France in Focus

There's never a right time .... but when the chance came to have this little Border Collie, how could we resist ?
When we were looking for a dog after the loss of our 2 beloved Aussies, we wanted a female BC bitch, and what did we get ? A 2 year old uncastrated male Aussie.
We then decided to get another dog, preferably one about 3 or 4 years old, BC/Aussie sized and female. Nothing though we searched for months.

So when a friend told us about a litter of BCs, we decided to go back to what we originally wanted ....
This little monkey is just adorable - we've had her just over a week now and she's just over 11 weeks old. The problem we're working on is Rafal : he's used to being Top Dog so needs reassuring and educating. We're keeping them separated in the house and garden but we've started taking them on walks together, Vionna (Fifi) on a lead and Rafal wearing a muzzle but loose. So far so good. We're hoping not to have to use the muzzle for long but we've got to be sure he won't go for Fifi like he did on the first day they met (on neutral ground). Fortunately no lasting damage mentally or physically - Fifi seems very keen to meet Rafal !

It's a while since we've had a puppy but we've never had a dog that didn't accept a pup before. There will always be some "training" by the older dog who doesn't want to be bothered by a puppy all the time. Life will become much easier when we can safely have them together. Leaving them on their own together when we're out or at night will take a little longer.

What a delight, I’m sure they’ll soon learn to love and play together. Thankfully there are 2 of you to cope with them.
I considered a puppy last year to go with Raffi, but as he’s constantly close to me and I’m on my own I took the advice from friends and decided against it.

She’s gorgeous BC are intelligent dogs she will soon learn how far she can go with him

Fifi is lovely!

If we weren't so cat orientated around here, I'd love another BC. We had a BC x labrador years ago - he was one of the best dogs I've ever known, so intelligent, and so funny. He won a dog race one time, by reversing over the finish line first, to get away from other dogs that were fighting!

Fifi is going to have a great life with you!

Fifi is a lucky pup!!

So pleased you've found the dog you wanted.

Bayleaf wrote: ↑Tue Jul 02, 2024 2:06 pm Fifi is going to have a great life with you!

I hope so ! We're trying to socialise her and get her used to all sorts of different noises : chain saw, tractor, horses, all very close by. She'll meet other dogs on the beach - one the tourists don't seem to know about ! We've been using it to socialise Rafal - he had very little education with his former owners. They were at work all day so couldn't spend enough time with him.

One step at a time and we're hopeful that by not rushing things, the two of them will get on ....

Oh isn't she too cute ! I love her spotted socks and tail tip.

I'm sure the two of them will become friends. Just take a little bit of time and patience for them.

She's beautiful, but I'm not fooled by that look of innocence! She's a BC first and foremost after all. If she's being quiet, she's just planning some mischief! Lucky you to have found her.

Fifi looks absolutely gorgeous - and that seems a very knowing look, wonder what she’s planning……… i’m sure you’ll have a lovely life together.