As a retired RN, lifelong Border Collie breeder, and certified trainer/Licensed Family Dog Mediator, I’ve gathered the most useful tools, checklists, and deep‑dive topics into one Resource Hub for you. Here you’ll find practical help whether you’re preparing for your first puppy, evaluating breeders, troubleshooting behavior, or supporting your dog’s total welfare across their whole life.
These resources are educational and are not a substitute for individualized veterinary, legal, or behavior advice. Always consult your own professionals before making decisions for you and your dog.
PUPPY INFO
Start here if you’re planning, waiting for, or already living with a new puppy. You’ll find preparation checklists, supply lists, socialization plans, and step‑by‑step guidance grounded in experience from real Border Collie litters and modern behavior science.
BREEDER INFO
This section is designed for both puppy buyers and breeders. You’ll find guidance on how to evaluate breeders, understand contracts and health testing, and think through ethics, genetics, and long‑term responsibility from the perspective of someone who has been on the whelping‑box side of the equation.
HEALTH AND CARE
Practical, everyday care information for keeping Border Collies healthy, comfortable, and fulfilled. Topics include vet visits, grooming and dental care, conditioning and fitness, environmental enrichment, aging dogs, and how to advocate for your dog using your lived experience plus evidence based, informed resources.
DOCUMENT LIBRARY
A Library of blog posts with very helpful downloadable checklists, forms, and reference sheets you can actually use. Access new puppy checklists, breeder questionnaires, behavior history forms, and conversation guides you can take to your vet or trainer.
L.E.G.S.® Family Dog Mediation and Total Welfare Topics
Deep‑dive articles and resources built on the L.E.G.S.® model by Kim Brophey (Learning, Environment, Genetics, Self) and a whole‑dog Total Welfare lens. This is where we go beyond obedience to look at who the dog is, what shaped them, and how to meet their needs in real‑world families; and how YOU can integrate this into your every day life.
Recommended Professionals, Services and Books
Over the years, I’ve met trainers, behavior consultants, breeders, and other professionals whose work I respect and whose approach fits the values of Border Collie HQ. The list below gathers those people, services and books in one place so you can explore options that may be a good fit for you and your dog. Please remember our SHOP has products we recommend that are listed there.
Important Notes & Disclaimer:
These recommendations are based on my own experience, professional judgment, and values at the time of writing. I do my best to include only people and services whose approach aligns with welfare‑based, evidence‑based, humane practices.
However, I do not supervise, manage, or control any of these professionals or businesses. I cannot guarantee specific results, outcomes, or experiences if you choose to work with them. Your relationship is directly with that person or organization, and you are responsible for evaluating whether they are an appropriate fit for your dog, your family, and your goals.
Nothing on this page is veterinary, legal, or financial advice. Always consult your own veterinarian, attorney, or other licensed professionals before making decisions about your dog’s health, safety, or care. If something on this page conflicts with advice from a qualified professional who knows you and your dog, follow up with that professional and ask questions.
This list is not exhaustive, and the absence of a person or service does not mean I disapprove of their work. I may update, add, or remove entries over time as I learn more and as people’s availability, methods, and business practices change.
In some cases, I may have a professional or affiliate relationship with a person or service listed here. When that is the case, I will clearly label it. I never recommend someone solely because of a financial arrangement; alignment with welfare based practice comes first.
Trainers & Behavior Consultants:
Josie Byer CDBC CPDT-KA FDM: Josie is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (IAABC) and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed (CCPDT) with over 20 years in dog training, shelter care and focused puppy training offering; Private Lessons, Virtual Lessons, Group Classes, Dog Selection in Salt Lake City, Utah. She specializes in behavior work for active and working breeds, including Border Collies. I recommend Josie for families who need support with big feelings (fear, reactivity, over‑arousal) and want a welfare‑first, positive reinforcement approach. Her methods align well with L.E.G.S.® thinking and realistic life with high‑drive dogs in any living environment, and she excels with dogs and puppies in suburban and city environments. Josie offers very sought after group classes and free initial consultations. She has also worked with my dogs and with whelping/ early neural stimulation. I have a professional and personal relationship with Josie and receive no remuneration for this writing. Find her here: https://www.echothedog.com/services This trainer is calm, realistic and helps you understand your dogs’ specific needs while giving you “real world’ help. I urge you to reach out to her for your dog training needs; she doesn’t disappoint.
Tabor Tiffany: Tabor is a graduate of the Master Dog Trainer program, School for Dog Trainers at Highland Canine Training. Tabor has a solid history of working with animals as a Veterinary Technician and in 4-H and FFA. She acquired her first dog and began training at 9 years of age, cultivating her passion for dog training at an early on. Her love for Border Collies has brought her to her own fledgling breeding practice that she is currently developing with the aid of her Reproductive Veterinarian and some great mentors in the breeding business. This young woman is a true hard working and knowledgeable balanced trainer and new breeder that has established herself from the ground up and it shows in her work! She provides dog training in Group and Private Classes, Search and Rescue Training (incl. SAR private lessons & group classes), Puppy Classes and Board and Train in Rifle, Colorado. You can find her training webpage here: https://highlandcanine.com/dog-training-rifle-co/ Tabor is a personal friend/professional contact, and I receive no remuneration from her. This young professional is here to help you!
Breeders & Breeding Programs:
Midnight Border Collies, Carolann Mickles: Carolann is a long time Border Collie breeder who has produced many great Border Collies for pet homes for well over 20 plus years. She routinely performs genetic and health screenings on her breeding stock and follows industry standard protocols for her whelping dogs and puppies. Her puppies are AKC registered and has, in the past, registered with ABCA. She has helped so many people find the right puppy for them, and she has placed some of her past breeding dogs in wonderful, loving homes as a responsible breeder. I can’t say enough about the positive interactions I have had with her over the years and know, first hand of her love for the breed and her ethical, responsible breeding program. Carolann has a gifted ability to match a puppy to an owner! She has a substantial wait list and is well sought after. If you’re looking for a great breeder and a great puppy, Carolann is a fantastic choice in my humble opinion. She is based in Camano Island in Washington State. I have a professional and personal relationship with Carolann and receive no remuneration for this writing. You can find her on Facebook, or her website here; https://www.midnightbordercollies.com/. I urge you to give her a call if you’re looking for a quality puppy!
Sandstone Border Collies; Sonja Gregerson:
Fable Family Farm, Faith Ventoza:
Rescues and Fosters:
Veterinary Reproductive:
Online Courses & Programs:
Books and Information:
Other Helpful Services (e.g., grief support, sports organizations, etc.):