Latest news with #BorderCollie
Otago Daily Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Treat-seeker loved by all
Alyssa Serignese and Antony Le Prevost with Poncho in their Alexandra tattoo shop. PHOTO: ELLA JENKINS Whether you are out for a coffee, visiting the dog daycare or getting a tattoo, chances are you have bumped into Poncho on his quest to find treats in Alexandra. Poncho, a seven-year-old Australian Shepherd and Border Collie mix can often been seen walking around Alexandra looking for treats or out with his owners Alyssa Serignese and Antony Le Prevost, owners of Alexandra Tattoo Co. Ms Serignese adopted Poncho when he was six months old, and the couple bought him with them when they moved from Colorado to Central Otago in 2021. For three years Poncho has been the emotional support dog for those getting piercings or tattoos and some people visit the shop just to pat him. "People will poke their head in and just be like, 'hey, I'm not interested in the tattoo, I just wanted to say hello to the dog'," Mr Le Provost said. Ms Serignese believed that Poncho was better known and more liked than her and Mr Le Provost. "A lot of people will say more people know Poncho than they know us, I would say." Mr Le Provost said Poncho would wait for a chance to escape to the nearby Pet Pit Stop at least once a day, often returning with a treat. To repay the petshop, the couple would put a $5 note and some treats for the shopkeepers for Poncho to take over when he visits. Pet Pit Stop manager Jo Shakespeare said Poncho would come to grab a frisbee with treats in it and return to the tattoo shop. When the frisbee was empty he would come back with lollies for the shopkeepers and occasionally $5 to pay for treats. As well as hunting for treats Poncho was known to find scraps of food that might have been dropped. "He's my vacuum cleaner. If there's any treats dropped, he'll find them." He would even dive under shelves and invade the office to find treats, she said. Another place Poncho frequented was Cafe Rossi popping in at least twice a week manager Krystal Scott said. For the dog-friendly cafe, Poncho is a frequent four-legged visitor, with his picture on a wall with all the other dogs that visit the cafe. Poncho came over for pats, and then returned to the tattoo shop, she said. "We need to get him some treats, but we just give him pats and that, we love all our dogs here." Ms Scott believes Poncho is probably the most famous dog in Alexandra. "Oh, he's just gorgeous," she said.
Daily Mirror
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Dog trainer's alert to new owners about these five breeds
Juan Freire warned potential pet owners to avoid certain breeds if they're taking care of a dog for the first time Owning a dog for the first time is no walk in the park. That's why an expert trainer has stepped in to help prevent heartache for both pets and their owners, advising those new to animal ownership to steer clear of these five breeds. Inviting a dog into your family for the first time is a thrilling yet challenging decision that requires careful consideration. Dog trainer Juan Freire, whose TikTok page has had thousands of views, warned that the breed you choose can significantly impact both the animal's and the owner's well-being. In his video, he identifies five breeds whose high physical, emotional or handling needs could prove too much for those without prior experience. Each of these breeds boasts remarkable qualities but demands a level of commitment that often exceeds what many beginners anticipate. Some may seem obvious, while one relatively common pet might raise a few eyebrows. High stimulation needs could lead to problems First up is the Border Collie, renowned for its exceptional intelligence. "Although it is very intelligent, it requires a lot of daily mental and physical stimulation," Juan explained. "If it isn't given tasks to do, it will find something itself and that usually becomes a problem. Without proper guidance, the dog may develop obsessive or destructive behaviours out of boredom." The Belgian Shepherd is a star when it comes to police and military roles, thanks to its incredible drive and intense work ethic. Juan said that it is "an extreme working dog with a very high drive. It requires experience, structure and both physical and mental activity." Without proper handling, the breed "can become uncontrollable or develop serious behavioural problems." This highlights a common theme as, without appropriate stimulation, intelligence can lead to unwanted behaviours that disrupt everyday life. Beauty should not overshadow obedience The Siberian Husky's stunning looks may be alluring, but Juan warns that this breed is "very independent" and known to be a "stubborn escape artist with a high energy level". He pointed out that their natural instincts make early training challenging, often leading to disappointment for those expecting an quickly obedient pet. When it comes to the Jack Russell Terrier, Juan notes that their small stature is "deceiving". Despite their size, these little dogs are brimming with energy and personality, which can pose unique challenges. Juan describes them as "stubborn, noisy and in constant need of activity", warning that their small size makes them in need of as much engagement as a larger dog. These dogs serve as a stark reminder that looks and size don't equate to a walk in the park when it comes to training. Juan stressed that the key is aligning your lifestyle with the needs of the breed. Topping off the list is the Dogo Argentino, known for its muscular build and assertive nature. "Strong, powerful and with a dominant character. If not properly trained or managed, it can be a serious problem," Juan warns. He advised that an Argentino needs "a confident handler with experience and an ability to work through bonding and control", traits often lacking in novice owners. The dog expert mentioned that responsibility should be at the forefront when welcoming a new pet into your life. He said: "Choosing a companion suited to your level of experience prevents conflicts and fosters a balanced relationship. Analysing routines, available time and training capacity is essential for your first dog experience to be as rewarding as you dream." Juan suggests that beginners might want to consider other breeds that are more fitting for first-time owners, highlighting that harmonious living hinges on meeting both the animal's requirements and the family's way of life. What kind of dogs are good for beginners? Once you've established that your home and daily routine are suitable to the needs of a dog, the next step is to figure out which breed would be your perfect match. It's important to do your homework to find the right fit, as there's no easy solution. As recommended by the American Kennel Club, some excellent beginner breeds include: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel English Springer Spaniel Boxer Papillon Poodle Shih Tzu Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Whippet Labrador Retriever
