Hi Kathleen. I saw you rescue senior border collies. Have you had any experience with epilepsy. I ask because I adopted my Finn about 5 years ago. He started having seizures shortly thereafter. I'm interested in finding resources and thought you might have some ideas..maybe? (I understand border collies are at particular risk of idiopathic epilepsy) Sorry to be a bother, just thought I'd ask.
@shannonmiley9003 not a bother, everyday is a learning experience with this breed. I have been blessed, I've never have had to experience such a heartbreaking illness. My BC eat homemade cooked lightly well balanced meals, adding a good Vit./Mineral. In addition, Have them on heavy Mushroom TURMERIC also...when they are experiencing extra joint pain, cbd...minimum. I have been blessed thus far...
That's noble work you do Kathleen! I recently lost my elderly border collie to old age, one month shy of 15 years old, got him at 3 months, and he was a family pet versus a working farm dog. I loved him like a child, and it broke my heart when he just collapsed in my back yard in early September and couldn't get up. I had been taking him to the vet every month or so for a laser treatment and a shot for his arthritis, and his back legs had atrophied, but he was able to compensate pulling himself up from a laying down position to get up on all fours, but finally his front legs just gave out as well. He made it through the night and we took him to our vet the next day to end his suffering. I would get another border collie in a heartbeat but I'm 75 now and just don't have the energy it takes to care for one of these amazing creatures any longer. My wife and I had adopted a young male border collie we named Buddy in 2002 from our animal control center and he died suddenly of cancer on New Year's Eve 2009, and we immediately began looking for a new puppy and found one pretty quickly from a man in central Louisiana who would go to Scotland and Wales every couple of years to buy his breeding stock. He had a dozen or so border collies and would train them to herd sheep, and he had a couple of pups left from a litter that were ready to go when we called him, and we adopted Scotty who was 3 months old and he and his sister were sleeping in an open barn among stacked hay bales with several sheep when we met them. The memories I have of him are as precious as the memories of my two children as they grew up. I had 22+ years of life with two different border collies and they enriched my life and my family's life as much as anything I ever experienced. Thank you for your service to this amazing breed of dog!!! Cheers from Lafayette, LA.
@@frankd4875Aww so sorry for the loss of your Scotty. Thank you for sharing the stories of your two BC. Writing about our pets and sharing with others is part of your grieving process. May you continue to be comforted by your sweet memories of them. 🕊🕯💐🌹🌺
I can’t imagine a happier life than living with dogs in Scotland. Also I’m very happy with the success you and your partner have had starting a family. Cheers from your friends in America (the sane ones).🇺🇸❤️🏴
It is amazing not only how much you love your working dogs , but how much research you must have done to properly care for them so wonderfully. Great job Sean❤
Great advice Sean and your dogs are top examples of what they should look like. Seventy years ago, I lived on a wee croft in the west highlands. There was no commercial dog foods at that time, and it was my job to make the oatmeal into a porridge for them. We also fed them fish and any road kill meat (cooked) for them. Though there was not many road kills as our roads were single tract, often with grass growing in their centres! There was a vet in Oban, for use in an emergency, and we had to take Cu there as he'd been bitten with an adder! It was very very expensive though, so we tended to treat their cuts etc ourselves with herbal solutions. Our dogs were outside too, until they retired. Cu was a menace in the house as he'd get in front of the fire and creep in too near it. He'd then howl for my Uncle or self to pull him back. This went on all night, even though he was quite able to get up and go back himself! He was totally ruined after that. He had saved Uncle in a bad blizzard and brought him safely home from the hill, so I guess that Uncle just adored him, but not in front of me. After my bedtime, I'd hear him talk to the old boy, feeding him MY custard cream biscuits!!!! I love your videos, as it brings a lot back to me. He gave the dogs commands in Gaelic, though they understood what I said in the English. old Tich.
@@margaretsmallallan28 Good day. Here in the US I met a wheat and sheep rancher and family out on prairie in Colorado. They travelled hours to Colorado Springs to shop. Well they picked up all road kills for the dogs. Another woman I met made her own dog food using pasta and chopped meat or ground beef we call it here. I think its good to know how to make safe home grown dog foods just in case. Scotland is awesome, i love every video I find. Even the amusing difficult neighbor cottage series. My grandmother was a McVeigh from County Down. I heard before the famine the tree went back to Scotland.
Sean your reasoning for not spaying your dogs is not only sound but you are a responsible dog dad. The treats and food you give them is right on. You always make my Sunday!! THANK YOU
Actually there is new research out that is leaning towards that we tend to sterilize dogs and cats too early. Sean is correct in his care of his beautiful pack. Though I'm jealous that he hasn't had to deal with the fun of skunk interactions. Good times!
When you see a happily busy dog playing outside with a glistening coat on a cloudy day, you know they're well taken care of. Their coats are incredibly beautiful Sean!
(One of the best videos is "Naughty dog herds sheep when I'm not looking". No further proof needed that Kate loves her job. I chuckle when I think of it.)
So enjoy these windows into your life. Each one of your dogs have unique and delightful personalities and are a joy to watch at their work! That is a reflection of your care, love and talent. Thank you for sharing!
