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. Its more work than you think, even for older collies! They are widely popular as a working dog and are frequently used by farmers, shepherds and ranchers. They are a demanding breed to train as they need consistent reinforcement which requires a lot of time and patience. Manage Settings The amount of training Border Collies need can be overwhelming for a new dog owner. If you are able to keep your Border Collie busy your rewards are a super fun, playful, sensitive, extroverted, and intelligent dog! The tail is mostly uncovered since the dog sits upright while working. My collie is one of the most affectionate, caring, and friendly dogs I have ever seen. It made me think. Its basically an urban version of herding if you dont have any sheep handy. They are intelligent, friendly, and active, but they also require a lot of attention and training. A good first dog should fit with your lifestyle. The Border Collie definitely isnt content to be stuck in a yard all day long. Borgi can range in size from 13 to 18 inches and weigh between 25 and 30 pounds. WebAre Border Collies Good For First-Time Dog Owners? Dogs, in particular, are one of the most popular first animals to keep as they are great companions for people of all ages plus they have a variety of other benefits too. Are you ready to have a dog that needs to be active as much as possible? 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. This is the reason poodles are one of the most popular dogs in the United States and the world over. Let's explore if Border Collies are one-person dogs and are they loyal? If youre willing to put in some time and effort, though, you can have a truly devoted, loving, and fun-to-be-around companion for many years to come. The shepherds who use these dogs will find them to be excellent helpers in their work. You will often see them in dog competitions, agility courses, and sheepdog trials. Terms | There is no substitute for this opinion, regardless of what you read on our website. Border Collies have a lot of appeal to potential dog owners. Read more about me on the about page, or check out the categories below. Unless you get a rescue dog that was already trained (housebroken for example), you might reconsider getting a Border Collie. Just wondering if our house is the right fit for a BC! Let me ask you this. But when you put in the effort, they can be the best dogs you will ever own. Ill be away for school for 8 hours in the fall so would that be alright? Do Ferrets Need Vaccination Shots? They are also known to try and herd things, which is often seen most in other pets and young children. The Border Collie is a herding breed of dog and is used for both herding and hunting purposes. Are Border Collie-Dachshund mixes good for first-time owners? Essentially, theyre trying to herd you, and theyre mimicking the livestock herding behavior they were originally bred for. As we mentioned previously, Collies never clock off. But is a Border Collie the However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. Border Collies are workaholics and if not given work to do they will invent it, and believe me the jobs they invent for themselves will not please you. And to be honest, the readers who named him the No. One other great game thats very easy to play with Border Collies is Treibball. Doberman Pinscher dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. Obviously, having some Naturally, by long-term periods, its implied that the period is up to 8 hours a day and not more. 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. Since they are herding dogs, border collies are full of energy. 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 If you are going to have your collie sleep outside make sure to provide them with a sheltered area to escape the elements. If you answered yes to all these questions, then yes, a border collie is good to have for someone who hasnt had a dog before. It takes real dedication to live with a GSD, as the breed requires a substantial amount of mental and physical stimulation. 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 Dog Owners? Here, you will find the answer to the question, are border collies good for first-time owners?. 8 Potential Methods, How Do Cats Show Affection? Border But you can never train a Border Collie not to herd. Well, the biggest reason. Make sure you are able to provide this before getting a Border Collie! Contact, How To Prevent Separation Anxiety in Collies, Can collies be left alone? Border Collies must begin training as soon as possible because they may become destructiveif not given enoughmental stimulation. Can a Border Collie be a 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. ie in the first 8 weeks? They are often highlighted in movies like Animal Farm and Snow Dog. Its no wonder that a lot of people would think about getting a Border Collie when they decide to get a dog. In addition, you should add some outdoor activities, like playing frisbee, fetch and other sports to help them live happily. Read more about Border Collie Barking Here. Some border collies like to play on the fringes around other dogs turning into dog park bullies who are on a mission to constantly micromanage every move other dogs make. Thank you for visiting the blog. Border Collies are intelligent, energetic dogs with a strong work ethic, so they are not usually recommended for first-time dog owners. No . IF you can do all these things for them, with a little additional research, a collie could be a good fit in your life and home.Here is some more general advice for first-time dog owners. 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! WebBorder collies can be a great breed for some first-time dog owners but it is important to consider your households lifestyle and several typical traits of the breed. Are Border Collies good for first-time owners? If you are looking for an active canine companion with a caring and friendly personality to join you on your hiking adventure or a game of frisbee on the beach, a Border Collie will definitely fit the bill and bring you years of joy and unconditional love. This is because they often do not realize the Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. 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. They are extremely clever, can easily figure out how to open a door and when it comes to training, they are an absolute joy. Consider different activities, exercise options, and plenty of mental stimulation to keep your Border Collie happy. Cheers. You have to be 110% committed to investing your time into training and exercising throughout their lifetime. Twice a year they shed, even more, when they blow their coats (change coats for the seasons). If you take your dog on an extra muddy adventure, you can up the frequency (you dont want mud tracks all over your house! Border collies require a lot of training but with this training they really can be perfect companions. If you are a first-time dog owner, there are many things you need to learn about dogs. WebYes, Border Collies can be great first-time dog owners. Its crucial, especially for a first-time owner, to research positive training techniques and consider investing in training classes. Not all Border Collies bark a lot and you can train them not to bark, but it does take some time and effort. Welcome to Howling & Growling, my blog about all things collies. Well, many Border Collies live their whole lives inside. 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. A lot of this does depend in the personality of the dog as well though. Female border collies are usually interested in learning and eager to receive commands from their owner. But their incredible intelligence is also what makes playing with the Borden Collie so enjoyable. Collies are exceptionally demanding dogs to live with and have a lot more needs than other dog breeds. Is Having a Puppy a lot of work? 