Dog too tolerant?

[Nudibranch]

I have two collies; a 4 year old rough and a 10 month old border. Both good dogs. Border has always been a bit mouthy but quickly learned not to touch humans. However he is continually up in the rough's face when playing and tbh I think she's too tolerant! Occasionally she gets fed up and corrects him but does allow it a lot.

They have free run of the garden most of the time and it's lovely to see them play but he has just started to see sheep and is gripping so I've taken him off again. He will have to start again in a muzzle and possibly just won't make the grade. Dad is a working sheepdog and mum was bought to work but they ended up having her as a family pet. I wonder if she was too mouthy as well.

I've put a lot of work in to stop him trying to nip the horses with success, but I can't supervise the dogs' play 24/7. I'd rather not split them up as they're good company for one another. But I do want him to stop mouthing at her all the time as it's transferring to stock. He's great in every other way - excellent recall, loyal, checks in for commands, great with kids etc. It's just unfortunate his particular quirk is incompatible with being a good sheepdog.

Any bright ideas other than find him a job as a cattle dog?! I've had collies on and off for 40 years but never had to deal with a gripper before.

 

[Christmascinnamoncookie]

We have the same with Goose, who gets overexcited and mouths Bear. I’m very keen for him not to harass him so he gets removed from the situation, physically picked up and taken away.

It’s unclear from your post which dog is transferring the mouthing to stock. The rough?

 

[Clodagh]

We have the same with Goose, who gets overexcited and mouths Bear. I’m very keen for him not to harass him so he gets removed from the situation, physically picked up and taken away.

It’s unclear from your post which dog is transferring the mouthing to stock. The rough?

As I understand it it’s the border.
Moobli is probably better qualified than me about the stock but my dogs play tug of war with each other with toys but know they can’t with game so I’m not sure that playing does lead to being too hard?
But as for him tormenting the older, it’s not fair. It’s nice that she exercises him for you but it’s not her job. Seperate them and when they are together stop any rough play.

 

[Moobli]

Without seeing him it’s impossible to say why he’s gripping sheep. If he’s only ten months old though he is still very much a puppy and it’s likely just a lack of confidence or he could be frustrated, over aroused, or over tired. If you have an experienced sheepdog trainer in your area I’d recommend getting him assessed. It also may be that he just needs to mature a little before being taken to sheep.
It’s unlikely that his boisterous play with your rough is having much of an effect on his work, but it isn’t fair in your older dog so I’d intervene when things get out of hand, give him a time out until he calms down. When you can’t supervise I’d keep them separated.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

I have very little experience of sheepdogs and our only BC was an easy dog, acquired as an adult.
I'm afraid that it's your job to stop inappropriate play between the 2 dogs and I doubt very much that playing with your older dog is transferring to how he is with sheep. I guess it is one of his inate characteristics, which he may, or may not grow out of.