Love your videos! My Border Collie Jewel is a family pet. She’s 4 years old. She’s a bit of a handful but we love her. Our 10 year old Australian Cattle Dog helps keep her in line. We live in Wyoming USA
Sean its very apparent that you've done your homework on the proper care and raising of your beloved dogs and it certainly shows they appear very healthy and happy. II find it entertaining to watch them in the background while you're doing your video they are non stop 'busy' just like when they're in the field working. Love your channel Sean as a matter of fact my grandson and his girlfriend are down visiting from Michigan(I"m in Florida) and she's a dog lover and some how in our conversation she mentioned how she too watches "Seanthesheepman" back home. 😀
Sean is admired around the world for his excellent work with his dogs and how gorgeous these border collies look. Sean keeps a sharp eye on his dogs to prevent uncontrolled breeding. I do have to admire his dedication to the well being his dogs.
I judge people by the conditions of their animals now a days. Your pups are healthy and happy. I know nothibg about you but the happiness of your pups means you are a kind and good man. I wish everyone who have working animals love and treasure them like you do. I used to work for mennonites and the conditions ive seen some of the working animals were appalling.
Great video Sean: I fully agree, especially with respect to your comments regarding working collies playing with toys. Their brains need relaxation from their demanding work environment. You are a thoughtful, capable and caring person and owner.
Great stuff . I am 74 and have had dogs all my life. I almost NEVER bathe them, I totally agree with you on that. I have an Aussie right now, and he takes a lot of brushing, but no bathing.
I can't say I agree concerning spay and neuter but I respect your opinion. I think you love and care very much for dogs and that's most important. Great info however. Thanks much and great video!
Concerns regarding spade / neuter (particularly aggression and obesity) are real and valid. If you want to prevent unwanted pups (also a valid concern) and cannot prevent it (we've never had unwanted pups, but I get that isn't possible for everybody), ask your vet about a vasectomy or tubal ligation. If a human man doesn't want more kids, we don't advocate for castration - because we know it has serious consequences! And if a human woman doesn't want more kids, we don't make her age ten years overnight and make her dependant on hormone replacements for the rest of her life by taking her uterus and ovaries!
We also keep our dogs intact because of concerns for behavioural and lifestyle issues. We did have a chat with our vet though. He says it is the first time he has ever been asked (and wanted us to explain exactly why), but he is willing and able to do vasectomies / tubal ligations instead of full castration or hysterectomy. That deals with the issue of unwanted pups, but without the risk of excessive weight gain or aggression due to early neutering / spaying.
As always very informative. I live in Western Montana and we do have sheep farms but mostly cattle. A lot of farmers and ranchers use working dogs but a lot have just gone to ATV's which I find annoying. I would much rather see a working dog or a man on horseback working the animals. Your dogs are always so beautiful, well cared for and obviously well loved. Animals have an instinct about people and your dogs work for you because they love and trust you. Thank you and I hope Stacey and wee babe are doing well.
Thanks for sharing Sean! I had Shetland Sheep Dogs and Siberian Huskies. I trained with Border Collies. Dogs need a purpose to thrive, that's why I love your channel, to see their zest for life, desire to please and amazing energy to see the jobs through. The huskies were runners, sledding dogs who wanted nothing less than pulling that sled or 4 wheeler for miles on end, in the coldest of weather. You have a wonderful philosophy with regard to giving your dogs what they need to thrive and nothing more, good food, stimulation, things to chew, less is best. May 2025 be a safe and prosperous year for you and the family! Hugs to the 4 some from Michigan, USA!
everything that you’re saying about spaying & neutering, I have learned in my life having shared all 62 years of my life with dogs of many sizes and breeds and 30 of them with great Danes giant breed dogs are more to getting cancer and diseases when they are spayed or neutered young thank you for sharing and love to your beautiful dogs🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾
Your dogs are obviously loved and well cared for, and they have your attention. Many dogs here in the USA cannot say that. We have pet owners who hardly remember to throw their pets food or water.
Sean this was very insightful into you and your dogs. I thought you explained everything extremely well. You take such good care of your dogs and they are so intune with you it's really wonderful to watch. All your dogs have all the attention they need and want. You are a wonderful responsible dog owner. That's what I think. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Our unspayed dog Grace is the healthiest dog ever and very large in comparison to other golden retreivers. We live in the country where people do not contain and rarely neuter their dogs. We are taking her in tomorrow for a partial spay since she is now full grown. We want her ovaries in tact giving her the hormones she needs for a healthy life. Great video! ❤❤
We decided to keep her fully intact after talking with the vet. These surgeries especially in Golden Retreivers cause all sorts of cancers down the road.
@@vickyannpaintingwithoilsAsk your vet if a vasectomy or tubal ligation might be right for you. Gives the primary benefit of neutering without all the behavioural and lifestyle side effects.
Great answers and explanations. So kind of you to take the time to answer viewer questions. It does surprise me what people will ask as well as what advice/opinions they have. Guess that's what makes the world go round, though. Thanks again! 💜
@Seanthesheepman thank you for the rundown on dog care. Different having working dogs and dogs that are pets (lower calorie output). My 11yo spayed male beaglier is a bit plump, so the reminder to worm him I'd very timely. Love the border collie family you care for so well. 💙
Finally, a human who treats and cares for your dogs like dogs vs. treating them like humans. Bravo! Living in the States, I hear many who can't believe I give my dog an actual bone or rawhide. I give my dog a real rawhide stick every morning, and I say, "Time to brush your teeth." Never once, have I had to take my dog to the vet for a teeth cleaning. That's a HUGE gimmick in the USA to give your dogs people food and fake rawhide, and then they get dental disease. Then a vet will charge you $300 to 'clean your dog's teeth'. Absurd. I live in South Texas and our flea season is the worst in the summer. I suspect that you don't have a flea problem because of your climate. Thanks for the info on brushing to keep a dog clean. I have an Australian Cattle Dog (Queensland Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog) and she's had one bath in the 2 years I've had her. Brushing daily seems to work. Love working dogs!
