Dog training with Barbara Sykes MCFBA & TLC Thinking Like Canines

26/11/2025

Here's a thought, what would the reaction be when they say 'my dog needs to come into rescue, its with a heavy heart but I don't have the time anymore' etc. If I replied with 'you mean you are getting rid of your dog!'
would it make them think? I imagine most would be annoyed and then try another rescue
thoughts?

23/11/2025

I've not quite figured out why people might think their dog would be better off in rescue. They live in a home, they took the dog on, some of them even say they 'saved' it, others got it as a puppy. However they came to acquire it they suddenly think that it would be better off and happier in a rescue with lots of other dogs barking and probably stressed, and because there are so many it might end up in a rescue for months, or even a year.
Add to that they don't think they should contribute to neutering or feeding costs. Do they think its a holiday home run by people who have that much money that it grows on trees inside the magical rescue grounds.
methinks I've missed something

23/11/2025

We have lots of ideas for Christmas gifts and stocking fillers, ideal for those who have everything and little special ones for children

Showing 1–24 of 25 results Add to basket ‘Spirit’ chopping board/wall plaque – find out more £12.50 Add to basket border collie book mark – find out more £1.00 Add to basket Chopping board – Molly – find out more £7.50 Add to basket Coaster wild life 1 – find out more £1.25 Add t...

18/11/2025

NEWS, NEWS, NEWS.
FOSTBC began its life at Golcar Farm, my home and where I had a Sanctuary. A legacy to the magazine which I produced called Freedom of Spirit, turned the dream of saving more collies into a reality. Kennels, exercise areas, quiet areas, feed room, staff room, were all built, and I watched my gardens turn into the saviour for collies that the Trust has been for over twenty years. With the help of everyone involved, in and supporting, this amazing rescue it has grown and needs to spread its wings and become even bigger and stronger.
Legacies have helped the Trust to grow, and to be able to purchase the ideal property to help us to move forward. We now have a smallholding where we can expand, and not only continue to help more collies but also provide help, training and education about understanding this special breed.
Visit our Crowdfunding page https://gofund.me/f9a53a723 for lots more information and how you can help us. Please spread the word, share, fund raise and engage other fund raisers. We are applying for grants but the more of you become involved in helping us to realise this dream and to safeguard the future of the Trust the sooner we will be able to celebrate and invite you to come have a look at what we have all achieved. There will always be a warm kettle ready and waiting.
As we do have a lot of work to do builders and plumbers etc available to give help or advice are very appreciated. We do ask that anyone who is aware of the location please don’t make any unannounced visits as there are neighbours and a resident to consider.
If anyone would like further information please contact the Trust by phone or email on our site www.fostbc.org.uk
Thank you so much for reading and sharing
https://gofund.me/f9a53a723

Over twenty years ago the Freedom of Spirit Trust for Border … Barbara Sykes needs your support for Help us to secure the future of FOSTBC saving border Collies

09/11/2025

A Remembrance Day Pledge

On this day of remembrance
Stand and spare a thought
For those who went to war
Those who served and fought

Two legs, four legs and those with wings
Who lost their lives to keep us free
Each new dawn we have is because of them
Two minutes is all that’s asked of you and me

So make a pledge from this day on
That every time we are feeling low
We will remember them and what they gave
They gave their all so we could grow.
(BS 2025)

28/10/2025

We now have a shop on our website with some of Vicki's Wiggies World of Arts and Crafts. The photo is one of her Clocks, there are some great pressie ideas and she can also do bespoke gifts
https://www.bordercollies.co.uk/shop/

20/09/2025

Thank you so much to everyone who responded to my last post. The dogs in this country are not supported by the country and that's very sad.
We're about to set off to the talk today in Crawshawbooth, it will be interesting to see how people feel as those who know me know I don't gloss things over. We have 2 pups at 4 mnth old coming (different homes and not related) both are nipping/biting. To be honest when talk about the genetics and using natural body language people really do get it, they just haven't realised previously how important it is.
Having said that I know Bonny will do me proud but TJ will want to be a Diva!
If anyone wants to do a last minute booking I'm sure we can you fit you in.

