Wonaka Borders

09/07/2025

Our next Puppy Fundamentals Master Class is THIS SUNDAY! Join us from 11am to 2pm on Sunday 13th July 2025 at Dogs SA in Kilburn and learn all about raising a Border Collie puppy - members receive discounted tickets (one ticket covers the whole family) and lunch plus a gift bag with lots of information, treats, vouchers and cool stuff is included for all attendees!

We recommend this class to not only current Border Collie puppy owners, but also prospective owners looking to decide whether a Border Collie is the right breed for their family, or what to expect once they bring their new family member home. Kids are welcome, as are puppies between 3 and 12 months of age (however they can get a bit restless and whilst this doesn't bother us at all, we do give them quick breaks and have committee members on hand who can help take them outside, sometimes it can make owners a bit anxious anyway as they try to monitor their pup but don't want to miss any information either so you're more than welcome to attend without a puppy as well!).

Bookings are via trybooking.com/CIZFZ - don't miss out!

21/05/2025

Attention those who were aware we were planning a litter mid year.

Health circumstances have suddenly changed and meant we are holding off on a litter until further notice.
(I have had shoulder surgery)
Sorry for the disappointment or inconvenience this may cause.
Suzy

27/03/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15tj1pdirE/

🛒 Puppy School Conversation: Taking Your Puppy to Bunnings – Is It a Good Thing or a Bad Thing?

Taking your new puppy on outings like a trip to Bunnings might seem like a fun and harmless way to socialise them… but is it really the right kind of exposure for every pup?

Let’s unpack the pros and cons of outings like these so you can make an informed decision that supports your puppy’s development, confidence, and future behaviour.

✅ The Potential Benefits

Thoughtful Exposure: Bunnings can be a great place to carefully expose your puppy to a variety of sights, sounds, smells, and surfaces—trolleys, cement floors, sliding doors, people wearing hats or work gear.

Safe Social Observation: Before your puppy is fully vaccinated, they can safely observe the world from a trolley or in your arms—gathering experiences without the physical risks.

Real-World Prep: For future working or assistance dogs, practicing neutrality in public spaces like Bunnings can help lay the foundation for calm, focused behaviour in busy environments.

⚠️ The Possible Downsides

Too Much, Too Soon: If your puppy is overwhelmed, overly excited, or fearful, the trip may do more harm than good. Puppies need positive experiences, not just new experiences.

Invaded Personal Space: Well-meaning strangers often rush in to touch puppies. If your pup isn’t ready or you're not watching their signals, this can quickly escalate from subtle signs of discomfort (head turns, lip licks) to growls or even defensive snapping.

Unintentional Learning: If a puppy learns that growling makes scary things go away, we’re reinforcing that behaviour. Instead, we want to be proactive and step in before they feel the need to escalate.

Misunderstood Socialisation: Socialisation isn't about meeting everyone and everything—it's about building confidence, choice, and comfort in a variety of situations, with your support.

🎯 Conclusion: Be Strategic, Not Spontaneous

Taking your puppy to Bunnings can be a valuable experience—but only if it’s done with intention, awareness, and a strong understanding of your puppy’s stress signals and threshold.

The goal isn’t just “get them out and about.” The real objective is to support their emotional resilience, build trust in you as their guide, and set them up for a lifetime of appropriate, confident behavior.

So before you pop your pup into a trolley and head out the door, ask yourself: Is this about my needs or my puppy’s wellbeing? If it’s the latter—and you’ve got a thoughtful plan—then it could be a fantastic opportunity.

22/03/2025

Puppy Brit ❤️

14/03/2025

A great resource 🙂
Check out the website for more.
bccsa.org.au

We had lots of interest both within SA and also interstate when we ran our Grooming Classes, and were extremely lucky that not only did Darcy Clark from Plush Puppy Adelaide come and run our sessions for us but also helped us to produce a show grooming video that we used in conjunction with his presentation, to show the bathing and drying process that is difficult to replicate within the class but a very important step in grooming both pet and show dogs. It also includes trimming of feet and ears.

We are excited to be able to now bring you that video for those who missed out and those who were there but want to go back and refresh their memories! The video of course doesn’t replace the value of attending the classes and getting in-person, hands-on practical experience and the ability to ask questions, but in conjunction with our new website grooming page it’s definitely a valuable resource and we hope it can be used as a great reference tool for anyone looking for Border Collie grooming information! You can also find it on YouTube.

https://bccsa.org.au/grooming.html

06/02/2025

Obviously this rope needs to be taught a lesson this morning by Poppy & Brit.

03/02/2025

Interesting study to read.

A UC Davis study updates guidelines for when you should neuter or spay your dog to prevent increased risk of certain cancers or joint disorders.

01/02/2025

Posted by Dogs SA.

28/01/2025

Something perished...😉

07/01/2025

06/01/2025

Heard the term - 'Blowing out a coat'?
Using a dog dryer, slicker brush and comb to remove the loose undercoat, after a wash, during a coat drop.
(Photos in comments)

03/01/2025

Happy 3rd birthday to Brit and her siblings. 🥰