It's great that you've taken time out to say how you look after your pets and working dogs..... I love the way you say your bit with out others input. As you may know I lost my mazzy just before her 3rd birthday due to a tragic accident. With out any training......she was just perfect, with me and livestock.....hated strangers tho. IV got Lucy now only 7mths old...... Little bugger she is, as both perants are working dogs. But I'm not giving up on her.....time and patience will bring her true out....... But god does she love meeting everyone and everything......and is very gentle round children. And the biggest thing I can't stop her doing.....chaseing vehicles......arrrrr Thank you for your great help.
Brilliant! After watching one of your previous videos, I don’t bath my border collie. In 2 years, she’s only ever been spot cleaned after rolling in something putrid. Her skin & coat are magnificent. I’m always getting compliments on how glossy she is. Dirt & mud doesn’t stick to her coat. She doesn’t smell “doggy” so thank you for reinforcing this today. Re fleas, I think that they’re dying out because so many dog owners use flea prevention year around when they probably don’t have to (like you say). I wouldn’t risk skipping tick prevention living here in Australia though. 😊
The discussion about working dog's digestion was excellent. Like most animals that have evolved as carnivores, large meals with long gaps between is baked into the genetics. For example: Kevin Richardson "The Lion Whisperer" feeds his captive big cats just two large meals a week. Because it is how they live in the wild. Not every hunt is successful. Working dogs, certainly don't need a gut full of slow-digesting protein while they are running full tilt. One big meal a day fits both requirements of genetics and daily activity.
Thanks Sean. I dreamed of having dogs like yours. Thry are spectacular. I wondered about where they slept and if they were warm and if they ever come inside. You're a great dog dad. I have a Russell Terrier. She is my beloved companion. Smart as a whip. Merry Christmas from Louisiana.
Fascinating info as always, Sean -- and you do give it so very clearly. Much appreciated, and a pleasure to see the boys and the girls out separately during this video -- Thank you, as ever.
Much love from the East Coast USA as we enter the similar chilly weather across the pond! Sean, i love your videos and learning more about life as a herder, as well as seeing Echo, Storm and Kate just enjoy life as working dogs! I grew up with a Shetland Sheepdog, who was a house dog, but he loved being outside in the yard, he had a great temperment and would humor me with learning all the different commands I'd read about in dog training books. Totally could have been a working dog. To the last point, both he and my current Sheltie (16 years) never got fleas either and were kept up with all the preventions for ticks and worms. They have similar coats to border collies, I always assumed the fur was what kept the fleas off them, even with all the time spent in the yard and the woods.
Great video Sean. Your dogs are great, love seeing them working! Only noticeable difference we do would be routine fecal testing rather than just worming our dogs, same as we would do for the sheep and only treating accordingly when required. Meaning you are also targeting the right species with the right wormer. It might surprise people how little worming they actually need 😀 Keep up the great work 🐕 🐑
Sean a big HELLO from across the pond. I love watching your videos and you have taught me so much about the magnificent breed of Border Collies. You have probably answered this question before and I apologize for repeating it but how can your American fans send Christmas presents from your Amazon wish list? The link takes me to UK website which wants to send everything to my address. I'm sure there is a very simple solution. Thank you! And congratulations on the birth of your son! So happy for you both!
Your dogs seem very bonded with you. I have watched other shepherd shows and you really stand out. Material. Dog shampoos, lol. Flea and tick avoidance.. Do the barns have cats too ?
I've got a 10 year old border collie that was trained as a sheep dog for the first couple of years of her life and then kept as a pet (I've only had her for 3 years) - but she is around livestock and looooves keeping the neighbour's sheep in check, and herd my chicken. Ticks are a big problem here in the Western Isles, all year around - even now I'm picking out ticks from my dogs. The past few years ticks were here all year around because it was just too mild. I've only had to give her a bath once, after she enjoyed a roll in a cow pat. Other than that I just brush any mud out.
I agree with you on brushing not shampooing dogs. They lose a lot of good skin oils. Here in the USA, people really shampoo their dogs and cats too much.
The perfect dog-dad, and boss. We had a 7 year old BC, and apparently he failed "Sheep-dog 101'. The farmer was going to shoot him. Not all farmers are like our Sean. I never met a more intelligent dog. And because he was a pet, he loved balls and toys of all types. We always challenged him with puzzles. And being a Border Collie, he could run like the wind. A big fluffy back and white thing next to you one second, and after a blink of an eye, a small black dot on the horizon. He was was terrified of lightning and thunder, which probably didn't enhance his chances as a working dog. Even in his senior years, he could still outrun most other dogs. He was also a good judge of character. The only time he snarled was when he saw Donald Trump on the TV! With the possible exception of Sean, a BC WILL outwit you one day. Having a BC in your life is an honor and a privilege. Enjoy every minute. They are fascist personal trainers. A Sunday lie-in in winter is just not going to happen. I barely had time to put on my boots and take a swig of coffee, and it was out the door! Sam was a 'scavenger", which can be quite dangerous, as some human foods, or decaying birds, etc, can cause problems. So could not break him of this habit, [BC's can be quite strong-willed] so I fed him a modest breakfast, as well as the main evening mail. This seemed to do the trick. Rescue dogs can have food insecurity/ anxiety, due to the abuse/neglect of their previous owners, or having to live off the streets.
