In Piper's Dream Kennel

08/30/2024

Don't forget I appreciate anyone who has bought a pup from me to go on Google and leave a review!

08/30/2024

Are you willing to use force or pain to achieve a desired behaviour?

Either you’re ok using methods and equipment when working with dogs that cause pain, fear, and purposeful discomfort, or you’re not. I am not.

08/16/2024

I love this quote and absolutely believe it's true. Every dog I have in my life has changed me, always for the better. Every puppy that has left here takes away my love for them.

Sometimes people ask if it's too soon to get another dog if they have recently lost one. I always say that grief is different for everyone, never get another until you have processed the loss. Getting another too soon may set up unrealistic expectations for the new pup... "successor syndrome" occurs when a dog owner places high or unrealistic expectations on a dog and view them as second rate to their predecessor.

Each dog that has come into my life I recognize as their own unique self and respect the specialness of them.

08/14/2024

So I have decided to start a bit of a blog to go along with my website. I would like it to be personal ( my experiences with dogs and breeding) and educational…I’m working on my first one…but would love to hear any suggestions for future ones…there are so many topics to cover. I will never pretend to be an expert , I consider myself a work in progress as I am always learning …

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”

08/10/2024

Another way to help my website flourish is just to look it up!

Www.inpipersdreambordercollies.ca

08/10/2024

Poppy living her best life and is totally relaxed !

08/09/2024

A good read on recall!

WHY WON'T YOUR DOG COME BACK WHEN YOU CALL? Today our breed expert looks at:

RECALL TRAINING & PROBLEMS IN BORDER COLLIES

Is there anything more frustrating than a dog who refuses to come back when you call them, or the sight of a defiant collie bottom disappearing into the distance, while seemingly ‘deaf’ to any command you give them? Dogs who won’t come back when called are also more likely to get into danger, or have less free and fulfilling lives, as a result of having to spend more time on a lead or line.

A good recall in a dog can be a lifelong joy, and a poor one a never-ending worry. So this feature is going to look in more depth at what could have gone wrong with your dog’s recall training, or responses, and how you might greatly improve both.

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF RECALL
Whether or not they always realise it, recall is one of those responses in dogs that so many owners take for granted. Or imagine should just naturally exist. I.e. they see it as just a simple matter of, when I call a dog it should come to me. When my answer to that is, why? Why should a dog come back to you when there might be something ten times more interesting or important – at least to them – to focus on instead? Or, what have you done to make returning to you the most rewarding thing any dog can do, in any situation?

So a basic first problem can be how we approach the action of recall in dogs ourselves. Believing it should either be a completely ‘natural’ (as opposed to more purposefully trained in) response in them, or something they should do out of some kind of deeper 'respect' for us as their owner. Rather than because they have been consistently taught to find this response intensely rewarding.

MAKING IT PERSONAL
Making recall a far more personal issue, or battle, between yourself and your dog, is also where everything so often goes wrong. Because it inspires so much greater anger or frustration in an owner, which then passes down to the dog and - somewhat self-defeatingly – can then make them even less keen to return to you when called, due to the hostility they have associated this response with in the past.

When recall fails, it's also always going to be easier to blame faults in our dog's intrinsic character (e.g. they're naturally more stubborn/wilful etc.) than the quality of our own training.

EARLY MISTAKES
In my experience, the two commonest mistakes owners will make with recall training is not laying down the foundations for good future recalls in their dogs early enough - of which more in a moment - and letting a dog off a lead BEFORE their recall training is complete. You always train excellent recall responses into dogs first, THEN let them off the lead, as long as those responses remain reliable.

Anything else has a greater capacity for disaster. For you give dogs ample opportunity to learn, instead, the rewards of persistently evading your control once off the lead. Which can then become the main lesson they learn and take into future walks with you.

EARLY BEGINNINGS
Recall training should also begin with puppies from the moment you get them. Before beginning it, you must also have the clearest idea in your head about what you wish to achieve. First, you want a dog who more constantly keeps their focus on you - which will always make them easier to recall to you in any situation - and second you want a dog who finds returning to you, on command, a consistently rewarding experience. If you get both these early basic elements right, and keep working on them daily, you have the perfect foundations for a dog with excellent recalls later.

My earliest recall training actually just involves walking around with pockets full of treats and waiting for a puppy to focus on me and follow me, of their own accord, to get one. Next, you need to put specific words and sounds to the actions you wish to keep perpetually encouraging and repeating in your dog (i.e. watching you and coming to you).

