Yup, Redstart Farm has a new member of the family. Maggie, a 15-month old female Border Collie from Idaho, has stolen the hearts of us all, Willie especially. He is gobsmacked. In love. Head over heels. Watching the two of them play has become one of my greatest joys in life.
Those of you who have been following the farm for awhile know that finding the right dog for Willie hasn’t been easy. He started life as a puppy pathologically afraid of unfamiliar dogs. He grew into an adolescent torn between fear and the desire to control everything, the kind of dog I call an “alpha wanna be.” He has always loved to play with dogs who also loved to run together outside, but became tense and a tad crazy if they came into the house. Remember Jack Nicholson’s face in the movie The Shining? That’s my Willie when a new dog comes inside, all stiff-legged and tight-mouthed and crazy-eyed. But he loves to play with other dogs, and I’ve known for years that I couldn’t get him the exercise he needed during the winter when we can’t work sheep. Winter lasts at least five months a year here, and that’s a long time. Yes, we can go on long walks, but you can’t play fetch with him because of his shoulder, and walking and loping is just not the same as hard running. And oh, how he loves to run. There is little that seems to make him happier. He is just like his uncle Luke in that regard, of whom I wrote, in The Other End of the Leash: “He ran with the grace of a finely crafted sailboat coursing over deep water–no friction, no drumbeat of hooves on the soil–but with a smooth effortless glide that lifted my heart every time I watched it.”
Enter Maggie, from sheepdog handler and trainer Diane Deal at Orchard Run Border Collies. Diane and I have been talking since early last fall about whether Maggie would be the right dog for me and Willie. Lots of phone conversations. Photos. Videos. It turns out that Diane and I share a lot, including our love and respect for dogs. Diane immediately understood how important it was to make the right match, for the sake of both dogs. And in every conversation, it seemed like Maggie would be a good fit. She loves people, is sweet, responsive, gets along well with all the other dogs–both Diane’s dogs and dogs in for training–and has had several months of work on sheep and was coming along nicely. Oh, and did I mention? Maggie’s sire, Riggs, won the Nationals in 2010. In addition, Diane is also a great sheep dog trainer and I knew she’d be an excellent resource for me when I needed advice about our work on sheep.
After months of talking, it was finally time to meet Maggie. I was so nervous I could barely think, but Jim and I adored her within five minutes. But what about Willie? It is true that I need another good working sheep dog; Willie will be eight soon, and has a lot of physical challenges. But primarily I wanted a playmate for Willie. A dog he could run and play with, a dog who could keep him in good condition, and a dog who would give me the gift of watching it play with another dog. I love watching dogs play; it is one of my greatest joys in life, and I’ve missed watching dogs play ever since Lassie died, years ago. But would Willie and Maggie get along? Willie isn’t the easiest dog to match up, and that’s an understatement.
We introduced Willie to Maggie in a huge, fenced field, about a half an hour from our farm. Willie looked enamored, and trotted toward Maggie with his head and tail up, but clearly friendly. Perhaps with a bit of a swagger. If he’d been a guy he’d have had a gold chain around his neck and tried to buy Maggie a drink. And if Maggie had been a woman she’d have run out of the bar and driven away. Maggie looked terrified at Willie’s approach, and ran a good 30 yards away. Willie, bless him, stopped and took off all the pressure by sniffing the field. Jim and I tried our best to ignore them, and kept on walking. Every time Willie approached, Maggie withdrew, which Willie honored (good boy!) and continued exploring the field. The fourth time he walked toward her she stood her ground and began to trot parallel to him. Then Willie stopped and turned his head toward her. She cocked her head the slightest bit–perhaps a quarter of an inch. And then Willie dropped his shoulders, just the slightest bit… And suddenly, like two guys at a stoplight in muscle cars, the game was on. They burst forward, side by side, and ran and ran and ran in huge looping circles while tears streamed down my face and I repeated, somewhat idiotically, “Look Jim! Oh look, look at them run!”