That was interesting, thank you, Sean. It's so good to hear a sensible viewpoint. One thing I've wondered is whether the dogs ever jump the fences and get out of your garden (I'm guessing they're well-trained enough to know they shouldn't do that, but I was thinking that potentially if they saw something really exciting outside the garden, they're probably fit enough to get out)?
I believe fleas are often environmental--some places have them and others don't. Also, flea treatments (different Rx meds) vary by region. In the US, people in the South find one thing most effective, vets in the Midwest recommend something different, and vets in the West recommend something else. I learned this from treating dogs in all three locations, and talking to local vets--which is probably the best thing to do when deciding how to deal with fleas in any given locale. Also, in the Upper Midwest, ticks were the biggest bane of our existence, but we rarely saw a flea, ever. In the Pacific Northwest, ticks seem to be much less of a problem (though even one can be devastating to a body's health), but our fleas are absolutely bionic!!!
So interesting about not playing/training "fetch" with sheepherding dogs! I never thought abuot that (and have never trained a dog who works sheep, so that's probably why). Thanks!
At what age are you picking your puppy? At 12 weeks, our male dog saw a (extremely overweight 🫣) labrador. His parents work sheep and other livestock. The moment he saw the senior dog, he started moving it towards the trampoline. Including lightly nipping towards the ankles. He was really happy and excited. If you choose a pup who is independent / confident, but responds well to humans and chooses to interact with you, you should be able to get them to do most types of work, not just herding. Realistically though, 99% of pups are chosen based on looks only...
On another TH-cam channel, a guy named Brian says that to live a happy life you need to do three things every day. (1) hug a dog, (2) laugh, and (3) make someone laugh.
Couldn't agree more with not getting dogs neutered. I have 2 working cockers (boys) I fostered a speyed female working cocker for 3 years. Not only did she have weight issues, it also affected her coat which made her a nightmare to clean after she'd been working or got particularly mucky out walking. I sometimes wonder if it isn't a vet money making exercise encouraging neutering. Responsible owners will keep their dogs safe when in season.
Good to see Echo marking his territory with vigour. Well done advising people on the decisions you made. What bird food do you recommend so that Kate the Great can bird watch?
Thank you for taking such good care of your dogs. They look happy and healthy. So you must be doing something right. I love to watch your dogs herding the sheep. They seem to be having a good time chasing those sheep, I love you channel. One question, please. After you dogs have worked really hard and are out of breath and panting, do you hold off for an hour or so to let the cool down before you give them water to drink. I've been told it is hard on the dog to drink water after a hard work out. I'd appreciate your opinion on it. Thank You. PS Hope your pretty wife is well. Did she have her baby yet?
Do you give your dogs sheep bones as a treat? I have experience with catalhouas used as working and hunting dogs that would get boar bones and also guard boar without issues of aggression toward the captive boar.
2:03 Made me laugh out loud with your, “I’m not in a rush to have them removed”. 😂😂😂
he's such a cool guy! That made me laugh, too.
Thank you for your voice of critical thinking. I rescue Senior Border Collies,
A voice of reason and sensibility! Thank you!!
Hi Kathleen. I saw you rescue senior border collies. Have you had any experience with epilepsy. I ask because I adopted my Finn about 5 years ago. He started having seizures shortly thereafter. I'm interested in finding resources and thought you might have some ideas..maybe? (I understand border collies are at particular risk of idiopathic epilepsy) Sorry to be a bother, just thought I'd ask.
@shannonmiley9003 not a bother, everyday is a learning experience with this breed. I have been blessed, I've never have had to experience such a heartbreaking illness.
My BC eat homemade cooked lightly well balanced meals, adding a good Vit./Mineral. In addition, Have them on heavy Mushroom TURMERIC also...when they are experiencing extra joint pain, cbd...minimum.
I have been blessed thus far...
That's noble work you do Kathleen! I recently lost my elderly border collie to old age, one month shy of 15 years old, got him at 3 months, and he was a family pet versus a working farm dog. I loved him like a child, and it broke my heart when he just collapsed in my back yard in early September and couldn't get up. I had been taking him to the vet every month or so for a laser treatment and a shot for his arthritis, and his back legs had atrophied, but he was able to compensate pulling himself up from a laying down position to get up on all fours, but finally his front legs just gave out as well. He made it through the night and we took him to our vet the next day to end his suffering. I would get another border collie in a heartbeat but I'm 75 now and just don't have the energy it takes to care for one of these amazing creatures any longer. My wife and I had adopted a young male border collie we named Buddy in 2002 from our animal control center and he died suddenly of cancer on New Year's Eve 2009, and we immediately began looking for a new puppy and found one pretty quickly from a man in central Louisiana who would go to Scotland and Wales every couple of years to buy his breeding stock. He had a dozen or so border collies and would train them to herd sheep, and he had a couple of pups left from a litter that were ready to go when we called him, and we adopted Scotty who was 3 months old and he and his sister were sleeping in an open barn among stacked hay bales with several sheep when we met them. The memories I have of him are as precious as the memories of my two children as they grew up. I had 22+ years of life with two different border collies and they enriched my life and my family's life as much as anything I ever experienced. Thank you for your service to this amazing breed of dog!!! Cheers from Lafayette, LA.
