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Small Cabin Forum / General Forum / Cabin Companion (Pooch)
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Steve_S
Member
# Posted: 22 Dec 2015 10:30
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Hey there folks...

Once I'm living FT in the cabin I intend to get myself another pooch, a pup that I can train which can serve as a Critter Alert (we have bears & more), guard dog (barker anyways) and general companion...

I've had various breeds over the decades and am particularly fond of Siberian Huskies and German Sheppard's. Siberians are GREAT DOGS but they like to run when given the opportunity, hard headed and stubborn plus they tell you off regularly LOL... then there is the fur issue - you can knit a new dog every 3 months...

I've been pondering what breed to go with and yesterday a little 3 month old Border Collie showed up on my property.... it got away from it's owners and travelled quite a distance over a couple of days to arrive at my place cold, shivering and very hungry... Luckily the Animal Control officer in my area knew who it belonged to, so she was reunited with her family. (I am presently not in a position to adopt a pup till I am in the cabin FT).

I have not had personal experience with Border Collies but most everything I hear about them, is that they are a terrific breed, very smart, trainable, good attachment to their humans and generally good overall health for the breed.

Basically, I want a mid sized dog (50-75 Lbs) , no yappit's need apply ! Trainable and low health issues (for the breed) not vicious !! that can handle the extreme weather fluctuations of hot humid summers to cold winters.

Any thoughts or suggestions ?
Experiences with Border Collie's ? (yup, she made quite an impression on me)

Thanks in advance for the feedback.
Steve

Here's the "Little Girl" that impressed me yesterday (she was excited so wouldn't stand still long enough for a good photo):
Sweet Border Collie pup
Sweet Border Collie pup


Gotta Gettaway
Member
# Posted: 22 Dec 2015 11:30 - Edited by: Gotta Gettaway
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What a cute little pup! Years ago I lived in Temagami at an Ecolodge and they had both a standard collie cross and a border collie cross breed as well. They were 70%outdoor dogs in summer through winter and stood both extremes without issue whatsoever. I, at the time, was in no position to own a fog bit absolutely fell in love with the border collie cross, named Max. Fast forward almost a decade to this year and we have found ourselves in a position to purchase and train a pup. So after months of debating and research I couldn't get Max out of my head and lo and behold one day a border collie/sheltie cross comes available online. We went to look at her and instantly fell in love. Took her home at 9 weeks old last March. She has turned out to be the most intelligent, trainable, sweet, funny dog we could ever have asked for. She understands more verbal and physical language than I could have possibly imagined. She has also become a great intruder alarm (although that is typically either turkey or deer that she alarms us to) and she has become my favourite small game companion.... more so than friends most of the time. She is a little smaller than I wanted at only 32 pounds (that's the sheltie) but she more than males up for that in personality and ability!

The bottom line is, if you are interested, then do your research as everyones needs are very different. But for my money a border collie or some type of cross of a collie are some of the best dogs ever.
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silverwaterlady
Member
# Posted: 22 Dec 2015 11:32
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She's a sweetie. Thanks for saving her. Here is one of my Grand Dogs. He is a rescue. His family didn't want him because their other dogs didn't like him. He has a dog brother (a flat coated retriever,also a rescue)and they love each other.

His name is Baxter and he is so loving and loves to be outside sniffing around and picking up sticks,checking out the squirrels in the backyard and trying to climb the tree,playing with his brother.

Taking Baxter up to the cabin this summer. Just know he's going to love to chase the mice out of the cabin and live the life a dog is supposed to live.
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hattie
Member
# Posted: 22 Dec 2015 12:23
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We used to have a shepherd/border collie mix named Fergie. She was a beautiful dog. Extremely smart (too smart sometimes). She made for a great cabin dog.

After she passed, we got Molly, a chocolate lab. I could go on for pages about how wonderful chocolate labs are. She loves to help. She will carry bags of groceries into the cabin (even those plastic containers with a cooked rotisserie chicken in them) and never touches anything she isn't allowed to eat. We have trained her to stay on our property which amazes everyone who comes by. They figure we have an underground electric fence but, nope, she's just smart. She also puts all of her toys into her toy box at night before bed. Oh, and she is a great retriever when Bob hunts grouse.
Our beautiful Fergie
Our beautiful Fergie
Molly with her first grouse
Molly with her first grouse


Topper
Member
# Posted: 22 Dec 2015 14:45
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Quoting: Steve_S
Basically, I want a mid sized dog (50-75 Lbs) , no yappit's need apply ! Trainable and low health issues (for the breed) not vicious !! that can handle the extreme weather fluctuations of hot humid summers to cold winters.


