Branchwater Border Collies & Training Center

05/28/2024

Branchwater will provide space for another season of Toss and Fetch! If you are interested, email Olivia at [email protected] for more information!

05/18/2024

Deedra got a few photos from today!

Photo collection by Dee Prigel Photo LLC

04/21/2024

04/07/2024

More amazing photos by Deedra of Rosemary and Humphrey

04/05/2024

Leo & Dutch

The Dynamic Duo - these two are best buds in every way.
Leo will be 4 in May and has been attending Branchwater obedience with Olivia since 2021. Thanks to her incredible guidance, Leo has grown from an anxious and wild 8 month old rescued pup to a confident, obedient and loving canine companion. He absolutely loves his stays at Branchwater and celebrates all the great smells and sounds of the farm every time he visits for class or boarding.
Dutch (formerly Flicker) is a product of Kindle & Toast (4/2023 litter). Dutch is anything but shy -she loves walks, playing disc and herding most any animal that moves - she’s a dainty lass with a ton of moxie and we wouldn’t have it any other way!
Together they are an incredible amount of energy and love to play tug and wrestle with each other. Weighing in at 68 lbs and 26 lbs this odd couple are the perfect pair!
Thank you Branchwater (Doreen) for sharing your beautiful space with us!!!!

Thanks for the amazing write-up. We love Leo and Dutch

04/04/2024

Don't forget to check out the Barn Hunt photos at Go When Ready Captured. Alyse took many amazing photos but at Branchwater, we're slightly partial to this photo of the largest pack of BWBCs outside of BW itself.

04/04/2024

OMG DISCS!
Branchwater will once again be allowing disc league to run on one of the fields. If you are interested in giving it a try or returning, please email Olivia at [email protected].

04/02/2024

Photos from Easter at Branchwater are up! Thanks Alyse for capturing these while also doing so many other things to kee the trial running!

Photo collection by Go When Ready Captured

04/02/2024

Alyse at Go When Ready Captured took photos at Barn Hunt this weekend in between doing 100 other jobs!
She took a few minutes to get some great photos of Humphrey.
We are still in search of the perfect home for him. While we have had interest and have interviewed some perspective owners, we have still yet to find the perfect home for him. Please feel free to reach out if you're interested.

04/01/2024

Rico (Brim/Toast) and Birdie (Kindle/Five) got to romp and play together today!

03/31/2024

This is Lily, from the Star/Bubba Gump litter in 2021. She went through puppy class twice at Branchwater and still remembers all her tricks. She loves playing in the leaves and the snow and knows the name of 25+ toys. She is such a baby and the sweetest girl.

03/30/2024

It's a Barn Hunt weekend at Branchwater! We are working on getting back to our regular postings. If you have a BH brag or dog to share, please message us directly so it doesn't get lost in comments!

03/21/2024

Apologies for the delay in scheduled content. We will get back to it shortly but we have been focused on honoring a very special dog.

BWBC Cinder's Grand Finale "Finale"
3/28/2008-3/20/2024
Finale was the embodiment of the phrase 'wouldn't hurt a fly.' She was the most gentle and kind soul. Finale spent most of her life, nearly 10 years, living with Olivia. In Finale's time with Olivia, she became an incredibly well-travelled dog, traipsing all up and down the east coast. At the end of the day, Finale didn't care where she was as long as she was with Olivia. Just to highlight this, when Finale had her final litter, she was at HVAH. Pups were nursing, Olivia was laying on the floor with Fin, and the hours just rolled on by. After being there for 6 hours, we finally asked when we could leave. The response was simple, "when she walks." Olivia got up off the floor and walked to the door and up hops Fin, leaving those puppies in the dust. She loved so fiercely and was such a gentle girl. Finny loved to chase hoses and her sister Clover. She was a quiet begger, sitting a good distance away, but using her intense border collie stare to remind you that she knew about that pizza crust and she wanted it. Finale loved to chase the hose but hated to swim. She insisted on sitting in arm chairs to sleep- even when she could get up but not down so she would demand bark to be relocated. She was a special girl. She will be so so missed.

Thank you for being patient with us as we deal with her loss.

03/12/2024

Barn Hunt student Ada is our featured pup today!
Ada is from Giant Schnauzers
How she got her name:

Ada is named for Ada Lovelace, who was the first computer programmer.

A favorite Ada Story:

When Ada got her RATCH she gave judge Melissa kisses during the ribbon pictures. She loves schnauzer people!

Favorite sport:

Ada loves barn hunt and nosework. We’ve been taking barnhunt classes at Branchwater since she was 7 months old and she loves the game and everyone at Branchwater!

Favorite toy:

Ada’s favorite toy is the Puller ring. She could fetch the ring all day.

03/08/2024

Rey (Eden Rose/ Jack) is up next, with some fun facts from his mom shared below.
What is his favorite activity or toy? He is a Petsafe Model. Rey is also is a National competitor in Dryland mushing, and his favorite toy is any rock, literally.

