Introducing Amos the Border Collie

So, Asimov has sort of introduced Amos, our Border Collie. Amos has been at the GEE Funny Farm for just over a year. He was my anniversary gift from David (David gets me the BEST gifts). David even drove up, over our anniversary, to Winnipeg, Canada with me to get him from a rescue there.

Amos has been in two humane societies and one rescue, that I know about. He was in a home for about a year and received a lot of obedience training (which was lucky for me), but was taken back to the humane society because he spins in circles and is hyper. He spins in circles to release energy, especially when he hears cars, or sees something exciting going on, or when he is bored with his environment. Border Collies ARE hyper. That is one reason it is really important to do research BEFORE you get any pet. In each place, he had a different name; I chose Amos from the prophet in the Old Testament of the Bible. He was a shepherd who reluctantly became a prophet through obedience. I wanted Amos to be a obedient shepherd of my flock!

I had decided to try a Border Collie because I wanted to learn to herd my goats, sheep, and llamas. They usually follow me around, but seem to know when the veterinarian is coming or I REALLY need them and won't let me catch them then.

Amos and I went to obedience training together (it helps with bonding) and within the eight week class, he passed his Canine Good Citizen and his Therapy Dog International tests. He is no slouch!! We gave agility a try, but he wasn't very interested and I have trouble remembering the order of things that we are supposed to do (which probably added to his frustration). Then, about 6 months after his arrival, he took the Herding Instinct Test and passed that (the picture is from the Instinct Test). So, late last summer, we started herding lessons.

As Asimov said, the lessons are for me. Actually, I've noticed that most lessons about how to train animals are really for training people, at least in my experience. I've learned how to keep my body energy from blocking Amos (did you know that you have a 'laser' coming from your chest that can stop a herding dog from doing his job), and how to use it properly. I learned that how to use the energy to keep Amos circling the flock and me, or to use the energy to turn him the other way -- I feel SO powerful! We can now collect goats or sheep from far away and pen them (I also had to learn to let Amos herd the animals -- I spent a lot of time getting in the way as I tried to "help.") We have recently been given permission to work at home (Amos is ready, but I'm wimpy in this cold), and that is exciting!! Shannon, our trainer, feels that I finally know enough to not cause problems on my own.

Amos is also a therapy dog. It is interesting because people always say, "He is so calm!" If they only knew. However, he knows, when I brush him and put his scarf on, that he is going to work. He goes among walkers and wheelchairs, balances on his back feet, and crawls to people to be petted. He seems to know who needs him. It is a wonderful contrast to his usual activity (he still runs in circles sometimes).

So, while I love Amos, Border Collies are NOT for everyone. They REALLY need a job to be happy. Shannon has been asked, "Is herding the only thing that your dogs do?" to which she responds, "Herding is the ONLY THING!" So, if you are thinking of adding a pet, of any kind, to your home, please do your research FIRST!! If you don't think it is important, check out petfinders.com to see all of the animals who didn't fit in. It is heartbreaking. Shepherds get BIG, Border Collies (and Australian Cattle dogs) need jobs to work their bodies and their minds, and parrots love to intimidate people. If you know what to expect going in, it will help you and your new pet later.