Oslo

CBCR courtesy lists dogs for individual owners, other rescues, and shelters wishing to place their Border Collies or Border Collie-mixes themselves. These dogs are not in the CBCR program. CBCR does not warranty any of the information provided about the following dogs. Should any issues arise, CBCR will not be held responsible. Fees requested and policies may differ from CBCR.

Oslo is a 7 year old loving, energetic and intelligent pure bred Border Collie with a touch of anxiety. He is laser focused and relentless while fetching a ball during playtime, and craves human interaction and direction. As is common with Border Collies, Oslo exhibits some bad habits (jumping up on guests, barking, chasing our cat, etc) which could be rectified by an owner who is experienced with high energy working breeds and who has the space and capacity to give him the mental and physical stimulation he needs. Though he is 7, he picks up skills very quickly and has a very strong herding drive.

Oslo is fully housebroken and neutered, comes when he’s called, and responds to sit, lay down, and spin commands. Oslo is prone to a bit of anxiety. When he was younger there were several incidents of aggression where we were bit. This was likely due to our inexperience with the breed while initially training him, causing him to develop some defensiveness. Things turned around significantly when we were able to work with the combination of a reputable trainer and a Prozac prescription, and we have not had a single incident in the last 4-5 years. He is still defensive around his meals, but it’s all bark (mostly when he sees our cat near his food) and no bite; I am able to reach to take his food away with no issues. As with his previously mentioned bad habits, his aggression is nullified with the right environment and stimulation.

The right home for Oslo would have at least a good size yard for playing fetch or a property on which he can be trained to work, and caretakers with active lifestyles who are experienced with working breeds.

Interaction with other dogs:
Though he’ll get protective when he and another dog are on leashes, Oslo is generally good with other dogs, for example in a neutral environment such as a doggy daycare. The only concern would be if another dog wants to “play fight”, or interfere with him while he is playing fetch. He gets frustrated by play nips from other dogs and in the past has shown some aggression to let another dog know when they don’t let up. He plays fetch with other dogs well too, except for when a dog tries to take the ball directly from his mouth, chase him, etc. He does not have any guarding issues if another dog gets the ball instead of him, or takes it from in front of him while he is waiting for it to be thrown. In short, he likes his personal bubble.

Interaction with children:
Oslo’s herding drive does not translate to herding/nipping at children as I’ve heard is sometimes common with the breed. He has shown no signs of aggression with our toddler, however we watch closely to make sure kids don’t invade his personal bubble unsolicited. Oslo hasn’t shown aggression towards children, however he also doesn’t really acknowledge them either, which (as with many dogs) can lead to knocking over young children by accident by simply not noticing them. Oslo would likely be a fine fit for houses with children older than 3 or 4.

Interaction with cats:
Oslo’s herding drive does translate to trying to herd cats, but it varies based on the cat’s temperament. We have two cats; one is confident and adventurous and who brushes off Oslo’s nagging, so he stops trying, the other cat is reserved and reactive to Oslo, thus he rarely gives a moment’s piece. Outdoor and/or independent cats may do just fine with Oslo, but chances are he would be better off in a home without cats

Does the dog have any medical issues?
No

Does the dog have any history of aggression such as growling, lunging, snapping, or biting any adult or child?
Yes (see bio)

Does the dog have any history of aggression toward other animals?
Yes (see bio)

What is the reason for re-homing?
Unfortunately we do not have the living space or time to provide the mental and physical stimulation which Oslo requires. Furthermore, we have one young toddler and another baby on the way, so sadly our available time to dedicate to him will only decrease over the coming months and years. We also plan to change our living situation soon, and the chances that we will be permitted to have dogs in our new location is low. We love Oslo very much, but have come to terms with the fact that finding him an appropriate home and caretaker is in his best interest.

Oslo is located in Charleston, SC. For more information, contact Zach at zachary.bedell@gmail.com or 703-403-2066.