That was not the end of the story. It took two weeks for Willie and Maggie to be comfortable together in the house. Lots of managing, lots of gates, lots of parallel leash walks in unfamiliar places. A couple of snarky moments. I’ll write a detailed blog later about how I managed their first two weeks together, in hopes it will be helpful for others in a similar situation. In brief, I followed all of my own advice from Love Has No Age Limit, the book Dr. Karen London and I wrote about bringing a new dog into your home. Currently, three weeks after her arrival, Maggie and Willie are the best of friends. I call her my new personal trainer, because we are all taking frequent long walks in the hills above the farmhouse. Willie has to be managed because they run so hard that he comes up lame on his bum shoulder, and so sometimes Maggie goes on walks without him. Maggie, of course, is not perfect, and has a lot to learn. She is, after all, just a kid, and in a new environment to boot. In spite of meeting lots of dogs where she grew up, she appears to be afraid of unfamiliar dogs once away from her familiar pack at home, so I have my work cut out for me there. She recovers beautifully though, and reads Willie as any dog imaginable. Some nights Willie is either very tired or in a bit of pain, and she leaves him alone and comes over to me to play with her toys. She is, quite simply, the perfect dog for Willie, and that makes her the perfect dog for me.
Here is a video of the BCs playing in the high pasture. It comes with my gratitude to Diane Deal for doing such a wonderful job raising Maggie, the new love of my life, and a dog destined to become a very, very special friend.
Kristin says
Congrats! She is beautiful!
LisaW says
Wow, congratulations. That is splendid news. I had to read the blog twice to get the entire story — I was so surprised and so delighted. You could have knocked me over with a swipe from a feathered tail. She’s so lithe and lovely.
I, too, have an alpha-wanna-be with physical issues and what strikes me (and makes me envious) is the way your dogs run and run and never make contact. One reason I’m still keeping very close tabs on her when our two dogs are outside is the body slams and physical connection they make when they run and play. They love to run and also love to run into each other! Is that parallel running without the body slams and tussling a border collie phenomena from working sheep?
Watching dogs run in sheer abandon is a thing of beauty. Congrats.
julie says
I am so happy for Willie. I too have a dog that has similar challenges. Over a year ago we added a confident 6 month old. He had been part of a large dog family and had great dog manners. We had management issues at first. But I remember my joy when they started to play. The confident dog helps the reactive dog to remain more calm at times. Our dog family feels in balance now. Can’t wait to hear more about the new family member.
Kat says
Thrilled and delighted for all three of you (well all five really). One of the greatest joys in life is watching a well matched pair of dogs at play.
Jean K says
Poetry in motion!
Sarah Stremming says
I thought she looked like my girlie…that’s because they’re both Riggs babies 🙂
carla karr says
LOVE the video! so happy for all of you on the farm. i too love to watch dogs play. i find it endlessly fascinating. Maggie seems like a lovely dog.
Susan Britt says
What a lovely post – everything you shared in your webinars about introductions – terrific to hear it’s all gone so well!
Angi Buettner says
Simply beautiful. Congratulations and enjoy that special time of building and watching the growing relationship between all of you.
And I’m looking forward to your take on LisaW’s comment/question about your BCs not body slamming and tussling when running together. That really struck me, too.
I have two NZ collie dogs, one a header the other a hunter, and they run parallel and together a lot, but they sure body slam a lot and hard at times, so I try and help them learn to keep it at a less crazed arousal level.
Amy says
Oh my goodness, what a surprise! Congrats to you and Willie!! I am so happy for you!
lisa arant says
I think the end of the video says it all. .And they lived happily ever after. Blissfully tuckered out but happy
Donna Wolff says
Got a few tears out of me. Having had all preowned dogs when I had more than one, although they got along, living in city never had opportunities to chase…..I too love seeing dogs play together.
Also in process of acquiring another and want to match with in house girl easily intimidated…will look forward to more stories of them as they become best buddies.
Sue says
My heart is full for all of you. What joy!
CJ in Canada says
Just wonderful news! Any time I need to smile, I’m going to watch that lovely video again (oxytocin overload).
Lynn says
Wow, congratulations!!! I’m thrilled for you and Willie. I have utmost respect for D. Deal as well as for Riggs’ breeder (my Ross, as full of personality as the day is long, is a Riggs great-grandson). He has never (at one year of age) ever met a stranger, either canine or human. Are you hoping to trial Maggie??? Ross has just started training after a horrid winter, and I’m thrilled with the results.
Tina says
Just so happy for you and Willie! I am excited to read about the adventures ahead.
