Introducing Our New Dogs: Brodie the Border Collie

We have a lot of new LCDA competitors and club members who are in the training stages. Some have made their debut this fall and others are getting ready. We've all seen most of them at the field for trials or classes, but here's a chance to get to know them a little better! If you have a new, new-to-agility, new-to-LCDA, or any other new dog you'd like to introduce, contact Lynne via the LCDA website forums.

 

This week, meet Sue Tetanich's Brodie the Border Collie.

 

TTT:  Let's start with the essentials: What's your pup's name, breed, and age.

SUE: Brodie; Border Collie; ~ 17 mos (DOB 10/1/13)

Brodie in a rare calm moment!

TTT:  Now a bit of the story: when, where, why, and how did this pup come to you and agility?

SUE: I was looking for a puppy but didn't really want a young dog. I found Brodie listed on Phoenix Rising Border Collie Rescue. Spoke to the foster mom several times and finally submitted an application. When we finally learned we were picked to adopt Brodie, we were told that there were over 50 applications. That was the most PRBCR had ever received for a single dog!

TTT:  What's been the most difficult part of incorporating your newest family member into your household? The most rewarding?

SUE: The most difficult is trying to tone down Brodie's go, go, wild, never ending exuberance. The most rewarding is Brodie's loving ways and his over-the-top happiness.

 

TTT:  What challenges have you faced training this dog compared with others? What did he or she excel at?

SUE: The challenges are to get Brodie to consistently keep his eagerness in control around other dogs. Brodie has excelled at learning things like 2-On-2-Off, table, tunnels, etc. He watches Domino a lot, and I would like to think that he has learned by that concept a little.

 

TTT:  What has your training regimen been for this dog?

SUE: Believe it or not, 2 obedience classes! Then a lot of training 2O2O, foundation work, Daisy Peele seminar for puppies, everyday good manners, walking a lot around the neighborhood on a leash, and never ending trying to rein in the eagerness.

TTT:  What, if anything, have you learned or done training-wise with this dog that's new for you?

SUE: I have watched a lot of puppy DVDs and tried to incorporate more foundation training. Also, I have tried to be more patient when doing training and have a slower time-line in my mind as to when Brodie will be trialing.

TTT:  Share your secrets: what's one silly thing you and your agility teammate do together when no one is looking?

SUE: We listen to Dave Ramset on the radio (a lot) on the drives to and from the club. My dogs are very well versed on how to save money and invest it (into agility ribbons, classes, etc.)

TTT:  One word that best describes this pup:

SUE: Happy