How to Keep Your Border Collie Entertained

Border Collies are working dogs. To be entertained they need a job to do. If you don’t keep your Border Collie entertained, he will find his possess work, such as herding your kids, or chewing your house apart. Bored dogs turn to destructive behavior to amuse themselves and to bag your attention. Luckily, there are a lot of fun ways you and your Border Collie can exercise time together. That’s right, before you bought that Border Collie, you hopefully factored in a lot of free time to spend with him!

Sheep herding

Border Collies are born sheep herders. Often, Border Collies will try to herd children or other dogs by nipping and growling. Allotment of your Border Collie’s training should be to teach him the appropriate behavior to exhaust around children and other pets. If you and your Border Collie begin sheep herding, he will be smart enough to learn the incompatibility between sheep and children, and unexcited get to use his natural herding instincts.

Training your dog to herd sheep will be difficult, but rewarding for both of you. You will have a happy dog that is very responsive to many commands. When you are getting started, you may have a friend or local farmer who will let your borrow a few sheep to practice with. Before you start working with sheep, make sure your dog is well trained in other basic commands. If you get into sheep herding as a sport, you may end up buying your own sheep! You can buy books and DVDs to learn about training your dog to be a sheepdog.

Agility

Border Collies are born champions in agility trials. Agility requires that the dog run an obstacle course. Obstacles include weaving between poles, jumping, climbing a see-saw, and running through tunnels. Border Collies are fast and intelligent, making them perfect candidates for this sport. Agility will keep you in shape, along with your Border Collie, as the owners run alongside the dog in the game.

Agility requires a great deal of communication between owner and dog. The dog will not know which order to approach the obstacles in without human direction. However, the human handler may not touch the dog or the obstacles. You will have to train your Border Collie to respond to insist and gestured commands only.

Flyball

Flyball is a team game for dogs. There are four dogs per Flyball team, and the game works like a relay race. The dogs have to run to a box that holds a spring-loaded tennis ball. There are hurdles in the way that the dog must clear without errors. When they reach the box, they must operate the mechanism to release a tennis ball. The dog must collect the tennis ball, then hasten serve over the hurdles to the starting line. When the dog crosses the starting line, the next dog on his team may go.

Flyball is fun and competitive. It will give your dog a chance to stay in shape and be a champion! To learn more about the rules and how to find a Flyball team, visit www.flyballdogs.com.

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Guide to Sporting Dogs

Hunting and Sporting dogs include many breeds of dogs. Sporting dogs are gun dogs that were originally developed to go hunting with the hunter and assist in the hunt . Pointers and Setters point and label game. Spaniels flush birds. Retrievers recover the game from water and land. Because Sporting Dogs are naturally active and alert, potential owners should be aware that the dogs require regular, invigorating exercise. Entertaining Sporting dogs have high energy and stable likable temperaments Sporting dogs make great companions in the hunting field and at home with the family.

For people who are considering bringing a companion dog into their home, it is a good idea to research the breed to make sure it is compatible with their lifestyle. Hunting and Sporting dogs make great family pets, well well as companions in the hunting field. The dogs are piquant and need to hasten and exercise, so these dogs do best with room to run, such as on a farm.

The American Kennel Club and Westminster Kennel Club each have information on their websites about this large group of dogs and the breeds that comprise it. If you go to a dog expose, you may see all of these breeds competing with each other, as well as within their own breed. Following is a list of the various Sporting Dogs along with a brief description of their characteristics and temperament.

Brittany: The Brittany is a compact, medium sized dog with long legs. This is a rugged dog that is quick and agile. The Brittany should weigh between 30 and 40 pounds. The Brittany’s coat is dense and wavy and is usually either orange and white or liver and white. The Brittany is a happy, alert dog that is neither mean nor shy.

Pointer: The Pointer is bred primarily as a sporting dog in the field. This dog is an alert, agile hunting dog with stamina and courage. The Pointer’s even temperament and alertness makes a good companion in the field and home. Pointers are about 23 to 28 inches high and 44 to 75 pounds in weight, with the bitches being smaller overall.

German Short haired Pointer: The German Short haired Pointer is an agile, active dog, advantageous of hunting in the field and water.The German Pointer’s appearance is aristocratic and well balanced.The coat is short and thick, colored either solid liver or liver and white. The medium sized dog is friendly, knowing and willing to please, with keen enthusiasm.

German Wire haired Pointer: The German Short haired Pointer is an agile, active dog, worthy of hunting in the field and water.The German Pointer’s appearance is aristocratic and well balanced.The coat is dense and weather resistant and is colored liver roan or liver and white. The medium sized dog is friendly, intelligent and eager to please, and enthusiastic to learn.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever: The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a proficient hunter on land and water. Bred to hunt in adverse conditions, The Chesapeake is a rugged, strong, powerfully built dog of moderate size and medium length. This active dog is valued for its knowing, happy disposition. Chesapeake’s are intelligent and have a protective, affectionate nature.

