The result, you have an accident prone dog who may make several trips to the vet over their lifetime. But you can never train a Border Collie not to herd. 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. Make sure you are able to provide this before getting a Border Collie! And that isnt including mixes. New dog owners may struggle with this, but being prepared can help you have a great experience. Our girl is now a full sized 16 month, brilliant dog. Establish a firm leadership in your home from the moment your dog steps inside your house. Copyright 2023 | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme, Border Collie spending their time outside. But my nephew has one and when i visit him she just comes and sits next to me. Do they usually like cats because we have a senior cat who isnt afraid to smack the dog in their face. 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. They are intelligent, friendly, and active, but they also We are looking to get a Border Collie pup after Christmas. Typically, this breed only needs to be bathed every three months or so. Your pet should go for regular checkups with your veterinarian, and pet insurance is worth considering. So a 3-month puppy needs 15 minutes of exercise up to twice a day. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. I like the way they look and their intelligence. 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. At least, it should. Therefore, over time, breeders have developed a warm, insulating coat to rival the fleeces of the sheep the breed is known for rounding up. Collies need fun and interactive training sessions that will keep them on their toes and will work their brains. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'trainingbuster_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_2',142,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-trainingbuster_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');If you are an aspiring Border Collie owner, look into these games. 14 Ways Cats Show Their Love. Collies are not a great choice for people who have never had a dog before. My brother has a Border Collie named Nico. It is also used to study and better understand you, in an attempt to anticipate your next move. Border Collies are famous for using the eye staring intensely at members of the flock to intimidate them. Have you ever noticed that Border Collies are featured in many Hollywood movies, commercials, and hit tv shows? This is because they often do not realize the amount of work needed in taking care of this breed. Manage Settings So, you must ensure you will be able to meet a collies demanding needs before deciding they are the right dog breed for you. Obviously, having some Collies are high maintenance dogs. 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. As a breed, Border Collies are playful, intelligent dogs, who have traditionally herded sheep and cattle using their incredible unique stare called their eye all over the world. With intense herding instincts (they were developed to gather and control sheep), they are best for active families who head outside often. This is not necessarily a hard and fast rule and you need to use judgement with this. Thats because they are incredibly smart, easy to train, and among the most beautiful of dog breeds out there. Contact Us: 01202 022754 / +44 (0) 1202 022754 / alexmuddynoses@yahoo.com, Lytchett House, 13 Freeland Park, Wareham Road, Poole, Dorset, BH16 6FA, Social Media: Muddy Noses on Facebook / Muddy Noses on YouTube. They are often the first in line on many intelligent dog breed lists. If you are willing to invest a lot of time learning about the breed, how to keep it properly stimulated, and take classes on how to train and care for your Border Collie then they can be a great dog for you. This is because they often do not realize the As they are smart, they need activities that need some mental effort too. The Border Collie is very intelligent. Border collies are very smart. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Collies are emotionally sensitive dogs and are happiest when they are sleeping close to their pack. Sometimes collies are just too focused for their own good and run after their much loved ball with no regard for their own wellbeing. One of the main reasons I wanted a dog was for the soft, warm, furry cuddles. Well collies need at least 2 hours of off leash exercise every single day come rain or shine! Read our Guide to Exercising With Your Collie for some fun ideas how you and your collie can exercise together! Since they are herding dogs, border collies are full of energy. Border Collies are extremely intelligent, which is excellent when it comes to training. All Border Collie owners will tell you they are amazing dogs to have! As mentioned in the linked video, they could decide to train you, too. We needed a smart dog that liked being taught commands and complex ideas, that liked running and exercise and which bonded strongly. They would prefer to sleep indoors and be close to their humans overnight. Read more about this in the How To Prevent Separation Anxiety in Collies. 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). WebThe Border Collie Shiba Inu Mix is a smart and high-energy dog that isnt a good choice for first-time dog owners. Are Border Collies Outside Dogs? Naturally, by long-term periods, its implied that the period is up to 8 hours a day and not more. However, if you are an outdoorsy individual who regularly goes hiking, camping, running or even cycling then a collie could be your perfect first dog. Search our database of over 12348 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians. Indulge your border collie in fun activities to make them feel relaxed and happy. