| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| kristin sherrill |
Posted - Jul 19 2011 : 6:46:44 PM
Last night I went to my friend who I got Penelope form to bring them some cheese I had made. I had turned onto the road that led to their house and right in the middle of the road with this long rope trailing behind it was a cute little black and white dog. I stopped because my first thought was that that rope could get stuck on something and the dog would be stuck. So I got out and she came to me. I felt her neck and the rope was tied so tight around her neck I could not get my finger under it. That made me mad. I tried my knife but it's not very sharp. Thank goodness I had my goat hoof trimmers with me and used them to cut the rope. Darn idiots who tie up a puppy and then forget that they GROW! So I put her in the back of my Trooper and took her home. She is adorable and so sweet and friendly. She is a short haired Border Collie and 5-6 months old.
Here in lies the problem. BUBBA! Who hates strnge dogs. And cats and kittens for that matter. (Some of you might remember the poor little stray kitten incident.) Anyway, I put her in the wire dog crate under the apple tree. Bubba ran around it and went crazy barking at her. I told him NO! every time he did it. he finally settled down some. Bit I do not trust him at all. I have to keep him away from her. I took her with me today to Mrs. T's. I had to be there all day. She has a very shady dog kennel and she stayed in there. Itook her out several times during the day to walk her. I got her a cute pink color and leash. My Dd lives on the sam estreet and she has my grand dog Daisy the Boxer. They cam eover and they had fun together. Why can't Bubba have fun with other dogs? Now I don't know what to do. I had thought about getting a BC for my sheep.
I will keep trying to get Bubba to get used to her. Maybe he will. He is 4 1/2.
I named her Stella Luna. I really want to keep her. I put a little thing about finding her on Craig's list just now. Darn idiots. I'm sure someone dropped her off. I am so glad she got away from them.
So any hints for Bubba?
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| kristin sherrill |
Posted - Jul 28 2011 : 11:00:10 AM
Angie, I need to do that too. She's doing pretty good so far. I think she will be a great dog to have with the sheep. I am so glad she found me!
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
| amomfly |
Posted - Jul 28 2011 : 10:11:54 AM
I know you will figure it out and do what is best for all of your animals. You are an amazing women with great instintcts. Let her get her basics down, the rest will come soon enough. I used wait and leave it as commands too. I started these commands with food, now I can use wait or leave it with food or animals or even people. Good luck
Come visit my blog
http://angieruralliving.blogspot.com/
God Bless
Angie-amomfly
#1038 |
| kristin sherrill |
Posted - Jul 28 2011 : 08:09:46 AM
This morning I took Stella out back with me on the leash. She did pretty good. I could tell she wanted to go chase them right off. But I jerked on the leash and had her sit and stay. Then just now took her back out to hang clothes. Earl the ram came right up to her. She didn't lunge, she just sniffed. He's not afraid of her. The ewes are. But they were doing ok too.
So I will do that a few times a day. And get her to sit and get down and stay. Surely something will sink in.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
| oldbittyhen |
Posted - Jul 27 2011 : 3:35:22 PM
There are several herd dog trainers in my area, and they start pups when they are 12 weeks old, useing ducks to start with, and my aussies were raised with my livestock from the time they were 11 weeks old, I have never heard of waiting till they are over 1 year old...
"Knowlege is knowing that a tomato is a fruit, Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad" |
| kristin sherrill |
Posted - Jul 27 2011 : 2:13:29 PM
I know most people don't even start herding training til the dog is over a year old. I just want to learn basic commands so she doesn't get confused. I did look on line and read that BC's are very noise sensitive. And get distracted. I am working on the sit-down-stay commands right now. With treats. And I am keeping her in most of the time right now. She is such a good dog. When she is out and I am in I am constantly checking on her. I have not heard back from the dog trainer yet.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
| sherrye |
Posted - Jul 27 2011 : 07:20:25 AM
well all i can say is darn. i am sorry you are having to go this direction kris. i sure would not want to train a dog right now. wow big job. so now we see why she was tied. silly girl is sheep crazy. as has been stated, she is smart and full of herself. you are doing the right thing checking on training. i hope it all works out well for you. sending a cool breeze your way. happy days sherrye
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farm girl #1014
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| kristin sherrill |
Posted - Jul 26 2011 : 09:25:37 AM
Yes, I know what kind of dog this is. And she is only about 5 months old. So she is only going outside when I go. I am looking for a trainer. I am aware of what she could do. And I do not want dead sheep. Or horses or cows. So far she has not even bothered my cow and calf. The sheep are safe right now in the back yard. I am playing alot with her too. She loves to go after balls and other things. I need to get a frisbee.