Jennifer says
Congratulations! I got a little misty-eyed watching them run – that was an expression of pure joy.
Mungobrick says
They look so well-matched! Congratulations! How is Tootsie with the new addition?
Randi says
Watching the two of them run gleefully while the birds chirp in the background is glorious. Congratulations on the addition to the family.
Trish Kirby says
What a beautiful video. I can’t wait to hear all about their adventures .
Trisha says
I love hearing from two other Rigg’s puppy owners. Are their ears akimbo too? Rigg’s certainly are.
Great question about the play styles. I don’t think Willie would do well with dogs who played with body slams and lots of wrestling. He loves to run I think just because he loves to run, but I suspect too that he likes avoiding tension and too many chances for conflict with other dogs. When Maggie and Willie both choose to run in circle together it felt like they were doing it because it was a way of interacting without getting too close to each other. The video on this blog is actually from about two weeks ago; now they still run a lot but they also play tug and try to herd each other. They play tug games in the house, but Maggie is very careful to honor Willie when he communicates that he is done playing. I’m not surprised that she reads dogs so well, but am thrilled that she makes such good choices.
And Tootsie? Maggie tried to play with her for several days, but Tootsie completely ignored her. Tootsie seems to ignore all other dogs after greeting them politely. Right now poor Tootie (that’s one of her many nicknames) is lame; suspected Lyme disease. She’s pretty miserable poor kid.
Marjorie says
Beautiful girl Maggie, so nice to have a match. But what does Tootsie think of her ? Are you going to find a playmate for Tootsie too? Cavaliers love to play and have company too.
Eileen says
Congratulations. I’m so happy for all of you.
I could watch that video all day.
chloe says
I love seeing them free and running. Lovely girl! Congrats, what fun.
Christine B says
That video is beautiful and I’m anxiously awaiting your blog about the first few weeks together. My older mutt is similar to Willie re: unfamiliar dogs and we brought another dog into the mix and there’ve been some snarks but it’s looking much better now 8 months in. Thank you for sharing with us!
Colleen Bublitz says
Congratulations on your new addition. I loved the video. Watching dogs at play is a thing of pure joy. We recently adopted a 7 year old rescue to help tire out our 2 year old dog. It worked like a dream come true and they are the best of friends. I don’t think we will ever be a one dog household again.
Lynn says
Forgot to mention that I was there cheering on Riggs when he won the Finals in 2010! (I was also there cheering on Ross’s grandma Vangie, Riggs’ niece, when she came in tenth in 2013). I guess this makes Ross and Maggie first cousins, once removed? Riggs (and Vangie’s) personality sure shone through under such a high-pressure setting. Most other dogs were tense, but Riggs won my heart in 2010 by trotting up at the presentation of the finalists as if he was about to meet his best friends ever. And Vangie (at the presentation of the awards) kept mugging for Patrick’s attention while other dogs were stiff or busy peeing on awards on display. She made Ross’s day by running over to greet him after the ceremonies had ended. I love Diane and Patrick’s dogs – talent and personality all rolled into one package!
Susan S. says
As my Canine Behavior Specialist friend always says, “every good dog deserves a dog.” I’m not discounting Tootsie here, but she doesn’t look as though she could run like that. Did you (or Jim) get dizzy filming Maggie & Willie? What happy dogs.
Robin Jackson says
Congratulations, I am so happy for you all!
@LisaW, Border Collies classically do the “fly by” play, where they run towards something and then veer off at the last minute, or run side by side. Many a poor lab has been astonished at a border collie who turned and snapped when he did the traditional body slam play most labs love so much.
Our family has always had border collies and border collie mixes, many on working farms. For puppy play, we quite often gave the dogs a 3′ length of braided rope, and one puppy would grab each end and then they would run carrying it between them. Our current dogs have 5 years age difference, and this was the one game the older would play with the puppy when he first arrived. Grab an end of a rope, wait for the other dog to grab the other end, then run!
I have a friend who raises labs and she was astonished at this behavior. Her dogs will play tug and keep away, but she’d never seen the “run together” game. I told her I have seen it all my life, but only with border collies. 🙂
Cathy says
I have a wonderful Riggs son myself! Watching your video makes me so very hopeful! My boy developed fear reactivity to many but not all dogs, and it set us on quite a journey, one that has been ultimately so rewarding and has led to a bond unlike any I could have imagined. I, too, am looking for just the right dog for him. He plays with one of my two shelties, but they are almost twelve and slowing down in the play department. I want for him the joy I see in Maggie and Willie. Thank you for sharing the video!
