I have studied the traits and behavior of border collies to learn how they expect their owners to behave. I believe another owner will be able to give Ollie a better life than I can. Can a Border Collie be a Lets exclude the possibility that they will spend days being couch potatoes. How Much Exercise Does a Border Collie Need. A Border Collie may be suitable for you if: A Border Collie may not be suitable for you if: Border Collies make amazing pets. Most Border Collies love their crates as they see it as their very own den. If you arent willing to invest the time and cost into learning how to train and teach your Border Collie, then this isnt the right breed for you. But every online search for their personality says the same thing these dogs needs lots of exercise and mental stimulation. Border Collies can double and triple that number. Your Border Collie will be happiest when their day is full. We want to train the BC to do some tricks and simple commands but we dont know if the BC would like the smaller house we live in? Lets explore a few reasons below why collies generally dont make good first dogs. Unless you get a rescue dog that was already trained (housebroken for example), you might reconsider getting a Border Collie. In a nutshell, yes, Border Collies can live in apartments. If you answered yes to all or most of these questions then a border collie might be for you. Collies need fun and interactive training sessions that will keep them on their toes and will work their brains. Border Collies although easy to train are very high-energy and need a lot of mental stimulation. If you have a small apartment and dont go out much, then probably not. Questions to ask your Border Collie breeder before your visit. Great jobs for your Border Collie include water games, puzzle toys, and licking mats. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'trainingbuster_com-banner-1','ezslot_8',161,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-trainingbuster_com-banner-1-0');Theyre no guard dog, but the Border Collie will surely chase away anything that moves, and if they cant access or identify the moving object, theyll bark at it to let you know even at two in the morning. If your Border Collie doesnt get enough exercise they can turn to destructive behaviors as well as whine cry and bark a lot! This breed is characterized by its high drive and intense energy levels. There are two types of collie: smooth and rough-coated. Having a smart dog isnt a bad thing, but you have to make sure that you are smarter! Its crucial, especially for a first-time owner, to research positive training techniques and consider investing in training classes. Collies are built to run miles a day on a farm, so if they dont fulfill this urge, they can become distressed and frustrated. Then there are border collies that need constant training and reassurance that strangers are not threats. This is a true characteristic of their temperament, as they were initially bred as herding dogs. We also have the advantage of living in a dog friendly area, so teaching her indoor manners when going for dinner, etc., has become our favourite sport, and its adequately challenging for her as well! 1. Do Border Collies Like Water? We get out at least once a day but usually more. A Border Collies temperament is cheerful and alert, making it an excellent all-around farm or herding dog. Id love to hear how its going! Doberman Pinscher dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. Maybe they are not as high energy as Im being led to believe? Basic training is easy, but to train your border collie-specific commands and tricks, you require insight into their psychology and behavioral response. ), Samoyed Dog Breed Guide (Quick Links and Information), Require at least 2 hours a day of exercise, fetch things (newspaper, slippers, people), You are a highly active person who loves to exercise with your dog, You have a lot time to invest in learning how to train and care for your dog, You can be creative in coming up with jobs for your dog, You have a desire to teach your dog a lot of cool thing. ORDER OUR DOG TRAINING AUDIOBOOK TODAY The first 14 minutes of our Audiobook is FREE! However, if you lead an active lifestyle and regularly go hiking, running or cycling and can spare some additional time for grooming then a rough collie could just be your perfect first dog. But i want my dog smart, independed and easy to train. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. So, are Border Collies good first-time dogs? 5 Reasons For And Against! My brother has a Border Collie named Nico. What do you think? 1. Border When competing in the official version of this young, emerging sport, Border Collies are tasked with herding light, constantly rolling balls similar to exercise balls that are much larger than themselves. While they might not be the best dogs for first time owners, owners with experience can find them easy to train and eager to please!Which is better male or female Border Collie? It may not surprise you, then, to learn that the Border Collies coat is also just as suitable as a sheeps fleece for making wool. They will always want to round up anything and anyone who moves, and they may wander or roam, too, if they become very bored. 