Are Border Collies Good For First Time Owners - Gaudog.com Border Collies can also have a genetic eye disease called Collie eye anomaly, whichcan lead to vision problems or blindness. Most herding dogs, like those mentioned above, will sometimes nip at a persons feet or heels. Epilepsy is another common health issue that usually starts between 25 years of age and sometimes requires medication. Welcome to Howling & Growling, my blog about all things collies. They come from the region around the border between Scotland and England. Are Border Collies good for first time owners? (answered!) Its more work than you think, even for older collies! Many people agree that Border Collies are the smartest dog breed in the world. Alex Walker is a passionate animal lover with a special fondness for Border Collies. All Border Collie owners will tell you they are amazing dogs to have! Border Collie: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care - The Spruce Pets They require constant work and care to live their best lives. Highly intelligent and highly trainable, the affectionate and energetic Border Collie almost always comes out on top This means that there are so many options out there for you if you might be thinking a border collie is not for you. Equally, there is nothing worse than owning a working breed if you are just looking for a companion for casual park walks. They were first developed to be a working dog made for herding sheep and other livestock on farms. But when you put in the effort, they can be the best dogs you will ever own. I am not exercise person but i do cycling. This doesnt mean its Search our database of over 12348 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians. This can include chasing flies, chasing shadows, or even incessant licking! While there is no cut-and-dried rule for the maximum amount of time you can leave your collie alone at home, you must not leave your dog for 10 or 12 hours. We are looking to get a Border Collie pup after Christmas. Border Collies are herding dogs built to run, work hard, and perform demanding jobs for their pet parents. Border Collie But it has to be a good fit for all concerned and should this new companion be a Border Collie? For example, as seen in the linked video, Border Collies are sensitive and dislike sudden noises like a toaster or doorbell. It is also used to study and better understand you, in an attempt to anticipate your next move. They will not let you spend the whole day on a couch. Take time to research a breed to ensure its characteristics will fit with your lifestyle. Just look on YouTube, you will see countless videos on the escape of the Border Collie. Border Collies for First-Time Dog Owners (Read This First!) After being bred exclusively to herd for centuries, they are also hard workers who never clock off which can be a problem. Sometimes collies are just too focused for their own good and run after their much loved ball with no regard for their own wellbeing. Are Border Collies Good Apartment Dogs? Read More Here! And to this day, they sure as heck are intelligent and obedient. They are highly sensitive and intelligent breeds. How much exercise does a Border Collie need? For new dog owners it may be a shock to learn just how much of a commitment a dog requires as you are responsible for their health, happiness and general wellbeing. Border Collies are best for people with large yards, or lots of property where they can run freely and explore. 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. Are Border Collies Good With Cats? 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. Instead, you will need to indulge them in an interesting activity that will consume their body and mind. Instead, they will constantly want your attention and involvement. They can also get mental stimulation from toys made specifically for this. Border Collies need a minimum of 2 hours a day of exercise. This all sounds great until the task in hand is chasing a ball. 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. hidden. What if you bring them inside? But if you are the type of person who gets frustrated easily or wants a low-maintenance dog, we would not recommend getting one! 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. 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. If you take the time to introduce them properly over a few weeks, then they will be perfectly fine together. Im willing to put in the exercise, both mental and physical for the dog and training etc. 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. As mentioned in the linked video, they could decide to train you, too. Copyright 2023 | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme, Border Collie spending their time outside. Making sure you choose the right breed of dog for your lifestyle is important. Border collies are very smart. Border That can also mean theyre strong-willed. Are you ready to have a dog that needs to be active as much as possible? One of the most distinctive features of the Border Collie is their long nose, which can be up to Are Border Collies One-person Dogs? If you have a lot of other responsibilities or you are gone at work for a significant portion of your day it could be very difficult to find the time you need to keep your Border Collie occupied. But with a lack of training, exercise, and care, they could be some of the worst dogs you will ever own. ), How to Teach your Collie to Dance (Walk on Two Legs), How to Teach your Collie to Cover Their Eyes (Peekaboo! ), How to Teach your Collie Paw (Easy Step By Step Guide), Complete Guide to Collie Temperament and Personality. Your Border Collie will be a part of your family, and it will be a top priority to keep it safe and healthy. I still walk him every morning and play ball in the afternoons, but I have never had a problem with him being destructive. Collies are prone to suffering separation anxiety and can become distressed if left alone for long periods. And its good manners extend to cats as well as people. Border Collies are generally healthy dogs, but like all dogs, they are predisposed to a few health conditions. There is no escaping, Border Collies can be considered high-maintenance dogs (lets be honest, most of us are high maintenance too!). 