TRICK TRAINING
This is not a how to. It is a why to. And yes, we are constantly looking for new ideas.

Labs probably make the very best family pets. They are the most popular dogs in North America for good reason. They are very friendly, very intelligent dogs.

Our Lab/Chow mix, Conway was THE once in a lifetime companion.

However, Border Collies ARE the best of the best in the canine world.
The World's Most Intelligent Dog
Our Border Collies are the biggest challenge that we have had in our canine family.
They have also provided an endless source of amusement.

'If it's not a Border Collie it's just a dog' says the bumper sticker.
Not even slightly true, but it does tickle our sense of haw haw.
There is no such creature as just a dog.

Deaf Dogs and their plight are a major interest because we can not begin to imagine a wonderful dog like Patches being destroyed because he is deaf.
Yet, it is an all too frequent occurrence.

ALL Blue Merles should be BAER Tested BEFORE being offered for sale by a breeder. Predominantly White dogs such as Dalmations, and 'Merles' of any breed, ARE HIGHLY SUSCEPTABLE TO DEAFNESS.

Before purchasing a dog, do you know what a CERF test, a BAER test, and an OFA test are? They exist for good reason.
OFACERF
Deafness ranges from hearing impaired to profound, the BAER Test will determine the degree, which is important to potential owners.
Even with careful breeders,
eyes, ears, and hips, can be Border Collie problems.

Purebred Registries do not have any control over the quality of the product.
If you are in the market for any purebred, your best bet is a 'reputable' breeder.

*The more popular that a breed becomes, the more,
irresponsible breeders are created," by popular demand ".
BUYER BEWARE


Our 'woof pack' is an integral part of our family. Many years ago, when our children were young, we were campers. Our canine children enjoyed camping as much as the rest of us. We played with our kids. We played with our dogs.
Now that we are much older, the media has brought the canine athlete to the fore.
Not everyone can afford to participate in Agility, Fly Ball, Herding Trials, Disc Dog.
Not everyone wants the travel that accompanies these activities.

Canine competitors in working and sporting events are subject to injuries that are generally wear-and-tear related. Janet Lalonde, D.V.M.
Trick training is no different - exercise care. Our veterinarian is familiar with Border Collies, which is a significant bonus. Border Collies go, go, go.

None-the-less, trick training provides a very inexpensive way to enjoy our companions.
How much is a hoola hoop, a tennis ball, a stick?
Play is an important aspect of trick training.

Basic Obedience Training may well be the most money spent. It is however important. We used Pearsall's Guide for most of our dogs. Tory, at twelve weeks of age, was our first experience with formal training. We selected a well respected trainer, who had numerous dog obedience awards, and learned from him, while still applying Pearsall's Guide. Classes accomodate a number of dogs in a session, but your dog is an individual. We believe that you take away what you feel is sound advice and good practices, and build on it. It was an extremely worthwhile experience, particularly for socializing our dog.
And, Obedience Training is the basis for all Trick Training.

And what does it do for our companions, apart from bringing them
closer to us?
Stimulation, all intelligent dogs require it. It is good for all dogs. Even our elderly Brandy is proud of his trick, shake, even though he can barely waddle. Conway at fourteen, still loved jumping through a hoop. He didn't care that he could easily step through it, he was pleasing his people. Border Collies, particularly, need to be challenged mentally .


Remember that treat rewards are part of the total daily intake of food.
An obese dog is not a healthy dog.

Trick Training can be humbling for we, humans,
who think we are so smart.

People with deaf dogs like to show off their companions, I've read. Given the time invested in them, and patience, a deaf dog should be able to perform any task that a hearing dog can perform, justifying their owners pride in them.
Our Patches is a real sweetheart, even if he is a mischief. He is very intelligent.

People with trick dogs enjoy showing off even more.
So, Here Goes.

McCabe Clan geneology