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. My border collie mix (BC and red heeler) is very chill. Collies need fun and interactive training sessions that will keep them on their toes and will work their brains. The grooming needs for a Border Collie are moderate and dont require any unique considerations. They are usually good with children and other animals but may require some training. These dogs are bred to work, and if they arent given a lot of exercises, they can become destructive. With family homes trending on the smaller side these days many people may not have the proper space a Border Collie needs. For more information about Border Collie shedding and grooming, you can read the article below. Instead, you will need to indulge them in an interesting activity that will consume their body and mind. There may be a potential danger, like adverse weather conditions. Lets take a look at this: For centuries, Border Collies have been bred as sheepdogs who spend their days out in the elements rounding up flock after flock and herd after the herd. This means you need to exercise them a lot, either with other dogs or with humans. 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. They are very friendly and love their owners company. WebGood For First Time Owners. 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 whether you have experience with dogs or not, you can get this breed only if you put in the effort. And its good manners extend to cats as well as people. This is not necessarily a hard and fast rule and you need to use judgement with this. Most herding dogs, like those mentioned above, will sometimes nip at a persons feet or heels. 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? Collies are built to run miles a day on a farm, so if they dont fulfill this urge, they can become distressed and frustrated. Many people love Border Collies cheerful natures and will choose this breed as their pet. Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. You can always spend more hours with a border collie, but two hours are minimum. Think that will never happen? For the average person, Border Collies are probably not a good first dog. This is because they are extremely intelligent dogs, who will quickly learn what is expected of them. A Border Collie is suitable for a first-time owner who provides adequate exercise, attention, and the love that the animal requires. This article will help you make a good decision about adopting a border collie, or maybe not. Thank you for taking the time to read this article; I hope it has been useful to you! We get out at least once a day but usually more. I like the way they look and their intelligence. Border collies are very passionate and energetic dogs. Do Border Collies make good house pets? 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. Sadly, this isnt the best choice for first-time owners. In this article, well discuss what you should consider before becoming a first-time dog owner, what you should know about owning a Border Collie, and tips to help you decide if this is the right breed. The first step is to rule out a medical reason, which involves making an appointment to see your veterinarian. You need to be creative with them when training! Owning a first-time pet is always an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be daunting. Being sensitive and intelligent means pet parents need to make some extra effort to respond according to their psychology and behavior. 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 are extremely intelligent, which is excellent when it comes to training. As much as you can give them. If you are thinking about getting a Border Collie as your first dog, you should learn everything you can about them. How much exercise does a Border Collie need? This is one of the reasons why they are not recommended for first time owners. Since theyre also good workers, this makes them excellent for those who want to use them for work purposes as well as companionship. Office Friendly. When training them they may respond to every little movement you make trying to out-think you and respond ahead of your next move. Read more here. This is because it is in their nature as a herding breed to bark commands to the livestock and bark to get attention from their owners. Its a big commitment. A Border Collie is suitable for a first-time owner who provides adequate exercise, attention, and the love that the animal requires. The positive in all this is that if a border collie gets the proper exercise/training, they can be beyond wonderful household dogs. As a Chewy Associate The Collienois earns from qualifying purchases. Border Collies can also be protective of their family and unsure of strangers, which is another important reason for early socialization. When it comes to exercise, a Border Collie needs daily access to as large a space as possible. 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. Dealing with a highly intelligent breed means theyre relatively easy to train. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Collies are not a great choice for people who have never had a dog before. The Border Collie has large ears that sit flat against the dogs head. 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. This breed can be intense, and it needs a lot of work Border Collies are best for people with large yards, or lots of property where they can run freely and explore. These dogs need plenty of exercise and mental enrichment to stay healthy and happy. border collies are good candidates for first-time owners. I still walk him every morning and play ball in the afternoons, but I have never had a problem with him being destructive. You should consider all these conditions beforehand. They are also sometimes stubborn, so training may be a challenge for novice owners. This breed has not earned the name of perhaps the most intelligent dog for no reason! Yes, Border Collies make brilliant family pets, but will need a home with a large garden where they can stretch their legs regularly. Before making any diagnosis, starting a treatment plan, or otherwise changing your pets diet or habits, you should always consult a professional veterinarian. If you use these links to buy something we earn a small commission. 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. There are so many breeds of dogs out there it is crazy to think of. With a border collie, you need a minimum of two hours of daily exercise. WebBorder Collies are not usually recommended for first-time dog owners. ), Border Collie Tail Complete Guide (Position, Docking, Meaning) Paws and Learn, 7 Causes of Smelly Odors in Your Samoyed and How to Fix Them, Solving Your Samoyeds Licking Habits: 5 Common Causes and Solutions, 10 Reasons your Samoyed Howls (Dog or part Wolf? If you spend a good time reading about their behaviors and learning the responses of your actions, you can better understand a border collie in a short period. Training Buster also participates in affiliate programs with Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, and other sites. 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. Because of these traits, they are highly prized by professional dog trainers for their easy trainability. That duration is too long for a single stretch. Although there are always exceptions to this rule, Border Collies, in general, do not like to cuddle. Im not saying its impossible to have a well-behaved Border Collie as an apartment dog. 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. (myth Busting!) Just look on YouTube, you will see countless videos on the escape of the Border Collie. Two border collies are great company for each other when you cannot be with them. How Much Exercise Does a Border Collie Need. In short, no, Border Collies are not well pre-disposed for being a guard dog. I agree that they have a good temperament, and Yet they need lots of attention. Border collies are full of energy and need much more daily exercise than most other dog breeds. 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.