Archie WILL be LEAVING 😞… 

This is what responsible dog ownership looks like.

Spoken like a true professional. Excellent video

You gave him every chance but at some point you have to do what’s best for your family, the pack and the sheep. I know it wasn’t an easy decision.

A biting dog is a serious problem for your huge working farm I feel you have used your heart, love and knowledge on this dog. This is very positive video! It’s wonderful you’ve shared with us. Seriously, you are really analyzing this situation with honesty. Farmers all over the world would of taken him outside to be shot after biting their wife or livestock. You are a very progressive thinking farmer. You have such respect for your animals. I know this is extremely difficbut it’s because you care❤ whatever happens your fans will still love your posts and see a hard working family loving what they do. PS. DONT look at hater comments & please ignore them. Pure jealousy, not very smart & lonely. Y’all (Texas) are such good people❤❤❤❤ 🙏

I will pray that Archie finds a good home! It’s good that his previous owners are wanting him back. That sounds promising.

I am brand new to your channel but absolutely in love with the work you do. I live in the United States and have a long career of training assistance dogs for people with disabilities. My preferred home dogs are herding dogs, German shepherds, shelties and now border collies. Mine obviously do not have the intensity in them that your dogs do, but that makes me appreciate what you do with your dogs all the more. Having said all of that, I feel like you are over apologizing for your decision. Training service dogs has taught me that you can't put in a dog something mother nature has not. I have had two instances where I've had to put dogs down after long periods of attempted rehab because of aggression. Biting an owner is just a line that I won't tolerate, and neither should you. And you should not feel bad about it. Just my two cents. If you can find Archie a place to be safe and content that is great. If you can't then it is better he not be here then to end up in a very very bad situation due to things he has no control over. I appreciate you having the courage to put yourself out there and take the time to explain your reasons to others, but honestly you don't need to. You know what you know, you obviously are very experienced in your area of expertise, and you do not owe an explanation to anyone.

I don't think you could have been more fair to Archie and you have gone to great pains to find the best solution for all. Thank you for being such a kind, honest and responsible human being.💕🐾

Only dog in the house sounds good. You are a great sheepman. You and your wife make a lovely couple. I love your story and your dogs! God bless!

I know you will find Archie a good home. You have a great heart for all the animals around you.

Thank you for telling the truth. ANY DOG THAT BITES LIKE THIS IS ALWAYS GOING TO BE A LIABILITY

That sounds like a good decision for you, your pack, and ultimately, for Archie too. Good on you for giving him a shot. All the best to Archie with his future home.

You are doing the best for Archie. My BC couldn’t careless about sheep, she loved doing flyball. ❤ She was from a BC rescue , at nine months been in four different homes then to ours until she passed at ten. Miss her every day ❤️

I totally agree with you. I owned an Australia Shepherd mix. He was very protective of me and needed a job. So I made him head of security for my garden. He kept the squirrels out of my garden. I knew someone who had a flock of sheep. I let him go herd them when he was bored. Don’t let the trolls get to you. I know you find Archie a good home.

I'm glad you've explained that some dogs are not suited for some things. The majority of people insist there are no bad dogs and that it's all bad training or a lack of "love".

You don't need to convince us to accept your professional opinion. We trust your judgement to do what you need to, and admire your wholistic concern for running your home and business. Love your channel, it is always interesting, and takes a LOT of planning, editing, posting ... ALL appreciated. Good work, Sean, from a subscriber in Elgin Illinois, near Chicago.

I think you are absolutely doing the right thing.

You are doing the best for everyone. God bless you 🙏 ❤️.

I'm in Texas, and have used Border Collies for chore dogs on cattle for several decades. As with sheep, cattle have several potential jobs for a grippy, aggressive dog. Here, I needed dogs with finesse and recall on my registered Angus cattle. On my husband's rank Brahman/hereford/angus crosses, though, I needed dogs that would never back down and that would hold a rank bull or cow on point while the horsemen (cowboys) did the pushing and grouping. An experienced cowman with rank cattle in heavy brush country could train Archie for that very job. I hope he finds the right situation. Many of his transgressions are due to age and lack of appropriate early correction, (no negative reflection on your nor on his former home), and could be overcome with the appropriate situation. He needs an experienced cowman with rank cattle - not cattle that come to a feed bucket... Best, SB

In Australia we have a show called Muster Dogs, kelpies working cattle and/or sheep. One dog wasn’t suitable for sheep (nipping etc) and ended up going to another trainer working cattle. Brilliant outcome. This dog was exactly suited to working bulls and semi-wild cattle.