1. There is a reason this breed of dog is used for herding, because they have the ability to concentrate fully on the task in hand to herd sheep no matter what is going on round about them. No, inexperienced owners might find it too much of a challenging breed. Additionally, Thecollienois.com participates in various other affiliate programs (clickbank, CJ, shareasale, impact radius, partnerize, Chewy), and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. You dont necessarily need to live on a sheep farm, but you will need to be prepared with a list of jobs you can train your dog to do. However, this is not always the case. CL. Border Collies require at least two hours of off-leash exercise every day and lots of daily mental stimulation to keep their minds healthy and avoid behavioral problems. You have to be 110% committed to investing your time into training and exercising throughout their lifetime. And its good manners extend to cats as well as people. Can Border Collies Swim? Dogs in general are a lot of work, but certain breeds require more time and attention than others. Their Amazing Origins. It will take patience and obedience training to get them under control which first-time owners typically do not have enough experience of. So, for a first-time owner, a Border Collie will be fine living inside, as long as there are not too many alarming noises. They are also a very intelligent breed. Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. They can be stubborn and need people with some time and patience, and space in their lives. They are often the first in line on many intelligent dog breed lists. If not, then you may want to consider another, easier breed at first. They will be loyal loving companions always at your side, but when it comes to sleeping and resting they generally prefer their own space. The Border Collie is a popular working animal used by ranchers, farmers, shepherds, hunters, military personnel and many others who need high-level herding dogs. Border Collies originate from the border of Scotland and England and have been used for herding livestock. Yes . Instead, the Border Collie is actually a mix of a Roman herding breed and a Viking Spitz-variety herding breed. Border collies make a wonderful companionship in which they love to be with you shoulder to shoulder. To understand what makes collies tick and whether they may fit into your life, we need to go back in time a few hundred years! Some collies do love to snuggle up to their owners. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. Most herding dogs, like those mentioned above, will sometimes nip at a persons feet or heels. Border Collies are best for people with large yards, or lots of property where they can run freely and explore. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Common causes in Border Collies include boredom, stress, loneliness and depression. Let's explore if Border Collies are one-person dogs and are they loyal? Are you considering getting a border collie? Hi! This means you need to exercise them a lot, either with other dogs or with humans. Thank You for your support. Sorry for the late response. You can always spend more hours with a border collie, but two hours are minimum. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. (myth Busting!) Collies are highly intelligent and love to learn new commands and tricks. Whether you are looking for a canine companion, a playmate for the kids, or an adventure buddy, there is a lot to consider before committing to a puppy. If not provided to them, they can become little troublemakers in the home. Border collies are full of energy and need much more daily exercise than most other dog breeds. A Border Collie is a large, strong dog with a short smooth coat that varies in color. Collies are emotionally sensitive dogs and are happiest when they are sleeping close to their pack. The Border Collie definitely isnt content to be stuck in a yard all day long. WebOwning a border collie is not easy. There is no point getting a lap dog if you plan to take it hiking. Because of this, Border Collies are not suited for first-time owners who have allergies or are not used to or prepared for grooming and brushing the large dog. We adorpted them. Border Collies need a minimum of 2 hours a day of exercise. Urinary tract infections, cystitis (bladder inflammation), bladder stones, kidney disease, or arthritis or age-related incontinence could all be causes of house soiling in dogs. There are dogs playgrounds also near our house 10 minutes drive. They can get this from learning new commands, tricks, or other working tasks. Your pet should go for regular checkups with your veterinarian, and pet insurance is worth considering. I still walk him every morning and play ball in the afternoons, but I have never had a problem with him being destructive. