Quotes from Barbara Sykes

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.

Border Collies need stability, but they don't have to have routine – in fact, once in a routine they can become quite demanding

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.

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.

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.

A young dog under pressure will make mistakes and pressure on a dog is usually caused by an impatient handler.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.