As a German Shepherd girl (#6 in my lifetime!) the fact that Archie seems to have an unstable character is very concerning. (pulling Stacey off her chair in your absence put my antennae way up!) Obviously the pack have already clued into his character. You've made a hard but necessary decision. He needs an experienced owner--a benevolent dictator!--and no other pets or children.

Excellent analysis and explanation. You're doing what's best.

That is a very mature decision. He can find a new place to be loved I am sure. He is beautiful dog!

I think you’ve assessed the situation carefully and from every angle and made a decision in the best interests of all. It’s very unfortunate that Archie has the issues he has but you’ve done as much as you could at this point. I’m sorry you had to make such a difficult decision.

You are exactly right. You know what you are talking about

Poor Archie. Thankfully you know working dogs and what can be done with them. Hopefully Archie's new home/life will work for all.

Sean, you have obviously agonized over Archie's welfare, and I feel for you. Happy First Anniversary tomorrow the 18th. Have a restful, peaceful vacation, safe journeys. Love you all 🐾💚🐾💚🐾

You’ve explained the issues with Archie very well and I fully understand the problem I hope you find a good solution. Good luck Sean

This life with working dogs and sheep herding seems quite complicated, totally out of my realm, and something I never had any knowledge of. Thank you for providing this information. I felt some sadness and anguish watching this video, but business and safety must come first. You'd be remiss if you acted solely based on your emotions for salvaging one dog at the risk of losing so much else. You have maturity and common sense and I congratulate you on doing a good job, making the right decisions, being responsible for family, dogs, sheep, and your income.

I appreciate your honesty and candor in such a difficult situation. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and so much about how you approach your work with the dogs.

It speaks volumes of your compassion that you have considered so many aspects of Archie and the situation. Well done. It may have seemed logical to me when you outlined the issues, but you were at the coal-face. After all, he's a collie. You have lived with him, trained him and worked with him. That forms a hell of a bond. I'll bet you have missed him a bit since he's gone. (I'm just a BC pet owner.)

I've seen cow dogs fail out of cowboy school but fit in perfectly elsewhere and with all your effort that'll happen for Archie too! Your matter fact, detailed explanation will surely help those that may not easily understand! Have a lovely holiday, a very happy Anniversary, & loads of best wishes to all y'all! Cheers!

I think that you're making a responsible decision. I respect that you are also making sure he has a stable environment going forward.

you're doing the right thing for your family and for your livelyhood. i also love that you take a situation like this to talk about the breed so people can understand that bordercollies aren't just a dogsport toy. thanks for sharing this part of your dogs story too ^^

words of wisdom right there - I work in the canine industry, and you would not believe how many inqueries we get from people with out-of-control Border Collies. the issues you describe are extremely common, every single one of them.

I appreciate the care and thoughtfulness you bring to your situation. You understand that just because Archie isn’t “right” for your use, he’s a fine dog with worth for someone else. These are hard decisions to make, but it’s important to make them for the best interests of the dog and your needs and the needs of your team. I’m confident you’ll do what’s best for Archie as you maintain the happiness and health of your team. It’s never easy, but that’s why humans get the big brains and, if we’re lucky, big enough hearts to do the right thing🥰

You are wise and have much compassion. I don't doubt that Archie has a place in this world and you will help him find it❤

That was a difficult but well thought-out decision. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🐾

It is such a difficult situation for you and Stacy. I'm so sorry. I hope he was able to find a good place, especially back with his former owners. Lots of love to Archie! 🐾 ♥

Sorry about Archie. Cohesion in working dogs is a must and I support your decision.

Well said. Good luck Archie❤. If it’s possible please keep us updated on Archie’s future. Bless him not all of us is perfect and little Archie will overcome his obsessions; shadows and reflections. I sometimes try and bite my own reflection.