@@frankd4875Aww so sorry for the loss of your Scotty. Thank you for sharing the stories of your two BC. Writing about our pets and sharing with others is part of your grieving process. May you continue to be comforted by your sweet memories of them. 🕊🕯💐🌹🌺
This is a random comment but I absolutely love working dogs!!! There is truly no best friend like them
I can’t imagine a happier life than living with dogs in Scotland. Also I’m very happy with the success you and your partner have had starting a family. Cheers from your friends in America (the sane ones).🇺🇸❤️🏴
Preach!
Ditto! Very envious!
Stacey is Sean's wife 😊
Who are the sane ones? I hope you're not bringing politics into this peaceful channel.
Lol
It is amazing not only how much you love your working dogs , but how much research you must have done to properly care for them so wonderfully. Great job Sean❤
Great advice Sean and your dogs are top examples of what they should look like. Seventy years ago, I lived on a wee croft in the west highlands. There was no commercial dog foods at that time, and it was my job to make the oatmeal into a porridge for them. We also fed them fish and any road kill meat (cooked) for them. Though there was not many road kills as our roads were single tract, often with grass growing in their centres! There was a vet in Oban, for use in an emergency, and we had to take Cu there as he'd been bitten with an adder! It was very very expensive though, so we tended to treat their cuts etc ourselves with herbal solutions. Our dogs were outside too, until they retired. Cu was a menace in the house as he'd get in front of the fire and creep in too near it. He'd then howl for my Uncle or self to pull him back. This went on all night, even though he was quite able to get up and go back himself! He was totally ruined after that. He had saved Uncle in a bad blizzard and brought him safely home from the hill, so I guess that Uncle just adored him, but not in front of me. After my bedtime, I'd hear him talk to the old boy, feeding him MY custard cream biscuits!!!! I love your videos, as it brings a lot back to me. He gave the dogs commands in Gaelic, though they understood what I said in the English. old Tich.
Lovely story!
Thank you for telling of some history. I enjoyed it.
@@margaretsmallallan28 Good day. Here in the US I met a wheat and sheep rancher and family out on prairie in Colorado. They travelled hours to Colorado Springs to shop. Well they picked up all road kills for the dogs. Another woman I met made her own dog food using pasta and chopped meat or ground beef we call it here. I think its good to know how to make safe home grown dog foods just in case. Scotland is awesome, i love every video I find. Even the amusing difficult neighbor cottage series. My grandmother was a McVeigh from County Down. I heard before the famine the tree went back to Scotland.
Sean your reasoning for not spaying your dogs is not only sound but you are a responsible dog dad. The treats and food you give them is right on. You always make my Sunday!! THANK YOU
Actually there is new research out that is leaning towards that we tend to sterilize dogs and cats too early. Sean is correct in his care of his beautiful pack. Though I'm jealous that he hasn't had to deal with the fun of skunk interactions. Good times!
I do not spay mine either
No doubt these dogs are living their best lives. ❤❤❤
When you see a happily busy dog playing outside with a glistening coat on a cloudy day, you know they're well taken care of. Their coats are incredibly beautiful Sean!
(One of the best videos is "Naughty dog herds sheep when I'm not looking".
No further proof needed that Kate loves her job. I chuckle when I think of it.)
Another great video. Storm's coat looked so shiny when you were feeling down her back.
So enjoy these windows into your life. Each one of your dogs have unique and delightful personalities and are a joy to watch at their work! That is a reflection of your care, love and talent. Thank you for sharing!
You are a very wise man. It is obvious that you have studied your dogs and what they need, or don’t need. Keep up the good work. Love from NC 🇺🇸💕🙏💕🙏
@@pamz7531 WNY USA
@ I’m sorry. I don’t think I understand. Does WNY mean west NY state? I’m from NYC originally. Happy New Year.
@@christineplaton3048 Me, too!
@@christineplaton3048 Western New York State, me too!
Thanks for the VERY informative video. Love the videos of the dogs running!!!
Thank you Sean. I’m excited to see the new idea for bedding when you release the Christmas video!
Good talk on dog care Sean, you keep your dogs in top shape.
Love your videos! My Border Collie Jewel is a family pet. She’s 4 years old. She’s a bit of a handful but we love her. Our 10 year old Australian Cattle Dog helps keep her in line.
We live in Wyoming USA
Sean its very apparent that you've done your homework on the proper care and raising of your beloved dogs and it certainly shows they appear very healthy and happy. II find it entertaining to watch them in the background while you're doing your video they are non stop 'busy' just like when they're in the field working. Love your channel Sean as a matter of fact my grandson and his girlfriend are down visiting from Michigan(I"m in Florida) and she's a dog lover and some how in our conversation she mentioned how she too watches "Seanthesheepman" back home. 😀
Sean is admired around the world for his excellent work with his dogs and how gorgeous these border collies look.
Sean keeps a sharp eye on his dogs to prevent uncontrolled breeding. I do have to admire his dedication to the well being his dogs.
16:15 Interesting to hear you explain the difference between ‘training’ for straight line fetch for hunting and the curving out-run for stock herding.
I judge people by the conditions of their animals now a days. Your pups are healthy and happy. I know nothibg about you but the happiness of your pups means you are a kind and good man. I wish everyone who have working animals love and treasure them like you do.
