Wybren Terpstra: My first two years with Meggie
After the untimely death of our Border Collie Kelly, we have after a relatively short period it decided to seek a new dog. Through the internet we came in contact with shepherd Gerda Dodewaard from Frieschepalen (in Drachten). Her border collie Fly appeared to have a litter of 6 pups. Both Fly (Ireland) as Jim (Scotland) were both present on the farm and are professionally used for herding. Taking the kids of course, was very decisive for quick selection and after a good conversation and two cups of coffee, we sat with a puppy in the car. Nothing suspecting that this is a huge change in the family would result.
Of course we have deepened in raising a Border Collie and of course we thought to have experience with the "very quiet" Kelly. Of course we have the puppy chosen the most to me was directed, But Meggie was absolutely no second Kelly to be! During the first year Meggie quiet periods alternated with explosions of energy. Meggie repeatedly flew across the table by the window with flower pots in the flew. Eventually she fell mostly on my lap asleep fulfilled his actions. Meggie also started the entire floor in the room licking and even anxious or. aggressive behavior.
In 8 weeks I started with puppy training but after two times an exercise to have done (they understood it all) it was often with the discipline and took Meggie's more fun to watch and other groups to rebel. Slowly, a sense of; "Where the hell am I started". Through the internet I ordered some instructional videos on training dogs for herding. This seemed like fun with Meggie to do, like her mother. Through the internet I found two sites (in Zwolle and in Leek) which could be practiced. After a few lessons in Leek, I also look at the Border Collie Club Zwolle where the first meeting took place with Dick.
It was early in the spring and a cold wind blew across the field in Hessenpoort. Dick looked at me and the dog and soon came to the conclusion that the dog I was the boss. This was therefore immediately clear. Of course I am shocked and asked them what I should do to this. Dick said that there are two methods to continue to live with the dog:
A: The dog once so hard tackle very clear who the boss is (therefore not the dog!). Here, too, it is clear that a dog as a dog, to be treated.
B: Continue as I was accustomed with the result that the dog undesirable behavior, or that the dog is really about to aggression.
Pretty soon I came to the conclusion that option A was the best solution for me and asked how I should act.
According to Dick was possible behavior within ten minutes to change it to go with a clear command "Lay down". Well that is understood Meggie. Then at the very first movement (without a new command continued to give) the dog is very hard to tackle, so here the choice bite. Dick said that the dog looks at you immediately go and gives in and accepts his position. After having carried out the act, some time the eyes closed, Meggie turned immediately to act as Dick had predicted this. This moment was a turning point in the life of Meggie and of course mine. There was a metamorphosis to have occurred and the behavior of Meggie became gradually more pleasant. At home she was found less often undesirable behavior and there was a very good relationship with me and the rest of the family.
From that moment on I started weekly training in Zwolle with sheep. Dick also his statement that after three times could "coffee" turned out to be exactly!
I am to this day very happy I am with driving sheep started. Meggie loves it, So his boss also.
Especially now that Meggie the exercises properly and pick up after 20 lessons his first out-runs can make. Proud abandoned dog and handler than the field and I notice that it still works as a kind of addiction!
Wybren Terpstra (Heerenveen)