Scotsman
03-07-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
How Long Dogs Live 2025: Researchers found this is how long 19 popular breeds of adorable dog live on average - including the loving Labrador 🐕
We're a nation of dog lovers, with around one-in-three households including at least one four-legged friend . By far the most popular pet in the UK, they make for wonderful companions, all the while improving both our mental and physical health - and that's a scientific fact. The army of dog owners continues to grow, with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, alongside numerous crossbreeds . Choosing the right breed is absolutely essential – for example opting for a small dog if you don't have much room at home, or a hypoallergenic dog if you suffer from allergies. There's also always the option of adopting a dog from a dog shelter for a minimal fee - for example from the Dogs Trust . There's even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren's book 'The Intelligence of Dogs' ranking breeds by instincts the ability to adapt. Meanwhile, how long a dog lives is partly dependent on its breed - with some far more likely to reach a grand old age than others. Research published in the journal Scientific Reports has used the Royal Veterinary College's Veterinary Companion Animal Surveillance System (VetCompass), a database holding information on over two million animals, to work out the average life expectance of some of the UK's most popular breeds of dog. Researchers took a random sample of 30,563 dogs that died over a five year period to come to their findings. Here's what they found to be the average lifespan of 19 of the most common dog breeds. 1 . Jack Russell Terrier The Jack Russell Terrier was the longest living breed that the study looked at - with an average age of 12.72 years. The cheery wee dogs were originally bred for fox hunting in North Devon. | Canva/Getty Images Photo Sales 2 . Yorkshire Terrier Another terrier takes second spot. Small dogs tend to live longer than large dogs, so it's no surprise to see the tiny Yorkshire Terrier coming high up in this list with an average lifespan of 12.54 years. It orginated in the nineteenth century in - unsurprisingly - the English county of Yorkshire. | Canva/Getty Images Photo Sales 3 . Border Collie The world's most intelligent dog breed, the Border Collie is also one of the most long lived - with an expected life of 12.10 years. Bred first on the border between England and Scotland, it's often very successfully used to herd sheep. | Canva/Getty Images Photo Sales 4 . Springer Spaniel The wonderfully bouncy Springer Spaniel is expected to live around 11.92 years. Before becoming loved family pets, they were used to flush out (or 'spring' - hence the name) and retrieve game by hunters. | Canva/Getty Images Photo Sales
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!
Daily Record
26-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Rugby starlet from North Lanarkshire set to give it a try in the United States
Cailin Lardner has gained a scholarship at Queens University of Charlotte A teenage Scottish international rugby player from North Lanarkshire is set to take up a university scholarship in the United States. Cailin Lardner, 17, who lives in Hartwood, was amongst the forwards named by the Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) for the Scotland Rugby U18 Women's squad for the Six Nations festival tournament earlier this year. The tournament was held at Wellington College in England in April this year. Cailin enjoyed a superb time away for her first caps and played from the start against France and Ireland, and was a replacement against Italy and in a historic win over England. The teenager, who previously lived in Allanton, is a former pupil at St Patrick's Primary in Shotts and has been playing rugby since she was 13 years old. Her talent and hard work led her being offered the opportunity of scholarships at two universities in Miami and Charlotte. Cailin has made the decision to study and play rugby at Queens University of Charlotte, North Carolina. She completed her school studies at Greenfaulds High in Cumbernauld and is now looking forward to starting at the university in August where she will major in Sports Management for her degree. Cailin said: 'I'm really excited to play rugby in the USA and to learn more in a multi cultural environment. 'Charlotte is a beautiful city and Miami is super cool but Queens play NCAA Division One rugby in the USA which would be the equivalent to Super BUCS here in the UK. 'Miami was offering Division 2 for next season so the decision around the course and rugby was easier to make. I've been in the performance pathway with Scotland for almost three years now and have to continue playing at the highest level I can.' As well as moving across the Atlantic, Cailin will also to sacrifice playing international rugby for the time being. As Cailin's dad Steven explained: 'Due to the fact she's leaving the country she'll lose her Scotland Rugby contract for now, but she's still young at 17 and with plenty of time to pick that up again. 'Scotland will of course keep an eye on her progress. 'It's not lost on Cailin or any of us that rugby has been the catalyst for this opportunity along with her studies at Greenfaulds High in Cumbernauld.' While the teenager is looking forward to the move she will miss some of the comforts of home and family. 'Obviously my mum, dad, sister, and my Border Collie Gin will be missed so much along with my wider family,' said Cailin. 'I will definitely miss a crispy roll and square sausage too! 'Queens is a fully residential university and I think coping will be made much easier with roommates, teammates and a strong student welfare culture'. *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