Thanks, Debbie. I will need them.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
| oldbittyhen |
Posted - Jul 26 2011 : 09:08:08 AM
you are dealing with a very high energy working breed dog with high instinctive traits...she needs a job to do, with the proper training of course, or you will have a tragedy on your hands, she will run your sheep to death, along with herself, plus if she gets into your neighbors livestock, you will be paying for damages to them...
"Knowlege is knowing that a tomato is a fruit, Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad" |
| Blessed in Colorado |
Posted - Jul 26 2011 : 08:29:31 AM
Patience Kris, and I know you will need a lot of it. Training puppies takes so very much and I hope the trainer you have found will be able to help you so Stella can stay with her new family.
Sending happy thoughts to you.
Farmgirl Hugs,
Debbie
www.etsy.com/shop/CollectThisTreasures
http://debbielynnf.blogspot.com
http://myworld.ebay.com/debbt |
| kristin sherrill |
Posted - Jul 26 2011 : 08:23:00 AM
Yes, she sure does have that BC herding instinct! I have not seen the stare yet though. I am trying to teach her to lay down today. I just need to know the right commands to use.
When I went to feed the cats this morning, there was no food in the container. Stella. I had just enough for another day. Now I will have to put it in the house I guess. And go to the store for more later. Puppies!
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
| Alee |
Posted - Jul 26 2011 : 07:01:06 AM
Kris- it sounds like she has a lot of instinct. It would be really interesting to see what she could learn from a person experienced in training border collies could do! I can't wait to hear a new update!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
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| kristin sherrill |
Posted - Jul 26 2011 : 06:52:26 AM
Dang, she did it again! I was talking to my mom this morning on the phone and looked up and saw her out there chasing the sheep again. It took awhile to get her to stop this time. I got her and she's in the crate right now. I called my friend who raises Aussies to see if she trained other people's dogs. She said she knows a lady who's father lives right out here near me and she's coming in this weekend. So maybe she can stop by and help. There are also some other places I can call to see about training her. I am so afraid to leave her outside alone now. I need to see how she's getting in. I know she can fit through the wooded picket fence that I have on the holding pen area. But I had the sheep outback in the chain link and electric fence pasture. I did see where the board that I have in front of the gate that won't shut completely was moved. SO maybe she had gotten into the holding area and squeezed through the gate.
S I will have to stay out with her when she's out there anymore til I can get some training going. And it's SO HOT! I was outside this morning doing chores and milking and picked some cucumbers and came in drenched. SO I took a shower. Already. I do not want to go back outside.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
| sherrye |
Posted - Jul 25 2011 : 8:24:14 PM
oh kris, it sure can be a challenge when they are young. she sounds like a handful. LOL i know these little wethers are a handful. we are moving chickens to pasture. then the babies can have the back pen. your little one sounds so sweet it would be a tough decision. thoughtfully sherrye
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farm girl #1014
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| kristin sherrill |
Posted - Jul 25 2011 : 5:11:44 PM
Well, here's another little story about Miss Stella. I heard barking out back awhile ago. I couldn't figure out who that would be. So I went out the back door and there was Stella. In the pasture with the sheep. She was chasing them all over the place. She had them all separated here and there. She chased poor Earl into the barn. I thought he might have broken his neck. Then she chased poor Gracie and she was headed right for me. And so was Stella. So I caught her. Now I have 2 sheep in the back yard and the other 2 on the other side of the fence in the pasture. And I can't get them all back together. They will figure it out sooner or later. But I cannot figure out how Stella got in. She sure was having a great time. I am glad I was here or no telling what would have happened. I know a sheep dog will just chase sheep all day til they fall over dead if they don't know what to do.
I had a guy email me yesterday wanting her. He lives in Dawson Ga on a sheep farm. I might need to reconsider this.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
| Blessed in Colorado |
Posted - Jul 24 2011 : 08:32:22 AM
I love reading your daily updates and I am happy that Stella has found her forever home, she and your family are so blessed.
Have a beautiful Sunday.
Farmgirl Hugs,
Debbie
www.etsy.com/shop/CollectThisTreasures
http://debbielynnf.blogspot.com
http://myworld.ebay.com/debbt |
| kristin sherrill |
Posted - Jul 24 2011 : 08:23:31 AM
I think where ever Stella came from, they were getting annoyed with her. That's probably why they had to tie her up. Poor dog. When I have to tell her no she will sit and lift up her paw. And she has the most pitiful look. She is still a puppy and still in that awful puppy stage and into everything. She is a big help with garbage though. She will find a plastic bag or some stray paper and she'll bring it to me. I do have to watch her about the cat food too. So I have to keep the cat room door shut so just the cats can get in. And the hens to lay eggs in there too. I am afraid she will start getting the eggs.
