Older Border Collie Losing his mind?

RhettsMom · 07-17-2007, 10:38 AM

I know that BC are working dogs. Very active, smart etc. We did flyball and basic agility training with Connor when he was younger. Then he started to become arthritic so we slowed down to daily walks and occasional trips to my moms house, where there is a decent sized fenced area for the dogs to play in safely. He is now 7 years old and I am thinking he is going nuts. He is starting to behave oddly. doing things that he knows not to do. Chewing things again. Has gone through 3 child safety gates in two weeks now. We use the gates to keep him from the living room with the kittens and rabbits and off the stairs, as he sleeps on them given the chance and on more than one occasion has caused my husband to fall down the stairs after tripping over the dog.

He is crying the minute we walk out the door. I mean the MINUTE we close it behind us he is crying. I am gone for a few hours in the morning and two in the afternoon. Short trips during the day,, but I am home otherwise. So he isnt alone. Nor is he blocked from the living room when we are home. He gets plenty of fresh water and food. Has had his shots and eats well. But he is just not himself. I am slightly nervous that he is going to loose it completely and bite Sarah, my daughter. because he is just progressively getting worse in his personality change.

I have mentioned to my husband that I am nervous about this and that I am thinking I dont want it to get to that point of snapping. He has gotten more aggressive with other neighborhood dogs as of late as well. But there is nothing physically wrong with him per the vet visit a month ago. He is never allowed to run free in the neighborhood. He is always leashed when we are out walking. But he is just not "himself" KWIM?

Anyway. I think it might be time to have him put to sleep. I hate the thought of it as he seems to be healthy otherwise. But I am concerned. His eye sight and hearing seems to be spot on. He is walking a bit more stiffly. But I am worried that something in his mind is not quite right anymore. A neighbor that had a collie once told me that collies do tend to "get like this when they reach old age" But is 7 years( I know every 1 of a dogs life is 7 of ours) really old??

I dont want him to be unhappy or suffering in any way. But I also dont want to have him bite my daughter and have her be even more afraid of dogs than she already is. She just started not being afraid of Connor! she brings him treats /bones all the time. But I dont want to put him to sleep for no reason either. I mean,, if he were really having a hard time of it... walking, loosing control of his body and loosing his sight and hearing.. it would be one thing. But seemingly loosing his mind? Not such an "easy" decision.

Help. I just want to do right by Connor and make sure my kiddo is safe.

oveywon · 07-17-2007, 11:21 AM

......

SunnyKS · 07-17-2007, 11:43 AM

Maybe he's in more pain with the stiffness than the vet realizes. Could you try giving him a plain old childrens asprin (wrapped in cheese or something he likes) 2 x a day for a few days as an experment to see if it helps? If it does you can go back to the vet for more tests to narrow down the problem.

Seven is not that old! I'm so sorry you both are going through this.

**gbarmranch** · 07-17-2007, 11:46 AM

Sounds like it could be Seperation anxiety

...

It can be cured, if that is what it is and not a physical issue - but check with your vet and an animal behaviorist - they may be able to pinpoint what you can try to help the poor dog.. 7 is very young..

Luv2Game · 07-17-2007, 11:51 AM

I would reccomend getting in touch with an an animal behaviorist in your area, that can come and see your dog, and watch him, she/he may see something he is doing, and know right what the problem is. If you have an animal shelter in your area, sometimes they have an animal behaviorist on staff, but their services are sometimes free. Or a minimal cost. I think the aspirin is a good idea too. Just to try and see if it helps. Even though he has arthritis, I would give him the aspirin so his legs don't hurt, and maybe go back to doing some agility every now and then. Just to get him some activity. If you give him the medecine the day before, the day of and the day after, he may be fine to go back to his original activity level. Good Luck!! Let us know what you decide and how it goes.

oveywon · 07-17-2007, 11:55 AM

carlagsd · 07-17-2007, 11:58 AM

I don't know. He isn't an old dog really. I think he might be in pain of some sort or has experienced some kind of trauma?? Whenever a pet makes a dramatic personality change like that I suspect some kind of pain issue, trauma (emotional or physical) or something going on in the household that causes the dog to feel uncomfortable in some way.

You said he's walking stiffer than when he was younger. Does he have arthritis? Does the vet have him on any kind of treatment for it? If he's in pain he doesn't have any way to tell you other than his behavior. Did this change come on quickly (like over a few months) or has it been coming on gradually over the years?

