Should i get the dog.

[wyo700]

We were not even looking for a dog but a border collie caught my eye. He is 4 years old and the pound said he is a very good dog. I seen him on Saturday and I can't stop thinking about him. We have a cat and the lady at the pound said he is afraid of cats. But I am not to worried about that. What would you do. I have never had a dog before.

[Oakman]

I'm sure the pound has cats also. Why not see how the dog reacts with a cat around. Otherwise I say go for it.

[Terier]

Go back and visit him. Then think it over and you should have your answer. Got any names picked out yet?

You might be able to bring your cat and see how he will react. Of course it might take a little time to get comfortable but both animals need to feel safe.

Not all cats are the same. Different breeds of cats will behave differently.

[lswartz]

Go get the dog & post a picture.

[wmtire]

Originally Posted by wyo700

I seen him on Saturday and I can't stop thinking about him.

You're hooked. Go ahead and welcome your newest member of the family. Life's too short, and you would regret it if you don't pick him up

Post some pics of him when you get time.

The last two dogs we got, came from the pound (including our current 12 year Bassett mix who we've had for 10 years now) and are/were the best dogs we ever had.

[wyo700]

Originally Posted by Oakman

I'm sure the pound has cats also. Why not see how the dog reacts with a cat around. Otherwise I say go for it.

They did see and he was afraid of them

[wyo700]

Originally Posted by Terier

Go back and visit him. Then think it over and you should have your answer. Got any names picked out yet?

You might be able to bring your cat and see how he will react. Of course it might take a little time to get comfortable but both animals need to feel safe.

Not all cats are the same. Different breeds of cats will behave differently.

His name is ripley he had a name tag when they found him.

[crasher]

This kind of dog is a very active breed. They need to work or they get bored and then you have behavioral problems. So if you have room for him to run and are active enough to play with him, then go for it. Don't expect this kind of dog can be cooped up in an RV all day and/or be a lap dog.

If they said he is afraid of cats, then they had a good reason to make that statement and you should consider that you will have issues. I think you should either get the dog and lose the cat, or not get the dog and keep the cat, but not both.

[Rugged Brown]

Buddy Wasisname & the Other Fellers: my dog patsy - YouTube

[acadianbob]

Just realize that a dog is a lot more "work" than a cat. But IMO they are a lot more rewarding too. There is the "hair in the house" factor too.

Good luck. Let us know what you do.

[Whisky]

Originally Posted by wincrasher

..I think you should either get the dog and lose the cat, or not get the dog and keep the cat, but not both.

some good thoughts above - having a dog can be a wonderful thing, for both the owner & the dog - but, would your adopting this particular animal be "fair" to him and/or your cat ?

a dog too would restrict your camping - it would be unfair to leave him in your rig while you're out "doing your thing" - it takes a lot of planning when traveling with dogs

please think about this, long and hard.....Bill

[TeresaInCAL]

Border collies are EXTREMELY smart, and MUST have something to do all the time or they go stir crazy. SO, if you have the time, and lots of space ( I assume you don't live in an apartment ), go for it.
We have a 1/2 Border Collie, 1/2 golden retriever, and she's the smartest, best dog I've ever had, and truly my best friend. We put the time into her, and have 5 aces, so there's never been a problem.
My brother has a papered BC, and doesn't put time into him, and the dog is a tightly wound spring, and is afraid of everything, but also wants to "heard" everyone, so he nips people all the time. Can't be trusted around kids either.

Just be warned.

[wyo700]

Thanks everyone. I definately would not leave my cat or this dog out. They would both get the treatment and attention they need. We have not made a final decision we are going to see him again tonight. I do not live in an apartment and have a fairly good sized back yard. Having this dog would probably be a good thing for me and the wife he would make us get off our butts and go for a good walk with him. My cat is very attached to us, we had my sister in law bring her dog over last night to see how the cat would react and she didn't run but was curious did get to close but was sniffing her out. Here is a pic of them last night.

[crasher]

Well if you are going to have a RepubliDog and a DemoCat together under one roof, don't leave them unattended in the house. They are likely to tear each other apart when you are not looking.

[pwrstroke2012]

Originally Posted by Oakman

I'm sure the pound has cats also. Why not see how the dog reacts with a cat around. Otherwise I say go for it.

Yea...give him a cat scan!!!

[Campster]

Our Border Collie of fourteen years Peg passed away not too long ago. Border Collie's are a very smart, loving and loyal dog. They are natural herders that like plenty of exercise. They will chase and return anything especially balls. We have had quite a few dogs and Peg was one of the best. They are truly great dogs....

[SibeTribe]

If he caught your eye and you can't stop thinking about him, it is probably meant to be. Don't worry if he's afraid of cats. Let him be. The cat will then own the house which is better than having an active dog like that going after cats. You WILL need to work him and that might be a great thing for both of you. Try a good dog obedience school and see if you like something like Rally O or Flyball. DON"T try him on sheep if you want to keep your cat safe. Once you turn on the herding, you can't turn it off. There are lots of other things to do too in an RV, like hiking or bikejorring with him. Siberians are VERY active dogs too and I have high drive sled dogs. As I write this, 7 are with me in the camper, in their crates happily snoozing away. We have a routine of long walks, rest, long walks, rest, night long walk. Great way to keep fit. You do that much with your border collie and he'll be a happy camper. BUT be aware they are barkers. That might be a problem. You wont be able to leave him in your camper and go someplace.
Make sure he will stay in a crate too. There is a great DVD called Crate Games by Susan Garrett. 36" should do it for a border collie. Once he knows his crate is his happy place, he will travel safer and it increases your chances of being able to leave him in the camper for short periods of time. But you have to teach crate the right way so it is a safe and happy place for him. Lots of tips on the internet as well as that DVD which is excellent. She also has good tips for free on her website, say Yes dog training. LOL I don't get a kick back, just have been training dogs a while.

[wyo700]

Well here he is. His name is ripley and he is a full bread border collie. He was great all night. He does listen very well already and seems house broken but we got him a kennel just to be sure for a little while.

[Coops1]

Congratulations... he's beautiful

We keep our Aussie kenneled during the day when we are not at home and some nights so don't feel bad, in fact most dogs like it. Having the same temperament as an aussie ripley should do fine, ours is quite calm when he knows its not play time unless he see a squirrel out the front window.

PS my last dog was a border collie

[Terier]

Originally Posted by wyo700

Well here he is. His name is ripley and he is a full bread border collie. He was great all night. He does listen very well already and seems house broken but we got him a kennel just to be sure for a little while.

Looks like he has a good home!