So every time a puppy focuses on me I say ‘watch’ and reward this, and every time they come to me I will say their name and a specific word in a specific tone – like ‘come!’ – and constantly praise and reward this. These words/specific voice tone then become the basis of their recall cues or commands later.

It is VERY important to understand that the only thing you want to perpetually reinforce and reward in your dog, in early recall training, is more ready focus on you, and coming to you, of their own accord. And the more consistently you name, praise and heavily reward such responses in your young dog, the more ingrained or automatic they should eventually become.

You will also use your same special recall sound or cue just before you give your dog their meal, or a toy or treat, or go for a walk, or anything they find intensely pleasant, ever further motivating your dog to come quickly to you when they hear it.

NEXT STEP
Next, once this is all going well, go out in the garden with your dog on a long training line, and try recalling them to you with your special word(s)/sound in the same way several times; praising and heavily rewarding them with toys or treats for any speedier responses to you on command. If they won't come quickly try running away from them more excitedly, and getting them on the line to follow you, like it is all one big game. Stick at around 5 to 6 good recall responses then leave it until the next training session.

You never want your dog to discover there is any alternative, or better, course of action than returning to you when called. Nor do you want them to feel more persecuted by too many recalls one after another. Always finish a good recall session with much praise for your dog for returning quickly to you, and a lovely treat, toy and game.

Only from this point can you then try testing your recall training when you go out. If your dog still shows consistently good recalls when out, and off their training line, not only is this a credit to your training but your dog can have ever more freedom out on walks. If your dog's recalls rapidly deteriorate once off the line, they must go back on the line again to stop them further worsening, and to more gradually improve them again with further training.

It is also vital to teach dogs how to maintain good recalls, even in the face of ever increasing surrounding distractions, like other dogs or people, or things they might otherwise want to fixate on and chase. Recall training should also be constantly ongoing throughout a dog’s life; remembering to keep rewarding them, with treats or a toy, every so often on a walk whenever they check back to look at you, or come to you, to keep their motivation to keep repeating these actions high.

WHY RECALL FAILS
Commonest reasons why recall responses fail in Border collies – or indeed any dog - is first, because all the detailed early groundwork of recall training, as I previously outlined, has not been adequately completed, to the point where more constantly watching you and coming to you when called become more automatic, or conditioned, behaviours in your dog, even before you leave the home environment.

And If these behaviours have not been conditioned strongly enough into your dog, earlier on, this means not only that other distractions may rapidly override your training, in their head, once they are out, but no amount of shouting at them on your part will make them return any quicker.

Also keep remembering that your dog’s NAME, in itself, is not a recall command. The only thing that’s a recall command is a specific word or sound you have consistently trained your dog to associate with returning to you, and finding this incredibly rewarding.

Do not try to recall a dog while they are intently sniffing something on a walk, or locked in some kind of more intense encounter with another dog, as their ‘hearing switch’ will be off. Wait instead for that moment when the dog’s attention lifts off the scent, or other dog, and returns your way, if only for a fleeting second – and then try recalling then. If a dog will not respond to a recall command the first or second time it is used, that command is likely to have lost its effectiveness or value, due to the all-important association between the recall action/sound/reward getting weakened in some way. And you may need to begin your recall training again with an entirely different sound or command.

BEING GOOD TO BE AROUND
Getting cross or annoyed with dogs who take their time to come back to you also greatly deters them, in future, from coming back any faster to you another time. Dogs also quickly get wise to owners grabbing them more suddenly by the collar, to put a lead on and go home, and get very good at dodging these attempts to catch them another time. But ultimately you have created this problem via allowing your dog to associate recalls - or returning responses to you - with more negative, rather than positive, experiences.

I hope this feature has made people aware of how much of a 'science' good recall training in dogs can be, how early on you must start the basics of it with dogs and, as well as consistently rewarding good recall responses in dogs throughout their lives, how easy it is to corrupt the same responses by our own less insightful actions or behaviours.

Meanwhile far more on all aspects of collie focus, recall and control training appears in the SECOND book (red cover) in my BORDER COLLIES: A BREED APART trilogy: ESSENTIAL LIFE SKILLS AND LEARNING.
All text © Carol Price 2024
Carol Price collie books: In the UK from: https://performancedog.co.uk/product-category/books-and-dvds/authors/carol-price/ In the USA from: https://www.dogwise.com/ # and https://www.cleanrun.com/product/border_collies_a_breed_apart_book_1_secrets_of_the_working_mind/index.cfm In Canada from https://4mymerles.com/collections/books In Australia from: https://gameondogs.com.au/ And in the Netherlands and Belgium from: https://mediaboek.nl/border-collies-a-breed-apart-book-1.html

08/01/2024

Who wants to leave me a review on Google?? It would be much appreciated!

