About Finley

Finley is a 7 month old (neutered male) Australian cattle dog border collie mix. I adopted him from a family about 2 months ago in hopes that I could provide him the athletic life that he needed. Although I am not a rancher, I thought that hiking and running was enough to cover the hours in the day that I am at school. However, after about 2 months I have decided it is unfair to him to keep him away from that his breed is meant to do--work or learn. I spend the time that I have with him teaching so that his brain can stay active. However, I do not think this is enough for him as when I am away he becomes anxious in his crate. Instead, I think Finely is in need of either a home on a ranch, farm, or where someone works from home but will give him physical activity when not working. He is the lovliest boy, very kind, and constantly has his eye on you for his next cue. He learns incredibly fast (for example, he learned to give me his 'paw' within five minutes of teaching him the new command). I've been throwing in random tricks here and there just to keep his brain active in learning. Finley has wonderful recall, will follow by your side if either on the leash or off. I have taken him with me to a ranch where I pet sit, and as I walk around tending to the animals, he stays beside me the entire time with no issue. In a dream world, Finley would end up on a ranch where he can serve as your second hand man in any chore. When you're ready to head inside and simmer down for the evening, or for a small break, Finley reads your energy and instantly switches to a lazy sleepy boy. He's satisfied sleeping beside your feet, or looking out the window with his head on the sill watching birds but with on intent to hunt. The only part of Finley that I am currently working on is his timid response to strangers. When he meets someone new, I need to hand them treats or his toy so he makes the connection that they're nice. He was initially adopted into a family where the owner stayed homed and didn't socialize him beyond a few people. However, I have actively made it my duty to socialize him whenever I can. He joins me at breweries, outdoor patio seating at restaurants, at kick ball league games, walks in the downtown area of Fort Collins to window shop and watch strangers, and hikes in so many locations that I'm certain many dogs don't have the ability to say for themselves. He goes everywhere. However, I feel Finley would do best in a constant setting where he sees his people daily, works for them, as he's not much of a 'go around and meet everyone' kind of dog because of his timid reaction. However, once you're his, the amount of excitement and admiration he has for you makes you feel quite special. He's a lot of fun and has me smiling everyday at his progress. Please email me if you are interested in learning more about Finley or have any questions about how I think he'd handle a certain setting or task. Please pass on his info if you know about someone in need of a dog his breed.

Larimer County
Fort Collins, Colorado