As the owner of a Border Collie mix who has some issues due to previous owner neglect, etc, I can understand your decision. Poor Archie - rejected by the Pack is the worst of news for him! I do understand pack rejection is a major danger to the rejected dog. Archie needs to be the only dog in a house it sounds like. I do believe you're doing your best for him. Sometimes none of the answers are easy.

Much respect to you for putting everyone's safety in front. I am sure you will do what is right and safe for all concerned

This was a very heartfelt analysis. I’m sure it can’t be easy to give up a dog you love but, it’s in everyone’s best interest. Good job. Good luck Archie

You’re doing the best for your family, your flock, and the dog as well.

Sean, I can feel how hard this is, and I know you are making the right decision for Archie & for your entire family. We rescued a Border Collie who had severe joint issues ( so minimal running was recommended) He’s been a lot of work. He’s lovely now, but it took multiple years to train him out of some behaviors. ( he had repeatedly nipped the baby of the family that had him first) When we adopted him, we were two fit, empty nesters but after 5 years… we were grandparents. And that behavior was watched for & stopped, first by gates, then by multiple people working with him to realize babies are not meant to be herded. And we never left him alone with her. She’s 5 now & they adore each other, nipping is not an issue. He’s such a loving dog, truly wants to do the right thing & has needed so much intellectual stimulus. While we love him & the hardest work is done-- I would not adopt another BC. I don’t have that kind of focus left in me to do one right!

Glad the sheepman realises that shutting him up is not the solution. Hope Archie finds a good home.

You are being very honest with yourself and about the situation! I would do the same thing.

It's alright. You did the right thing. It's the best, sensible, and most responsible outcome for both you and Archie. He may not be cut out for fields work, but he sure will bring love to a household and the family. Don't feel too bad about yeh. :) On a brighter note, I like how Kate and Monty(?) try to sneak in the camera as well. And the blooper at the end. Keep up the great work and do take care on your vacay! You deserve it. Cheers mate! 😁

Great effort with Archie. You must do whats right for you & yours. Best wishes for Archie. Cheers!

Tough conversation. Thank you for your honesty. This example applies to anyone taking in a new dog. One does not always know what they are getting into. Best you, yours and Archie.

It is a very difficult thing to be sure to have to re-home a dog. You explained the situations and hazards of keeping Archie on the farm. As an older woman who is disabled and vulnerable, I cannot imagine being pulled out of my chair by one of my dogs. Very chilling. I appreciate how you explained everything and know that Archie will be able to find the right situation for him and his future owners. God bless you and your wife and dogs and animals. I just love to see you working your dogs. ♥️

I admire you for getting Archie à new home. You have to do what is best for all.

A very open honest video, as a trainer however there are many things that have to be taken into consideration. You now have a dog with a bite history and that will need to be managed massively. Potentially the problem is being passed on. So a lot of consideration will need to be taken into account. There will be many out there who think they can sort this dogs issues out and their ego may get the better of them. The dog will need strict management, strict rules firm boundaries. The dog will need to be communicated in a fair justifiable way that his behaviour is unacceptable. It will be an uncomfortable journey. This is something no cookie is going to fix. One question has he been checked for any neurological.

It's great that you're doing your best for Archie. Pls update when he's rehomed and hopefully they will send you updates after he settles in.

I know it's not easy, but you chose the right decision. You're a good man, my son!

Tough love! So hard, but clearly the right thing.

You are doing what is best for him.🐕

I applaud your decision and can tell it’s weighed heavily on you. I’m glad you’re not just giving up on him and putting him down! God Bless you and your wife and the outlook will be good for Archie! Love your dogs and your beautiful land. This is fascinating to me who knows nothing about this business! I’m looking forward to leatmore! Thank you!❤

Sweet and sad at the same time! The dog comes first! ❤ 🦘

I respect your decision. You have to be able to make the right choices for your family and your employees (dogs). Is Archie young enough to reverse his bad behavior? I feel so bad for working dogs that are adopted into a house that does not know what they need. Great work!!❤

Your dogs are your work, so of course if he can’t be part of that he needs a different place. Completely understand. As usual you explain things very well

I am impressed with your sense of responsibility an sensitivity.(I'm sorry if that sounds condescending! ---such is not my intention.)

