Border Collie Think 30 minutes walking in the pouring rain is bad? From understanding their behavior to keeping them safe and playing with them they offer advice and research-backed guidance on all aspects of owning a Border Collie. 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. First Border Collies were a popular breed as they proved very effective due to their high energy levels and intelligence making them very fast, agile and able to follow commands. Is Having a Puppy a lot of work? Characteristics of the Border Collie. And to this day, they sure as heck are intelligent and obedient. Im not saying its impossible to have a well-behaved Border Collie as an apartment dog. Generally, these dogs are very obedient, and they need their owners command and acknowledgment most of the time. 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. They really need someone who knows what they are doing to engage their super smart doggy brain. They are intelligent, friendly, and active, but they also Search our database of over 12348 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians. They are full of energy and do wonders as athletic and acrobatic dogs. No, if you are a first-time owner, you will have a challenging time training your border collie. Known as the most intelligent of dog breeds, the border collie can be a devilish fiend when bored. I wonder if its possible to see a quiet personality in a pup before they leave the breeder? If you think their area is secure, think again, because its probably not. What is this? Not only is this proven by massive numbers of Border Collies in show business, but a British Columbia neuropsychologist named Stanley Coren did research and wrote a book called The Intelligence of Dogs He uses trainability and execution of commands to measure intelligence and as many predicted Border Collies came out on top as the most intelligent! Border collies were bred for their intelligence and obedience. While 1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dog If you are a first-time dog owner, there are many things you need to learn about dogs. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. The Border Collie definitely isnt content to be stuck in a yard all day long. If you dont take the time to properly socialize your Border Collie while they are young he can become very shy, standoffish, and possibly reactive. Taking that into consideration, why wouldnt they be a good breed to start with? Border collies are full of energy and need much more daily exercise than most other dog breeds. I am not exercise person but i do cycling. Therefore first time Border Collie owners with at least daily access to a good space shouldnt worry too much about amending their current living conditions. If first-time owners do decide on a Border Collie, it is important to understand the breed first before you bring your new family member home. But my nephew has one and when i visit him she just comes and sits next to me. 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. Problems can include chewing holes in things, scraping at things, and digging holes. 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. Can Border Collies Live In Apartments? At some point in everyones life, the prospect of becoming a dog owner ignites and becomes all-consuming as you decide which dog you should bring into your life. Are you ready to have a dog that is the most intelligent and obedient dog you have ever seen? A: Border Collies are suitable for experienced owners. Therefore, over time, breeders have developed a warm, insulating coat to rival the fleeces of the sheep the breed is known for rounding up. This is when problems might arise when they dont get the stimulation they need. Provide physical and mental exercise to head off chewing problems before they begin. Since theyre also good workers, this makes them excellent for those who want to use them for work purposes as well as companionship. How much exercise does a Border Collie need? Although there are always exceptions to this rule, Border Collies, in general, do not like to cuddle. The athletic abilities of the Border Collie make it excellent for herding or hunting purposes. If you have a small apartment and dont go out much, then probably not. Border Collies originate from the border of Scotland and England and have been used for herding livestock. A Border Collie is an incredibly sensitive dog who will constantly listen to every word you say. Good luck! Border Collies are famous for using the eye staring intensely at members of the flock to intimidate them. Thank You for your support. When Border Collie puppy starts to go potty, praise it for doing its business. However, while the Border collie may be a good family dog, its not good for every family. Still, some people would insist that they have always left their collies that long without issues. As soon as your Border Collie puppy finishes eating take it to the toilet spot and use the words go potty. 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.. There are dogs playgrounds also near our house 10 minutes drive. This is a problem that first time dog owners wont appreciate when they are trying to get to grips with all the other responsibility and commitments of owning a new dog. For example, as seen in the linked video, Border Collies are sensitive and dislike sudden noises like a toaster or doorbell. If you are looking for other information about the education and training of a Border Collie, I suggest you visit the official web page of brain training for dogs, an excellent & easy-to-follow online dog training course. Some would say that Border Collies are not suitable for a first-time owner, while others say it is an excellent breed for a first-time owner. They function best in homes that can provide them with the daily energy release they need. Border collies are intelligent and active, meaning they require a lot of attention and patience on behalf of their owners. Make sure you are able to provide this before getting a Border Collie! Id love to hear how its going! Border Collie puppies tend to have a lot of energy and can exercise for an hour or more a day. They have an inherited instinct to do so because they are designed to work with one person as a team. Yes, Border Collies make brilliant family pets, but will need a home with a large garden where they can stretch their legs regularly. First-time owners can own a Border Collie if Is a Border Collie easy to train for first-time dog owners? If you take the time to introduce them properly over a few weeks, then they will be perfectly fine together. No . A Border Collie is a large, strong dog with a short smooth coat that varies in color. 