QUESTIONS

All dogs listed on this site are done so as a courtesy to folks helping find good homes for border collies in need.It is important that the person adopting a dog, either from a person listed on this site, your local pound,  Petshelter.org, a breeder, or any other person, ask some very important questions.    Any dogs nature can be unpredictable, and proper groundwork is essential!

Here are some basic questions.

• Name

• Age (BC's over 3  tend to be more dignified.   BC's over 6 may  make the perfect household pet, but ask!!!)

• Activity level (1 being mellow like an 8 year old golden retriever, 10 being a work-a-holic who would be happiest herding sheep, working all day long with livestock, or serving as a member of the community as a therapy or drug-sniffing dog)

• Coat (smooth, rough, semi-rough)

• Colors

• Ears (floppy/prick)

• Shot records (Please list the current shots you have and when they need to be updated)

• Where did you get the dog, originally?

• How is he around children?

• How is he around cats?

• How is he around other dogs? 

• Is he good with strangers?

• Is he house-trained?

• Is he crate-trained?

• Does he sleep in a crate at night?

• Does he jump fences?  If so, height and type.

• Does he dig out of a fenced area?

• Has he ever bitten anyone?  If so when, and what were the circumstances? (This is a good one to get in writing. BC's will occasionally nip a child's heel, as they would a sheep while herding,  but a strong grip or any bite that breaks the skin and leaves serious puncture marks indicates that the dog can not  be trusted around children and work with a professional trainer may be needed.  If a dog has bitten out of aggression in a non-abuse situation, we do not recommend adopting the dog, and the dog should NOT be listed on this site.) 

• Is he shy or fearful in any situation? 

• Does he growl? 

• Does he dig?  If so, what sort of damage is done?   Lots of big holes?  One big hole to lie in during heat spells?    Lots of little holes while chasing moles?   etc.., 

• Any sort of training (obedience, agility, herding, flyball, farm skills, etc..,)

• Does he / she know any tricks? 

• Does she ride in the car nicely?   I she usually loose, in  a doggie seatbelt, in a crate, or tethered in the back of a pickup?

• Where does she spend time when alone?

• How many hours is she alone? 

• When alone is she tied or kenneled or back-yarded?

• Does she know her name and respond accordingly?

• Does he run away?

• Does she lie down quietly in the house -- or hound everyone to throw the ball incessantly?

• Is she destructive indoors?

• Any special diet?

• What sort of food is currently being fed?

• Neutered/Spayed (this is required!!!  BC Rescue is about rescuing good dogs, NOT creating more dogs.)

• Best personality features

• Quirks (ie. chasing light beams or reflections?)

• Areas requiring work (ie. Does dog jump on people?)

• Why are you surrendering the dog?

• Does the dog have any history of being abused?  

• Was he ever abandoned?  How many owners have had him before you (to the best of your knowledge).

Page last updated on 05/06/07 09:12 AM