manage two...

Thing is, she is a really good dog, I've been really lucky. She is the first dog I've ever had, from a farmer at nearly6 months that had been bought and returned once already. Her recall is good, she listens and is affectionate etc etc etc...it's just this one thing. She's fine with people that come to the house, it's just out and about!

I have one of these - except mine is a 15 month Golden. And mine had/has gotten quite good out and about (will actually not try and jump on strangers rubbing him) but at home he's all over people.

Are you on Facebook? There is a great training page called Dog Training and Advice. One of the Admins has 14 dogs - all but one is a Collie. She KNOWS the breed and I would really recommend getting on the page/group and post a question. Good luck!!!

Helga at least you can use the "she's still young!" excuse

Thanks for the FB tip, I'll go and have a look now!

Don't despair it's a fairly easy problem to solve, especially with a smart collie!

All you need is accomplices! Rope in friends to help. Put her on the lead, get the friend to approach her, if she jumps up the friend should fold her arms, turn her back on the dog and walk away. Then repeat, if she jumps up repeat the same behaviour. If she keeps all 4 feet on the ground the friend should give her a treat and walk away to repeat. I bet you she will get it really quickly! Try to repeat with many different friends in many different places.

twllBach and I do use that excuse a lot! I used to take him to the beach quite a bit when I was trying to stop him jumping on people. Where I walked him normally the paths were narrow but with the beach I could keep a distance from people. While he learned that not everyone thought he was adorable and wanted to rub him.