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Contact. A Border Collie may be challenging for a first-time dog owner, but with adequate training and care, it can become an extraordinary pet. Didn't find what you need? Q: Is Border Collie good for first-time owners? Cheers. There are two types of collie: smooth and rough-coated. 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 this happens, they can become destructive and anxious. Their coats require substantial time and effort and mud easily gets stuck to their long fur which can become matted if not groomed regularly. I agree that they have a good temperament, and Learn more. 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. Border Collies are known to herd other pets in the home and children. While some Border Collies have great off-switches in the house, others will constantly be looking for a job to do. Are border collies a good first dog? 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. Any aggressiveness in collies is usually caused by fear, as collies can be skittish and take a long time to trust new people in their lives. This will be shown as excessive barking, chewing on things, trying to show dominance, and having a lot of neurotic undesirable behaviors that will be hard to correct. Ill be away for school for 8 hours in the fall so would that be alright? So, are Border Collies good first-time dogs? Make sure your Border Collie pup get plenty of daily exercise. You must ensure you have a few hours spare each day to invest into training your collie so if you work long hours and like to hit the gym or grab a few drinks at a bar after work then a border collie will not be a good first dog for you. It is a place they feel safe once they understand what the crate is for. This is when problems might arise when they dont get the stimulation they need. 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. Border collies are full of energy and need much more daily exercise than most other dog breeds. I believe another owner will be able to give Ollie a better life than I can. 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. 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. Terms | Many owners say that a Border Collie requires a house with an expansive yard, at the very least. The eyes are usually a clear brown with a soft inner layer around the pupil; this layer gives them an almost milky appearance. It is also a good habit to regularly check your dogs ears. My collie is one of the most affectionate, caring, and friendly dogs I have ever seen. Some dogs may feel intimidated by their herding behaviors or they just dont like another dog trying to control their movements. A border collie will stare as a way to communicate with you. Collies need to keep their minds busy and occupied or else they will find other (often destructive) ways to entertain themselves. 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! These dogs need plenty of exercise and mental enrichment to stay healthy and happy. Border Collies are generally healthy dogs, but like all dogs, they are predisposed to a few health conditions. Welcome to Howling & Growling, my blog about all things collies. In addition, pets with diarrhea or other intestinal illnesses may not be able to make it outside fast enough. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. *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. But Im willing to make it. This is because they are extremely intelligent dogs, who will quickly learn what is expected of them. First-time dog owners may not have the skill set needed to train a dog like a Border Collie. If you are thinking about getting a Border Collie as your first dog, you should learn everything you can about them. The amount of training Border Collies need can be overwhelming for a new dog owner. Hopefully, the article about are border collies good for first time owners above meets your needs, everyone has a better idea, please leave a comment below, all your suggestions help us create better and better articles for everyone. Because of these traits, they are highly prized by professional dog trainers for their easy trainability. WebOr, check out our article myth busting whether Border Collies are good for first time owners. This can include chasing flies, chasing shadows, or even incessant licking! Welcome to Muddy Noses, where Alex and family share their passion for Border Collies. 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. Yes, Border Collies can be great first-time dog owners. Border Collies are one of those breeds. There is no escaping, Border Collies can be considered high-maintenance dogs (lets be honest, most of us are high maintenance too!). WE have a good-sized backyard and are doing all the research possible to be prepared. Border Collie anxiety manifests itself in several ways. 10 Training Tips! They are intelligent, friendly, and active, but they also require a lot of attention and training. Even if they dont want to relax with you, theyll want to interact with you a lot of the time. Their short coat also means minimal shedding and grooming. Im away about 6-7 hours in the day. Twice a year they shed, even more, when they blow their coats (change coats for the seasons). Featured Image Credit: L.A.Kennedy, Shutterstock, What Smells Deter Cats from Peeing? Here, you will find the answer to the question, are