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'trainingbuster_com-leader-1','ezslot_7',141,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-trainingbuster_com-leader-1-0');So, if you are a first-time dog owner, these are some specific things to look out for in the breed. Order on Audible US or UK. WebWhat many people fail to realize, even long-standing Border Collie owners, is that the herding instinct is simply a modified version of the killing instinct of wolves. Border collies are intelligent and active, meaning they require a lot of attention and patience on behalf of their owners. For first-time dog owners, which is best, female or male Border Collie? I also have a medium big backyard but behind my house there are terribly huge fields. If you are going to have your collie sleep outside make sure to provide them with a sheltered area to escape the elements. In fact, the parent breeds arent a good Affiliate Disclosure: Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. Border collies possess a near-magical ability to demolish houses, destroy yards and chew through furniture, all before breakfast. Border collies are very smart. But theyd be just as happy outside if this is possible. A Border Collie is one of the smartest dogs out there. Border collies are happiest when they are working or playing, and will These dogs are intelligent, trainable and have many good attributes as a family pet. Without providing adequate exercise and mental stimulation a collie will cause chaos and wreak havoc in your life. Yes . Because Border Collies are so smart they can sometimes turn into little Houdinis, figuring out how to escape any type of containment you may try to enforce on them. A lot of this does depend in the personality of the dog as well though. Border Collies are intelligent dogs that will respond to training from a very young age. Crate training them, playing music while you are gone, and getting another dog are three great ways to help alleviate their stress while you are not at home. First-time owners can own a Border Collie if Is a Border Collie easy to train for first-time dog owners? The Border Collie is a highly adaptable dog, able to thrive contentedly in most situations theyre not just a farm dog. Border collies are sporting herding dogs and they will not hesitate to chase and herd anything that got lose sleds, cows, sheep, golf carts it doesnt matter if you live in the country or not. Two border collies are great company for each other when you cannot be with them. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. This is because they often do not realize the Border Collies have thick double coats of hair. If youre thinking about getting a collie for your first dog, its important to consider their high requirement for mental stimulation and physical exercise and ask yourself honestly if you have the time to look after them. Knowing about their temperament, behavior, grooming and training requirements, and overall care requirements can help you decide if this breed fits into your lifestyle and if you can provide the best care for it. Some dogs may feel intimidated by their herding behaviors or they just dont like another dog trying to control their movements. The Border collie is loyal and can be good with children. Border Collies are generally healthy dogs, but like all dogs, they are predisposed to a few health conditions. Here is a list of jobs that other owners have given their Border Collies. WebAre Border Collies Good for First-Time Owners? So the border collie will be my first dog but my wife had a huge sheep dog when she was young. Border Collies are herding dogs built to run, work hard, and perform demanding jobs for their pet parents. ), see this article I wrote about eating rocks, dirt, and poop, article I wrote about how picky Border Collies are, Border Collie Hair Care (Complete Grooming Guide! However, if this is your first time owning a dog, you may be wondering if a Border Collie is still the best choice. Shes the most chilled creature I ever seen. The first step is to rule out a medical reason, which involves making an appointment to see your veterinarian. They require constant work and care to live their best lives. Collies are more likely than other breeds to develop compulsive behaviors because they are naturally quite obsessive dogs. It says that you are willing to put in the time it takes to be a good dog owner. Border Collies are an extremely intelligent breed requiring both frequent physical exercise and mental stimulation. They are full of energy and do wonders as athletic and acrobatic dogs. If you want to adopt a border collie, and you are confused if the two of you will make a good match or not, you are in the right place. This type of outdoor lifestyle gives Border Collies a lot of exercise per day but they may require extra socialization time. Are you ready to take the time needed to give your border collie the best life they can live? My partner did have Yorkies but nothing bigger and Ive never had a dog, and I must say were happy and loving our decision. On the internet I read that this breed needs a lot of time outside. But their incredible intelligence is also what makes playing with the Borden Collie so enjoyable. If you take the time to introduce them properly over a few weeks, then they will be perfectly fine together. Before making any diagnosis, starting a treatment plan, or otherwise changing your pets diet or habits, you should always consult a professional veterinarian. Training tips concerning attachment are provided. Are Border Collies Good With Cats? Start teaching your pup basic training commands at three to four months old. They function best in homes that can provide them with the daily energy release they need. However, while the Border collie may be a good family dog, its not good for every family. