Wow everybody, thanks for the worthy advice. I didn't want her to do this forever, but to tell you the truth it almost got so NILIF was some kind of normal course for both of us. She really is well behaved and I think it just went too far for both of us. She does this great one where I taught her to go around behind me and then heel on my left and sit, so she even adds that to the mix when I am going to give her a treat. I think you competition folks call that a "finish"? I saw my trainer do it with some dogs that were more advanced than she and then we just kind of practiced it. Her recall is really impeccable, so overall I am overtraining her maybe. I had NO idea it was a herding dog thing that's common, but obviously after reading these posts, this is so. Too funny! I really need to get some sheep for this dog or something. There is no end to how much she wants to do things...sometimes ad nauseum.
I never intended to show her or compete with her, but as time goes on maybe I should get her into something. To be honest I told her breeder I would consider these things but now that we are good friends and she is so happy with how Tosca is turning out, I told her I lied. LOL. I wanted to move up on that list! Fortunately, she forgives me. Besides, I ruined her ears. But that doesn't preclude obedience competition, and I think I may head that way with her, mostly for HER. She wants the job. I plan to do her CGC in spring and our trainer said she's going to have no problem, so my other thought was going all the way to therapy dog so that she can work hospitals, kids' wards, etc. I know now I can't just let Tosca be a housepet, she craves more. So I will be pounding you guys for more help. Frankly she is better at training than I am. If she weren't so "into" it I am sure she wouldn't be doing as well as she is. Bumhouse, I know about "stubborn" and that too is a Collie trait. Gratefully it's not too often. lol.
I really want to thank you guys for the wonderful things you said about Tosca. She really IS beautiful. But most of all, she really is beautiful inside. She is the best damned thing that has happened to this house in years. I am so proud of her wherever we go, not only because of how people are wowed to look at her, but because her personality is even better than her looks. I had a lot of trepidation about having a dog and whether I was up to raising one right. I was so stupid about training, but there are people right here in this thread who have helped me, not only by reading your words but in PMs as well. And for that I am grateful. To be honest, I am so happy with Tosca that I am thinking a bit about a friend for her this year--perhaps a shelter dog. I have the time and the room and the heart for it now that I see how well Tosca and I are working together.