How did he get his name? BWBC Kiss From A Rose- his great-great aunt was BWBC Kiss Me Kate and was my childhood dog, I wanted his name to show tribute to her, and my horse was Rosa Rey (he is from the rose line)

Fun fact! Rey will be competing in his first fast cat in April!

Danielle also shared a photo from her original BWBC crew growing up. We love to watch families grow and see people back after years away!

03/06/2024

Look, not a border collie! Our #1 question is "do you train dogs besides Border Collies?" and the answer is yes! In fact, many students are not BCs.
Remy and Leia are longtime BW students.
Remy has taken all 3 tricks classes and barnhunt. She currently has her RATO, BCAT, and CAT.

Leia has taken puppy kindergarten, beginner and I think intermediate obedience, all 3 tricks classes and now barnhunt. She currently has her TKN and RATN.

03/05/2024

We are in search of the perfect home for Humphrey. Humphrey is high drive and ready to go-go-go! We would be doing him a disservice if we did not find him a home that would channel this energy into a sport of some sort. For Humphrey, we would like to find an experienced or dedicated handler who is ready to keep him active both physically and mentally. Please message if you have additional questions or if you think you may want to provide Humphrey the opportunities he needs to be a happy and successful boy!

03/05/2024

Branchwater helped to hold a very cool event this past weekend. We lent our puppies to a Puppies and Pilates hosted by instructor (and former obedience student) Sara Torgerson. A portion of each ticket was donated to the Maryland SPCA in honor of Sara and her husband's senior rescue dog, Cruz who they adopted from the MD SPCA. Sara did an amazing job of running a class while puppies romped about and distracted everyone. Thanks to all who attended! We were able to make a $300 donation to the SPCA.

03/05/2024

A whole crew of BWBCs are on today's schedule. See the message below from their mom/owner, Gretchen.

I started my BWBC adventure with Frisbee 2005 (Annie/ Dealer). Frisbee. He was like an old man from day one. Super chill. Not hyper. Just was happy to lay outside in the sun, the rain, snow, or mud. Next, I wanted to get Frisbee a brother. We found Murphy 2007 (I can Race /Dealer)
Murphy was the best boy ever. Loved chasing balls. He helped me understand the energy of a border collie. He was the best.
When I lost him in February 2019 I immediately got on the waitlist. Murphy was gone too soon.
2019 Mulligan (Loop/Bubba Gump) but also a granddaughter of Dealer.
Mulligan is a firecracker. Full of anxiety and love. She loves balls, disc, anything you can throw. She’ll go get it. Mully also loves to run on the treadmill.

Also in 2019 while at class with Mulligan I was handed a puppy.
That was my 4th BWBC.
Willow 2019 (Kinky/ nightmare before Christmas) also a granddaughter of Dealer

Willow is such a love. Has to be the center of attention. Loves plushies and fetching a ball. She is now called Luna. Willow just never caught on.
She is now residing with my parents at Oak Crest. She went to live with them when my dad developed dementia. Now Alzheimer’s. Luna is an official comfort dog and has her own Oakcrest ID. She keeps my dad active and makes sure he never get lost. And she is pretty much the center of attention at Oak Crest."

We love the Luna story. Dogs are such powerful therapists.

03/04/2024

A second pair of BW pups this week!
This pair is Folly (Finale/Mat) and Thistle (Eden/Jack)
How did the pups get their names?
Folly got her name because it was pure folly to get a puppy. That is her registered name. Pure Folly.
Thistle is the national flower of Scotland. They are also a little thorny, kind of like puppy teeth. That was the inspiration for Thistle's name.
What are the girls's favorite toys?
Folly's favorite toy is ever-changing, but balls are usually first. Then anything she thinks I might be interested in.
Balls are one of Thistle's all-time favorite toys, this little pink flowered pig is another personal favorite. Then, anything that Folly has is most desirable.

I don't really have a favorite story about Folly. Everyday she has been a source of joy. She is the sweetest dog, loves everybody, kind to everything. I will say she has been one of the quickest dogs I've ever had. Loves training and learning new things. She has challenged me to come up with new things to teach her.

Thistle is a little speed demon, loves to be chased by other dogs. A friend brought her dog over for a play date and he could not keep up with her. He was chasing her around the yard screaming in frustration. Typical border Collie Thistle didn't run in a straight line. Some would say she ran in circles around him

03/04/2024

Puppies started to head to their homes yesterday! Just for fun, try to guess this puppy's new name. We'll give a few hints to help :) Bonus points if you guess her registered name.
1.👋🏼👋🏼
2.🦅🎵

Update: We couldn't make it too easy! Puppy is Birdie- BWBC Free Bird.

03/03/2024

Whiskey (Star/Bubba) and Dare (Scandal/Toast) are next up on our quest to share our students and pups!
If you'd like your dog featured, please message us and we will work to get them posted. We love bragging about our students and pups!

Favorite toys:
Whiskey loves a frisbee but a ball will do too.

Dare loves his giggle ball (which makes noises as it rolls) and any crinkle toy. He loves his toy that gets a water bottle filled with corn kernels slid inside.