Curly Coated Retriever: The Curly Coated Retriever is a multi purpose hunter retriever is recognized by most canine historians as one of the oldest retrieving breeds. The “Curly” was developed in England to hunt game in the field. The Curly is strong, robust, agile and able to work all day.The coat is a distinguishing characteristic which is quite different from any other breed. Their thick mass of minute, tight, crisp curls are close to the skin and water resistant. A smart dog that is highly trainable, The Curly is a cherished loyal companion at home or in the field.

Flat Coated Retriever: The Flat-Coated Retriever is a versatile hunter and family companion with a happy, active demeanor. The Flat-Coat has a long, strong, clean “one share” head, which is current to the breed. This breeds coat is of moderate length, density and fullness, with a high luster. The ideal coat is straight and lies flat. The Flat-Coats color is solid black or solid liver. The Flat-Coat is a cheerful, devoted companion who loves living, and being a member of the family.

Golden Retriever: The Golden Retriever is one of the most current breeds. The Golden is primarily a hunting dog with a personality that is eager, alert and self-confident. Golden Retriever have rich lustrous golden coats of various shades. The Golden is a beneficial, reliable, trustworthy dog that gets along well with people and other dogs.

Labrador Retriever: The Labrador Retriever has been the most popular dog breed since 1992. The strongly built, energetic dog is a sound hunter and a great family companion. Labrador’s have short, straight, dense coats that are black, yellow or chocolate in color. The Labrador Retriever has an even, kindly disposition with an outgoing nature. Labrador’s are gentle, intelligent and adaptable making them ideal family dogs.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever: This Retriever was b red to toll, lure and retrieve waterfowl. The medium sized dog is powerful and compact. The smallest of the retriever’s coat is any shade of red. The Toller is highly intelligent, alert, outgoing and ready for action. The dog is affectionate and loving with family members.

English Setter: The English Setter is an pretty dog with the ideal blend of strength, stamina, grace and style. their flat coat is white intermingled with darker hairs. Their temperament is gentle, affectionate and friendly.

Irish Setter: This breed is an active, aristocratic bird dog which is rich red in color. The dog has a straight, radiant, glossy coat. The Irish Setter is a swift moving hunter in the field and a sweet natured, trainable companion at home. /The Irish Setter has an outgoing, stable temperament.

American Water Spaniel: The American Water Spaniel was developed in the United States as an all around hunting dog. This breed is active and muscular, medium sized and with a marcel to curly coat. Their demeanor is incandescent, eager to please, and friendly.

Clumber Spaniel: The Clumber Spaniel is a long, low, substantial dog with a heavy brow and deep chest. The white coat is visible to the hunter as he works within gun range.
The Clumber is a gentle, loyal, affectionate dog.

Cocker Spaniel: The Cocker Spaniel is the smallest member of the Sporting group, at a height of 14 to 15 inches at the withers. The dog has a sturdy, compact body and is capable of great speed. The Cocker Spaniel may be unlit, brown, cream, tan or multi-colored.

English Cocker Spaniel: This breed is an active, merry sporting dog that is alive with energy. The English Cocker Spaniel is a faithful and engaging companion.

English Springer Spaniel: The medium sized Spaniel has a moderately long coat and compact body. The typical Spaniel is salubrious, eager to please, quick to learn and willing to obey

Field Spaniel: The Field Spaniel is a combination of beauty and utility with a noble carriage and docile attitude.

Irish Water Spaniel: The Irish Water Spaniel is a strongly built sporting dog with great intelligence and rugged endurance. this breed has a topknot of long, loose curls and a body covered with dense, curly, liver colored hair. Their temperament is alert, inquisitive and stable.

Sussex Spaniel: The Sussex Spaniel originated in Sussex. england in the 1800′s and was used as a hunting companion. The dog has a sturdy build with short legs and long body. This breed is friendly and has a cheerful disposition.

Welsh Springer Spaniel: This attractive dog is medium sized with a compact perform. This breed may be reserved with strangers, but is a loyal and affectionate dog. This Spaniel is a devoted family dog as well as a great hunting companion.

Vizsla: The Vizsla is a medium sized, short coated hunter with a strong, lean appearance. The coat is usually solid golden rust. The Vizsla is a natural hunter with a good nose and above average ability to take training. They are animated, gentle mannered, affectionate, sensitive and protective.

Weimaraner: Weimaraners are medium sized gray dogs with fine aristocratic features. This breed has great accelerate and agility and is able to work hard. This dog has a friendly, fearless, alert and obedient temperament.

Wire haired Pointing Griffon: This is a medium sized dog with a hard course coat that excels as a field pointer or water retriever. The Griffon is quick and luminous and is easily trained. The Griffon makes an safe family dog as well as a terrific hunting companion.

A breed from the Sports Group of Dogs makes amiable, involving pets and great hunting companions.

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People concerned about the quandary of homeless dogs can now come together online.

With the Dallas/Fort Worth Canine Rescues (DFWCARES) people can post contact information for breeds, rescue organizations, coordination of transportation, lists of dogs in shelters needing help, and a meeting place while networking.