Just one review has increased my visibility on the internet... if you purchased a puppy, met my crew and I , witnessed the time and devotion I put into my breeding you can leave me a review!! And it doesn't have to be words ( although those are wonderful) , one can just leave stars.!!!

Google border collies + Nova Scotia

Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

07/29/2024

Nellie ( Poppy x Reggie April 2024) is loving adventures on the water!

07/25/2024

Sweet Dani girl! (Lexie x Red 2020)

Hey Dani girl! 👋❤️

07/19/2024

Some of the IPD gals cooling off in the shade today.

07/19/2024

Here again is another good article about the MDRG 1 gene defect. I can not emphasize how important genetic testing is in breeding. If anyone has purchased a BC from someone who has not genetically tested the parents one can still send off their pups DNA to have it tested for as the article states "peace of mind".

TODAY OUR BREED EXPERT Carol Price looks at an inherited health issue in Border collies that many owners may not know about.

BORDER COLLIE HEALTH: THE MDR1 GENE DEFECT

Today I wanted to write about the MDR1 (Multi Drug Resistance) gene defect in Border collies, which can make both dogs who are affected by it, or carriers of it, far more vulnerable to different toxins entering their brains - including some more regularly prescribed veterinary medications. In the worst case scenario the effect can be fatal. You may have sometimes heard of people getting their dogs DNA tested for the "MDR1 gene", when what they really mean is the MDR1 gene DEFECT.

Although Rough collies and Australian shepherds are most susceptible to this defect, as well as some other herding breeds, it can occur in Border collies too. As well as mixed breeds who may have inherited the problem from either or both of their parents. So it is definitely worth knowing about.

WHAT THE MDR1 GENE DOES
When acting normally, the MDR1 gene has the effect of keeping any kind of toxin pumped out of cells in the body, and most crucially - at the blood-brain barrier - stops them getting to the brain. However, when the gene is defective it cannot perform this function so well, and thus toxins can more readily access a dog's brain, leading to some more severe neurological symptoms and even potentially death.

If dogs only have one copy of this genetic defect, the effects may be milder, but if they have inherited the defect from both parents they can be far more dangerous. Drugs known to trigger these more dangerous toxic reactions in affected Border collies include parasite treatments, like Ivermectin, plus a range of different sedatives, heart drugs, antidiarrhoeal agents, pain killers and chemo drugs for cancer treatment. A fuller list will appear at the end of this feature.

SCREENING
One of the main problems in the past with this genetic defect in collies is that neither owners nor vets could know if a dog had it, before giving them a drug that then produced a more devastating reaction in them. However today there is a simple DNA screening test available that highlights if a dog has inherited either one copy of the mutation from a parent dog, or the same mutation from both parents; the latter making them more severely affected. Most good Border collie breeders now routinely do this test on their dogs, along with a bundle of other breed related inherited conditions you can now DNA screen for. If both parent dogs are clear of the MDR1 defect – or ‘normal’ – then it will not be passed on to their offspring.

Other owners whose collies’ parents were not screened for it, or whose status for this defect is less known, may want to do this test just to put their mind at rest before giving their dog any more potentially risky treatments. Although the chance of your collie having this genetic defect may be relatively low, compared to other breeds, sometimes you just cannot put a price on peace of mind.

Meanwhile, should it further help other owners, breeders or vets, here is a fuller list of medications potentially more harmful to dogs with the MDR1 defect:

1. DRUGS THAT SHOULD NOT BE USED IN DOGS WITH THE MDR1 DEFECT:
Ivermectin substances ("Anti parasites") - Diapec®, Ecomectin®, Equimax®, Eqvalan®, Ivomec®, Noromectin®, Paramectin®, Qualimec®, Sumex®, Virbamec®

Doramectine substances "Anti parasites": (Dectomax® )

Loperamide substances "Anti-diarrhoeal ": (Imodium®)

Moxidectine substances "Anti Parasites" (Cydectin®, Equest®)