border collies good for first-time owners?. Not good for first time dog owners. When it comes to exercise, a Border Collie needs daily access to as large a space as possible. Just wondering if our house is the right fit for a BC! Always feed your Border Collie puppy at the same time each day so you know when it needs to go to the toilet. But when you put in the effort, they can be the best dogs you will ever own. Yes . Collies are difficult dogs to live with an need a lot of training and exercise. Obviously, having some experience with the breed would be helpful, but no experience doesnt mean you shouldnt own one. The Border Collie definitely isnt content to be stuck in a yard all day long. In fact, the parent breeds arent a good 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. The Border Collie is a highly adaptable dog, able to thrive contentedly in most situations theyre not just a farm dog. Border collies are very demanding, sensitive, and active dogs. But it has to be a good fit for all concerned and should this new companion be a Border Collie? 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. If you answered no to most of these questions, then you might want to keep reading if you are still curious. Sadly, this isnt the best choice for first-time owners. Epilepsy is another common health issue that usually starts between 25 years of age and sometimes requires medication. This type of outdoor lifestyle gives Border Collies a lot of exercise per day but they may require extra socialization time. You can always spend more hours with a border collie, but two hours are minimum. ), but dont overdo it; going overboard and bathing your dog too frequently can irritate their skin. Border Collies although easy to train are very high-energy and need 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. Shes the most chilled creature I ever seen. They are no lapdog theyll never settle down with you on the couch to watch a movie. Unless you really do have several spare hours each day and are willing to invest this time into walking, training and grooming then a rough collie is not a good first dog. If your Border Collie pup tends to bark when left alone, try leaving the radio on for company. This breed has not earned the name of perhaps the most intelligent dog for no reason! Since theyre also good workers, this makes them excellent for those who want to use them for work purposes as well as companionship. And not just her. So, if you are a first-time owner, then this is probably not the breed for you. They can develop separation anxiety or even be destructive. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'pawsandlearn_com-box-4','ezslot_4',192,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pawsandlearn_com-box-4-0');With that said, it is possible for a new dog owner to be successful with raising a Border Collie? They need to be regularly exposed to new places, etc. Do you have the patience to wash and dry your rough collie after every muddy walk? To this day they are still used for herding all across the world. These dogs have few behavioral problems when well-trained and learn easily. Border Collies must begin training as soon as possible because they may become destructiveif not given enoughmental stimulation. Most owners of working Border Collies are happy with the dogs friendly natures and herding abilities. Border collies make a wonderful companionship in which they love to be with you shoulder to shoulder. This all sounds great until the task in hand is chasing a ball. 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. The first step is to rule out a medical reason, which involves making an appointment to see your veterinarian. Basic training is easy, but to train your border collie-specific commands and tricks, you require insight into their psychology and behavioral response. It made me think. In spite of this, collies are a very rewarding breed to live with, and could be a great first dog for an owner who knows what they are getting in to and who has the time to properly train their new collie. But their amazing coat means that they will stay warm and happy even with minimal shelter in a secure yard. A Border Collie is a large, strong dog with a short smooth coat that varies in color. Were also going to look at some of the training and exercise requirements for collies and think about what that means for a new dog owner. 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. 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. However, the adaptable, easy-to-train Border Collie is now increasingly being adopted by active families as an energetic pet who suits their lifestyle. Let's explore if Border Collies are one-person dogs and are they loyal? Do Border Collies make good house pets? For example, as seen in the linked video, Border Collies are sensitive and dislike sudden noises like a toaster or doorbell. Collies are super high energy dogs who love being out and about with their owners. First-time owners can own a Border Collie if Is a Border Collie easy to train for first-time dog owners? Whether you're new to the breed or an experienced owner looking for new ideas, this blog is sure to provide the answers you need to keep your canine companion happy and healthy! But he wasnt that way when I first got him. Several border collie owners have shared their best and worst experiences with me, which Ive jotted down to explain how you should behave with your adorable collies. Im not saying its impossible to have a well-behaved Border Collie as an apartment dog. After being bred exclusively to herd for centuries, they are also hard workers who never clock off which can be a problem. With proper training, exercise, and care, border collies can be the best dog you will ever own. Like with everything, there are some pros and cons, which we will list for you. It takes real dedication to live with a GSD, as the breed requires a substantial amount of mental and physical stimulation. With that being said, the amount of exercise requiredreally depends on the dog. You can train this out of them with proper socialization and obedience training. 