Latest news with #BorderCollies
Telegraph
10-08-2025
- General
- Telegraph
Outcast baby goat ‘thinks it's a sheepdog'
A tiny goat triplet shunned by its mother at birth thinks it's a dog after being raised by two Border collies, staff at a farm park say. The five-week-old kid, Lil, was cared for by the sheepdogs at a farm near Swindon, Wilts, when it could not feed from its mother. And Julia Stewart, the manager at Studley Grange Farm Park, Swindon, says the tiny goat is now so convinced it is a dog, it is even learning to round up the flock alongside the collies. Lil was born weighing just 500g, one-third the typical weight of a baby goat. Ms Stewart, 50, said she had to bottle feed the shivering newborn and wrap it in a special suit made from an old sock. The farm's two sheepdogs, Luna, 14, and Nya, nine months, then took an instant liking to the kid. The pair washed the kid, played with it, and snuggled up next to it to sleep, Ms Stewart said. She added: '[Lil's] extremely cute and definitely thinks she's a dog.' Lil apparently becomes very vocal if left in with other goats, preferring to follow Ms Stewart and the dogs around. The farm manager said of her bond with Lil: 'I couldn't leave her for days, and she wouldn't let anyone else feed her. When she was born, she was so tiny she could sit in one of my hands. 'Most kids can stand but she could hardly keep her head up. You don't take them away from their mum unless you really have to. 'Including the lambs, we probably have to hand raise a newborn once a year, but I've never known one to become so dependent on one person.' Lil is among 14 kids born this year at the farm, which has 15 adult goats as part of the petting zoo. Studley Grange also has Dexter cows and donkeys, as well as a mini zoo with wallabies, emus, raccoons, meerkats, a reptile house and a butterfly house. Ms Stewart plans to keep up with the baby goat's sheepdog training, saying: 'Lil will always have that special bond with me and the team, and most importantly with the dogs. 'She'll always be special and different. Nya is her best friend.'
The Spinoff
06-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Spinoff
Help Me Hera: I just met the perfect guy. But there's a catch
He wants kids. I don't. Is there any salvaging this? Want Hera's help? Email your problem to helpme@ or fill out this form. Dear Hera, Recently I met a guy on a dating app. I had a good feeling about him right from when we started chatting. We talked for a week then went on our first date, and it was amazing. He's exactly the kind of person I'm looking for. Before meeting him, I didn't think I still had the ability to fall madly in love, but suddenly I could see it is something I am still capable of. But it quickly became clear that we have very different relationship goals, e.g. he wants kids, I don't. These are not things either of us are prepared to compromise on, and I wouldn't want us to anyway. We saw each other one more time, had a wonderful weekend together, but he said (with kindness) we shouldn't see each other or contact each other again. I agreed, because I think that is the right thing – we like each other too much to just be friends, and keeping in touch would just drag things out without purpose. I want him to be free to find someone who can offer him what I can't. And I want to be free to find that too. But, Hera, it's been more than a month now and my feelings aren't going away. From the time we started talking to when we said goodbye, only two weeks passed. I barely know this man, I can't possibly be in love with him. But I sort of feel like I am. That's insane though, right? That's not my question. My question is, would it be terrible and immature to send him a message? I want him to know I miss him. I feel like a stupid selfish lovesick teenager. It's wonderful. It's horrible. I know there would be no point to it, but it feels unbearable to think I'll never even speak to him again. He gave me Norwegian Wood by Murakami and in that book, the characters write endless letters to each other. If only I had his address I could send him an actual letter, then, if he didn't reply, I could kid myself into thinking he never got it. Help me, Hera! Dear Lovesick, Have you ever wondered if it was possible to teach your dog the dance routine to Cotton Eye Joe? This week I've come down with a hideous cold, which has left me with the minimum brain cells required to watch every Cruft's Kennel Club Heelwork to Music event (Freestyle) for the last 10 years in reverse chronological order. Not only are the costumes superb, but it has the added benefit of shocking me periodically out of my stupor by loudly announcing 'next up we have a talented seven-year-old bitch from Manchester.' Prior to this week, I didn't know anything about the concept of Heelwork, freestyle or otherwise. But the scales have fallen from my eyes. It's the closest thing to Cabaret, if Bob Fosse was a rural lesbian from Rutland who was addicted to Border Collies instead of drugs and alcohol. So far, there has been one saucy rendition of 'Mack the Knife', several Lord of the Rings medleys, a chihuahua performing Swan Lake, a thrilling interpretation of Jaws involving a dog administering CPR, 'Danse Macabre' (or as the commentator called it, 'the Jonathan Creek theme song') and a version of 'Heal the World' by Michael Jackson only minorly thwarted by an unexpected bowel movement. As per the YouTube comments: 'Rarely am I so sorely stirred to such emotion… Well done, little friend. You have wakened this dormant heart and quieted the tempestuous melancholy of the mind. A truly haunting tragedy poised with such beauty and grace like no other. Harken, dear reader; for the master of tippy taps may yet come knocking on the door to your soul next. Will you answer the call?' What does this have to do with your question? Exactly nothing, besides the fact that I'm not paid to write a one-word advice column. If I was, you'd be getting a resounding NO. If I were being ambitious, I