2. DRUGS THAT SHOULD ONLY BE USED UNDER STRICT VETERINARY SUPERVISION

Cytostatics "Chemotherapy drugs": (Vinblastine, Vincristine, Doxorubicine, Paclitaxel, Docetaxel, Methotrexat, Vincristine)

Immunosuppressive drug: (Cyclosporine A)

Heart glycosides: (Digoxine, Methyldigoxine)

Opioids: (Morphium)

Antiarrhythmics (Heart meds) : (Verapamil, Diltiazem, Chinidine)

Antiemetics (Anti-sickness drugs) (Ondansetron, Domperidon, Metoclopramide )

Antibiotics (Sparfloxacin, Grepafloxacin, Erythromycin)

Antihistamin (Ebastin)

Glucocorticoid (Dexamethason)

Acepromazine (tranquiliser and pre-anaesthetic agent) *

Butorphanol "analgesic and pre-anaesthetic agent" *

OTHER DRUGS: Etoposide, Mitoxantrone, Ondansetron, Paclitaxel, Rifampicin

3. DRUGS THAT CAN ONLY BE USED IN THE PERMITTED APPLICATION FORM AND DOSE
(Anti-parasite treatments): Selamectin (Stronghold®), Milbemax® and Advocate®).

* In dogs with the MDR1 mutation, Acepromazine and Butorphanol tend to cause more profound and prolonged sedation in dogs. It is recommended to reduce the dose by 25% in dogs heterozygous for the MDR1 mutation (MDR1 / N – or carrying one faulty copy of the gene ) and by 30-50% in dogs homozygous for the MDR1 mutation (MDR1 / MDR1 – or carrying two faulty copies – one from each parent). Also be aware there may be other problem drugs or treatments for dogs with this gene defect yet to be identified.
©Carol Price/Collieology 2024

07/15/2024

And Finally the pup a lot of people are eager to hear about. My little baby burrito who amazed us with her strength... She has an amazing family who truly love her!

From Mum:
Wow! Happy half Birthday dear Leela!
We can barely remember life before you as you fit into our family so effortlessly
Leela is a little urban farm girl, if there’s any mud she will find it! Needless to say she has gotten used to baths!
Her big brother Lochi adores her and is amazed by her fearlessness, they start and end each day with a wrestle and a cuddle.
Leela is learning to be gentle with the chickens but some days cannot resist running around them to keep them in line
She listens very well to her commands and will learn tricks for treats! Leela loves treats!
She loves making new friends, two and four legged! Everyday is a new adventure with our sweet Leela🩷
Thank you again! Fraser is so smitten,well we all are, but he often marvels on how perfect she is!

07/14/2024

Here's Loki! He joined a family that has 2 boys and an older BC and lives over on the South Shore...looks like the water is a hit for him!

From Mum:

The last 6 months have been a whirlwind, and we are so in love with this little rambunctious, loveable, curious little (he's huge now) pup. Loki has grown and become an essential part of the family, and we couldn't imagine it without him.

Now, with summer in full swing, he enjoys fun filled days with the boys for walks, bike rides, and exploring the outdoors.

His favorite things to do are visits to the cottage, herding the lawn mower, going for a swim, and jumping into bed for morning cuddles. BUT nothing beats keep away from his big BC brother Max.

Loki is one of the most expressive, happy, and affectionate pups. Thank you, Sheila, for choosing and trusting us to take care of this sweet boy.

07/14/2024

Another Tri-Colour Beauty! Skye headed to New Brunswick . She has a big brother canine and a big sister human... she is loved by all.

From Mum:

Skye is such a fun loving dog. She was quite shy when she first arrived here but her confidence is growing everyday. She loves to be around her family, loves to go on her morning drive to bring my daughter to daycare followed by her daily walk. She also loves to run around the yard with our doberman. She hates lounds noises like the lawn mower etc. but she loves to hear herself bark when she wants us to throw her ball/frisbie or any toy she can grab lol.

07/14/2024

Here's Gus, another Valley boy. Sound like a lot of the puppy like to talk!

From Mum:
Well, we can hardly believe that Mr Gus is now 6 mos old. He’s such an affectionate, loving little dude. That is when he’s not busy being a mischievous little devil. He is very vocal, when he wants attention, perpetually food motivated, and seems to have a bit of a drinking problem…ie most of the water he drinks ends up on the floor . He’s a sweet little guy who spends at least five minutes washing my face every morning when he gets up, and every time I return after a more than ten minute absence. He loves to veg on the front step with his Mum and watch the birds, squirrels, chipmunks and people walking by. And of course daily playtime with his soccer ball in his backyard. Well, time to sign off….he's complaining because he cant get to his toy that he just threw down the stairs.