I think I'd get a second opinion from a different vet or at least take him back to your regular vet and tell him how much the dogs personality has changed, to the point you are thinking about having him put down. Make sure the vet knows everything that's different about your dog from how he was before.

I'm sorry you're going through this. It has to be really tough!

MikeysMom · 07-17-2007, 12:05 PM

I agree, 7 is not at all old. I'd say middle aged.

I have had several border collies over the years. My current dog, Susie, is a pure bred. They love to run. I think even more important than having a job to do, is being able to run. You said he is never loose in the neighborhood, always on a leash when he goes outside. That, to me, does not sound like a happy border collie. The border collies we've had (not a bunch, only 3), have all been big time runners. And I'm not talking about just in a little fenced in back yard. When we're outside, Susie will run full force from the house to the barn, up the hill behind the barn and back. Just running for the joy of running. Our first border collie, Simon, that we had years ago did the exact same thing. I suspect that the lifestyle he's living (being a house dog in suburbia) just isn't suiting him.

Now, I might be totally wrong. If you've had him since he was a puppy and just now, 7 years later, something has drastically changed in his personality, my theory doesn't make sense. If you've had him his whole life then it wouldn't make sense for him just to start acting strange all of a sudden. Has something recently changed with your lifestyle, living arrangements, or your family's routine?

I would not want to see you have him put down. A border collie rescue would be a great idea. It doesn't sound like he's dangerous.

TheUpNorthCowgirl · 07-17-2007, 12:11 PM

I have an 11 year old border collie. They are a play hard or go home kind of breed. Which in turn leads to arthritis sometimes even at a younger age. My BC "Masha" has had noticeable arthritis since she was about 7. She's on Nutro senior dog food with Glucosamine and Chondroitin now and she also gets Daily Smart Bites with vitamins and G&C, those are made by, suprisingly enough, Ol' Roy.

She started getting a little loopy a couple of years ago. She no longer puts up with my cats they way she used to. She gets angry when they are around her and she lips her lip and whines until I make the cats go away.

But she's not to the point where she is dangerous yet.

I think it might be something with the breed, when they age (get stiff, arthritis) and can't do their high energy stuff anymore I think it gets to them.

I do hope everything turns out aliright in your case and it never hurts to seek a secondary opinion from another vet in the area.

aking · 07-17-2007, 12:52 PM

Seven is young in dogs years and the dog doesn't sound dangerous. If it were my dog I wouldn't put him to sleep. If he's more than you can handle then I would consider re homing him or a rescue group.

soccer mom · 07-17-2007, 01:21 PM

I have a 12 year old Border Collie. He has cataracts but is as energetic as ever. Still loves to play frisbee although he does have trouble seeing it and cannot do the jump in the air catches that he once did. We have a Beagle and GSD that are his companions. The Beagle stays pretty close to him and helps to guide him in the back yard. the cats still think he is the best for snuggling when winter comes (all that nice long fur to curl up in and he lets them).

I would go with maybe a pain issue. Try the baby aspirin. I give my GSD baby aspirin on her bad arthritic days and it makes a world of difference. Good luck & hope he starts feeling himself soon.

RhettsMom · 07-17-2007, 03:20 PM

Thanks everyone for your replies.

We have had him since he was a puppy. And this behavior change is very recent. Last week or two. He has always been protective about the house and the family. he loves the kiddo

I am going to be replacing his old "bed" with a new one this evening to see if that might help some. And will be adding some pain relievers to his arsenal of meds. He is already on joint supplements and is very picky about his food. But he is acting more stiff than he was.

When he was younger there was a place a few towns over that we could bring him to herd sheep. But they closed. So now he has to wait for the weekends when we pile into the truck and head to moms to run around. She has a sizable part of her yard(2+ acres) fenced in for her AmStaff and the boys play well together. Maybe making it down more often will help him.
We dont have anyplace close to home I can let him run. Not without fear of him getting hurt or attacked by another dog. The barn is out since I dont like it when other boarders let their dogs run loose. I am not going to be a hypocrite and let Connor do the same.

NHIceGSD · 07-17-2007, 03:30 PM

It might not be a bad idea to have him checked for Lymes disease. The vaccination isn't 100%, and it's rampant in New England. It can cause A LOT of pain and discomfort... which would make any one cranky.. especially a high energy dog!

While you're trying to sort this out, I would recommend trying a little of Bachs Rescue Remedy, it really cuts down anxiety with no harmful side effects. You can definatly find it at your local natural food store, but we pick ours up at Shaws (Not sure if you've got one in your area) We have a very goofy and neurotic shepard that it works wonders for...No more destructive chewing, no more pacing, no more whining the second we leave!

