EXPERIENCE WITH LAB X COLLIE

neveah123

I'm getting a lab x collie next week, it's a male pup, think it'll be around 11 weeks old when I get him.

I'm just wondering if anyone has any experience with this breed?

What should I expect?

What are they like? Obviously I know all dogs are not the same but.. Just interested to hear people's experiences with them!


TIA!

VonVix

Typically, lots of intelligence and lots of energy. The ones I have met have been very affectionate, as well. Start trying to encourage walking nicely on the lead early on, this link & this link will help.

Two book recommendations (I know you didn't ask for any, but with a pup they are always worth reading!): https://www.bookdepository.com/Perfect-Puppy-7-Days-Sophia-Yin/9780964151871
https://www.bookdepository.com/Before-and-after-Getting-Your-Puppy-Ian-Dunbar/9781577314554?ref=grid-view&qid=1510476094864&sr=1-1

If you have any issues with your pup, no matter how seemingly silly or small, come to us here on this forum in Boards! Lots of knowledgeable people here who can point you in the right direction.

sillysmiles

neveah123 wrote: »

What should I expect?

All of the playing!!!!

Have a read through some of the threads already here about toilet training etc

Ashbx

Collies can be tough work! You will get lots of info on the links already provided.

The one thing I would say is socialising from a young age is so important! Collies are usually very sensitive and can turn out quite timid so early exposure to everything will help you in the long run!

Best of luck and be sure to send us photos when the new bundle arrives!

neveah123

I've been watching training videos & researching stuff non stop all weekend so I've got a fair idea what is expected of me when the little guy arrives !

Ashbx wrote: »

Collies can be tough work! You will get lots of info on the links already provided.

The one thing I would say is socialising from a young age is so important! Collies are usually very sensitive and can turn out quite timid so early exposure to everything will help you in the long run!

Best of luck and be sure to send us photos when the new bundle arrives!

Socializing was one thing I was worried about when I researched what to do at first, because I live rural, and don't have a car so I don't know how much socializing I can do with him and I'm a bit worried as I know how crucial it is! My boyfriend has a dog, a beautiful staffy, she's about 6 yo, and when he moves in I'm afraid they won't get along because they won't have met eachother until my pup is probably 16 weeks? Is that too late?

Ashbx

Well I got my first dog as a pup and didn't do nearly enough socialising with her. I always said if I got another pup I would spend a good bit of time just sitting by a main road so she can get used to all the noises (ambulances, trailers, mopeds etc). I live in Dublin so obviously meeting dogs would be a lot more frequent for me so socialising with dogs was quite important.

If you could see if there were any puppy socialising classes in your area, or try arrange walks with neighbours who have dogs etc. 16 weeks isn't too late to introduce the two dogs at all. Just take the introduction phase slowly and don't force them to be "friends". When I got my second dog, my two didn't acknowledge eachother for about 6 months and they are best pals now. If you can try walk to a busy area so your pup can get used to the noises of the animals, tractors, machinery etc. it may help trigger reactions when they are older.

I would advise looking up brain stimulation games to play with your dog. Collies need a huge amount of exercise and mental stimulation. Some dog brain games are expensive to buy but I think they are worth it.