Sue Asten says
What fine friends already! That is beautiful to watch. She will be a great buddy for Willie and good partner for you for many years to come. Riggs pups are wonderful workers and so sweet! So happy for you all.
Chris from Boise says
Congratulations on the new addition to your pack, and may the honeymoon continue for umpteen years! Looking forward to the details of the indoor beginnings.
Susan says
How lovely she is! Tears from me, too. My heart dog, Sunni, a BC sheltie cross ran as though her feet just skimmed the ground. She danced. It was heartbreaking when she became arthritic and stiff in old age.
Sweetpea says
This is EXCELLENT news …. YAY for Maggie & Willie!
And that video made my whole day – what a JOY to watch!!
Congrats on your *new addition* ;>]]
Sarah Stremming says
Idgie’s ears are even now, but when she was young they were all over the place. For a while they were pricked, then they went one up one down, then switched sides, then went even (to my surprise). Buts she’s a pretty little tri thing like Maggie 🙂
Mary-Floye Federer says
Trisha, I’m so happy for you guys! She seems like a gem! I had hoped it might have been an ABCR dog, but so happy that you found the right fit!
Anne says
Thank you bringing me that bit of pure JOY on a day when I so needed it! I loved how, at the beginning of the video, they seemed to be saying to each other “how ’bout a run?” “Sounds good! Let’s go!” Who needs words when you can communicate like that!
Jill Evans says
How wonderful is that!!? Congrats!
My Hugh, who is apparently Maggie’s twin brother ( w/opposite ears up) adores running with other dogs. And I adore watching.
ute hamann says
Trisha, to watch this happen ist truely breathtaking! What a joy! Wonderful to watch them both. I am sooooo happy for you!
Did you ever consider to introduce them to each other in a working situation they are both used to? Like on a workshop or a trial where they know that other dogs turn up and there is no need to have clothe contact if not wanted? Just let them see each other before taking Maggie home. I am sure you considered this, why did you decide against it?
Ute
Lynn says
And cousin Ross’s ears are pricked (most of the time) – not akimbo (though they do telegraph his mood quite eloquently). You can see photos of him during his first year at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/48533773@N08/sets/72157633491006793/
Ellen Pepin says
She looks like a great dog. I never saw dogs that love to just run like that. I guess that’s Border Collies. My Collie is a couch potato. She will run a bit with the other dogs in our Collie group.
Lots of luck with her and many years of happiness.
Nena Murphy-Herd says
Sheer poetry, the interactions and the running. Congratulations on finding such a lovely girl for Willie.
Shaya says
That’s great news and she is adorable! I’ve never seen dogs play by just running, without any mouthing or play growling. It’s beautiful to watch. I’d love to see more videos of Maggie!
Dina Mom says
Great to see a dog that is fitting in.
Nic1 says
Wonderful news Trisha! What a gorgeous girl and just fabulous for Willie to have a running mate at last. I really look forward to hearing all about Maggie and Willies adventures together and also your words of wisdom on managing a multi dog household. Sorry to here about Tootsie though. Hope she is recovering?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00EWNH76Q/ref=oh_d__o00_details_o00__i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I’ve just purchased this book, ‘ The Art of Introducing Dogs’ by Louise Ginman. Not read it yet but it came endorsed by Pat Miller (Peaceable Paws) who is doing some good stuff IMO..
I would love to introduce another dog to my (single dog) household but I still have so much more to learn about how to do this successfully.
Frances says
Lovely to see Will and Maggie so happy together – but I’m sorry to hear your joy is marred by anxiety about Tootsie. I hope all is well soon.
Karinne says
Exactly what is needed and craved by both dogs…running! Thanks for sharing.
Martina Schoppe says
Congratulations! so great, that you found the perfect match for Willie. I am so happy for you all!
LisaW says
I’m also curious as to the age of Maggie. Did you deliberately choose a teenager for Willie? (That reads worse than it’s meant 🙂
I hope Tootsie is on the mend, Lyme disease is becoming a scourge.