I used to work for mennonites and the conditions ive seen some of the working animals were appalling.
Great video Sean: I fully agree, especially with respect to your comments regarding working collies playing with toys. Their brains need relaxation from their demanding work environment. You are a thoughtful, capable and caring person and owner.
Great stuff
. I am 74 and have had dogs all my life. I almost NEVER bathe them, I totally agree with you on that. I have an Aussie right now, and he takes a lot of brushing, but no bathing.
I can't say I agree concerning spay and neuter but I respect your opinion. I think you love and care very much for dogs and that's most important. Great info however. Thanks much and great video!
Concerns regarding spade / neuter (particularly aggression and obesity) are real and valid. If you want to prevent unwanted pups (also a valid concern) and cannot prevent it (we've never had unwanted pups, but I get that isn't possible for everybody), ask your vet about a vasectomy or tubal ligation. If a human man doesn't want more kids, we don't advocate for castration - because we know it has serious consequences! And if a human woman doesn't want more kids, we don't make her age ten years overnight and make her dependant on hormone replacements for the rest of her life by taking her uterus and ovaries!
Thank you Sean, great advice for your precious dogs, love the wonderful life you give them with all your hard work🏴
Our hunting dogs went side to side , they retrieved straight, swam with joy. Loved playing. ❤man we loved them.
Very informative and some stuff I’ve never known! Btw…..love your sense of humor.❤️hope all is going well. Hugs to the family from 🇨🇦
We also keep our dogs intact because of concerns for behavioural and lifestyle issues. We did have a chat with our vet though. He says it is the first time he has ever been asked (and wanted us to explain exactly why), but he is willing and able to do vasectomies / tubal ligations instead of full castration or hysterectomy. That deals with the issue of unwanted pups, but without the risk of excessive weight gain or aggression due to early neutering / spaying.
Happy Holidays Sean! Thank you for the wonderful videos! Love the music, scenery and the dogs so much! Many thanks again!
As always very informative. I live in Western Montana and we do have sheep farms but mostly cattle. A lot of farmers and ranchers use working dogs but a lot have just gone to ATV's which I find annoying. I would much rather see a working dog or a man on horseback working the animals. Your dogs are always so beautiful, well cared for and obviously well loved. Animals have an instinct about people and your dogs work for you because they love and trust you. Thank you and I hope Stacey and wee babe are doing well.
Thanks for sharing Sean! I had Shetland Sheep Dogs and Siberian Huskies. I trained with Border Collies. Dogs need a purpose to thrive, that's why I love your channel, to see their zest for life, desire to please and amazing energy to see the jobs through. The huskies were runners, sledding dogs who wanted nothing less than pulling that sled or 4 wheeler for miles on end, in the coldest of weather. You have a wonderful philosophy with regard to giving your dogs what they need to thrive and nothing more, good food, stimulation, things to chew, less is best. May 2025 be a safe and prosperous year for you and the family! Hugs to the 4 some from Michigan, USA!
Very interesting, thanks for the info! You have beautiful dogs!!!❤
everything that you’re saying about spaying & neutering, I have learned in my life having shared all 62 years of my life with dogs of many sizes and breeds and 30 of them with great Danes giant breed dogs are more to getting cancer and diseases when they are spayed or neutered young thank you for sharing and love to your beautiful dogs🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾
Your dogs are obviously loved and well cared for, and they have your attention. Many dogs here in the USA cannot say that. We have pet owners who hardly remember to throw their pets food or water.
You are obviously a very responsible and caring dog owner. 👏👏🙏❤ I wish there were more dog owners like you.
Thank you Sean for this very informative video. Always enjoyable. Blessings to you & your family.❤❤❤
Sean this was very insightful into you and your dogs. I thought you explained everything extremely well. You take such good care of your dogs and they are so intune with you it's really wonderful to watch.
All your dogs have all the attention they need and want. You are a wonderful responsible dog owner. That's what I think. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
You are very intelligent Sean. Whatever you are doing with the dogs is working perfectly! You are a great man!
Such a good education about your dogs. I can see how much you care about your dogs.
Great care, intentional thoughtful reasoned care, for beautiful animals.
Always informative. Thank you! So enjoy watching you with your dogs. 🥰
Our unspayed dog Grace is the healthiest dog ever and very large in comparison to other golden retreivers. We live in the country where people do not contain and rarely neuter their dogs. We are taking her in tomorrow for a partial spay since she is now full grown. We want her ovaries in tact giving her the hormones she needs for a healthy life. Great video! ❤❤
We decided to keep her fully intact after talking with the vet. These surgeries especially in Golden Retreivers cause all sorts of cancers down the road.
@@vickyannpaintingwithoilsAsk your vet if a vasectomy or tubal ligation might be right for you. Gives the primary benefit of neutering without all the behavioural and lifestyle side effects.
Damn, those dogs are beautiful.
Hope your baby is doing very well. Lots of good information.