1. If you dont have the time needed to keep your Border Collie happy you will start to see your Border Collie turn to destructive behaviors to keep themselves occupied. Not all are the same. Their coat is a little different from a sheeps, though. WebOwning a border collie is not easy. But if you rather spend your time chilling in front of the fire reading a good book, dont get a Border Collie! With intense herding instincts (they were developed to gather and control sheep), they are best for active families who head outside often. Thank you for visiting the blog. Without adequate exercise your collie may develop behavioral problems. Use the search! Are Border Collies Good for First-time Dog Owners? HOWEVER, if you are active and know you can step up to this and give them the attention, fresh air, and life they deserve then there is no reason this should not be great for you and a Collie in need of a home and love.Just remember, Border Collies are some of the most active dogs out there, so really does depend on how much youre willing to put in. Border Collies are an extremely intelligent breed requiring both frequent physical exercise and mental stimulation. Border Collies can also have a genetic eye disease called Collie eye anomaly, whichcan lead to vision problems or blindness. Some people love being challenged as it leads to in-depth learning. 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? High energy working breeds like collies may develop separation anxiety if you work long hours and they are left alone often. Staring is often used as a method to get something they want from you; such as some leftover food, to initiate play, or to get your attention. This breed can be intense, and it needs a lot of work 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. Do they usually like cats because we have a senior cat who isnt afraid to smack the dog in their face. You need to be creative with them when training! Affectionate? As they are smart, they need activities that need some mental effort too. WebAre Border Collies Good for First-Time Owners? Here is a list of jobs that other owners have given their Border Collies. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'trainingbuster_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_15',162,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-trainingbuster_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'trainingbuster_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_16',162,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-trainingbuster_com-large-leaderboard-2-0_1');.large-leaderboard-2-multi-162{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}But many of the same hazards associated with your Border Collie spending their time outside can be observed indoors, too. But their amazing coat means that they will stay warm and happy even with minimal shelter in a secure yard. The eyes are usually a clear brown with a soft inner layer around the pupil; this layer gives them an almost milky appearance. 4 worst choice for first-time dog owners would likely agree. 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! 8 Potential Methods, How Do Cats Show Affection? Contact, How To Prevent Separation Anxiety in Collies, Can collies be left alone? Continue with Recommended Cookies, Categories Border Collie, Medium & Large Breeds. My boyfriend and I lives in an apartment with 2 stubborn male cats in Den Haag. The Border Collie is very intelligent. There are small breeds, large breeds, medium breeds. *Thecolienois.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees at no cost to you by linking to Amazon.com. If not, then you may want to consider another, easier breed at first. Ok, picture hiking with your collienow picture your collie dropping their ball down the side of the hill and rampaging after it, tripping over rough terrain and straining or worse, breaking a leg. Which Ones? The Truth about Attachment and Loyalty in Border Collies! DO I REALLY WANT A BORDER COLLIE? Its also wary of strangers, making it a good family watchdog. Manage Settings Now that you know a little about border collies and what they need to live their best lives, the decision is yours. Not all Border Collies bark a lot and you can train them not to bark, but it does take some time and effort. A lot of this does depend in the personality of the dog as well though. Collies are prone to suffering separation anxiety and can become distressed if left alone for long periods. Rough collies require at least two hours of off-leash exercise every single day and lots of daily training and mental stimulation to prevent compulsive or destructive behaviors. Howlingandgrowling.com 2021. 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. ORDER OUR DOG TRAINING AUDIOBOOK TODAY The first 14 minutes of our Audiobook is FREE! As we mentioned previously, Collies never clock off. Two border collies are great company for each other when you cannot be with them. We needed a smart dog that liked being taught commands and complex ideas, that liked running and exercise and which bonded strongly. Collies are more likely than other breeds to develop compulsive behaviors because they are naturally quite obsessive dogs. If your dog keeps pooping in the house, they may have a health issue, or something might have changed in their routine, diet, or home environment thats causing the accidents. Being sensitive and intelligent means pet parents need to make some extra effort to respond according to their psychology and behavior. They will always want to round up anything and anyone who moves, and they may wander or roam, too, if they become very bored. Which dog is best for first time owners: Doberman Pinscher vs Border Collie? A border collie will stare as a way to communicate with you. Border Collies are one of those breeds. The positive in all this is that if a border collie gets the proper exercise/training, they can be beyond wonderful household dogs. I think Ive been to 4 breeders to check them out and each time the dogs come over for a pat, walk around with us and sit with us while were having a coffee and a chat. They are also very sociable and will work well with other animals such as sheep or cattle. Read our Guide to Exercising With Your Collie for some fun ideas how you and your collie can exercise together! The Border collie is loyal and can be good with children. Borgi can range in size from 13 to 18 inches and weigh between 25 and 30 pounds. Most owners of working Border Collies are happy with the dogs friendly natures and herding abilities. 