If I ever get to live life as a dog, I hope it’s on Redstart Farm.
Trisha says
Re Maggie as a teenager: I did want a young dog, to be sure that she was still playful. And also one that I could train myself to train as a sheep dog. I have so very much to learn about it, feel like an absolute novice.
Re Tootsie: Thanks for the voices of concern. Poor thing is just miserable. If Willie or Maggie had a bad leg they’d run on 3 legs as if nothing was wrong. But little Tootsie has no ‘working dog’ genes in her, and stands pathetically with her leg up, immobile until I carry her to one of her favorite sleeping places. Poor kid. We are not sure that her lameness is caused by her positive Lyme test (although she went on antibiotics immediately), it could be a structural injury. I’ll keep you posted.
Robin Jackson says
I so love this video! One other typical border collie thing it shows is that they keep swapping off the lead. It may be that willie is faster but tires more, or it may just be play. In either case they’re both trading lead while still keeping focus, really nice work.
I also noticed Maggie does lovely cross behinds, exactly what you want from a future sheep dog. That is, she’ll run on Willie’s right for awhile, drop back, and the next time come up and run on his left. Cheering to see a young dog who’s comfortable working either side. Those are “working dog genes” indeed! 🙂
Rick Axsom says
Trisha, Let me join the chorus and wish you all a hearty congratulations. Can’t wait to meet Maggie next Sunday and see her with Willie. And, of course, I look forward to seeing sweet Tootsie again. All love, Rick
em says
Congratulations! What a gorgeous pair they make! How wonderful to find a true companion for Willie (and how wonderful for Maggie that she has a true companion IN Willie). All the more so because Willie is such a particular Pete. Even in easygoing dogs, though, there is a palpable difference between dogs who have the potential to LOVE each other and those who are never going to do more than just like one another tolerably well. I’m always surprised anew at how soon it shows and how obvious it is- I know many dogs who are comfortable companions, but the joy just radiates from a truly great match. Seeing them together has made my day!
On the topic of play styles- Otis the Great Dane prefers non-contact running (including running along with a stick or rope held by his companion) and won’t deliberately bump a playmate who doesn’t bump first, but his dog loves are all bumpers, and he goes with the flow. He is usually very careful not to wollop his playmates (he’s mastered a really cool last-minute vault to leap over a dog foolish enough to cut him off while he’s in full stride. Drives herding dogs nuts, but it’s saved more than a few from a truly painful collision.) but he will jostle a bit while running and happily wrestles when at a standstill. Sandy the shepweiler is a bigtime flying shoulder checker.
Despite her rough-n-tumble play style, Sandy’s a huge wimp about pain- like Tootsie, she’ll just refuse to walk if her paw hurts (a bit of a problem in a 75lb dog with a cracked toenail). She’ll usually suck it up eventually, but she will periodically pause to sit and hold up her injured limb while gazing dolefully at us. It’s actually kind of a benefit, since Sandy can be counted on to stay off an injury unless absolutely necessary, it makes her recovery care a lot easier.
Anyhow, best wishes for Tootsie, and congrats again!
Jen says
Congratulations! I’m so glad you’ve found a good match for Willie.
For my Elka, with the few dogs she’s tolerated to play with, big looping circles are THE thing to do. Dog like circles, I guess!
Chris says
Huge congratulations and applause for finding a companion for Willie! After having only one dog for many years, I lucked into a beautiful puppy I couldn’t resist and asked my 8 year old golden Annie to accept her–which she did, happily! And pretty much assumed responsibility for her too, although she would never reprimand Smooch no matter how bratty she acted! But the joy of watching them run together, wrestle together, sleep together, interact together–it’s like a continuing tableaux vivant, neverendingly fascinating! Now Annie is gone, puppy Smooch is 8 and new puppy Smitten has somehow turned three when I wasn’t looking. Same dynamic, same love, same joy, for me as much as them, so I do know what you were feeling at that first interaction–I get misty just thinking about it!
So, so glad for all of you and much hope for Tootsie’s fast recovery!
Laceyh says
Wonderful!
Marion says
Congratulations to you and Willie (and Jim and Tootsie, too!).
Maggie is lovely and it’s really great that you found a dog Willie can play with so well.
I do hope Tootsie is on the mend. Poor thing. And I do hope that once she feels better, Maggie will entice her to play on occasion.