might stretch to 'what are you crazy?' I'm very sorry for the situation you find yourself in. There's nothing more disheartening than running the gauntlet of modern dating and finding someone you're powerfully infatuated with, only to have fundamentally incompatible visions for the future. I wish things had worked out differently for you. But your question of whether or not to contact him again, is basically the same as asking 'should I put my hand into this open flame?' No amount of romantic longing is going to make this a good idea. Let's put it another way. How sure are you that you don't want kids? Really sure? If your answer is yes, then you simply have no business getting back in touch with this guy. Unless you're on the fence, you're only letting yourself in for a world of hurt in the long run. I don't think it's insane to feel as if you're falling for someone before really having the chance to get to know them. But there are only a few major relationship dealbreakers in this life, and whether or not to have kids is probably the hardest to compromise on. You're never going to be able to talk this guy out of a desire to procreate, and it would be cruel to try. Best case scenario you manage to crush his dreams, which doesn't sound very best case scenario. I wouldn't call it immature to send him a message. Maturity has nothing to do with it. But anything beyond respecting his wishes is simply delaying the pain you'll inevitably feel when you have to face reality. And the longer you spend entertaining this fantasy, the more it will hurt. If it were only against your own better judgement, that would be one thing. But it's against his better judgement too. He's made his decision, and there's no excuse not to respect it. Honestly this is just one of those deeply unfortunate situations that sucks all around, and there's nothing to be done unless you like him so much you're willing to push a live human out of your body and spend the rest of your life caring for it until you are gradually devoured by resentment. So what can you do? Compose some overwrought ballads. Weep into your pillows. Write him a letter and set fire to it. Adopt a dog and spend the next 10 months painstakingly teaching it ballet. Best, Hera
Daily Record
03-07-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Five of the worst dog breeds for first-time owners including aggressive canine
If you've never owned a dog, these breeds may be too troublesome for you to handle. Getting a dog for the first time is the start of an exciting new chapter in your life, but it's far from easy. Training a dog to obey your commands, as well as possible toilet training and adapting your lifestyle to their needs is a tough gig. The breed of dog you choose can have a huge impact on your success as a pooch parent. Some breeds require extra attention due to grooming needs, health problems, or exercise requirements, making them a handful for inexperienced pet owners. Experts at Dogster have rounded up some of the 'worst' dog breeds to own for first-time dog parents, whether they're known for their aggression, their difficulty to train or other challenges. The experts say on their website: "Beginner pet owners should never adopt a dog without thoroughly researching them. This includes their physical and mental traits, eating requirements, and grooming needs. You must also consider your dog's mental stimulation level and the training they need to stay fit. "Some dogs require more exercise and training, while others have significant grooming requirements. The average pet parent may not have the time to train, groom, and exercise their dog." So, if you're looking for a new dog for the first time, you may want to avoid the following breeds. Dog breeds first-time owners should avoid 1. Border Collie These energetic pups are independent, and so it's important to keep an eye on them as they may start barking, digging, or nipping out of nowhere. Border Collies have a reputation for breaking house training, chewing furniture, and scratching walls, and they need 1.5 to two hours of exercise a day. There are also different types of Border Collie -farm, show line, or sport, which all have different needs, so it's important to know which type you're taking home. 2. Siberian Husky Due to their strength and size, Siberian Huskies require stricter training than other breeds. They are energetic, so you must keep them occupied with plenty of exercise, and they need a lot of space and so shouldn't be living in a flat. They are known to be quite vocal, so be aware of this if you have grumpy neighbours. Their double coat needs extensive grooming to stay clean and tangle-free, making them more challenging for first-time owners. Oh, and if you have small animals in the house like hamsters or small birds, definitely don't go for a husky - they love to hunt! 3. Dalmatian Their high energy levels make Dalmatians quite a challenge for dog owners, and they can become destructive and bark endlessly when bored. Despite having a short coat, Dalmatians still shed heavily, so owners might have to use a vacuum cleaner often. Dalmatians are reasonably smart, but they're better for experienced owners due to their exercise and training requirements. 4. Chow Chow They may look like teddy bears, but they certainly don't act like them. Chow Chows can be stubborn during training, and are not a fan of strangers. They may show aggression toward other animals, including dogs, and while they don't need more than an hour of exercise daily, this grumpy breed requires more training than most. Chow Chows can even be dangerous and irritating in new hands, and so are an absolute no-go for new dog parents. 5. Cane Corso These large, strong dogs like to be the boss, and they were deliberately bred to be protective and intimidating. First-time owners would particularly struggle as they are highly suspicious of new people. They can also become aggressive toward strangers, and mainly attack intruders to show loyalty to their owners. A Cane Corso needs trained as soon as they have a new owner, as they must see their parent as the 'alpha'. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Scottish Sun
