Barbara Sykes > Quotes

“Hope was tri-coloured with softly pricked ears and a medium coat, and he came from a strong working line. He lived to be fifteen years old and as a youngster was a very strong-willed dog with a dominant nature. He worked sheep and lived in the house and, as he grew older, he found his way into the bedroom and on to the bed. Training Hope as a puppy and as a young dog was challenging as he was both wilful and stubborn, but as he matured he became one of the most gentle and loyal companions anyone could wish for. With a lovely mature dog it’s easy to forget the amount of time and patience given to creating the relationship that made that dog so special.”
― Barbara Sykes, Barbara Sykes' Training Border Collies

“Collies learn things quickly but they can also pick up bad habits just as quickly. A simple Border Collie ‘task’ of digging for a bug or a worm can soon turn into a massive excavation.”
― Barbara Sykes, Barbara Sykes' Training Border Collies

“Border Collies need stability, but they don’t have to have routine – in fact, once in a routine they can become quite demanding”
― Barbara Sykes, Barbara Sykes' Training Border Collies

“Border Collies are the masters of ‘downtime’ but if they are always kept on the go they will forget how to switch off. Quiet and calm quality time with your dog is an essential part of forming a bond between you.”
― Barbara Sykes, Barbara Sykes' Training Border Collies

“Tess’s genes carry tri-colour, semi-erect ears and a blue eye, but her breed lines were checked carefully for compatibility. She is sensitive, full of fun and loves to learn.”
― Barbara Sykes, Barbara Sykes' Training Border Collies

“A SIMPLE BEAUTY The Border Collie is the epitome of all we may ever desire in a dog, a friend and a partner. Honesty, integrity and loyalty are second nature to a collie and they will work until they can go no further. Yet for all their willingness to give they are not submissive, they are proud of their heritage and they do not suffer fools gladly. Look beyond the colour of the coat and the cloak they wear labelled ‘dog’, search inside and reach its soul, for once there you will be trapped in a world of unbelievable love and honesty. You will have found true beauty, for the wonderful qualities within this breed are always there waiting to be unlocked and are what make it truly beautiful. Drink in its grace, speed and stamina, for rarely has so much come together so perfectly in so small a package.”
― Barbara Sykes, Barbara Sykes' Training Border Collies

“Settling for a confident dog who feels secure on local walks and occasional trips away, rather than a dog who is unhappy at being taken into situations he isn’t comfortable with, may mean a few unrealized dreams but this will be more than compensated for by the relationship gained with a happy and trusting dog.”
― Barbara Sykes, Barbara Sykes' Training Border Collies

“If a person is very active, either jogging or walking for miles on a regular basis, then a Collie may be the perfect companion, but the more exercise they are given, the more they will expect, as their stamina levels increase. However, a Border Collie can be just as happy with less strenuous exercise, providing this is balanced with an abundance of quality time with his guardian or within the family unit.”
― Barbara Sykes, Barbara Sykes' Training Border Collies

“A young dog under pressure will make mistakes and pressure on a dog is usually caused by an impatient handler.”
― Barbara Sykes, Barbara Sykes' Training Border Collies

“They need some form of exercise every day but it doesn’t have to be at the same time, or for the same length of time, or for the same distance.”
― Barbara Sykes, Barbara Sykes' Training Border Collies

“A Collie who learns to chase a ball before he learns how to control his enthusiasm can become ball-obsessed. A Collie who learns how to invent his own game with a ball, before running to retrieve one, will be less obsessive, and will be able to amuse himself without getting over-excited.”
― Barbara Sykes, Barbara Sykes' Training Border Collies

“Not having a strict routine allows for some changes in day-to-day patterns, but Border Collies love companionship and do not cope with being left alone for long and regular periods of time.”
― Barbara Sykes, Barbara Sykes' Training Border Collies

“Never take hold of a dog’s collar and pull him to where you want him to be, as this is a direct confrontation to a dog and can make a strong-minded dog want to be dominant and a gentle or sensitive dog may be made to feel submissive, neither of which you want in your dog. There”
― Barbara Sykes, Barbara Sykes' Training Border Collies