Looking forward to your extended intro blog. In the meantime, I’m just going to watch that lovely video again.
LunaGrace says
Oh I just love watching those Speed Puppies zoom and play together. It looks like so much fun that I wish I had four legs and a tail so I could join in too. And look at Willie “dig” the ground with his forelegs as he speeds by!
Yah, seems like there are breed differences in play styles. I always thought Siberian Huskies were the only ones who ran with joyous abandon and threw in a couple of “scooty-butt” pass bys —- until a Dobie friend of mine saw my dogs playing and said that she thought HER dogs were the only ones who did that.
The dogs who are built for running and whose job it is to run (like sighthounds, sled dogs, sheepherders) seem to revel in the physical exertion of it all. But I never saw the Siberians body slam each other. They preferred the “leap over” or adroitly dodge to the side instead of contact. My ex-husband’s Labs did the body slams a lot and would even slam us in the back of the legs when they were “playing” (on purpose? I swear they would snicker when they took one of us out that way).
As well as different breed styles of play, I understand that there are different herding styles particular to each breed too. Drovers, boundary tenders, upright “loose eyed”, headers and heelers. Each to their own purpose, I assume, so the “Lassie” type Collies might not be intentionally as speedy in their herding as the Border Collies.
Beth says
Congrats on the new addition. She is lovely! Fascinating to watch them play. I too have never seen side by side running as a game in dogs, only in horses. I love the breed differences in play style.
Marcia in NorCal says
“Oh look, look at them run!” That says it very well indeed. For sheer joy, there are few sights more wonderful than that.
Candace says
She is lovely, and they are great together!
As I watched the video, Pandora was playing a little Mozart string diddy in the background and it suited their play perfectly.
Congratulations.
C~
Mary says
Willie doesn’t look like he’s out of shape from winter inactivity. My BC also seems to be happiest when he is running (or herding sheep).
Janet says
Patrick just posted a wonderful article describing how he feels about the retirement of Riggs, Maggie’s wonderful dad. Riggs is 11 now and Patrick has retired him from sheep dog trialing. I’ve been lucky enough to watch Riggs run. What a great dog he is, and a wonderful personality too.
http://www.patrickshannahan.com/Riggs-Retirement.asp
Annie R says
Just beautiful; I cried too – isn’t that silly, being so touched by dogs doing something so simple (at least to them). But it is so touching; I too now have dogs too old to be interested in play, and miss my bonded pair of Shepherd/Husky mixes who used to wrestle, diving to mouth one another’s forelegs, and who were amazingly well matched. The last time I remember them doing that was in an unseasonable April snowstorm, out on the back deck, when they were ages 8 and 10.
Re: the running-together-with-a-toy comments, a friend who goes to our local dog park has two Australian Shepherd males, within a year of one another in age, who when they were younger used to run out chasing a Frisbee and bring it back in tandem. The funny “inside joke”: bystanders would ooh and aah, while the owner and his daughter would snicker behind their hands, because they knew it wasn’t cooperation exactly; more like that neither of the boys would let the other have the toy. It was both beautiful and hilarious! As they aged (they are now 9 or 10 years old) they stopped doing it. Now one has become the couch potato/bossy boots while the other does the running.
I have had a series of older dogs and have noted that they don’t seem to bond all that closely when brought together after the age of 8 or so; they seem to need to come together at a younger age to become really invested in one another, so it seems like a great thing that Maggie is a youngster. And what a beauty! How could Will be anything BUT gobsmacked?!?!?
Laura says
Watching happy dogs playing is so heartwarming. I, like the rest here, could also watch it all day. Congratulations to all of you. I also love the differences in play style, though I have seen all three of my dogs, all labs or lab mixes, grab a toy with another dog and run side by side together with it. Although,I think it’s because it’s a really good game of tug and they don’t want to let go of the toy. My favorite game to watch though is bity-face. Labs and retrievers have such soft mouths, they can play that one all day. Still, one of my fondest memories of dogs playing was once when I was watching my first guide, Marlin, a lab, play with my friend’s current german shepard guide. They wrestled, but it was more like a dance. there was almost something graceful about it, without the body slamming lobbies are famous for. I hope you have many happy years with Maggie and Willie. As for poor tootsy, give her lots of love from all of us and I hope she gets better soon.
marcia m. says
Speaking of Border Collies who love to run, have you seen the latest episode of PBS’s show Nature titled “My Bionic Pet” ? One of the animals features is a 5 to 6 month old Border Collie named Driftwood with deformed back legs. You really should see how he reacts to receiving his first set of prosthetic legs which allow him to move on his own for the first time. Sure joy !