Great answers and explanations. So kind of you to take the time to answer viewer questions. It does surprise me what people will ask as well as what advice/opinions they have. Guess that's what makes the world go round, though. Thanks again! 💜
What a wonderful informative video thank you
@Seanthesheepman thank you for the rundown on dog care. Different having working dogs and dogs that are pets (lower calorie output). My 11yo spayed male beaglier is a bit plump, so the reminder to worm him I'd very timely. Love the border collie family you care for so well. 💙
Finally, a human who treats and cares for your dogs like dogs vs. treating them like humans. Bravo! Living in the States, I hear many who can't believe I give my dog an actual bone or rawhide. I give my dog a real rawhide stick every morning, and I say, "Time to brush your teeth." Never once, have I had to take my dog to the vet for a teeth cleaning. That's a HUGE gimmick in the USA to give your dogs people food and fake rawhide, and then they get dental disease. Then a vet will charge you $300 to 'clean your dog's teeth'. Absurd. I live in South Texas and our flea season is the worst in the summer. I suspect that you don't have a flea problem because of your climate. Thanks for the info on brushing to keep a dog clean. I have an Australian Cattle Dog (Queensland Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog) and she's had one bath in the 2 years I've had her. Brushing daily seems to work. Love working dogs!
Very thorough explanations! Thank you Sean! 😊
It's great that you've taken time out to say how you look after your pets and working dogs.....
I love the way you say your bit with out others input.
As you may know I lost my mazzy just before her 3rd birthday due to a tragic accident. With out any training......she was just perfect, with me and livestock.....hated strangers tho.
IV got Lucy now only 7mths old......
Little bugger she is, as both perants are working dogs.
But I'm not giving up on her.....time and patience will bring her true out.......
But god does she love meeting everyone and everything......and is very gentle round children.
And the biggest thing I can't stop her doing.....chaseing vehicles......arrrrr
Thank you for your great help.
Love your family and your sheep and your dogs!
Brilliant! After watching one of your previous videos, I don’t bath my border collie. In 2 years, she’s only ever been spot cleaned after rolling in something putrid. Her skin & coat are magnificent. I’m always getting compliments on how glossy she is. Dirt & mud doesn’t stick to her coat. She doesn’t smell “doggy” so thank you for reinforcing this today. Re fleas, I think that they’re dying out because so many dog owners use flea prevention year around when they probably don’t have to (like you say). I wouldn’t risk skipping tick prevention living here in Australia though. 😊
I especially like your videos that deal with your dogs. I know you take excellent care of them. They are such happy dogs!
The discussion about working dog's digestion was excellent. Like most animals that have evolved as carnivores, large meals with long gaps between is baked into the genetics. For example: Kevin Richardson "The Lion Whisperer" feeds his captive big cats just two large meals a week. Because it is how they live in the wild. Not every hunt is successful. Working dogs, certainly don't need a gut full of slow-digesting protein while they are running full tilt. One big meal a day fits both requirements of genetics and daily activity.
Thanks Sean. I dreamed of having dogs like yours. Thry are spectacular. I wondered about where they slept and if they were warm and if they ever come inside. You're a great dog dad. I have a Russell Terrier. She is my beloved companion. Smart as a whip. Merry Christmas from Louisiana.
Fascinating info as always, Sean -- and you do give it so very clearly. Much appreciated, and a pleasure to see the boys and the girls out separately during this video -- Thank you, as ever.
This was a great video! I learned a lot
Excellent information and we thank you for your willingness to teach us what you have learned by personal experience. Well done, Sean
Much love from the East Coast USA as we enter the similar chilly weather across the pond! Sean, i love your videos and learning more about life as a herder, as well as seeing Echo, Storm and Kate just enjoy life as working dogs! I grew up with a Shetland Sheepdog, who was a house dog, but he loved being outside in the yard, he had a great temperment and would humor me with learning all the different commands I'd read about in dog training books. Totally could have been a working dog. To the last point, both he and my current Sheltie (16 years) never got fleas either and were kept up with all the preventions for ticks and worms. They have similar coats to border collies, I always assumed the fur was what kept the fleas off them, even with all the time spent in the yard and the woods.
It shows that you love your dogs.
Always enjoy your videos❤
Great video Sean. Your dogs are great, love seeing them working!
Only noticeable difference we do would be routine fecal testing rather than just worming our dogs, same as we would do for the sheep and only treating accordingly when required. Meaning you are also targeting the right species with the right wormer.
It might surprise people how little worming they actually need 😀
Keep up the great work 🐕 🐑
Loves from Argentina !
Very interesting and first class care for your dogs ,realy enjoying your channel. Thankyou
Nice to see Monty We brushed or dogs but never bathed with them unless they had a tango with a skunk😂 Then it was tomato juice time😂😂
Sean a big HELLO from across the pond. I love watching your videos and you have taught me so much about the magnificent breed of Border Collies. You have probably answered this question before and I apologize for repeating it but how can your American fans send Christmas presents from your Amazon wish list? The link takes me to UK website which wants to send everything to my address. I'm sure there is a very simple solution. Thank you! And congratulations on the birth of your son! So happy for you both!
THank you--we're learning a lot!
I agree with u.
You can tell how much care you take in your dogs' health!
Great informative video Sean! Your dogs are amazing!
Your dogs seem very bonded with you. I have watched other shepherd shows and you really stand out. Material. Dog shampoos, lol. Flea and tick avoidance.. Do the barns have cats too ?
Good morning Dad
Happy Holidays!! 😊 loved your video.
I've got a 10 year old border collie that was trained as a sheep dog for the first couple of years of her life and then kept as a pet (I've only had her for 3 years) - but she is around livestock and looooves keeping the neighbour's sheep in check, and herd my chicken. Ticks are a big problem here in the Western Isles, all year around - even now I'm picking out ticks from my dogs. The past few years ticks were here all year around because it was just too mild. I've only had to give her a bath once, after she enjoyed a roll in a cow pat. Other than that I just brush any mud out.
