She was born on a farm near Bures in Suffolk and it was intended that she should become a real working dog but something went wrong with that plan and she ended up with us. With her early months spent on a farm her habitulisation period included sheep, chickens and horses but did not include such things as vacuum cleaners and butchers shop awnings. She still avidly tries to avoid these very scary objects.

Wheelbarrows, on the other hand, are well known to Connie. And their obvious purpose is to transport her from one end of the garden to the other. No training was required just a quick 'ok' and she's in there like the Queen of Sheba in her carriage. Perhaps it is this familiarity with open-air transport that let her to take to boating with such ease on a recent family holiday. Connie loved the boat, spending much of the time happily looking out over the water and hoping in and out with ease. Ducks were obviously very interesting at that close range but she did listen and did not try to get any closer.

Connie thoroughly enjoys these holiday trips and the discovery of new walks, woods and paths. And of course lots of new friends to meet, impress and be fussed by.

Another good indicator of her temperament is that rabbits are also something to be cautious of and are only to be chased when there is absolutely no chance of actually catching them. Connie will stare them into motion and will only start running when the rabbit is safely on its way to its burrow!

One habit that Roy, as a trainer, has found more difficult to stop is Connie's tendency to lie on her back in front of anyone and everyone she meets. A beautiful dog inviting you to rub her tummy is quite irresistible for adults and children alike, and the positive reinforcement Connie gets for this behaviour keeps it going. In fact this is an example of Connie training the rest of the world! By presenting an unthreatening and frankly cute characteristic she has trained friends and strangers alike to respond in a way that pleases her, giving her attention and affection. It's only by removing the effectiveness of this technique that Roy will succeed in stopping it - if he can only persuade the rest of the world not to respond to this very effective ploy!

Since the death in 2002 of Bella, another collie who lived to the ripe old age of seventeen, Connie has shared the family home with two cats. The relationship is cool, but tolerant, with the cat's disdainful attitude (and occasional quick slap on the nose from the cat!) quickly teaching Connie that these are animals best treated as friends and not to try to order them around too much.

This dog trainer probably doesn't train his dog as much as he should but excuses that by insisting that he needs to see what the average pet owner can and should be able to achieve. Connie fulfils that roll admirably in this household and hopefully will for many years to come.