Trisha says
Good news! Tootsie is MUCH better. Whew. On Tuesday she was so miserable I thought she must have sprained or broken her foot, but by Wednesday morning she was chipper and putting weight on all 4 legs. She still has a bit of a limp, but is perky and back to looking for food in all the wrong places. We’ll probably never know if it was Lyme-related or not (of course I’ll continue her antibiotics) but it does seem more likely now, given that she was substantially improved after 2 doses. She is such a contrast to the Border Collies — She is so small (12 pounds) and fragile in a way that many small dogs aren’t, while Maggie, aka “Greased Lightning” appears to be almost indestructible. (Or so she thinks.) Thanks to all of you who have asked about her, I am so relieved that she is better.
Harriet Irwin says
Beautiful is the name of the game! Hope to meet soon. Rubs for Tootsie. H
Beth says
My parents’ field-bred high-drive Chessie was lethargic and off her food when she had Lyme. I think it makes them feel yucky all over. I agree the border collies are more inclined to work through pain, but if Tootsie felt sick as well as sore, that’s a bit different than just an injury. So glad to hear she is feeling better.
liz says
Congratulations! I have to believe Maggie knows the fun, joy, and excitement she can offer and receive with you. So glad you found her! Thanks for the great news and video. It gave me chance to thank my lucky stars that I could find a perfect fit too, watching my “Maggie” play with my “Willie” during this morning’s hike.
Mireille says
Congratulations! What a lovely girl you have added to your household.
As owner of two dogs who love to run too, I totally agree how lovely it is to see them at it. Since my dogs are avid hunters, it is bit tricky to find places where they can run, but so far soo good, we still have soms spots where they can have fun. My two guys run an tackle and slam, but now that they are getting abit older and the balance between the brothers is settling, they slam and wrestle a lot less. As pups, Shad sometime tackled Spot by grabbing the base of his tail and pulling him over. Not something I was happy with. He has never done that to a strange dog. Looking at it ‘motor pattern ways’ I think it has not much to do with play, it is hunting behaviour. So how much of chase & play = hunting.
Dena Norton ("Izzee's Mom") says
Congratulations on finding a good fit. I hope things continue to work well.
Kerry M. says
Love watching the video. I’m so happy for all of you. I’m really looking forward to your stories. You have such a way of bringing your dogs to life through words that I feel like I actually know them.
Your video makes me realize I may need to find some herding friends for my dog. Being a puppy raiser, most of my friends have adolescent labs and boy, do they love a good body slam. My rescue, a pocket lab mix, loves to run but hates the body slam. That parallel running may be just what he needs. Beautiful and joyful.
david says
A match made in heaven. Joy in motion! Good on you and them.
Vicky in Boise says
Congratulations on your new addition. Watching them run just made me smile! My BC, Hobbes, did the circle run with a corgi and golden friend. He effortlessly left them in the dust and still had plenty of energy for a nice long hike into the mountains. Dogs running and horses galloping are some of nature’s most beautiful sights!
PD says
My whippets sometimes share a frisbee and run alongside each other–not at flat out speed, but definitely running. This usually happens after they are a little tired out by chasing each other and the frisbee at full throttle. Interesting to read about other dogs’ differing play styles–I’m pretty sure mine would not understand the body slam at all!!
Robin Jackson says
Trish King, a behaviour consultant who was head of the behaviour department at a large shelter for many years, used to do a two day seminar on play styles called “Different Breeds Have Different Needs.” She was especially concerned that people understand differences in play styles before going to dog parks, which were becoming very popular. The seminar was videoed one time and turned into a 6 hour DVD set. She covered bully breeds, herding breeds, terriers, and guard dogs, because these were the areas where differences in play styles most commonly led to conflicts. There are also some audience questions about other breeds. She included visual examples of many of the things she was talking about, which were fascinating.