19/09/2025

What happened to commitment?
I remember a time when there were not many rescues and they weren't all full, because at the time people got a dog and they're promise to that dog was to give it a loving home for the rest of its life - and most of them did!
Now the promise gets broken without any commitment to the dog or to putting in the work involved. Years ago a shepherd told me that having a dog was like getting married, you put in the effort to understand each other, you learn to work at it and you have a lifetime relationship. Wise words but sadly today that commitment is rare, with both dogs and partnerships. I'm probably sounding a tad bitter but when people want to put their dog into rescue because it 'doesn't fit the lifestyle anymore' there is something seriously wrong! Those dogs take up the space that genuine cases need! Also a lot of the young dogs are declared to have bite history, they aren't born biting, chasing things and obsessed!
The dogs in the photos are in our Sanctuary, brought in with huge issues, we can't rehome them because everybody wants dogs that can be with kids, cats, other dogs, go into pubs etc. But how come we can get these dogs to love us when their owners couldn't
Rant over but would love your thoughts.

18/09/2025

Have you booked your place yet for this insight into the Border Collie taking place Sept 20th

Only four days left to secure your place.
We still have a few seats left for pay at the door entry. Please email your name so we can hold a place for you. Details below
Thank you

Does Your Border Collie have an Identity Crisis?
Is he really rounding up children, or is he playing?
Why is the short coated, prick eared tri-colour so different to his sibling?
Do they really need miles of walking everyday?
Are they obsessive or do they just strive to please?
It’s not all black and white!
Breed Bio:
“hard working, honest, reliable, loyal, GSH, seeking sensible uncomplicated humans with the above qualities and we will get on famously. Car driver preferred and someone dedicated to keeping my life simple and easy to understand”.
On September 20th FOSTBC will be at looking at the myths and the reality of this amazing breed. Barbara Sykes MCFBA MBIPDT, will be talking about rescue, training, problem solving, issues, and answering questions. She has a wealth of experience with Border Collies, and has sometimes been likened to one so you can expect the unexpected, as questions are asked and answered with lots of anecdotes, shared knowledge and an entertaining look at the canine mind.
If you have a Border Collie, a rescue, a Collie with issues or just love dogs of all breeds then don’t miss an afternoon at the Friendship lodge, Crawshawbooth, Rossendale BB4 8NS September 20th 2pm – 4pm
There is a donation fee of £5per person to cover expenses
Bank transfer The Freedom of Spirit Trust 80042481 : 51-70-19
For paypal or other methods of payment please visit our site www.fostbc.org.uk and go to the ‘giving’ page
On all payments please put your name plus ‘talk’ & email [email protected] for confirmation
Thank You

28/08/2025

A few seats left for pay at the door
Does Your Border Collie have an Identity Crisis?
Is he really rounding up children, or is he playing?
Why is the short coated, prick eared tri-colour so different to his sibling?
Do they really need miles of walking everyday?
Are they obsessive or do they just strive to please?
It’s not all black and white!
Breed Bio:
“hard working, honest, reliable, loyal, GSH, seeking sensible uncomplicated humans with the above qualities and we will get on famously. Car driver preferred and someone dedicated to keeping my life simple and easy to understand”.
On September 20th FOSTBC will be at looking at the myths and the reality of this amazing breed. Barbara Sykes MCFBA MBIPDT, will be talking about rescue, training, problem solving, issues, and answering questions. She has a wealth of experience with Border Collies, and has sometimes been likened to one so you can expect the unexpected, as questions are asked and answered with lots of anecdotes, shared knowledge and an entertaining look at the canine mind.
If you have a Border Collie, a rescue, a Collie with issues or just love dogs of all breeds then don’t miss an afternoon at the Friendship lodge, Crawshawbooth, Rossendale BB4 8NS September 20th 2pm – 4pm
There is a donation fee of £5per person to cover expenses
Bank transfer The Freedom of Spirit Trust 80042481 : 51-70-19
For paypal or other methods of payment please visit our site www.fostbc.org.uk and go to the ‘giving’ page
On all payments please put your name plus ‘talk’ & email [email protected] for confirmation
Thank You

08/08/2025

We now have our newsletter available on our website. If you visit this link https://www.fostbc.org.uk/newsletters/ you will find a link to the pdf plus links to articles relevant in the news letter.
Hope you like it and happy reading.
Barbara