Where No Border Collie Goes Unwanted! 

• Available Border Collies 

 

  A person considering a Border Collie as a family pet should use extreme caution, and possibly look into another breed. If only a Border Collie will do, it would be wise to select an adult Border Collie that has been evaluated for herding instinct and exposed to children and small animals. 

 People who do decide to include a Border Collie in their lives, find that they are tireless and talented companions in nearly any active sport or work. Bred to work as independently as possible, they have an incredible ability to learn hundreds of commands and anticipate what is expected of them. Of course, they demand absolute consistency in training and an unbreakable routine. Any change in routine can have memorable repercussions! 

 Border Collies have an insatiable thirst for human companionship and structured activity. They are workaholics, most preferring a game of fetch to a treat or a pat on the head. Many people find it difficult and unnerving to spend so much time in the company of a dog that does not care for cuddles, but refuses to go amuse itself. Others enjoy the slimy ball dropped in their laps, the blazing stare that demands, "Throw it! Just once more won't hurt!" 

If not given a job to do, Border Collies will find one. Whether it's chasing cars, chewing the carpet, or remodeling the woodwork, the activity they choose for themselves is unlikely to be an acceptable one. Someone has commented that a bored Border Collie is one of the elemental destructive forces of nature, ranking right up there with tornadoes and volcanoes! Border Collies are not your average housepet! 

Although it is unnecessary to own sheep to keep most Border Collies from getting bored, activity is essential. Running, hiking, or biking with a Border Collie means having a tireless and enthusiastic companion. 

However, physical exercise is not enough. Border Collies brains need to be stimulated with training activity as well. Border Collies excel in dog sports such as formal obedience, agility, flyball, tracking, or competitive Frisbee. Participation in some structured activity is advisable for this highly driven breed. 

Life with a Border Collie is busy. Most Border Collie owners do not come home from work and relax. Instead, they know it's time to work again - with their dog! A run or bike ride may be followed by ball or Frisbee, and then a training session, followed by more ball or Frisbee. After dinner, more ball playing while watching TV or working on the computer, and maybe another training session, ends the evening. Before the alarm goes off the next morning, the lucky owner will be awakened by a ball or Frisbee dropped on the bed! 

(reprinted with permission -Rebecca Shouse and CBCR )