Living with Border Collies

What an amazing book about Border Collies. Very well written and easy to understand. I met Barbara a few weeks ago when I was interviewed about being considered to adopt one of her rescue Collies. Not only can she read a Collies mind she can read a humans as well. I thought I knew something about Collies. I even said I thought I knew how they ticked. The answer to that is a definite no. She told me none of her rescue Collies would be suitable unless it came from a previous family home where it had no behavioural issues because I have grandchildren who visit. I was a bit upset but understood. After reading this book and ‘ Training Border Collies ‘ I understand perfectly. I agree with all her ideas of what is best avoided in training and what should be encouraged. The information about the Collies coat colour, length, eye colour and even if it’s ears are pricked is amazing. I wonder how many people are aware of that. I feel the next step is to have a puppy BC and I am preparing for the arrival as much as I can. Thank you Barbara for sound advice.

This book has been an absolute God send for me. I wish I’d bought it sooner and before I got my collie, which was only a few months ago. Please ignore the other reviews that say it puts you off having collies, or you shouldn’t have one. It seems to me they haven’t read the whole book.This book has helped me to understand the not so good behaviours that my good natured collie has acquired and how I can support him to feel safe and loved. This book really warmed my heart and although we have a long way to go, I have even more patience and respect for him. I can’t wait to read the next book by Barbara Sykes.

He had gotten a collie and found her to be naughty, so thought this would help him understand the breed, which it did.

This book has a weaith of information and antidotes on border collies.It is written in an easy style which holds your attention from front cover to last. Barbara Sykes , is one of the knowledgeable, caring .approachable people ever to written about andworked with Border Collies. This is her sixth book and it contains a brilliant concise view of everything about Border Collies and her love for them sexcudes every page but not in a soppy way. It is a must read for anyone who wants to know about the border collie and how to understand,care and love them.

A most wonderful and informative book written by a lady I have the pleasure of knowing, who has helped me with any border collie problems I had, strongly recommend especially for border collie owners

The author has many years of training border collies which may be a big part of why outdated language like dominance and pack leaders feature so much in her writing. There is some very good advice contained within the pages (I have a history of training and working with Border Collies, both working sheep and in companion homes) but the repeated mention of these outdated ideas goes a long way towards outweighing the value of the good in the book, hence 3 stars.

We have had 1 border collie cross and 2 purebred Border Collies. We are on our third. We still learned stuff from this book.

I liked how the chapters were divided up so I could first read what I needed most at the time.Then I went back to read it all. My puppy has a more understanding Mama and it allowed me to recognize that I needed to have in person instruction from a trainer to allow my dog to be her best self. We are still works in progress.