You've pretty much described a Labrador.

Jebediah
Member
# Posted: 22 Dec 2015 15:56 - Edited by: Jebediah
Reply 


I like mixed breed dogs, sport and herding in particular. I have a Aussie/lab mix. This breed of dog requires daily training and exercise. They have to be stimulated mentally so lots of training and make it challenging.

My Dog (Cricket) is 5 years old and weighs 68lbs(that's the lab in her) and she hasn't stopped learning. She knows whistle,voice and hand signals. I have found most people don't use their dog to its full potential and its really a disservice to their dog.
The breed you are looking at(Collie) if you don't know requires at least two hrs of activity a day. My dog gets 2 hrs everyday which includes an 8-10 kilometer walk and training. If your dog will fetch and loves the water you can eliminate the long walk.

My dog would rather be outside than inside. She will alert with a growl inside and bark if she is outside, she is not an anoying barker. she goes everywhere with me and has been socialised and introduced to every noise you can think of as a pup. She will whine when she hasn't had enough exercise, that's fine by me as I need to stay active myself. And a tired dog is a happy dog. Best of luck and most of us could probably write a book about our dogs.
Cricket
Cricket
Cricket
Cricket
Cricket, hunting season
Cricket, hunting season
Cricket, hunting season
Cricket, hunting season


Steve_S
Member
# Posted: 22 Dec 2015 17:09 - Edited by: Steve_S
Reply 


Good Feedback,

Fergie looks like she was planning some mis-adventure in that photo with the ears cricked... The old, U took my pic so now I gotta do something about that ! LOL. Molly looks content gently holding the foul... Good Gentle dogs Labs.

I see Baxter certainly has a mischievous look ;)

I like Labs but they have inherent health issues with the breed, most notably hips as I understand it, I'm told that a mix with lab lessens those issues usually. Sheppard's have similar issues as far as I know.

Cricket has a wonderful face, so much character on those brows, my goodness.... The eyes so remind me of my old Tawny, she had pure white eyes but with a thin blue ring around the outside, she'd stare through folks, unnerved many.

Never met an Aussie dog but heard they can be a most loyal & wonderful dog but need lot's of attention. I can't do a lot of walking anymore (physical limitations) so that is a point for me to consider...

I have to have an Indoor / Outdoor dog that will travel well with me in the truck but won't be annoyed to death if I don't take them with me on a jaunt or two... I train dogs to respond to voice / whistle & hand gestures which is ever important when they decide to not listen to voice commands.... LOL

Some of the best "folks" I've known over the decades have had 4 paws, so....

Keep the info coming !
Thanks Again

EDIT:
I just found this site dogtime.com and they are bang on about the breeds I've had... So I did the quizzes and the Border Collie keeps coming up in the top 5. There's a lot of good info there and certainly worth a look.

Julie2Oregon
Member
# Posted: 23 Dec 2015 03:05
Reply 


Border collies are very, very smart and it seems your heart is there. Go for it! A friend of mine has three of them and loves them to bits. They have a lot of energy and are good companions.

I had a rough collie and a collie-Golden retriever mix. I can't say enough about collies' intelligence. Amazed me. My Oliver, the collie-Golden mix, got into so much mischief with that brain of his, lol. There wasn't a door he couldn't open. He could turn door knobs with his mouth, deadbolts with his teeth and figure out latches. He'd let himself and his brothers out regularly until I finally installed a sliding lock way up high out of his reach!

I had to install baby locks on the cupboards because of his love of peanut butter. When I wasn't looking, he opened the cupboard, took down the peanut butter jar, unscrewed the top and happily licked out the peanut butter until I caught him. As always, he left me with a mix of emotions ranging from irritation to wonder at his intelligence to being on the verge of laughter.

I hope you find a great pal!

LoonWhisperer
Member
# Posted: 23 Dec 2015 09:14
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Wow... you guys have some amazing dogs!

Good luck in your search Steve. My preferences are very similar to yours.

Although I have no direct experience with Border Collies, there is no arguing what an amazing dog they are. Top of the food chain in intelligence, ahead of the Poodle and German Shepherd. I am told they do need to be kept busy so they can utilize all that brain power.

