Hi everyone,
I have posted a lot of subjects on here and really appreciate all advise.

I just need some help with out BC's. We have 2 that are 6 months old and one of them is still so scared of children and adults, you can tell she wants to say hello and get attention but instead has now started lunging forward and nipping. We have ran our local vet and are going to see them to make sure there is nothing physically wrong with her and then they may refer her to a behaviorist. I just want to check that we haven't done anything wrong and it's not our fault. They are fine with us and people that come and see them a lot. I just worry about new people. Today my Grandad visited and was swiftly nipped on the hand when he tried to say hello.

We have always had dogs so are not novices. Is this normal in BC's????

One other thing, both of them are still weeing on paper at night, throughout the day they are angels, they know exactly what to do and never go indoors. Should we be taking the paper away at night now so they stop doing it???????

All help would be great

Thanks

xxx

The past couple of weeks my dog has started to be wary of men and will lunge at them if they go to stroke her.
I can't remember exactly but the jist is to get it to focus on you, don't reprimand it or reassure it (I was told to laugh at the dog and say silly girl so my voice was showing neither fear or reassurance).
I did it by way of (Told by trainer) to not give a titbit until it looks at your eyes then say look! Good girl.
Repeat when giving dinner etc., and say "look".
I think when meeting people it's best not to let them look at the dog front on as this intimidates them.
Also muzzle the dog(i use a halti) until you have this under control.

I'm sorry my advice is all over the place ;) i hope you get what i mean!!
Sarah
(Dolly, Great Dane)

I know several collies a bit like this, mine included. They can be a nervy and highly strung breed i believe. As you have two and only one is like this it can't be anything you have done as they would both be nervy if it was down to lack of socialisation, so don't beat yourself up about it. I found that my girl hates people staring at her. She doesn't like eye contact with strangers as it makes her nervous. She is a lot better now, but i still don't trust her 100 %. She doesn't like any fast jerky movements which children tend to do a lot so i think this also could be a factor. I think a behaviourist may be the best way to go. It sounds as if she is slightly on the nervous side so feels threatened. good luck.
By the way is this the one that pulls on the lead? Thats another thing my nervy collie does so it could be connected. Just a thought.

About the weeing indoors, where are they kept at night? If they are kept somewhere where it is fairly easy to clean up puddles, i.e. lino e.t.c. there can't be any harm in removing the paper for one night and giving it a try. My 6 month old retriever is dry at night, (although we still get the occaisional poo, how delightful!) so they probably could last. Ellie goes out for a wee 10.30pm and we get her up at 7.30am.

Thank you for your advise, it's nice to be reassured that it's not my fault.

I will try taking the paper away at night and see what happens.

And yes, this is the puppy that pulls on the lead, so it may be connected with the nervous thing.

x