Hi,
I am thinking about taking on a small (16") Border Collie from someone I know quite well. The dog is 11 months old and completely untrained although quite well mannered in its kennel. However as the dog has not been socialised with people/dogs much it is quite nervous until you get to know her (owner lives on a farm and has many other BC's so as he decided not to work this one it has been left to its own devices much of the time. The dog itself is quite submissive towards other dogs and doesn't appear aggressive in any way.
I already have two BC's and a young Dachshund. I am prepared to spend quite alot of time with the dog if I get it, socialising it as much as possible. However, even if I did spend quite a lot of time socialising the dog, would it ever be a happy, outgoing, confident dog? And if it did become more confident, would it (she) start trying to pick fights with my 12 month old bitch?
Any advice much appreciated!
Charlotte

Hi Charlotte,

Border Collies do need a lot of socialising, more than most breeds, and missing out on that will more than likely cause a problem of some degree with other people, other dogs and different situations.

The dog is probably fairly confident and relaxed in it's own environment, but remove it from there and it could go three ways:-

1. Could be exactly the same and you could have minimal problems with patient training and socialising. :)

2. Could become a quivering wreck that is scared of everything and will need an awful lot of patient socialising and confidence building. :(

3. Could become a nervous aggressive dog and have problems with strangers and other dogs.

I would suggest get to know the dog well in it's own environment if possible and slowly remove him and spend time away from here to see how he will be.

Introduce him slowly to your dogs on neuteral territory so that there is no possessive problems with space and possessions.

Good luck and let us know how you get on!!

manda
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