As for myself, I am an admitted German Shepherd fanboy lol. My last three dogs have been shepherds. Here is a couple pics of our current spoiled brat - Maiya

pup

maiya

Let us know what you decide. And pics!

AK Seabee
Member
# Posted: 23 Dec 2015 14:16
Reply 


I grew up with and am quite fond of german shephards. They are extremely sharp and devoted to the pack.

22 years ago I was in a position to have a pet. I was leaning towards a German Sheperd (its what I knew) when a friend advised me to list the type of lifestyle I wanted to lead and how my new pet would fit into that lifestyle.

I boat, ride atv's, snowmachines, bicycles ect......
An active life so the dog had to have tons of energy. Long story short I decided on a small frame dog.

I ended up choosing a Jack Russel Terrier bred in Canada. Excellent choice for my wants and desìres. Compact and feisty, smart beyond belief and a nose that missed nothing. The tenacity of the breed and my dog in particular was amazing. My best buddy for alot of years......

Keep an open mind in your search. The perfect breed for your lifestyle may just surprise you.

RichInTheUSA
Member
# Posted: 23 Dec 2015 14:41
Reply 


From the description... I'd recommend an "Australian cattle dog" aka Blue Healer.

They are a tad smaller than the Austrailian shepherd.

Topper
Member
# Posted: 23 Dec 2015 15:16
Reply 


Cabin Companions!

'Tis the Season & worth another view...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gzwBKdbae0

littlehouseontheprarie
Member
# Posted: 23 Dec 2015 16:45
Reply 


Those are some cute pooches.

I wish someone was closer to take a Blue Healer that I inherited.I have too many dogs and he is just one too many.
But I promised my buddy before he passed I would find him a good home.That was a little over a year ago.Still looking.

bc thunder
Member
# Posted: 23 Dec 2015 19:41
Reply 


Look up Australian shepherd..............................................
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itsals1
Member
# Posted: 24 Dec 2015 07:07
Reply 


Our pups know the "C" word much to well ! They run to their crates and wait, bark,and cry that they want to go.
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Smawgunner
Member
# Posted: 24 Dec 2015 11:13 - Edited by: Smawgunner
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We have two border mixes and have been excellent dogs. One will NOT put down the tennis ball. Both need run hard daily or the act up. Both are great guard dogs but are silent otherwise.
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spoofer
Member
# Posted: 24 Dec 2015 12:39
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I have owned 2 springer spaniels. They were the sweetest, gentle and so smart. They were good hunters and got into very little mischief. There feelings get hurt easily. So they need to be raised with a gentle hand.. They love the water and the snow. My Girl Lacey was my latest constant companion, since I'm retired and an "empty nester". Sadly I had to put her down last month for health reasons. I miss her everyday, but feel like maybe i'm a more free man now.

spoofer
Member
# Posted: 24 Dec 2015 12:41
Reply 


Here she is.
Lacey
Lacey


Jebediah
Member
# Posted: 26 Dec 2015 18:44
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Quoting: spoofer
Here she is.





Hi Spoofer, sorry about your loss. Question for you, were your dogs prone to ear infections if they went in the water (because of the long ears). I was looking at that breed a few years back

gouligann
Member
# Posted: 22 Jan 2016 14:56
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Hi, new here! I've had labs and own two toy breeds now.

I've never owned a Border Collie but I had the pleasure of working with one at the shelter where I worked years ago. She was a darling and I fell in love with the breed. I'd recommend a Border Collie to anyone AS LONG as you can keep them exercised and give them lots of attention and stimulation for their smart brains.

Go for it!
gouligann (Ann) Looking forward to getting to know my way around small cabin.com

Julie2Oregon
Member
# Posted: 23 Jan 2016 02:12
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Hi, Ann! I'm Julie. Welcome!

spoofer
Member
# Posted: 23 Jan 2016 09:24
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Jebediah
Jebediah
Never really had a problem with ear infections. Sorry for the response delay. I love the breed in every way.

Steve_S
Member
# Posted: 23 Jan 2016 09:44
Reply 


Great responses and such a wonderful cast of characters being posted. @Loonwhisperer that pic of puppy Maiya is great, you caught the miss-chief lurking in the puppy eyes there LOL.

Well, I've mentioned my looking for a cabin pooch to a few folks around here... My Goodness people are so into talking about their pooches, I've gotten to meet Australian Sheep Dog, Great Pyrenees (geez they's big), assorted collies (quite popular around here) a few hounds and of course a bevy of Lab's...