02-07-2025
- General
- Scottish Sun
I'm a dog expert – here's the biggest mistake you make that causes your pet to behave badly, and it's so easy to fix
And one breed is most guilty of it PUP TO YOU I'm a dog expert – here's the biggest mistake you make that causes your pet to behave badly, and it's so easy to fix Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WHEN a dog misbehaves, the immediate reaction of most owners is to just blame the animal. However, Diane Hart, dog rehabilitator partnering with The Pettifor Trust, has revealed that owners themselves could be the root of the problem. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Diane Hart is a dog expert who helps to rehome and rehabilitate border collies Credit: Instagram @border_collie_rescue_and_rehab And smothering your pet with love while talking to them in a baby voice are signs you could be at fault. Diane emphasises that owners often unintentionally cause harm by treating their dogs like human children. Dogs, she explains, need to understand their place at the bottom of the "pack" to feel comfortable and secure. When a dog is at the top of the hierarchy, they may begin to assert dominance, even over children. This is especially true if the parents are strong "alphas" and the child is not, leading to the dog potentially going after anyone who touches the child. Offering up her simple fix, Diane advises: "Don't treat your dog like a child, you have to respect the dog for what it is. "The dog, in order to be comfortable, has to be at the bottom of the pack. If you put them at the top of the pack, they will start bossing the kids around." On training and leadership, she adds: "Owners need to learn to be a pack leader, by being consistent. Once the owner shows they can take control of their dog, the dog will listen." Dogs are also deeply sensitive to their human companions, with their behaviour often mirroring the owner's temperament. Diane says that many dogs arriving in her care demonstrate issues directly linked to their previous home environments. INCREDIBLE moment hero vet staff save dog from choking on favourite toy And sadly, these are dogs other rescue centres might deem too challenging. Many dogs display anxiety, reactivity, or withdrawal due to picking up on their owner's mood or stress. Border Collies, in particular, are highly sensitive to their surroundings and human energy. Originally bred for rural life, they can be noise sensitive and do not thrive in overly loud or chaotic environments, such as homes with constant shouting or screaming children. Their needs for extensive exercise arevery important, and a lack of this - coupled with frequent owner absence - can lead to severe separation anxiety and hyperactiveness. Common behavioural issues often stem from a lack of consistent love and control within the household. This can manifest as anxiety, nipping, pacing, and lunging at people. Diane said: "I believe 100% a dog is a mirror image of yourself; if you are hyperactive, your Collie will be the same.
The Irish Sun
02-07-2025
- General
- The Irish Sun
I'm a dog expert – here's the biggest mistake you make that causes your pet to behave badly, and it's so easy to fix
WHEN a dog misbehaves, the immediate reaction of most owners is to just blame the animal. However, Diane Hart, dog rehabilitator partnering with Advertisement 1 Diane Hart is a dog expert who helps to rehome and rehabilitate border collies Credit: Instagram @border_collie_rescue_and_rehab And smothering your pet with love while talking to them in a baby voice are signs you could be at fault. Diane emphasises that owners often unintentionally cause harm by treating their dogs like human children. Dogs, she explains, need to understand their place at the bottom of the "pack" to feel comfortable and secure. When a dog is at the top of the hierarchy, they may begin to assert dominance, even over children. Advertisement This is especially true if the parents are strong "alphas" and the child is not, leading to the dog potentially going after anyone who touches the child. Offering up her simple fix, Diane advises: "Don't treat your dog like a child, you have to respect the dog for what it is. "The dog, in order to be comfortable, has to be at the bottom of the pack. If you put them at the top of the pack, they will start bossing the kids around." On training and leadership, she adds: "Owners need to learn to be a pack leader, by being consistent. Once the owner shows they can take control of their dog, the dog will listen." Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Dogs are also deeply sensitive to their human companions, with their behaviour often mirroring the owner's temperament. Diane says that many dogs arriving in her care demonstrate issues directly linked to their previous home environments. INCREDIBLE moment hero vet staff save dog from choking on favourite toy And sadly, these are dogs other rescue centres might deem too challenging. Many dogs display anxiety, reactivity, or withdrawal due to picking up on their owner's mood or stress. Advertisement Border Collies, in particular, are highly sensitive to their surroundings and human energy. Originally bred for rural life, they can be noise sensitive and do not thrive in overly loud or chaotic environments, such as homes with constant shouting or screaming children. Their needs for extensive exercise arevery important, and a lack of this - coupled with frequent owner absence - can lead to severe separation anxiety and hyperactiveness. Advertisement Common behavioural issues often stem from a lack of consistent love and control within the household. Read more on the Irish Sun This can manifest as anxiety, nipping, pacing, and lunging at people. Diane said: "I believe 100% a dog is a mirror image of yourself; if you are hyperactive, your Collie will be the same.