RhettsMom · 07-17-2007, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NHIceGSD

It might not be a bad idea to have him checked for Lymes disease. The vaccination isn't 100%, and it's rampant in New England. It can cause A LOT of pain and discomfort... which would make any one cranky.. especially a high energy dog!

While you're trying to sort this out, I would recommend trying a little of Bachs Rescue Remedy, it really cuts down anxiety with no harmful side effects. You can definatly find it at your local natural food store, but we pick ours up at Shaws (Not sure if you've got one in your area) We have a very goofy and neurotic shepard that it works wonders for...No more destructive chewing, no more pacing, no more whining the second we leave!

I will have to run out tomorrow, after I get the car back and see if they have it. Thanks

RhettsMom · 07-18-2007, 08:11 AM

ok, now this is weird.

One of our cats had kittens at about the same time Connor started acting differently. Well, there must have been something wrong with all four kittens because the last one passed away yesterday. Kitten mommy refused to nurse them and we had taken over with milk replacement. Anyway. Last night was the first night since they were born that he slept through the night AND our adult female cat, that we have had for 7 years came in last night to eat and slept with us. She hasnt been wanting to come into the house since they were born. She would come in for maybe 30 minutes then be right back at the door wanting out.

So it seems as though they all knew something wasnt right with the kittens.

Of course my Dean (rabbit) is still as nutty as ever. somethings dont change I guess.

tricia3kids · 07-18-2007, 08:24 AM

in your orginal post about Conners behavior you said that you cut back on his activity level. did you take him to a vet for his joint pain? with a dog/horse with severe arthristis the medicial thought today is activity. activity will get the joints fliud, and help with pain and mobility. If you have cut out his activity his pain will increase....dogs/horses/and people will tell you when they are in pain and will stop the activity on their own. his breed is HIGH energy and the moment activity is stopped they do become sort of a loose cannon. chewing, and aggressive behaviors.

my recommendation :
take him to the vet..to see what the physicial problem is first.
joint problems can be helped
glucosamine and MSM daily
and activity

MikeysMom · 07-18-2007, 08:24 AM

Wow! That is so crazy. Very interesting. Animals sure do have a sense about those things. I wonder if that could have been the cause of his problems all along. I wouldn't be surprised if it was.

Please keep us posted on how he acts over the next few days. If he returns to his normal self, I would be pretty sure the sick kittens were the cause of the unrest, especially since you said another cat in the house was acting out-of-character.

Sorry for the loss of the litter of kittens. Obviously something was wrong, but still sad.

RhettsMom · 07-18-2007, 05:54 PM

he is happily sitting on the couch with the kiddo. something he hasnt done in over a week. And he is eating all his food again. He has been picking for a while now as well. We are keeping our fingers crossed and will be taking him with us this weekend to my moms to run,, if we get our new vehicle on saturday. I dont want to drive the current one right now for that long a distance with a kid and a dog packed inside

oveywon · 07-18-2007, 06:24 PM

.....

KitKat · 07-19-2007, 02:32 PM

Poor guy. I have two border collies. If you rule out pain issues, I would almost certainly be that his change in attitude is due to his recent change in activity level. Border Collies need something to do, they are not your typical lay around house pets. Seeing as they are such an active breed, they need to burn off that energy or they get poutty. I agree that 7 is not very old for a BC. Heck, my female had pups when she was seven. She's 11 1/2 now and can still run down her 4 yo daughter no problem when they are playing. She is on glucosamine chondroitin for arthritis though. It has done wonders for her in the year and a half that she's been on it. No hints of soreness or stiffness at all. She's had a long, fullfilling life, so far, but is in no way shape or form ready to retire yet. She's been a cattle dog, sheep dog, trucker dog (got to keep that oncoming traffic in check you know!) agility dog, and mother, so its not like she's been a pampered pooch all her life.

If his change in behaviour is caused by pain, perhaps you could find somewhere to take him swimming? It is beneficial to their limbs, and would have the added benefit of burning off his excess energy so that he's happier. Even throwing a ball out into a lake for him to retrieve might be the trick. A job, excercise and therapy all in one. That being said, my BC's would never do such a thing because water is evil!