I'm projecting being 100% on the land by May 1st (not really much choice in the matter actually) so I'll be looking for a new pal to coincide after my being settled in. I'm still leaning towards a Border Collie or Mixed Border Collie and something else.

Great to see the Extended Family Members getting some face time ! Keep'em coming.

Coyote Flats
Member
# Posted: 2 Mar 2016 21:28
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Here is my Norwegian elkhound guard dog
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Jebediah
Member
# Posted: 3 Mar 2016 05:57 - Edited by: Jebediah
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Quoting: Coyote Flats
Here is my Norwegian elkhound guard dog


I first thought it looked like the Karelian bear dog, another breed that I was very interested in. I'm sure I read somewhere that the elkhound are becoming very rare almost to the point of extinction. The lady in the article is a breeder in the states and is trying to bring awareness to the matter. I wish I could find the article as I would like to make sure it was that breed.

A few more pics of Cricket.
Cricket and her new hunting vest
Cricket and her new hunting vest
After a long day of chasing rabbits
After a long day of chasing rabbits


turkeyhunter
Member
# Posted: 3 Mar 2016 09:15 - Edited by: turkeyhunter
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My new camp pup....Miss Moxie named after the famous New England drink!!! she is a tri-color liver/white/ copper highlights~~she was in the woods when I made this pic...looking for sheds.. 3 months old this past Monday!!!
Australian Shepherd pup
Australian Shepherd pup


Jebediah
Member
# Posted: 3 Mar 2016 09:47
Reply 


Quoting: turkeyhunter
My new camp pup


Not sure if you are familiar with the breed or have owned a dog before... this breed learns quickly with positive reinforcement training. They really pick up verbal cues and body language and are super smart when it comes to whistle commands. Cricket remembers her whistle commands better than I can. They don't have the best noses but can be trained to use that option more. If your dog is in the woods a lot like cricket make sure is she trained to stay away from porcupines/skunks as they are very inquisitive dogs and have to check out everything new. They are very fun dogs....enjoy.

turkeyhunter
Member
# Posted: 3 Mar 2016 10:14
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Quoting: Jebediah
or have owned a dog before


I have owned a few dogs since my first one that I remember in 1965..never not had a dog or 4 since then..I love my dogs a lot more that people!!!

Laying all jokes aside......she is wicked smart....and is like Velcro to me.....no porcupine's here....I am more worried about rattlers and copperheads

I really like your dog Cricket...cute pup...she is a Aussie as well???

Jebediah
Member
# Posted: 4 Mar 2016 07:17
Reply 


Quoting: turkeyhunter
I really like your dog Cricket...cute pup...she is a Aussie as well???


She is an Aussie with 1/4 lab, she has webbed toes like a lab and loves to retrieve. There are some pics of her just back a few posts sitting in a canoe. Its funny if I drag the canoe to the water, she will be sitting in it when I return with the paddles lol...

You can train Moxie to avoid snakes. Most dogs will instinctively avoid them but if they can't associate the visual/smell with the danger and are prey driven they can get bit.

There are a few different methods, Cricket learned just by my avoidance actions.
If Moxie doesn't instinctively avoid them and doesn't learn to avoid them as she matures just through your avoidance actions, you will have to take a different approach. You want to make sure moxie associates the pain/fright with the danger, visual/smell. My friend trained his dog with a dead porcupine a few times, screamed in a high pitched voiced like it had quilled him, that did the trick. My friend and I can let our dogs run free at my place, they just ignore the porcupines.

As you know snakes are much more deadly and aggressive than porcupines. Don't let your dog see you kill or pick up a snake as that will send the wrong message to your dog. Aussie aren't prey driven so they are easier to train. You will learn to know Moxie, her abilities and limitations, what you can and can't trust her with....

My friend once said , pardon his ignorance, why would you want a dog its like having a retarded child running a muck...So I told him to ask cricket to add and subtract a few numbers and bark the correct answers, but the answers had to be no higher than 5, my friend was like holly crap she is smart, he never did catch on. She was counting my fingers

turkeyhunter
Member
# Posted: 4 Mar 2016 11:54
Reply 


Quoting: Jebediah
You can train Moxie to avoid snakes



I hope she just lets me know when she finds one...she started barking a couple days at the camp...I went to see what is was...a long coyote "let just say feces cigar),,lol...I think she thought it was a snake,,,lol

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