choosing a pup

Question
We have wanted a Border Collie for 8 yrs and feel that we are now ready to give one the attention one deserves.  We have 4 kids (12, 11, 6, & 3), live in the suburbs and are very active hiking, boating, camping, biking, etc.  I need help choosing a puppy.  I am currently considering 2 females from 2 different breeders.  One is 3 wks and one is 18 weeks.  The older one has not been exposed to children, has lived outside and is already displaying herding instincts.  My question is, is the 18 wk old dog still young enough to become easily acclimated to kids and inside life?  How do I know if she will be suitable for companionship instead of working?  Also, we are on the boat every weekend for 6 mo out of the year.  We will begin boating again in March. If I expose the older dog to water and a noisy boat (at 6+ mo) will he be terrified?  Do I have a better shot with the 3 wk old?  Am I overthinking this?  

Answer
Hello Vicki,

There's no doubt in my mind that you could get the older pup to adjust to your lifestyle.  However, both pups will most likely display herding instincts at some point or another.  Your kids will need to know how to deal with a herding dog that may want to herd them.  Boating should not be a problem for any pup, but like riding in a car, they will have to grow accustomed to it which may take some time.

I think with your active lifestyle, your Border Collie, whichever you choose, will be a happy one.

Ann Jordan
Border Collie Coach
BorderCollieCoach.com