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. You will need to be prepared to spend a lot of time playing with teaching and coming up with activities for your Border Collie to do. Its more work than you think, even for older collies! Shes a beautiful dog, very intelligent, great with his kids, and the perfect herding dog for his large property! It may sometimes be too noisy or otherwise too stimulating for a Border Collie to spend time outdoors. Im adopting an 11-month old BC tomorrow and its not only my first dog as an adult, well also be living together in an apartment. They can get this from learning new commands, tricks, or other working tasks. So, if you love to accept challenges and crave wonders, you can have a big opportunity to learn and enjoy yourself with a great furry friend. Their coats require substantial time and effort and mud easily gets stuck to their long fur which can become matted if not groomed regularly. Collies love to spend time outdoors so if your hobbies already lend themselves to an outdoor lifestyle then a collie could be a perfect option to tag along with you on your adventures. Pets provide a number of benefits to any household such as improving their familys overall fitness, lowering stress levels and helping to provide company that can combat loneliness and improves general mental well-being. Border Collies although easy to train are very high-energy and need Here are some essential tips for keeping your new canine safe: Nicole is the proud mom of 3 rescue fur babies, Baby, a Burmese cat; Rosa, a New Zealand Huntaway; and Mac, a Lab/Mastiff. There are a lot of great qualities that a Border Collie has that can make them an excellent dog, but first-time owners need to know what they are getting into before bringing on the challenge of raising this breed. They are a large, boisterous, and playful dog with the energy to keep going all day long. They can be introverted, independent, and sometimes aggressive to strangers for example with their juvenile nipping behavior. Ill be away for school for 8 hours in the fall so would that be alright? Well collies need at least 2 hours of off leash exercise every single day come rain or shine! Check out our Mental Stimulation Ideas For Collies article for some top tips. Hi, I would love to get a Border Collie. Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. The shedding can be managed by biweekly brushing and regular grooming. 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. But it has to be a good fit for all concerned and should this new companion be a Border Collie? Well, the biggest reason. They are intelligent, friendly, and active, but they also require a lot of attention and training. Before we adopted her we purposefully moved into a ground floor flat right next to 2 big car-free garden areas plus were surrounded by dog parks, so she is usually never walking on a leash unless were going somewhere. Border Collies are intelligent, energetic dogs with a strong work ethic, so they are not usually recommended for first-time dog owners. Start teaching your pup basic training commands at three to four months old. These vet trips will be costly so you will want to invest in some good insurance for your collie to help cover the costs. Currently, there is no solid scientific evidence on the difference between male and female Border Collie temperament. Border Collies are generally not an aggressive breed of dog. The Border Collie Corgi mix can vary in size but usually theyll have the stout appearance of their Corgi parent. In general Border Collies do tend to bark more than other breeds. But since the breed is so intelligent, dont be surprised if your Border Collie teaches themselves to unlock the gate or climb over the fence. But when you put in the effort, they can be the best dogs you will ever own. 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. So a 3-month puppy needs 15 minutes of exercise up to twice a day. A Border Collie may be challenging for a first-time dog owner, but with adequate training and care, it can become an extraordinary pet. Because some say no to me. Dog Breeds That Get Along With Cats But many owners also say that their Border Collie still has a great quality of life in a flat with a nearby park. Collies are constantly on the go and need an owner who can keep up with them! Unless you are sure you have enough time to commit to exercising and training a collie then stay clear of this breed or be prepared for them to make your life a misery as they find the most outrageous (often highly destructive) ways to release their masses of excess energy. sometimes they can be too smart for their own good! Their short coat also means minimal shedding and grooming. 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. Thats because they are incredibly smart, easy to train, and among the most beautiful of dog breeds out there. So, you must ensure you will be able to meet a collies demanding needs before deciding they are the right dog breed for you. During the weekend I would do many activities with her, just the week is a bit tight. 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. Are Border Collies good for first-time owners? This is happening as a result of more and more people moving to urban areas. With proper training by an experienced owner, they can make a good family pet. Border collies are a type of working dog bred for herding livestock. This type of outdoor lifestyle gives Border Collies a lot of exercise per day but they may require extra socialization time. A lot. Collies require a specific positive training approach and they can suffer from traits that are difficult to train out of them without in depth knowledge of the breed, such as chasing cars and nipping. The latter is the fluffy, Lassie-like collie, whereas the former has a sleek, short coat. They are often the first in line on many intelligent dog breed lists. The more time you spend with your border collie, the stronger your relationship will become. Border Collies can thrive in a lot of situations if given the right guidance, but they can also turn into complete disasters if neglected even a little. They are also very intelligent and need much more mental stimulation as well. Which one fits better in the office? You will often see them in dog competitions, agility courses, and sheepdog trials. They are a demanding breed to train as they need consistent reinforcement which requires a lot of time and patience. If you do not want to spend a minimum hour per day simply maintaining a dogs coat, then its best to stay clear of rough collies. I'm an experienced collie owner from Scotland and the original founder of Howling and Growling.