Shy Border Collie

Question
I have an 8 year old Female Border Collie (spayed). She came to me at about 9 months of age, and had been in 3 prior homes before me. She had terrible separation anxiety in the beginning, but has calmed down considerably. We have another dog, a neutered male cockapoo-3yrs old. She has become much more lively and playful since we got him. However, she is not very affectionate. I have never had a dog that didn't want to sit with me or in my lap. She prefers sitting a few feet away. She will follow me around the house and want to "be" in the same room, but usually keeps her distance. She does show love and excitement when I come home from work and is very happy to see me...then goes off to her corner of the room.  I would like some tips on what to do to get her to sit closer to me (like right now as I am tying, she is about 8 feet away laying down with her back to me.) I love her dearly and really this is the only thing I have a problem with. She is very intelligent and obedient. Is there anything else I can do?

Answer
This sounds like normal Border Collie behavior, and is common among quite a few of the herding breeds.  Most are affectionate with their owners for short periods, but they have an inherent need to be "on duty" and alert to any intruders or to the "flock" movements, which is why they seem to position themselves in the household footpaths or doorways - they know when you get up, and can follow you and "be" in the same room, as you put it.
One thing you can try to get her conditioned to accepting more "touch" is to pair it with food or something else that she really likes - with my Aussie, it was a frisbee. Or, learn TTouch. http://www.tellingtonttouch.com/