If you like technical discussions and are curious about play styles, the DVD is very interesting. I learned a great deal from it. It’s available from most of the places that sell or rent dog training DVDs.
diane says
Just read the blog and watched the video – how beautiful. For me, when they ran close to the camera, I loved the sound of their paws hitting the ground. I only have one dog. He plays, but it is clearly not his main interest since he prefers people company. The exception is his Golden Retriever girlfriend. When they meet, and start playing and running, it is something wonderful to watch. Congratulations on the match, and I am also very happy to read that Tootsie is doing much better.
Trisha says
To Robin: I love so much of Trish King’s work, and agree that her seminar on different play styles is a great resource. If you haven’t seen it, it definitely worth viewing. I agree absolutely that different types of dogs tend to have different play styles, but I would also add that some types of play — serious body slamming for example — should not be excused as a “play style.” Rather, it’s just being rude. Here’s another example: Willie has begun herding Maggie, such that when they begin to run up the hill he body blocks her forward motion. She runs left, he counters, she runs right, he does the same. It was all very fun and cute until he began getting closer and closer, then first muzzle punching and yesterday nipping her as she tried to run past him. Play style? Sure, he’s being a Border Collie sheep herding dog. Appropriate? No, he’s also being a jerk. Being a BC or Lab or a Pit cross doesn’t excuse having fun at the expense of another dog. Agree?
Kerry M. says
Body slams remind me of bumper cars. When I see two adolescent labs running and slamming, they can remind me of my nephews gleefully jarring each other in bumper cars. It looks rough but everyone is having a good time. Now get me in the mix and everything has to tone down because what is fun for them isn’t fun for me. Same thing for my non body slamming lab. But I do think that intense body slamming can be appropriate play just like intense bumper cars can be fun as long as no chiropractors are forced to watch it.
Robin Jackson says
Trisha,
Absolutely, any “typical” play move, in dogs or people, has a spectrum from tentative to bullying, with fun social interaction in the middle. You can see this in kids playing basketball. Some play with a lot of personal space, some play with a lot of body contact, but either style can be fun for the other players or become a form of bullying. “Keep away” where players pass the ball away from a specific singled out kid may involve no contact at all, but still serve as social aggression.
My impression from the posts in this thread has been that people have mostly been talking about body slams that would be fun for both dogs IF both dogs enjoy body slam play. But may be really annoying if the recipient does not play that way.
That was one of the big takeaways for me from Trish’ seminar. It’s also why yelling, “He’s friendly” may not help in a chance encounter–your dog’s idea of “friendly” may not match up with my dog’s preferred play style. Especially when an adolescent lab literally tumbles over a 13 year old border collie!
Laceyh says
I have seen numerous examples of appropriate and inappropriate play over the years. I had a sturdy, well socialized little terrier in foster years ago, and I decided to try him at the dog park (which I rarely used) because he wanted more exercise and challenges than my peaceful environment offered. We all started off well there. Then a lady added a large terrier-style dog to the mix; he promptly began to bully a medium sized terrier, who in turn was unhappy and turned to begin moving toward my little guy. Luckily I was able to call my foster, pick him up and exit.
Cora says
Just came back to the blog after a long absence to find this beautiful video of Maggie and Willie running together! I have some music streaming in the background and I must say that Tchaikovsky’s “Waltz of the Flowers” (from The Nutcracker) is an absolutely PERFECT match for this video! So incredible to watch them together. So glad to hear that Tootsie is on the mend and also happy to see the return of spring on the farm (and here in Chicago too; last night’s snow should be gone soon…).
Hope says
I loved the play video and congrats! I can’t wait to see more footage of honeymoon and after. I recently added a BC pup to our family with our JRT mix. Boy it has been a little intense for me. My JRT plays non stop. He is 5 years old and had a double surgery for his ACL on the same leg. This made me so sad to see him go through this. We now have the pup who will be doing goose work for us. My JRT loves to put teeth on the pup. He always shows a big playbow. Tomorrow my BC will be 4 months, 1 week old. The both of them are just starting to take play breaks on their own. Also my BC is just showing signs of being potty trained. I have had my BC from 9 weeks of age. My BC also uses teeth on my JRT but usually not other bigger dogs. He has done it on smaller dogs.
Anyway, I am so looking forward to hearing about play in your blog so I can learn from it.