Kelingrbec

14/03/2026

⚠️ Emerging Health Alert for Australian Dog Owners

A new press release from Dogs Australia highlights the growing spread of Canine Ehrlichiosis across Australia.

This serious tick-borne disease is caused by the bacterium Ehrlichia canis and is transmitted by the Brown Dog Tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus). Once largely confined to northern regions, cases are now being reported across much broader areas of the country, with the potential for further southward spread.

Dogs travelling through tick-infested regions - particularly across northern Australia and Queensland - may be at risk. The disease can be severe and even fatal if not diagnosed and treated promptly.

For breeders, competitors, and families travelling with dogs, strict tick prevention and regular checks are essential. Prevention remains the single most important defence.

Please take a moment to read the release below and stay informed. Awareness is critical as this disease continues to advance across Australia.

04/02/2026

It is Neuter Awareness Month 🐾
Neutering your Border Collie: the pros, the cons, and the timing that really matters

Neutering is one of those topics that can feel surprisingly loaded. You’ll hear strong opinions on all sides — “you must do it early”, “never do it at all”, “it will calm them down”, “it ruins drive”.

As with most things in dog training and behaviour… the truth is more nuanced.

Here’s a balanced look at when neutering can help, when it can hinder, and why timing matters so much for Border Collies in particular.

✅ Potential pros of neutering

Neutering can be helpful in the right dog, at the right time.

Health considerations

* Removes the risk of testicular cancer in males
* Reduces the risk of certain reproductive-related conditions
* For females, spaying eliminates the risk of pyometra (a life-threatening uterine infection)

Behavioural benefits (sometimes)

Can reduce hormone-driven behaviours such as:

* Roaming to find mates
* Persistent mounting driven by sexual behaviour
* Intense focus on other dogs when in season
* May help some dogs who struggle to cope with hormonal fluctuations

Important note:
👉 Neutering does not teach impulse control, calmness, or good recall.
If those skills aren’t there already, surgery won’t magically install them.

⚠️ Potential cons of neutering

This is the side that often gets glossed over.

Behavioural risks

* Hormones play a role in confidence and emotional stability
* Removing them too early can:

* Increase anxiety or fearfulness
* Reduce resilience in sensitive dogs
* Make reactivity worse rather than better

For Border Collies a breed already prone to overthinking and environmental sensitivity this matters a lot.

Physical development

Early neutering can affect growth plate closure
This may increase the risk of:

* Joint issues
* Orthopaedic problems later in life

Drive & motivation changes

* Some dogs show reduced motivation or enthusiasm
* For working-bred or highly driven Collies, this can feel like a personality shift rather than a “calming down”

⏰ So… when should neutering be done if at all?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are general principles that tend to serve Border Collies well:

✔️ Wait until emotional maturity where possible
For many Collies, this is 18–24 months, sometimes later. This allows:

* Physical development to complete
* Confidence to stabilise
* Training foundations to be well established

✔️ Train first, neuter second
If your dog:

* Can’t settle
* Struggles with recall
* Is reactive or over-aroused

These are training and emotional regulation issues, not hormone problems.
Neutering first can actually make training harder.

✔️ Consider individual temperament
Neutering may be helpful if:

* Your dog is socially confident
* Behavioural issues are clearly hormone-driven
* Management isn’t realistic long-term

🚫 When neutering should not be rushed

❌ To “fix” reactivity
❌ To calm a busy adolescent brain
❌ Because someone said “all dogs should be done by 6 months”
❌ Without considering breed, temperament, and lifestyle

For anxious or sensitive Border Collies, early neutering can remove emotional scaffolding before the dog is ready.

🧠 The big takeaway

Neutering is a medical decision, a behavioural decision, and a lifestyle decision all rolled into one.

It’s not about being for or against neutering.
It’s about asking:

What does this dog need, at this stage of their development?

If you’re unsure, speak to:

* A vet who understands behaviour
* A qualified behaviourist or trainer
* Professionals who look at the whole dog, not just the calendar

Your Border Collie doesn’t need a quick fix.
They need thoughtful, informed decisions that support both their body and their brain 💚

If this post helped, save it — and feel free to share it with someone else navigating the same question.

Picture of 4 of my dogs Beau entire male, Batman entire puppy male, Sparkles neutered female, Ding neutered male. Each dog was assessed for who they are and a decision made individually depending on their character, mental, emotional and physical needs.

30/01/2026

12:15am. He wakes me up to let me know our boy has a high blood sugar. He’s incredible. Even when he’s sleeping, he wakes up when he smells a problem with our boy. He then hops onto my bed and wakes me up. He beats the Dexcom CGM by 15-30+ minutes consistently!

Being a diabetic alert dog to a little boy is a lot of work and he does an incredible job. But his ability to continue that work at night when he’s sleeping is NEXT LEVEL INCREDIBLE.

20/11/2025

🤢 Hunger Pukes in Border Collies: What They Are & How to Prevent Them

Ever noticed your Border Collie throwing up on an empty stomach, usually first thing in the morning? This is often called a “hunger puke” and it is a common issue in many dogs, including Border Collies.

Why it happens:

When a dog’s stomach is empty for too long, bile and stomach acids can irritate the lining, causing vomiting.

Active, high-energy breeds like Border Collies may be more prone because they burn calories quickly.

Signs to watch for:

* Vomiting bile (yellow or green fluid)

* Usually occurs after long periods without food

* Dog otherwise appears healthy and active

Tips to prevent hunger pukes:

✅ Feed smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day
✅ Avoid skipping breakfast -- a small morning snack can help
✅ Consider a light bedtime snack if your dog goes many hours without food
✅ Always check with your vet if vomiting becomes frequent or includes other symptoms

Border Collies are high-energy, sensitive dogs. A little extra care with feeding schedules can keep them happy, healthy, and bile-free!

💡 Pro Tip: Keeping a consistent feeding routine not only prevents hunger pukes but also helps manage energy and behaviour in this active breed.

- Donna Williams,
Emerald Park Border Collies.

"My mission is to make life better for at least one dog today!"

07/11/2025

04/09/2025

Dogs possess an impressive ability to learn and understand a significant number of words, with studies showing that the average dog can grasp around 165 words. This remarkable skill highlights the deep bond and communication that can exist between dogs and their handlers, making training an enriching experience for both parties.

29/06/2025