The site (dfwcares.org) contains detailed information about rescue resources in and around the Metroplex and is essentially an email group for people and members of canine rescue groups in the area and neighboring locations to help homeless dogs.

Anyone keen in canine rescue now or wanting to be in the future with the member groups to help needy canines may join.

You can apply for membership at the link.

Joan Fremo of the Animal Rescue Klub (ARK) in Carrollton says there is nothing wrong with a rescued pet.

“What’s wrong with these dogs? Usually it’s the people giving them up!” she says.

The Coppell Humane Society in Coppell, TX does not have a shelter and all of their rescued animals are in foster homes. They have mobile Adopt-A-Pet events regularly. You can adopt a crate or donate by shopping.

The DFW Humane Society in Irving, TX has cats, dogs, barnyards, and exotics. Established in 1967, the organization also offers paw partners to help fund rescue efforts.

The Humane Animal Rescue Team of Texas (HART) holds microchip clinics and adopt-athons at various venues.

The Humane Society of Lewisville is actively involved in supporting the National Association for Humane and Environmental Education (NAHEE) Adopt-A-Teacher Program.

Often people feel they must give up their pets for various reasons and at wonderpuppy.net/canwehelp you can find alternatives and be able to keep them.

Tassie’s Hope Animal Rescue, a no-kill shelter in Carrollton, TX conducts pet adoptions at Petsmart in Frisco.

The Texas Alaskan Malamute Animal Rescue said these breeds or Malamute mixes overflow local shelters or need new homes. Non-Texas visitors may visit the Alaskan Malamute Assistance League (AMAL) website for local rescue affiliates and dogs or secure other rescue websites at their rescue resources page (texalmal.com). General and specific dog sponsorships and private assistance is available for individual owners.

Border Collie Rescue of Texas (BCRT) matches Border Collies with owners based on temperament and abilities.

NorCal Boxer Rescue provides a sanctuary for Boxers in California and Texas.

American Brittany Rescue says Brittanys aren’t high maintenance dogs in terms of coat care and medical needs. They are not high-strung and in need of many miles of walking per day but they do require attention daily and obedience training is always recommended. Brittanys usually live 12-14 years so a commitment on the part of the owner is necessary. They are also considered”dual quality” dogs meaning that they’re obliging for breeding and dog shows. They can compete at many levels in many activities such as tracking and agility tests and junior showmanship (for kids).

In many states there are never enough volunteers to relieve all the homeless Brittanys.

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Facts About Labradors

Labradors are a well known breed and popular as pets as well as being used as working dogs. They approach in three colours – yellow, chocolate and black and are intelligent, gentle animals.

Pets

Because they are not aggressive by nature, Labradors are accepted as family pets. They love attention and are generally tolerant of small children clambering over them and stroking their ears. Of course a close eye should be kept on the dog and children taught to treat them with respect. If a Labrador is trained properly, a family can enjoy years of fun with him. They are a playful breed and esteem to regain balls and engage in tug-of-wars. Be warned that they always win due to the incredible strength in their jaws.

Retrievers

Due to their strong retrieval instinct and gentle mouth, Labradors are ideal for picking up dead or injured game and bringing it to their owners. Even when not trained as gun dogs, the instinct is strong and they find sticks, balls, soft toys and other “game” and bring them to their owners.

Guide Dogs

Labradors acknowledge well to training and many hours go into teaching them to be guide dogs. The first year of their life is spent with someone who walks the puppy frequently and exposes it to roads, traffic, malls and any situation where there are crowds. They generally wear a specially marked harness on these walks so the public is aware it is in training. These dogs become close companions to their blind owners and know that when their harness is on, they are at work.

Disability Dogs

In a similar fashion to guide dogs, Labradors have been trained with great success to serve the disabled. The training is often adapted to meet the needs of a specific disability. These extraordinary dogs have been trained to push the correct button in a lift, to take washing out of a machine, to alert the person when the doorbell or phone rings and even take the phone to them if needed. They can also signal an emergency if a smoke alarm or similar is triggered. Without them, life would be more limited and their owners value the independence the dog affords them.

Search and Rescue

Labradors are one of the top breeds used in search and rescue. Their superior scenting ability qualifies them for the work along with their size and agility. They work with a handler and many hours are spent in training to teach the dog to climb through small spaces, avoid broken glass, manage ladders and search sites of devastation due to earthquakes, avalanches and similar. These animals are dedicated to what they do and will persevere, even in extreme terrain or weather conditions.

Sniffer Dogs

Many international airports utilize Labradors as sniffers – dogs that can identify the scent of drugs, explosives and prohibited food items. They are trained to prove a find by placing a paw on the affected baggage or sitting down next to the person concerned. They are normally rewarded for a sure come by and to them it is a game and something they be pleased doing for the approval they get.

In short, Labradors are faithful and loving dogs, fabulous companions, and whatever their position in life, they are sure to be loved in return

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