Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ok, I know from experience that BC analyse things a lot, and I was wondering if someone could suggest things for my new BC/ACD pup. He is 9 1/2 weeks old and I have had him for a week. The first few days he was rewarded with a treat for going to the toilet outside, and now he associates the treat with the toilet. He picks things up easy, and is learning to sit and shake, however, we can only praise him for doing it, and it doesnt seem to be quite enough incentive for him to do it all the time. If we offer him a treat, he runs outside, does his business then rewards himself with the treat! We have tried using different treats, however, the response is the same. It is kind of handy being able to make him go to the toilet when we want, but it wasnt what we were trying to teach.

Anyone got any ideas on how to stop him thinking so much?

If you didn't want a dog that "thinks too much" WHY did you get a BC??? Cuz it will continue for the rest of his life! BC's are known to have an intelligence of a 3-4 yr. old human child. That requires continual teaching and stimulation for the dog's mind bascally forever, which also means that they get bored quite easily as they learn so fast. They master whatever it is you are teaching them and are ready to go on to something new to learn. My BC is 8 yrs. old. We soon will be going for his 3rd AKC obedience title. My dilema is what to do next with him! Cuz even at 8 yrs. of age he wants to go on learning something new and mastering it.
It often amazes me how little research people do about dog breeds that they are interested in --- and even then just go with the breed they find "cute" regardless of others' suggestions - others that have knowledge and experience with that specific breed. This lack of an informed decision - or denial so they can get their "cute" breed is the main cause of so many dogs ending up at a rescue or a shelter- their fate unkown --- and all because the people did not research the breed.
The only way that I can see your getting a Border Collie that doesn't "think so much" is to get a stuffed one, cuz this baby at only 9 1/2 wks. will just continue to find more things to "figure out" and if not properly diverted to good behaviors they often become destructive and that again means a rescue or shelter.
Just why did you choose to get a BC?
Nancy

whoa... its ok, I know what to expect from a border collie, and their intelligence is one of the things that has always attracted me to them. I also have a 5 mth old BC/Boxer (looks like a boxer but similarties end there) that lives with my parents. I love dogs that think, and I love dogs that are active. I am a sportsperson with a big backyard, and I dont know what I would do with myself without a dog as active as me. So dont fret, he wont end up in a shelter or anything.

I was simply asking for tips on ways to show him the different ways of earning treats. Over the years I have learnt to give commands exactly the same to prevent my dogs from analysing them and thinking they were different commands. However, I hadnt experienced one who interpreted the treat in this way, and I thought other members may have had similar experiences and methods of dealing with them.

Hi!

I don't know much about BC's, but does your puppy have a favorite toy? I've seen in shows, where they are training dogs that instead of food, they get their most favorite toy to play with and the owner goes nuts with playing with the dog with the toy. The only time they get the toy is when they do whatever the owner wanted them to do. Hopefully, someone else will be able to come and give you some other pointers on praising or treats.

Good luck!
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Melody/PHFasDog
Email me at PHFasDog

My furkids:
Shadow, Jadzia and Lyta.
Kira waiting at the bridge.

Dogs come into our lives, and too quickly go leaving pawprints on our hearts, and we will never be quite the same again.

>>Ok, I know from experience that BC analyse things a lot, and I was wondering if someone could suggest things for my new BC/ACD pup. He is 9 1/2 weeks old and I have had him for a week. The first few days he was rewarded with a treat for going to the toilet outside, and now he associates the treat with the toilet. He picks things up easy, and is learning to sit and shake, however, we can only praise him for doing it, and it doesnt seem to be quite enough incentive for him to do it all the time. If we offer him a treat, he runs outside, does his business then rewards himself with the treat! We have tried using different treats, however, the response is the same. It is kind of handy being able to make him go to the toilet when we want, but it wasnt what we were trying to teach.
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>>Anyone got any ideas on how to stop him thinking so much?

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Be sure to get into a training class with him. Try making sure he is caught up on pottying, and then closing the door so he can't get outside. Then have a training session. If he hesitates, not knowing what you want, wait, and let him think about the problem of how to earn that treat by doing what you want this time, instead of the potty behavior.

Also, put words to the potty behavior and to all the new things you teach him, so he will know which thing you are asking him to do. You'll find some more ideas of things to teach him at this link:
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinaryforum.com