Love your honesty and believe you making the right decision and agree with everyone else commenting here.

I have border collies. I am in the USA it's hard to have them, depending on where you live. we have 4 acres. not much land. But we make due. Ours are inside a lot. They sleep in the house and are left in the house when we leave. They are very wanted here so we do that so they will not get stolen. We had a border that wasn't what we needed. We loved her, but she needed to be with a real shepherd who could give her what she needed. We did what was best for the dog and us. I know she is o.k. where she has gone, we didn't need anyone to get hurt. I was the only one who could handle her, so it wasn't a choice. you just have to do what is right,and you have. Good luck, your smart to do what you did. Love your videos. p.s. we have been told she is getting ready for trial work. So it was a good decision.

You are being wise in your decision. Thank you for being so thoughtful in your decision making

I think you’re doing the absolutely best (and responsible) thing for Archie. It sucks, but it’s the best thing for him and you all. Any idea where the light fixation comes from? My first thought was his eye sight might be slightly off

Heartbreaking but completely understandable.

I can tell how painful this is for you. It is heartbreaking for me and I'm not even directly involved. Of course we trust your judgment completely! Thank you for being so open and honest about what is happening. Archie is lucky to have you looking out for him, and I am sure he knows that. Wish I could say more...😢

You are going to be a great dad!👍

So fascinating. I'm so glad I subscribed. Best wishes and God Bless you and all your doggy family❣

Wow. I admire and applaud you for all the work you put into your family, your animals, the training. Being honest and real and understanding that sometimes we cannot provide the forever home for a pet but instead a safe place for a pet with additional training / re-training, desensitizing, etc until the next steps can be provided in a different home. Kudos to you.

So refreshing to hear Seans advice on border collies or any working breed, thorough research & being realistic about the commitment involved is essential when considering owning any working breed ,especially borders. Also, I think Sean is right to find Archie a new suitable home and has been honest & realistic about the situation. Wishing you success in your search for a good home for Archie ❤

You're a good man, cousin. Wise too.

Seeing this many months later--hope he's in a good home situation now. Someone who could get him into agility would help him use his drive and energy without risking livestock. Border Collie's are the number one agility dogs in the U.S.

With working dogs, they have to be able to do their jobs.🐕 Some just aren't trainable for work they need to do.🐑 Do not look at this as your failure, you tried your best. Since Archie needs extra training and work, it's understandable that you have to let him go and you are looking for a good home for him.👍🏻❤🐕🙂 I worked in the RCMP (the Mounties). 👮🏻🇨🇦They have their own facility to breed and train dogs for all types of police work such as search and rescue, finding drug and explosive materials, as well as taking down criminals. They have had to (flunk out) some dogs for being way to friendly and some didn't have the stamina for the hard work. So don't feel bad, you are doing the best for Archie but also for yourself and family and dogs.❤️🐕🐕🐕❤️ Working dogs bred to work have to do their job. There is a dog that trained as a guide for the Blind, but he just couldn't adjust to the owner's needs. She felt so bad to let him go.😪 The Training Facility took him back and are now training him for a different time of canine assistant. (If you know, this was Molly Burke and she has her own channel).

Hi Sean, love your videos, they remind me of ten years spent living in Keswick and walking the fells with my beloved Border Collie Skye. I brought her back to the US with me, because she had such extreme fear aggression, I am sure nobody would have kept her. Concerning Archie, I have the greatest respect for your logic. So long as Archie is found a kind and responsible home that would provide the time, knowledge and pay for training help if the owner could not deal with it themselves; I think it is best to re-home him, especially as you have a baby on the way. And, normally, I am never in favour of rehoming animals, because I consider dog ownership a lifetime, comitment. You're a good lad!

Bravo pour ce que vous avez fait pour Archie, il n'est visiblement pas apte au travail à la ferme ni à la vie en meute, peut être qu'en chien de famille avec des gens disponibles qui le dépensent et lui donnent des activités mentales, il sera plus heureux et à sa place. Bravo pour les explications que vous donnez, on voit que ça vous fend le coeur parce que vous êtes attaché à l'animal, il faut aussi dire la vérité.

