Byronandseren
Member
Firstly, this is my first post so I apologise if I have posted in the wrong place. I joined the forum to see if anyone can advise me on my huntaway border collie mix boy 8 months. I don't have a farm, I bought the dog as a pet and now feel this may have been a mistake, though I bought him from a farm and they seemed satisfied I would be OK as an owner with a large garden and another dog (collie) who I walk every day it should be OK for him. However this dog has such a strange character, he is deeply rebellious and apparently untrainable as a pet. He also has far more energy and need to run around on acres of land than I can provide. However my main question is about the character of a huntaway (he is only one quarter huntaway). Are they generally very headstrong rebellious dogs? He is also physically difficult, very strong and jerks his head and body about all the time meaning I get bruises when I try to stroke him. He understands commands but will not obey them, for example I try to get him to lie down before I will give his dinner. He lies down then gets straight up again, this is repeated several times till he very grudgingly lies down angrily. There seems to be no willingness to please me. My BC is totally different, she always wanted to please me, very easy to train and teach and therefore makes a much nicer pet. I can't even give this dog a cuddle or stroke, he pushes his body into me or his legs, he is very strong and I get hurt by him every day. He also treads on my feet. He seems to want to make contact with me but not in a nice way. He won't move if I ask him to, he stiffens his body up and he is very heavy. Not sure if these are normal huntaway traits, or if it is teenage hormones/rebellion and he might get better? He is not neutered. Any advice is appreciated as long as given kindly. I have considered rehoming him to a working home as honesty not sure it's fair on him to be a pet, the joy on his face when he gets to run freely in a field when I can, is unsurpassable, also the little bit of joy that he gets from trying to herd my four chickens, he looks so happy, he's not being allowed to do what he was made for really. Thank you.