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07-17-2007, 10:38 AM
RhettsMom Long Yearling Join Date: May 2006 Location: MA Posts: 1,431	Older Border Collie Losing his mind? I know that BC are working dogs. Very active, smart etc. We did flyball and basic agility training with Connor when he was younger. Then he started to become arthritic so we slowed down to daily walks and occasional trips to my moms house, where there is a decent sized fenced area for the dogs to play in safely. He is now 7 years old and I am thinking he is going nuts. He is starting to behave oddly. doing things that he knows not to do. Chewing things again. Has gone through 3 child safety gates in two weeks now. We use the gates to keep him from the living room with the kittens and rabbits and off the stairs, as he sleeps on them given the chance and on more than one occasion has caused my husband to fall down the stairs after tripping over the dog. He is crying the minute we walk out the door. I mean the MINUTE we close it behind us he is crying. I am gone for a few hours in the morning and two in the afternoon. Short trips during the day,, but I am home otherwise. So he isnt alone. Nor is he blocked from the living room when we are home. He gets plenty of fresh water and food. Has had his shots and eats well. But he is just not himself. I am slightly nervous that he is going to loose it completely and bite Sarah, my daughter. because he is just progressively getting worse in his personality change. I have mentioned to my husband that I am nervous about this and that I am thinking I dont want it to get to that point of snapping. He has gotten more aggressive with other neighborhood dogs as of late as well. But there is nothing physically wrong with him per the vet visit a month ago. He is never allowed to run free in the neighborhood. He is always leashed when we are out walking. But he is just not "himself" KWIM? Anyway. I think it might be time to have him put to sleep. I hate the thought of it as he seems to be healthy otherwise. But I am concerned. His eye sight and hearing seems to be spot on. He is walking a bit more stiffly. But I am worried that something in his mind is not quite right anymore. A neighbor that had a collie once told me that collies do tend to "get like this when they reach old age" But is 7 years( I know every 1 of a dogs life is 7 of ours) really old?? I dont want him to be unhappy or suffering in any way. But I also dont want to have him bite my daughter and have her be even more afraid of dogs than she already is. She just started not being afraid of Connor! she brings him treats /bones all the time. But I dont want to put him to sleep for no reason either. I mean,, if he were really having a hard time of it... walking, loosing control of his body and loosing his sight and hearing.. it would be one thing. But seemingly loosing his mind? Not such an "easy" decision. Help. I just want to do right by Connor and make sure my kiddo is safe.

07-17-2007, 11:21 AM
oveywon Started Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 2,167	...... Last edited by oveywon : 01-13-2008 at 05:10 PM.

07-17-2007, 11:43 AM
SunnyKS Greenbroke Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Kansas Posts: 3,518	Maybe he's in more pain with the stiffness than the vet realizes. Could you try giving him a plain old childrens asprin (wrapped in cheese or something he likes) 2 x a day for a few days as an experment to see if it helps? If it does you can go back to the vet for more tests to narrow down the problem. Seven is not that old! I'm so sorry you both are going through this.

07-17-2007, 11:46 AM
gbarmranch Administrator Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Mayberry Posts: 29,584	Sounds like it could be Seperation anxiety ... It can be cured, if that is what it is and not a physical issue - but check with your vet and an animal behaviorist - they may be able to pinpoint what you can try to help the poor dog.. 7 is very young.. __________________ Quality Foundation Quarter Horses http://home.earthlink.net/~vpgann As you slide down the banister of life, may the splinters never point in the wrong direction.

07-17-2007, 11:51 AM
Luv2Game Long Yearling Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Iowa Posts: 1,424	I would reccomend getting in touch with an an animal behaviorist in your area, that can come and see your dog, and watch him, she/he may see something he is doing, and know right what the problem is. If you have an animal shelter in your area, sometimes they have an animal behaviorist on staff, but their services are sometimes free. Or a minimal cost. I think the aspirin is a good idea too. Just to try and see if it helps. Even though he has arthritis, I would give him the aspirin so his legs don't hurt, and maybe go back to doing some agility every now and then. Just to get him some activity. If you give him the medecine the day before, the day of and the day after, he may be fine to go back to his original activity level. Good Luck!! Let us know what you decide and how it goes. __________________ "Horses know nothing of money, status, beauty or accomplishment...Horses see only our hearts, and they accept or reject us based on what they find within... - Mary Midkiff

07-17-2007, 11:55 AM
oveywon Started Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 2,167	.... Last edited by oveywon : 01-13-2008 at 05:11 PM.

