Fig

Fig was surrendered by his owner after she realized he was more than his college student mom was able to manage.

Fig/Figgie is a trusting, kind, sensitive, and gentle soul who aims to please, loves to be loved, and offers his unconditional love in return.

He’s people and dog friendly. According to his previous owner he was OK with cats and around kids with no problem. He was friendly and at ease with 11- and 8-year-old dog savvy kids visiting his foster home. He greets adult visitors with his cute border collie smile and when they start to pet him, he rolls on his side asking for belly rubs.

He rarely barks in the house, walks well on leash, rides well in the car, loves playing fetch with a tennis ball, having zoomies in the back yard and mental activities like; go find it & doggy puzzles. He’s fully house and crate trained and sleeps in his crate without a peep all night. He’s food motivated and takes treats politely when offered. He’s a rock star when visiting dog friendly stores.

He is perfectly happy to settle and chill after walks and intermittent periods of indoor or outdoor play. He loves to be near his people.

He does have strong instinctual herding drive consistent with the classic definition of a border collie. He runs circles around the resident dog when she she’s retrieving her frisbee, but he can be redirected and never nips. He is respectful of any corrections she gives.

Overall, Fig has excellent recall and after working with him his recall is getting better even when his brain is in herding mode. He responds well to redirection and positive reinforcement especially when treats are involved.

He’s sensitive to loud noises and uneasy during thunderstorms. He looks for reassurance or a safe spot. Like many border collies her reacts to the sounds of lawnmowers and leaf blowers etc. but can be redirected.

His ideal home would be with a family that lives in a quiet area, has herding dog experience and uses positive reinforcement and redirection for training. Preferably his people are home most of the time or not gone for long periods of time. He could be happy as an only dog or living with another dog.