I am going to town this afternoon. I am going to Kmart and get them a kiddie pool. We were out in the garden yesterday and she just about got into a bucket of water. It was so funny. She tried real hard too. So I think she needs a pool to play in.
Other than that, she is fitting in nicely. I still can't trust Bubba totally. He gets close to her and between us and I worry about him trying to fight with her. But she lets him know he is the boss here.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
| walkinwalkoutcattle |
Posted - Jul 23 2011 : 7:47:29 PM
YAY! I'm glad they're getting along. I also hope that no owners come forward-you're obviously the best home for that pup!!!
Farmgirl #2879 :)
Starbucks and sushi to green fried tomatoes and corn pudding-I wouldn't change it for the world.
www.cattleandcupcakes.blogspot.com
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| sherrye |
Posted - Jul 22 2011 : 9:10:26 PM
oh yipee kris... i am so happy for you. my 2 new cows are arguing who is top cow now. so i left them to work it out. but like bubba i let them see each other first through a fence. i sure hope there is no chip in that dog. i can see bubba and hubby watching sports with both in chairs. LOL happy days for you my friend. sherrye
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farm girl #1014
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| kristin sherrill |
Posted - Jul 22 2011 : 6:24:37 PM
Well, when I got home tonight, Stella was still alive! And Bubba was inside. In the AC and under the fan. Like my hubby. If Bubba had a recliner, they would be twins. He's so like a man it's not even funny.
So all is well here at Outback Farm tonight. All is well.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
| one_dog_per_acre |
Posted - Jul 22 2011 : 4:20:44 PM
I like it when people treat dogs like dogs!quote:
Originally posted by prariehawk
I've never tried this, but I've read that if you put the two of them together in the back seat of a car and go for a drive, they'll learn to get along. Something about how they won't fight if the car is moving. And it's neutral territory. Sounds good, but like I said, I've never tried it.
cindy
"Vast floods can't quench love, no matter what love did/ Rivers can't drown love, no matter where love's hid"--Sinead O'Connor
"In many ways, you don't just live in the country, it lives inside you"--Ellen Eilers
Visit my blog at http://www.farmerinthebelle.blogspot.com/
Trish
Make cupcakes not war!
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| FebruaryViolet |
Posted - Jul 22 2011 : 11:39:12 AM
That's great, Kris, but I'll bet she takes the pounds off of ole' Bubba. A younger dog is ALWAYS energizing for an older (lazy) one :) I'm really happy for you--sounds like it's turning out alright!
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
| acairnsmom |
Posted - Jul 22 2011 : 11:36:18 AM
Kris, your story reminded me of my first dog, also a border collie. She was an escape artist and had no trouble clearing a 6' high wooden fence. We tried chaining her to the patio and she would break the chain every time! We finally put a chain on her that was so heavy she couldn't hold her head up very long. We got home from work that night and what do you know, even that chain was broke! After that and several threats from the dog catcher, we started keeping her inside. They are strong and resourceful dogs! Sounds like she's got the instincts for herding if she's already wanted to go after the sheep! Enjoy your little treasure!
Audrey
Toto, we're not in Kansas any more! |
| Alee |
Posted - Jul 22 2011 : 05:40:15 AM
That is wonderful news, Kris! I am so glad they seem to be doing better! Still be cautious though!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
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| kristin sherrill |
Posted - Jul 22 2011 : 05:04:57 AM
I have been keeping Stella in the cat room at night. And Bubba is just out. Well, this morning, I go out to feed Sophie and Bubba. I noticed Stella wasn't at the cat room door wanting out. I kind of panicked. I looked for the sheep because I thought maybe she had gotten out the back window and the back gate to the back yard was open. But I saw all the sheep and the goats too. Then I turned around and there she was eating Sophie's food. And Bubba saw her and went her way. I panicked again and grabbed her up and put her inside. But I do believe she must have been outside all night with Bubba. So I just let Bubba in when he was done eating then put them together. He just sniffed her and walked off.
So all this time of him seeing her was a good thing. Now I do believe they are going to be best buds. He is almost 5 and quite fat and lazy already. So he won't be that much fun for Stella. She's young and full of puppy energy right now. He just wants to be inside in the AC and under the fan.
So it has worked out after all my fears of Bubba wanting to kill Stella. I am so happy. I am taking her to the vet in Summerville just to see if there is a chip in her. Just in case.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
| kristin sherrill |
Posted - Jul 20 2011 : 3:47:02 PM
Yes he was neutered at about 7 months old. He has just always been this way. And he has not had any training. I am afraid to take him.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