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'trainingbuster_com-leader-2','ezslot_10',166,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-trainingbuster_com-leader-2-0');But at any point, their centuries spent herding can take over and they could start to herd a person jogging past, for example, or a crowd of young children playing loudly. WebOr, check out our article myth busting whether Border Collies are good for first time owners. So yes, a Border Collie belonging to a first-time owner should be perfectly safe and happy living outside most of the time, unless a sound like fireworks or other In general, collies are not an aggressive breed due to centuries of selective breeding to enhance their cooperativeness and intelligence. However, if you have the time, temperament and resources then there is no reason you could not bring a Border Collie home from your local shelter. Border Collies can also have a genetic eye disease called Collie eye anomaly, whichcan lead to vision problems or blindness. Being a first-time dog owner can be both exciting and daunting, and what makes an ideal breed for a first-time owner depends on various factors. A border Collie is unsuitable for a first-time owner that is looking for a low-energy dog or an owner that is never home and doesnt have the time or patience to give this breed the attention it needs. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you and for your best friend. But many forget that they also love cuddling and bonding with their owners, making them the best of both worlds! Some collies are fine with three 20 minute walks a day, while some need as much as a 6+ miles a day. There are dogs that need hardly any exercise and are happy laying around all day. Not all Border Collies bark a lot and you can train them not to bark, but it does take some time and effort. However, the adaptable, easy-to-train Border Collie is now increasingly being adopted by active families as an energetic pet who suits their lifestyle. Pet Keen is reader-supported. But theyre not as suited to living in a small apartment as the Boston Terrier, for example. He's originally from Ontario, Canada and his breeder is from England. Blu is a relatively small Borgi even by Border Collie Corgi mix standards. You can split it into morning and evening routines. The most common issue is hip dysplasia, which can lead to arthritis. Border Collies will take a significant amount of time and energy, but the investment you make in time and energy will be greatly rewarded in a loving and loyal dog! Since they are herding dogs, border collies are full of energy. Is this bad? Owners generally want to maintain a healthy and proper weight for their Border Collie in the range of 30 to 50 pounds. Collies are not a great choice for people who have never had a dog before. For more information about Border Collie shedding and grooming, you can read the article below. Are Border Collies good for first-time dog owners? But either way, a Border Collie has a double coat this is an amazing waterproof and weatherproof type of fur that requires only a little basic care every once in a while. This means that there are so many options out there for you if you might be thinking a border collie is not for you. Their coat is a little different from a sheeps, though. So in some ways, a Border Collie is perfect for a first-time owner, as long as they are prepared to be highly active every day. If you arent confident in your dog training abilities and able to be an assertive yet loving pack leader in your collies life the smart Border Collie will pick up on that quickly and take advantage of you in a heartbeat. A Border Collie will always seek to test boundaries. Highly intelligent and highly trainable, the affectionate and energetic Border Collie almost always comes out on top If you think about their history, Border Collies were bred to run around the fields and work hard each day. They are also very sociable and will work well with other animals such as sheep or cattle. It is usually present at birth and can be detected at 6 weeks. Collies require a minimum of two hours off leash exercise every single day and lots of mental stimulation too. If you answered no to most of these questions, then you might want to keep reading if you are still curious. In family situations this can cause problems when the chosen leader is absent. A Border Collie is perfect for a family, but with older children who can play properly with such a large dog and who are physically capable of handling a dog who will pull on the lead. WebAre Border Collies good for first-time dog owners? Read more about the origins of Border Collies in our feature article here. It is not recommended that you leave a border collie alone for more than 4 hours. Dealing with a highly intelligent breed means theyre relatively easy to train. Like other working dog breeds, border collies have some unwanted characteristics that can be trained out over time. WebA bright, ingenious breed, the Border collie is the perfect dog to be a pet. One of the smartest Border Collies ever, named Chaser has learned over 1000 words including distinguishing nouns and verbs. It is recommended by the American Border Collie Association that if you do decide to take on the care of a border collie, you have to commit to daily exercise and mental stimulation. Because they are so smart Border Collies can be highly reactive and sensitive. This is because they are such an intelligent dog breed that they need to keep their minds focused on a task or else it will lead to undesirable, often destructive behaviors.