10/16/2026
Genetics are powerful. Even in mixed breeds, the breed traits that were selected by humans to create a breed to do a certain job are still there. Even if you live in an apartment and not on a ranch, your herding breed is still wired to herd the livestock. It's not fair to get angry at them for being them, or expect them to figure it out on their own. Best advice? Think about this, do your research, talk to some pros in your area BEFORE you decide on the next addition to your family. And then decide if you are up for meeting their needs in some potentially creative and alternative ways.
Today's camper is a border collie mix. He's learning that every change in the environment isn't a Code Red, that different isn't automatically dangerous, and that when his Shepherd leaves his sight the world does not end. At the same time, I am going to respect his wiring that tells him that sticking close to his Shepherd during working hours is just in the job description. 🥰