Hi, new to your channel...My family are from Spain Spanish/Basque. sheep and cattle ranchers/farmers in central and northern Arizona..USA I spent many summers herding bands of 2500 at our northern ranch 45 miles from town...I love watching your videos and will be a faithful follower...

You are a kind and caring person. This is a difficult decision, but one that had to be made and Archie is not a good fit for you, your wife, and your pack. I'm very proud of you, and placing him in a better situation is what needs to happen. Not all animals are right for every situation, and it's no ones fault it's just how things are sometimes. You have made the right decision for all of you, and that's what's important.

Sean you say you’re not a dog behaviourist but you are a professional, intuitive dog owner and handler and certainly understand collies and the working situation. Thanks fir sharing

Your dog's are your tools Sean great video. Keep up the great work

Excellent video. I just wanted to chime in on your advice about folks getting a Border Collie. I had one, absolutely wonderful dogs, loved mine. One caveat though, these dogs are not like others. They are a serious commitment to help channel their way over the top energy. If your thinking about the odd daily walk… then you and your Border’ are going be miserable. They need constant stimulation and exercise. Great, rewarding, affectionate pets. But research as noted is needed before making them part of your home.

Thanks Sean, hope Archie gets the time and training he needs

Collies are wonderful dogs, we've owned three, but the down side is they can be prone to neurological problems.............our tri coloured Lucy reacted to loud noises and at times wouldn't leave the house, we did a lot of work with her and she did improve but be aware if you are buying one.

🙏🏻 Archie 🤞 💗 Sean and Stacy 🐑 Kate, Echo, Storm 🖤 Bon Voyage 🥂

😢 hope Archie finds a good forever home, probably being a home dog rather than a working dog.

Hope Archie found a good home on a nice Farm 💪❤️🌟

My daughter's dog could use your training! She's a dog that loves to bark eek ! Some dogs do have behavior issues that could take a very long time to work out. It shows how much you want a good home for him and agree with you !

Kudos to your wonderful perspective. Please update what happens.

Sean, I think most of us just want REAL in videos. Positive or negative. You must make the decisions based on what you believe to be best on the time. You have to. Btw. I love watching these collies work. I have had border collies my whole life snd just lost Cinch, my last one. I am getting too old to give a pup the time it needs now. But man do I want another one. Thanks for letting me watch your dogs work. I miss it so much. Btw it’s very hard to see your merchandise at the end of the videos. I would like to send you a Christmas card. Any safe address?? Thanks

I know you posted this a year ago, but you have pointed out why I didn't get a border collie. My yard is too small, and my energy level is too low for such an active animal. Do hope Archie found the right home and is becoming the best dog he can be.

BCschave a VERY specific approach and personailty. It is a GROOVE that is cut deep and cannot be changed. I know a breeder who says, "Don't EVER expect to change your dog. All you can hope to do is tge WORK WITH his personality, temperament, and the natural way he WORKS. Otherwise, you'll ruin the dog and likely make him neurotic."

Hard to deal with but you are absolutely correct.

Well said, Sean.

Very well said. Not only is it best for your family, the sheep, and the other dogs it is also best for Archie.

You are an amazing person. You are looking out for your wife, yourself, and your pups. I wouldn't have a dog that bites. I got a rescue dog who looked identical to a border collie. I think he was part Malamute, part Husky maybe and definitely border collie. It took several years to get him to stop herding us when I would cut him loose on my mom and dads 5 acres. He would circle us and nip at our heels he wanted us squished together. He never ever bit he absolutely loved people but he was a definite Alpha male. My mom had a German Shepherd named Annie and they basically grew up together and both lived til they were 13. :( I miss them. We'd throw a deflated soccer ball in the pond and they would swim out and get the ball. Dexter was 117 pounds at his highest weight so you can see why I know he has something other than border. The boy was huge! And all i wanted was a lap dog! He was the mouthiest dog on the planet too. He AWAYS had to get the last word in. I really miss our conversations lol. He was a one in a million and gosh we loved each other. I'm gonna cry now.

We're all behind you Sean, good of you to take the time to explain

You have to do what you have to do. Proud of you two. You have work to do and don't have time.

Good decision, Sean. 😊

Discipline is not punishment.