Buckwheat's (and other border collie's) Ball Obsession

This article reminded me so much of our Buckwheat. He came to us as a "German Shepherd, Macnabb, and cattle dog mix," the veterinarian said he was a "border collie," and he sure acts like it. Buckwheat is definately ball obsessed and I would be playing it with him all day long if he had his druthers.


The Border Collie Tennis Ball Obsession
By ezinearticles.com/?expert=William_Patrick_Kelly]William Patrick Kelly

There is much to be said for the herding instinct of the Border Collie and the pure intensity that comes along with it. You've probably seen videos of these dogs while they work and there is no doubt that every fiber of their being is focused on the task at hand. (Check out Youtube.com for tons of Border Collie videos...neat stuff!). As new owners of the breed we certainly did not have any sheep or cattle for our dog to focus on however a very simple substitute presented itself. The tennis ball. With one of these fuzzy little yellow balls you can give your dog (and yourself!) exercise and give him a job at the same time.

While we lived in a townhome when we got our dog we are fortunate enough to live on a small island on the Southeast coast of the US. Not only did this allow us to run our Border Collie on wide open beaches for pretty much the entire year but also on tidal flats and marsh beds. These dogs have tons of energy and you do yourself and the dog a huge benefit by simply going out and playing ball.

After two years with our Border Collie we have come up with a few tips that make his tennis ball obsession more productive. The first is pretty simple. Get a hold of lots of tennis balls. They are cheap to buy if you check out thrift stores. Or, if you are like us, you may have some tennis courts close by. About once a week we walk our dog over around the courts and let him rummage around in the weeds and bushes. His record so far is finding 8 tennis balls in under 10 minutes!

Secondly get a ball thrower (aka a whip stick or a "chuck it"). These can be found at most pet stores and allow you throw the ball several times further than you can by hand. Typically made of plastic with a tennis ball shaped cup on one end these not only let you throw further but you can pick up the ball with the stick. Not a huge deal but it will help keep your hands clean of dog drool, mud and dirt. Our Border Collie can easily run flat out for over an hour so the longer each run for the ball the faster he gets tired. And, as you may know, a tired Border Collie is a happy one!

Thirdly is the intensity and focus of the dog when he is playing fetch with a ball. He is so focused on that ball that, as far as he is concerned, there is nothing else in the world but that ball. This can be a major safety issue for your dog. Our Border Collie will go after the ball no matter where we throw it and he will get it. Be very certain to stay away from roads, parking lots and anywhere that your dog could be in danger. We had a scary moment one afternoon when the ball hit a rock and flew off at a crazy angle into a roadway. Luckily there were no cars coming but it certainly makes us more alert to possible dangers!

There is a funny saying that goes along with dog ownership...If your dog is out of shape then so are you. Nothing could be more true for Border Collie owners! Grab an old tennis ball and get out there with your dog!

William and his wife at www.bordercolliehelp.com are Border Collie owners with a great appreciation for the breed. He shares his experiences there as well as videos of the tricks his dog has learned so far.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=William_Patrick_Kelly http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Border-Collie-Tennis-Ball-Obsession&id=2116046

These Laws are for the Dogs!

Dog Law

• In Columbus Georgia , it is against the law for dogs to howl after 9 P.M.
• Berea Kentucky law requires dogs on the streets after dark to display a red taillight.
• Florida law does not allow dogs to ride in a school bus.
• A law in Zion Illinois prohibits owners from teaching their dogs to smoke cigars.
• In Fox Point Wisconsin, dogs cannot travel in groups larger than two.
• The Belvedere California City Council passed a law
  that reads, "No dog shall be in a public place without its master on a leash."
• In Britain, cab drivers must be sure that if they allow a dog in their cab that it must not be rabid. Otherwise they could be fined!

• In Columbus Georgia , it is against the law for dogs to howl after 9 P.M. In Columbus Georgia , it is against the law for dogs to howl after 9 P.M.

A cute - although ridiculous dog joke

Two Moradavian nuns have just arrived in USA by boat and one says to the other, "I hear that the people of this country actually eat dogs." "Odd," her companion replies, "but if we shall live in America , we might as well do as the Americans do."

Nodding emphatically, the mother superior points to a hot dog vendor and they both walk towards the cart. "Two dogs, please," says one.

The vendor is too pleased to oblige, wraps both hot dogs in foil, and hands them over the counter. Excited, the nuns hurry to a bench and begin to un-wrap their 'dogs'. The mother superior begins to blush and, then, staring at it for a moment, leans to the other nun and whispers cautiously, "What part... did you get..


Thanks to: http://www.doggiesparadise.com/dog-jokes.shtml

photocredit - nocturnalguy38@blogspot.com

Another Dog loving Blog

I love to keep this blog light, and celebratory of having dogs. However, humane education is very important. I want to tell you about another blog I have started that discusses the serious matter of puppy mills. Please join me at my blog "Puppy Mills no More"
and learn how you can help with the advocacy against this terrible practice.

The Animal Rescue Site - Click here to give to animals in shelters for free!

This is a wonderful service: you can click here - once everyday - and give food to shelter animals. This is at no cost for you, the advertisers pick up the tab.

Beach Dog

Buckwheat became a beautiful beach dog yesterday, as we took him to the Santa Cruz mountains and beach to visit my college son.

He is a lot of fun on trips, although I am going to have to work with him more on not pulling on the leash.

Border Collie training

I thought you might enjoy this video of border collies. Buckwheat is a mongrel, but the mix of dogs turns out to make him a definite border collie in personality, although I can see a bit of German Shepherd when someone puts their hand in the car window. :)

Buckwheat came to us as a working dog, he worked with cows. We have to work to keep him amused. I believe he really wants a job. Border collies are happiest when they have a job.

Hands Free Ball throwing! The Chuckit, Buckwheat's favorite dog toy

Just thought I'd let you know about Buckwheat's very favorite toy: the Chuckit with a ball attached of course.



That is the Chuckit. It really is a way to easily throw the ball repeatedly - without having to throw to bend down to pick up a slobbery ball. This reduces the strain on my body a lot, and also reduces the yuck factor considerably too. I purchased the longer one because I really don't want to have to strain. I think rubber balls are the best as they are supposed to be easier on the dog's teeth, and when you are as ball obsessed as Buckwheat, that can be a huge deal.