Thinking of getting a border collie.. need expert opinions!

Old earth dog · Post by **Old earth dog** » Jun 07, 2006 10:25 pm

Sounds like a good sign with the cats. He at leat is showing respect. YOu can work with that much easier then if he wanted to play/chase them.

gljo · Post by **gljo** » Jun 07, 2006 10:52 pm

I'm glad to hear you say that, OED, but you have to take into consideration that the cats were in cages and the dog was on a leash. The gal from the shelter was just about spun around in a circle when the first cat hissed and Stone circled around her legs, trying to find the fastest way out of that room!

I'm not really sure what he would do if the cats were moving. At our house, he would likely never be off leash in an area where the outside cats hang around. (I will be the one spinning around, tangled in the leash!) He would have full run of the fenced acre when we are out there with him and if the cats come over, that's their problem. Plenty of trees to climb. Inside, I am hoping a gate or Dutch door will keep them separated until they get used to each other... They will get used to each other.. won't they???

Another question for OED... What are the chances of changing his name? Would it just confuse him?

gljo

Old earth dog · Post by **Old earth dog** » Jun 07, 2006 10:56 pm

I still think it wont be a big problem. True aggression would show up right off the bat. Now that doesn't mean he wont want to chase them once he settles in, but if you don't allow it from the very start, it should work out fine.
The name change is no big deal. Use his original name with the new name following it for 3-4 of days then drop the original. It goes better then you would think.

Old earth dog · Post by **Old earth dog** » Jun 07, 2006 11:00 pm

Forgot to ask. Are your cats declawed? With MOST dogs, a good slap in the nose will change their mind about cats.
Iwanna say this real quiet like, but most dogs are a wus when it comes to cats. Many of them willchase cats but don't have a clue when the cat stops running. Shhhhh! Don't tell nobody I said that neither!

gljo · Post by **gljo** » Jun 07, 2006 11:13 pm

Inside cats are declawed all the way around. That's why I am hoping the outside ones will teach him a lesson before he meets the inside ones! Then, he will think they are just more of the same!

gljo

Old earth dog · Post by **Old earth dog** » Jun 07, 2006 11:24 pm

Just make sure he's on a leash when he first gets introduced. A pinch collar will be a big help also. they shorten up the learning curve!

Ginger · Post by **Ginger** » Jun 08, 2006 12:09 pm

OED, I won't tell! You are right though, most cats can make a big dog cry!(cats with claws anyway).

Ginger

Justme · Post by **Justme** » Jun 12, 2006 2:49 pm

Ioos, need to look aroung more, sorry. Tami