A Weakness for Dogs: Memoir of a Life with Border Collies chronicles over three decades of immersion in the world of Border Collies—from the author’s first encounter with the breed as a novice handler and urban dweller to becoming an accomplished trainer, breeder, and competitor in sheepdog trials across the United States and Europe. Through vivid reflections on the joys and challenges of working with these remarkable dogs, the narrative explores the deep bond between human and animal, highlighting each dog’s unique personality, instincts, and talents. It delves into the art and complexity of training and trialing, examining ongoing debates about the primacy of instinct versus handler control and the nuances of judging in competition. Both an engaging personal journey and an insightful guide, this memoir will captivate Border Collie enthusiasts, animal lovers, and anyone curious about the centuries-old partnership between shepherd and dog.

About the Author

A retired historian of rural Britain, Albion M. Urdank taught at UCLA for 34 years before retiring in 2019. His scholarly work includes two books on rural Gloucestershire and an article on the history of British sheepdog trials. Born in Los Angeles and raised in New York, he earned a Ph.D. from Columbia University. A chance encounter with Border Collies after a divorce sparked a lifelong passion that led from novice handler to international competitor, representing the U.S. at the first World Sheepdog Championship in Ireland in 2005. The author now lives on a small ranch in Nuevo, California, where he raises sheep and trains Border Collies.