Thank you for your story! I know it can be found in most breeds, it's just I guess in the post I should've asked why others prefer Border Collies over others, why they chose the breed, etc. Its hard to put into words what I meant by a dog that will motivate me, I more of meant like....Someone to be there with me. That's what motivates me. Not exactly the dog itself, but just the company. Knowing I have someone to be with always. Sure I can do it alone, but it's not as fun or motivating as when it is with someone there. Gosh...this sounds really codependent. I don't mean it like that though. It's almost a combination of company, security (as in I'm not as vulnerable- the world is a dangerous place these days) and social input. As I said before, I don't have friends I know that are close to me physically, so I have no one to "hang out" with or go do fun things with. I also have a hard time making friends or finding those around me who have the same interests. Sure a job could help with that, but I am a rather shy person as it is. If anything it would be the other to start the conversation.

I just want a buddy. My buddy is my boyfriend when he's here, and if I had a dog of course she'd still come with us, as he loves animals too. We'd be a small family, so to say I guess. I do know about Borders having biting, chewing, other mouthy behaviors, etc. I think its mostly either lack of execise or lack of sleep that causes it, or they are just hitting that prime teething stage. But I'd prefer that over having to go through the struggle that some other dogs have- learning. Some love it some don't. Certain ones are smarter than others, and I would love to teach my dog tons of tricks and such. Not just useless ones, but useful things that I think would be a great aid. I know it takes consistency as with any dog, but Borders catch on so much quicker and tend to get more enjoyment out of it too. Yes, I do watch Zak George as well. In fact that is another reason I am inspired to consider this breed, as seeing him work with Interia is great and inspiring, especially since he shows the oopsie moments. Your dog seems great! Borders seem to take heavily after their owners, at least from what I've read and seen. But as you said, nature can be just as powerful as nurture. I really like that saying. I get what you mean, definitely. From even a few days with that puppy I realized that I didn't let loose enough, let the puppy be a puppy instead of try to follow strict rules. It partially was on my own fault all the stress I was having, because I felt pressured to do certain things within certain time otherwise things wouldn't go right. I won't make the same mistake again, I don't think. In these last few weeks I have learned so much about dogs in real life experiences, I had dogs when I was little of course but I didn't care for them myself, they weren't my responsibility. Therefore I'm learning so much more now.

A question(s) I shall leave for you; It was hard it seems, but in the end would you say it's worth it? What did you struggle most with? How did it pay off...etc.

Thank you!