I agree with you on brushing not shampooing dogs. They lose a lot of good skin oils. Here in the USA, people really shampoo their dogs and cats too much.
The perfect dog-dad, and boss.
We had a 7 year old BC, and apparently he failed "Sheep-dog 101'. The farmer was going to shoot him. Not all farmers are like our Sean.
I never met a more intelligent dog. And because he was a pet, he loved balls and toys of all types. We always challenged him with puzzles. And being a Border Collie, he could run like the wind. A big fluffy back and white thing next to you one second, and after a blink of an eye, a small black dot on the horizon.
He was was terrified of lightning and thunder, which probably didn't enhance his chances as a working dog. Even in his senior years, he could still outrun most other dogs. He was also a good judge of character. The only time he snarled was when he saw Donald Trump on the TV!
With the possible exception of Sean, a BC WILL outwit you one day.
Having a BC in your life is an honor and a privilege. Enjoy every minute. They are fascist personal trainers. A Sunday lie-in in winter is just not going to happen. I barely had time to put on my boots and take a swig of coffee, and it was out the door!
Sam was a 'scavenger", which can be quite dangerous, as some human foods, or decaying birds, etc, can cause problems. So could not break him of this habit, [BC's can be quite strong-willed] so I fed him a modest breakfast, as well as the main evening mail. This seemed to do the trick.
Rescue dogs can have food insecurity/ anxiety, due to the abuse/neglect of their previous owners, or having to live off the streets.
Loved this video. Great job.
Thanks for sharing ❤❤❤
That was interesting, thank you, Sean. It's so good to hear a sensible viewpoint. One thing I've wondered is whether the dogs ever jump the fences and get out of your garden (I'm guessing they're well-trained enough to know they shouldn't do that, but I was thinking that potentially if they saw something really exciting outside the garden, they're probably fit enough to get out)?
I believe fleas are often environmental--some places have them and others don't. Also, flea treatments (different Rx meds) vary by region. In the US, people in the South find one thing most effective, vets in the Midwest recommend something different, and vets in the West recommend something else. I learned this from treating dogs in all three locations, and talking to local vets--which is probably the best thing to do when deciding how to deal with fleas in any given locale. Also, in the Upper Midwest, ticks were the biggest bane of our existence, but we rarely saw a flea, ever. In the Pacific Northwest, ticks seem to be much less of a problem (though even one can be devastating to a body's health), but our fleas are absolutely bionic!!!
So interesting about not playing/training "fetch" with sheepherding dogs! I never thought abuot that (and have never trained a dog who works sheep, so that's probably why). Thanks!
I agree, I do believe it's breed specific...Have never had those issues w mine...interesting
Ty for your information…from Southern California ❤
Love from Northern California ❤
Very thorough. Nice video.
I have just subscribed to your channel enjoyed it very much
Great info video, thanks.
Thanks for sharing Sean. I am curious about future generations. Do you have plans for breeding Echo, maybe?
I treat for ticks here in Oklahoma, and that treatment seems to knock out the fleas, too.
How do you know if a Border Collie puppy has the hearding instinct when you pick one out from a litter?
At what age are you picking your puppy? At 12 weeks, our male dog saw a (extremely overweight 🫣) labrador. His parents work sheep and other livestock. The moment he saw the senior dog, he started moving it towards the trampoline. Including lightly nipping towards the ankles. He was really happy and excited.
If you choose a pup who is independent / confident, but responds well to humans and chooses to interact with you, you should be able to get them to do most types of work, not just herding.
Realistically though, 99% of pups are chosen based on looks only...
On another TH-cam channel, a guy named Brian says that to live a happy life you need to do three things every day. (1) hug a dog, (2) laugh, and (3) make someone laugh.
Thank you Sean. So interesting ❤
Couldn't agree more with not getting dogs neutered. I have 2 working cockers (boys) I fostered a speyed female working cocker for 3 years. Not only did she have weight issues, it also affected her coat which made her a nightmare to clean after she'd been working or got particularly mucky out walking. I sometimes wonder if it isn't a vet money making exercise encouraging neutering. Responsible owners will keep their dogs safe when in season.
This was very informative! Thank you!
I would say your weather in the United States is comparable to New England maybe New Jersey
It’s comparable to PNW weather
Good afternoon !!!
🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
Thank you
Good to see Echo marking his territory with vigour. Well done advising people on the decisions you made. What bird food do you recommend so that Kate the Great can bird watch?
My sons collie was done because of a medical issue - he is still as bonkers and full of energy as ever , but he is a non working pet
How old was doggo when this was done? The later it happens, the less likely the impact will be as severe - behaviourally or lifestyle-wise.
How is our baby coming along?
Thank you for taking such good care of your dogs. They look happy and healthy. So you must be doing something right. I love to watch your dogs herding the sheep. They seem to be having a good time chasing those sheep, I love you channel. One question, please. After you dogs have worked really hard and are out of breath and panting, do you hold off for an hour or so to let the cool down before you give them water to drink. I've been told it is hard on the dog to drink water after a hard work out. I'd appreciate your opinion on it. Thank You. PS Hope your pretty wife is well. Did she have her baby yet?
Do you give your dogs sheep bones as a treat? I have experience with catalhouas used as working and hunting dogs that would get boar bones and also guard boar without issues of aggression toward the captive boar.