07/14/2024

Birks was the first pup to leave, heading nearby to Wolfville. I've had a few people message me and say they met him at work in New Minas.

From Mum:

Birks has become a staple at Carstar where he works. He is loved by the customers and staff who he greets with a wagging tail.

He loves water, running at the reservoir and spending time with his friends on the mountain.

We are inseparable ❤️

07/14/2024

Meet Minnie aka Minerva, she was the last of the girls to leave and settled well in her new home with a big dog brother and 2 human sisters.

From Dad:

She's very intense, loves her squeaky toys. Love's playing with Loki (our yellow Lab) and loves everyone she meets. People or dogs. She now sleeps in our bed like she owns it. She just lost her last baby tooth (bottom right canine) 3 days ago. Loki is small for a male lab and she's going to be smaller as well I think and we're happy with that.

07/13/2024

Last pupdate for today, I'll post the other 6 tomorrow.

Here is Amaya, one of the three pups who got to do puppy class together. She was initially weary of cars but with patience she overcame her fear.

From Dad: Amaya has come a long way since we picked her up on March 9th from a timid puppy to a confident and playful puppy as she has grown. She loves being outside playing fetch and hanging out us. She loves going on car rides and going day care at fetch and playing with her brother. She is a very curious dog and always wants to be at the center of attention. Amaya is very gentle and would never do anything to injure or upset anyone. Amaya has completed obedience level one and continues to learn new things daily. She is very smart and always eager to learn. She is a perfect dog and we are blessed to have her in are lives:)

07/13/2024

Let's see what Riptyde (Aquaman) has been up to. He was picked by two special people who love Border Collies!

From Mum:

He came into our lives unexpectedly, but has been the best gift. He is so lovable, always wanting to be with us, laying at our feet, but he can rip and play with his 3 older (Border Collie) brothers. He has a great balance of an on and off switch. He is very respectful, soft hearted. He loves the water, beach, pool, dock diving. Absolutely loves to go for drives in the car. Sometimes he can be stubborn, but that makes me more determined lol..we love everything about him. He has gone on many adventures in his first 3 months with us.

07/13/2024

Here we have Zola, a tri colour like her dog mum Fiona. Ava picked her out from the time she first started coming to help feed the pups, before they were 3 weeks old!

From Mum:

Hard to believe Zola is 6 months old already! She has settled into the family perfectly.

Her favourite things include chasing her chuck it ball, playing with bugs, playing with shoes, throwing socks around the house, morning snuggles, playing in the water, playing with new foods for an hour before actually eating them, going to daycare, going for runs, and going in the car!

Her biggest dislikes are the lawn mower and men with hats on.

Zola graduated puppy kindergarten a month ago. So far we know sit, down, stay, wait, paw, roll over, play dead, weave, middle and bring!

She’s so smart, sometimes too smart… 🤔

07/13/2024

Next up is Bohdi, who got to do puppy classes with sisters Amaya and Leela...family reunion!

From mum :The fetch team call him goofball and goofy in a loving way. He loves to play with other dogs and will be the one on the bottom upside down most times. He loves his play times at fetch. He love to play ball and pull toy with me and Dan. And he will practice all his tricks over and over again until we stop training him. He is in beginning agility at fetch and Dan calls him the ‘rock star’. He goes around (when he can) and cleans up any treats the other dogs have left behind in class. 😂 He has the determination of his dog Mother to get what he wants ( as I remember her determined to get me to keep patting her when we picked him up from your house lol). He loves his walks and loves and play time with us. He is a kind dog and puts on the charm for anyone to pat him or give him treats. Favourite spot he loves scratched is his chest and pats on the belly. 😂 He is very smart and keeps us on our toes.

07/13/2024

Ellie went to the western Coast of Newfoundland. Her mum flew over to get her and we had a pleasant visit here while she waited for her return ✈️.

From Mom:

Ellie brings so much joy and humour to our lives. She's learned so much already and always keen for the next adventure. She loves playing in her kiddie pool on hot days, swims at the beach, chasing her soccer ball and frisbee, play dates with her friends, and has been on a few small bike rides.
She's always in a playful mood, and has even brought out the puppy in our senior beagle mix. We're looking forward to having a great summer with her!