1. In this article, were going to look at exactly what it takes to look after a collie, and what type of person a collie is suitable for. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. The tail is mostly uncovered since the dog sits upright while working. They have been a popular breed throughout history with Queen Victoria having a smooth collie among her many canine companions. Collies are some of the most common breeds in animal shelters due in part to new owners not being prepared for the vast amount of time and effort required to look after a collie. Their Amazing Origins. While their past says they should be working dogs on farms, border collies have slowly made the shift into homes. One of the smartest Border Collies ever, named Chaser has learned over 1000 words including distinguishing nouns and verbs. A Border Collie is suitable for a first-time owner who provides adequate exercise, attention, and the love that the animal requires. 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. 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. But is getting a Border Collie a good idea for a first-time dog owner? Are you ready to have a dog that is the most intelligent and obedient dog you have ever seen? Common causes in Border Collies include boredom, stress, loneliness and depression. Q: Is Border Collie good for first-time owners? But you can never train a Border Collie not to herd. A Border Collies temperament is cheerful and alert, making it an excellent all-around farm or herding dog. Border Collie anxiety manifests itself in several ways. In an active family context, this means they need a good amount of mental stimulation, plenty of attention and enough physical activity and daily exercise outdoors. 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. Taking that into consideration, why wouldnt they be a good breed to start with? A good first dog should fit with your lifestyle. My partner and I decided to get a BC in April last year. His experiences have given him an intimate understanding of the unique bond between humans and animals, and he's looking forward to sharing his knowledge and insights with readers. If your Border Collie doesnt get enough exercise they can turn to destructive behaviors as well as whine cry and bark a lot! They have a good deal of herding instinct, which means they need mental stimulation as well as physical exercise each day in combination with training. Border Collie-Dachshund mix combines the best of their parent I found a breeder and Im thinking of getting a border collie. The shepherds who use these dogs will find them to be excellent helpers in their work. Doberman Pinscher dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. If aggressive behavior is displayed, it is likely that something else is up like an undiagnosed health condition or issue. Are border collies a good first dog? Collies really are not an ideal dog breed for first time dog owners, unless your lifestyle is already suited to a collies requirements. Unfortunately, because theyre so focused on their people, Border Collies are another dog breed that might be at a higher risk of developing separation anxiety, says Burch. Collies need fun and interactive training sessions that will keep them on their toes and will work their brains. Border Collies will undoubtedly form a close bond with their owner, and while this is special and so rewarding, a first-time owner needs to know that this may cause them to be intolerant of being away from you. Their sensitivity also requires specific attention to socializing them when they are young. Could you give me some advice, We are getting a Labrador puppy in 2 months and we want to get a border collie pup soon after (4-6 months) but we have never had a dog before. 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. Whether you own a toy poodle, standard poodle, or the larger version, this breed is both hypoallergenic and scores low in the odor department. Collies are exceptionally demanding dogs to live with and have a lot more needs than other dog breeds. 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. This is happening as a result of more and more people moving to urban areas. Golden retrievers are loving and sweet-natured, adaptable, and outgoing. Are border Collies good for a first time dog owner? : dogs - reddit We love to walk to the forest, beaches and in the natures frequently. Collies are more likely than other breeds to develop compulsive behaviors because they are naturally quite obsessive dogs. Yet they need lots of attention. WebAre Border Collies Good for First-Time Owners? In family situations this can cause problems when the chosen leader is absent. I dug in a little further and here is what I found out. No . 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. Are you ready for many walks a day (Or a good amount of time spent playing the backyard)? Lets exclude the possibility that they will spend days being couch potatoes. They can also become sensitive about their food possibly becoming very picky eaters (link to an article I wrote about how picky Border Collies are). Do they usually like cats because we have a senior cat who isnt afraid to smack the dog in their face. Is Border collie ok with us ? Welcome to Muddy Noses, where Alex and family share their passion for Border Collies. A Border Collie needs lots of activity, but not necessarily big yard. Think that will never happen? Border Collies are generally not an aggressive breed of dog. 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. These dogs need plenty of exercise and mental enrichment to stay healthy and happy. Its also wary of strangers, making it a good family watchdog. This is because too much running and strain on their joints as a puppy can lead to joint issues in later age. Indulge your border collie in fun activities to make them feel relaxed and happy. Border Collies have a lot of appeal to potential dog owners. If you lead a very active lifestyle that you can incorporate your Border Collie into then this may not be a problem for you. Collies are super high energy dogs who love being out and about with their owners. (myth Busting!) You need to consider how much time, attention, and patience you have while considering the overall needs of a Border Collie. WebBorder Collies are not usually recommended for first-time dog owners. Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on: Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. If you are going to have your collie sleep outside make sure to provide them with a sheltered area to escape the elements. To play Treibball, your Border Collie must herd large balls into a football goal. Thank You for your support. When it comes to exercise, a Border Collie needs daily access to as large a space as possible. If you are out exercising and leading an active lifestyle more than you are sitting at home, and you can come up with sufficient activities to keep them occupied then a Border Collie could be great for you. 17 Reasons Why Getting a Dog for your Teen is a Great Idea! However, Border Collies are so intelligent that training may be more difficult. For the average person, Border Collies are probably not a good first dog. Owning a Border Collie means that you are a responsible pet owner. WebOr, check out our article myth busting whether Border Collies are good for first time owners. This article will help you make a good decision about adopting a border collie, or maybe not. It is always better to start with some easy dogs to learn and adopt basic things. The amount of training Border Collies need can be overwhelming for a new dog owner. This is not necessarily a hard and fast rule and you need to use judgement with this. When training them they may respond to every little movement you make trying to out-think you and respond ahead of your next move. This will typically result in a dog with short legs and a sturdy body. 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. So, if you are a first-time owner, then this is probably not the breed for you. Since theyre also good at guarding, owners can use them for guarding property or livestock from predators, such as coyotes or mountain lions. They need to be regularly exposed to new places, etc. Well collies need at least 2 hours of off leash exercise every single day come rain or shine! When looking after a dog, you must ensure you can provide your companion with the correct diet, grooming needs, and healthcare. They can also provide each other with much of their daily exercise as long as they are of a similar size. They are widely popular as a working dog and are frequently used by farmers, shepherds and ranchers. It takes real dedication to live with a GSD, as the breed requires a substantial amount of mental and physical stimulation. WebA bright, ingenious breed, the Border collie is the perfect dog to be a pet. They do really well in active households and with experienced owners. The latter is the fluffy, Lassie-like collie, whereas the former has a sleek, short coat. In general Border Collies do tend to bark more than other breeds. Blu is a relatively small Borgi even by Border Collie Corgi mix standards. Then there are border collies that need constant training and reassurance that strangers are not threats. Hi! The first step is to rule out a medical reason, which involves making an appointment to see your veterinarian. WebThe Border Collie Shiba Inu Mix is a smart and high-energy dog that isnt a good choice for first-time dog owners. They are so smart they figure out how to unlock and open doors, dig under or jump over fences! 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. 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. A Border Collie will not wander off as far as other breeds like a Terrier or Hound, but they can still easily jump out and even nip at passers-by, in an attempt to herd them. So I took that as an advantage. Do Border Collies Like Water? ), 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. First things first, yes Border Collies are easy to house train. Collies need lots of puzzle toys and one on one time spent learning tricks or developing their training with their owner. You have to be 110% committed to investing your time into training and exercising throughout their lifetime. But theyd be just as happy outside if this is possible. Its crucial, especially for a first-time owner, to research positive training techniques and consider investing in training classes. Here is a list of jobs that other owners have given their Border Collies. What do you think? ORDER OUR DOG TRAINING AUDIOBOOK TODAY The first 14 minutes of our Audiobook is FREE! Border collies can be great for first-time owners who have a lot of time to devote to their dog! James Dean, Anna Paquin, Bon Jovi, Ethan Hawke, James Franco, and Tiger Woods have all owned Border Collies. Border collies are known for their intelligence, obedience, and energy. We have two cats and our collie at home. The grooming needs for a Border Collie are moderate and dont require any unique considerations. Yes, Border Collies can be great first-time dog owners. As mentioned before, this could be a park, your yard, or even a field. Affectionate? Not all Border Collies bark a lot and you can train them not to bark, but it does take some time and effort. Collies are usually not a good first dog, since inexperienced dog owners may be easily overwhelmed with collies unusually high requirements for training, exercise, and mental stimulation. Their coats require substantial time and effort and mud easily gets stuck to their long fur which can become matted if not groomed regularly. WE have a good-sized backyard and are doing all the research possible to be prepared. This isnt as much of a problem as it may seem, as long as you are putting in the effort to give them the best life possible. Well, many Border Collies live their whole lives inside. 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. However, the adaptable, easy-to-train Border Collie is now increasingly being adopted by active families as an energetic pet who suits their lifestyle. There are still millions of working Border Collies to be seen internationally. Unlike cats where there are less than 75, there are almost 400 breeds of dogs. But i want my dog smart, independed and easy to train. 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. It is also a good habit to regularly check your dogs ears. The truth of the matter is, ANY dog can bite. These dogs have few behavioral problems when well-trained and learn easily. Border Collie