How did they get their names:
Whiskey- because he makes me drink! Lol
He was supposed to be “Make It A Double” for double Q’s needed in agility but the joke became I must have been drinking when I decided to get another dog. The song “Blame It On The Whiskey” was popular at the time and the saying definitely fits his personality.

Dare- yup, because I dared to get yet another dog. Lol
I wanted something fun & competitive for dog sports.
So, I “Double Dog Dare Ya” to do it too.

Favorite Story:
Whiskey- We do lots of dog sports but I love telling the story of how Whiskey started in AKC Scent Work’s Advanced Buried level. For those that don’t know (picture of container included) there are 8 containers filled 4” high with water & a rack over top. At the bottom is a suction cup with a piece of tubing. Two of the bins have odor (scent oil) in the tubing. Whiskey thought the goal was to get the suction cups out of the bottoms of ALL the containers as fast as possible spilling water everywhere. I will add this crazy boy did end up earning his title by alerting with a down next to the correct containers without spilling a drop.

Dare- well, he’s only 9 1/2 months old so I’m sure I will end up with more stories but for now I will share how I am just so connected to this boy. I feel like he looks into my soul. From the very first pictures I knew I had to have this boy. He is the best puppy with the best hugs & kisses and thinks everyone should get some.

Love my Branchwater boys!

03/03/2024

We are working our way through sharing the variety of dogs in the BW family! If you have trained or boarded with us, we would love to feature your dog and their accomplishments as well. Drop a message and we will draft something up! If you have messaged or commented and don't see your post yet, we are still working on everyone and will do our best to get your furry friends shared soon!

03/03/2024

Next up is Babble! Babble's name may be familiar to some of you as she is a former breeding dog who was lucky enough to retire as an only dog and the center of attention in her home :)
We know how Babble got her name. Girly was a chatty puppy. Always had something to say so, Babble it was!

BWBC Something To Talk About 2. Babble. (Wyn &Dealer July 2013) is 10 years old but rarely acts like it!
What is Babble's favorite toy and sport?
Babble’s favorite toys are her lamb chop stuffy and any tennis ball that squeaks!

Babble is currently working towards her RAT Champion title in Barn Hunt. She will be attending regionals in May as well as Nationals in October!

What is your favorite Babble story? Babble’s idea of ‘Swimming’ is more like walking in the creek on a long line. (As long as her back doesn’t get soaked she’s happy! ) Babble likes to chase leaves in the water, she tracks them in the current. Then pounces, usually goes underwater, and brings me the leaf then moves on to find another.

03/01/2024

Could Bagel make crate training look cuter? Not likely.

03/01/2024

Handsome Kuiper has been visiting Branchwater since he was a pup! He started with obedience, then moved on to agility and we are lucky enough to take care of him when his mom is out of town. She shared with us some insight on this handsome boy.

What is Kuiper's favorite toy or sport?
Kuiper’s favorite toy is his frisbee and his favorite sport is agility.

How did Kuiper get his name?
He is named after the “Kuiper Belt” which is a region in outer space that is responsible for the formation of comets. His name rhymes with hyper and he definitely lives up to it. He is speedy and flies through the air like a comet and quirky like a little alien.

My favorite Kuiper story:

I work as a vet tech and every day I work Kuiper and his older sister Winnie come to work with me. Winnie is a hound mix and she hates the car, so every time it hits 5:55 at work, she runs under my boss’s desk and she hides under a blanket. Every day without fail at 6:00 Kuiper will run to me and grab Winnie’s leash, and when I call her name, if she doesn’t show up, he will run under my boss’s desk, drag the blanket off her and take her by her collar and bring her to me. He will walk her with her leash to the car every day without fail despite how much she protests!

02/29/2024

They say border collies are like potato chips. Max, Spell, Fanta, Charm, and Wish have proven that to be true as a pack of 5 acquired in 8 years (Fanta and Charm being only 6 months apart.) They live the border collie dream life- summering on a lake where they swim and hike daily, and competing regularly in Barn Hunt. This crew also holds the impressive title of "Half the Clover daughters living under 1 roof." They enjoy visits from their mom frequently and (see photos) work as a team with the rest of Clover's pack to help make their owners known around several states as "The Border Collie People."

02/28/2024

Sharing this from Pyro's mom: "Pyro !!! ( 4 May 2020 Wick X Hubble ) - he’s the sweetest, goofiest, most loving, smart little man. He’s also a killer athlete - he runs agility for fun ( we haven’t competed)- and is an amazing disc dog. In his second Skyhoundz World Championship , he won second place in Bullseye and was 6th in Freestyle Discdogathon. In his first UpDog International Finals (UpDif23), he was 4th in Freestyle. He was third overall for this year in average points for Freestyle for UpDog and we are currently training for UpDif2024. He just loves to play and he has no break pedal. But more than that he’s just a joy and makes my heart explode with love every day!"
Follow Pyro here: Fierce Little Beasts - Dog Sport Adventures of Luna and Pyro to see more of his adventures!