07-17-2007, 11:58 AM
carlagsd Yearling Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Michigan Posts: 730	I don't know. He isn't an old dog really. I think he might be in pain of some sort or has experienced some kind of trauma?? Whenever a pet makes a dramatic personality change like that I suspect some kind of pain issue, trauma (emotional or physical) or something going on in the household that causes the dog to feel uncomfortable in some way. You said he's walking stiffer than when he was younger. Does he have arthritis? Does the vet have him on any kind of treatment for it? If he's in pain he doesn't have any way to tell you other than his behavior. Did this change come on quickly (like over a few months) or has it been coming on gradually over the years? I think I'd get a second opinion from a different vet or at least take him back to your regular vet and tell him how much the dogs personality has changed, to the point you are thinking about having him put down. Make sure the vet knows everything that's different about your dog from how he was before. I'm sorry you're going through this. It has to be really tough! __________________ Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.

07-17-2007, 12:05 PM
MikeysMom Long Yearling Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Western PA Posts: 1,010	I agree, 7 is not at all old. I'd say middle aged. I have had several border collies over the years. My current dog, Susie, is a pure bred. They love to run. I think even more important than having a job to do, is being able to run. You said he is never loose in the neighborhood, always on a leash when he goes outside. That, to me, does not sound like a happy border collie. The border collies we've had (not a bunch, only 3), have all been big time runners. And I'm not talking about just in a little fenced in back yard. When we're outside, Susie will run full force from the house to the barn, up the hill behind the barn and back. Just running for the joy of running. Our first border collie, Simon, that we had years ago did the exact same thing. I suspect that the lifestyle he's living (being a house dog in suburbia) just isn't suiting him. Now, I might be totally wrong. If you've had him since he was a puppy and just now, 7 years later, something has drastically changed in his personality, my theory doesn't make sense. If you've had him his whole life then it wouldn't make sense for him just to start acting strange all of a sudden. Has something recently changed with your lifestyle, living arrangements, or your family's routine? I would not want to see you have him put down. A border collie rescue would be a great idea. It doesn't sound like he's dangerous. __________________ What will they think of next? Nothing. There is nothing left to think of.

07-17-2007, 12:11 PM
TheUpNorthCowgirl Long Yearling Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Upper Michigan Posts: 1,026	I have an 11 year old border collie. They are a play hard or go home kind of breed. Which in turn leads to arthritis sometimes even at a younger age. My BC "Masha" has had noticeable arthritis since she was about 7. She's on Nutro senior dog food with Glucosamine and Chondroitin now and she also gets Daily Smart Bites with vitamins and G&C, those are made by, suprisingly enough, Ol' Roy. She started getting a little loopy a couple of years ago. She no longer puts up with my cats they way she used to. She gets angry when they are around her and she lips her lip and whines until I make the cats go away. But she's not to the point where she is dangerous yet. I think it might be something with the breed, when they age (get stiff, arthritis) and can't do their high energy stuff anymore I think it gets to them. I do hope everything turns out aliright in your case and it never hurts to seek a secondary opinion from another vet in the area. __________________ Hahahaha!

07-17-2007, 12:52 PM
aking Newborn Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Monroe, Iowa Posts: 24	Seven is young in dogs years and the dog doesn't sound dangerous. If it were my dog I wouldn't put him to sleep. If he's more than you can handle then I would consider re homing him or a rescue group. __________________ www.puppiestogo.net

07-17-2007, 01:21 PM
soccer mom Yearling Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Huber Heights OH Posts: 549	I have a 12 year old Border Collie. He has cataracts but is as energetic as ever. Still loves to play frisbee although he does have trouble seeing it and cannot do the jump in the air catches that he once did. We have a Beagle and GSD that are his companions. The Beagle stays pretty close to him and helps to guide him in the back yard. the cats still think he is the best for snuggling when winter comes (all that nice long fur to curl up in and he lets them). I would go with maybe a pain issue. Try the baby aspirin. I give my GSD baby aspirin on her bad arthritic days and it makes a world of difference. Good luck & hope he starts feeling himself soon.

07-17-2007, 03:20 PM
RhettsMom Long Yearling Join Date: May 2006 Location: MA Posts: 1,431	Thanks everyone for your replies. We have had him since he was a puppy. And this behavior change is very recent. Last week or two. He has always been protective about the house and the family. he loves the kiddo I am going to be replacing his old "bed" with a new one this evening to see if that might help some. And will be adding some pain relievers to his arsenal of meds. He is already on joint supplements and is very picky about his food. But he is acting more stiff than he was. When he was younger there was a place a few towns over that we could bring him to herd sheep. But they closed. So now he has to wait for the weekends when we pile into the truck and head to moms to run around. She has a sizable part of her yard(2+ acres) fenced in for her AmStaff and the boys play well together. Maybe making it down more often will help him. We dont have anyplace close to home I can let him run. Not without fear of him getting hurt or attacked by another dog. The barn is out since I dont like it when other boarders let their dogs run loose. I am not going to be a hypocrite and let Connor do the same.

