I've noticed that with BCs, Aussies, and Heelers. Maybe I just haven't met any well bred ones, but all the ones I have seen seem to have a huuuuge space bubble and low tolerance for other dogs coming near it. As an example, just watching the way my BC/Heeler operates has been very interesting. She's extremely focused on people, and is very biddable and "snappy" in her responses, but with other dogs, she has little patience. When running loose, she ranges pretty far, circling the area, and when I call her, she comes to me in a big sweeping arc rather than a straight line.

- that huuuge space bubble for other dogs extends to bicycles too all of the breeds you named have very low tolerance for spinning wheels or moving objects (like dog teams!) - fast little beggars too and will sneak
into the ditch to hide so they can make a really good ambush if they hear a bike coming!

Dogma,

I have no problem with a mini, puppy version of the obstacles, although I still wouldn't encourage a pup to weave to an extent that it is wiggling it's rear and any jumps should be just inches off the ground.

Yey!!! Great little true GSD - not being phased by the obstacles!! Mine neither!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Shandar:

Poor you with all those BCs!! I agree, here in Wales most of the BCs are farm dogs and don't go anywhere beyond the farmyard and the surrounding fields. They are not socialised to different people or environments. The only other dogs / animals they meet are their own.

You are right, they are bred purely for their working ability which I don't necessarily have a problem with but the farmers idea of creating a bond is to tie a new dog up to it's outdoor kennel for 3 weeks so that it learns where it belongs. Generations of this attitude has got the BC where it is today and many people who buy the pups don't realise that there are these increasing problems with temperament.

Nowadays, even the farmers (the better ones) are beginning to say that the BC is becomming unreliable and untrustworthy around sheep and around his children. One day, I'll convince more of them to try a GSD with the sheep. You should see some of the looks I get when I say that here!! That said, I do have a couple on farms now training with the sheep. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Of course, as in anything, there are exceptions and I'm sure that there are many well bred BCs out there, capable of doing all their orininal work (and more) whilst still being completely reliable. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Sarah,
I agree with what everyone has said, having a neighbor who has Aussie's they come over to my kennel (NO OWNER) and harrass my 2 GSD's who are keneled in their runs. I find them very nasty toward any other dogs except the one's there with. They have Jack Russels too. YUK! :rolleyes:
I think that the BC's owner needs too put more control in her dog and if she can't DON"T particapate!
I feel people with stupid dogs need to have a pinch collar put on them and taught a lesson or two. I will say it again "There are no bad dogs only bad owners) <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> BLAME THE OWNER! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> I also feel that anyone who continues to let their dog act this way should be asked to leave! Hell if the BC's owner can complain about someone elses dog who was not at fault, with out taking the blame themselves for their dogs actions has some issues. As for the BC it's got some serious issues, time to regroup and get the dog straight, but mostly the owner :rolleyes: Remember let's keep it fun when it's not something has to change!!
And for all the other people with bad experiences with these breeds I hope things get better for you. All dogs have diffrent traits let's make sure they are utilized correctly and channeled and not abused.
My Opinion only!

Be Safe! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
Lewis and Argo