07-17-2007, 03:30 PM
NHIceGSD Yearling Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 819	It might not be a bad idea to have him checked for Lymes disease. The vaccination isn't 100%, and it's rampant in New England. It can cause A LOT of pain and discomfort... which would make any one cranky.. especially a high energy dog! While you're trying to sort this out, I would recommend trying a little of Bachs Rescue Remedy, it really cuts down anxiety with no harmful side effects. You can definatly find it at your local natural food store, but we pick ours up at Shaws (Not sure if you've got one in your area) We have a very goofy and neurotic shepard that it works wonders for...No more destructive chewing, no more pacing, no more whining the second we leave! __________________ Be Something You Love and Understand~ Lynard Skynard

07-18-2007, 08:11 AM
RhettsMom Long Yearling Join Date: May 2006 Location: MA Posts: 1,431	ok, now this is weird. One of our cats had kittens at about the same time Connor started acting differently. Well, there must have been something wrong with all four kittens because the last one passed away yesterday. Kitten mommy refused to nurse them and we had taken over with milk replacement. Anyway. Last night was the first night since they were born that he slept through the night AND our adult female cat, that we have had for 7 years came in last night to eat and slept with us. She hasnt been wanting to come into the house since they were born. She would come in for maybe 30 minutes then be right back at the door wanting out. So it seems as though they all knew something wasnt right with the kittens. Of course my Dean (rabbit) is still as nutty as ever. somethings dont change I guess.

07-18-2007, 08:24 AM
tricia3kids Weanling Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: SW FL Posts: 476	in your orginal post about Conners behavior you said that you cut back on his activity level. did you take him to a vet for his joint pain? with a dog/horse with severe arthristis the medicial thought today is activity. activity will get the joints fliud, and help with pain and mobility. If you have cut out his activity his pain will increase....dogs/horses/and people will tell you when they are in pain and will stop the activity on their own. his breed is HIGH energy and the moment activity is stopped they do become sort of a loose cannon. chewing, and aggressive behaviors. my recommendation : take him to the vet..to see what the physicial problem is first. joint problems can be helped glucosamine and MSM daily and activity __________________ Be grateful you are on this side of the grass

07-18-2007, 05:54 PM
RhettsMom Long Yearling Join Date: May 2006 Location: MA Posts: 1,431	he is happily sitting on the couch with the kiddo. something he hasnt done in over a week. And he is eating all his food again. He has been picking for a while now as well. We are keeping our fingers crossed and will be taking him with us this weekend to my moms to run,, if we get our new vehicle on saturday. I dont want to drive the current one right now for that long a distance with a kid and a dog packed inside

07-18-2007, 06:24 PM
oveywon Started Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 2,167	..... Last edited by oveywon : 01-16-2008 at 07:52 AM.

07-19-2007, 02:32 PM
KitKat Long Yearling Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Okotoks, AB Posts: 1,188	Poor guy. I have two border collies. If you rule out pain issues, I would almost certainly be that his change in attitude is due to his recent change in activity level. Border Collies need something to do, they are not your typical lay around house pets. Seeing as they are such an active breed, they need to burn off that energy or they get poutty. I agree that 7 is not very old for a BC. Heck, my female had pups when she was seven. She's 11 1/2 now and can still run down her 4 yo daughter no problem when they are playing. She is on glucosamine chondroitin for arthritis though. It has done wonders for her in the year and a half that she's been on it. No hints of soreness or stiffness at all. She's had a long, fullfilling life, so far, but is in no way shape or form ready to retire yet. She's been a cattle dog, sheep dog, trucker dog (got to keep that oncoming traffic in check you know!) agility dog, and mother, so its not like she's been a pampered pooch all her life. If his change in behaviour is caused by pain, perhaps you could find somewhere to take him swimming? It is beneficial to their limbs, and would have the added benefit of burning off his excess energy so that he's happier. Even throwing a ball out into a lake for him to retrieve might be the trick. A job, excercise and therapy all in one. That being said, my BC's would never do such a thing because water is evil!