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. This breed is extremely driven, loyal, and hard-working. Its also wary of strangers, making it a good family watchdog. ), 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! Female border collies are usually interested in learning and eager to receive commands from their owner. Thank you for visiting the blog. I wonder if the high energy/ nature of the breed is waning because breeders are choosing more chilled, easy going parents for their pups? Provide physical and mental exercise to head off chewing problems before they begin. Owning a first-time pet is always an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be daunting. Collies are more likely than other breeds to develop compulsive behaviors because they are naturally quite obsessive dogs. 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. For the average person, Border Collies are probably not a good first dog. WebAre Border Collies Good For First-Time Dog Owners? Ollie is a sweet 2.4 year old border collie. Border Collies are an extremely intelligent breed You will often see them in dog competitions, agility courses, and sheepdog trials. Its crucial, especially for a first-time owner, to research positive training techniques and consider investing in training classes. Because of their high intelligence, playing with the Border Collie is important to prevent boredom that leads to destructive behaviors or wandering. 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 breed is characterized by its high drive and intense energy levels. The latter is the fluffy, Lassie-like collie, whereas the former has a sleek, short coat. Is this bad? They require constant work and care to live their best lives. For first-time dog owners, which is best, female or male Border Collie? 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. Border collies were bred for their intelligence and obedience. WebAre Border Collies good for first time owners? Thank you for taking the time to read this article; I hope it has been useful to you! Yet they need lots of attention. WebBorder Collies are not usually recommended for first-time dog owners. This is happening as a result of more and more people moving to urban areas. A fitness-loving, active first time Border Collie owner who has plenty of stamina will have lots of fun with a Border Collie. Because some say no to me. Are Border Collies good for first-time owners? Like other working dog breeds, border collies have some unwanted characteristics that can be trained out over time. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); the most intelligent breed of domestic dogs, Best Shampoo for Border Collies in 2022; Cleaning, Coat Care, and More, The Best Dog Toys for Border Collies 2022. Even for a first-time dog owner, Border Collies are incredibly easy to train for herding or just for obedience. You will need to spend a lot of time reading about border collies and observing them in order to know their psychological, behavioral, and physiological needs. While 1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dog Known as the most intelligent of dog breeds, the border collie can be a devilish fiend when bored. They can get this from learning new commands, tricks, or other working tasks. ), How to Teach your Collie to Dance (Walk on Two Legs), How to Teach your Collie to Cover Their Eyes (Peekaboo! They are known for their intelligence, athleticism, and trainability. There are dogs playgrounds also near our house 10 minutes drive. While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. The athletic abilities of the Border Collie make it excellent for herding or hunting purposes. Training tips concerning attachment are provided. Even if you dont have those many advantages, if youre willing to invest time and love and efforts, youll get a wonderful dog that will bond with you really strongly. They have an inherited instinct to do so because they are designed to work with one person as a team. hidden. Collies have an ability to focus (almost neurotically) on the one thing. They need to be taught to have good associations with other people and animals. The shepherds who use these dogs will find them to be excellent helpers in their work. However, Border Collies are so intelligent that training may be more difficult. ), 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. If you live in a small apartment, townhome, or house without a lot of yard space Border Collies can feel really cooped up and have nowhere to focus releasing their excessive energy. Thanks for subscribing! You need to consider how much time, attention, and patience you have while considering the overall needs of a Border Collie. A Border Collie is suitable for a first-time owner who provides adequate exercise, attention, and the love that the animal requires. High energy working breeds like collies may develop separation anxiety if you work long hours and they are left alone often. However, Border Collies are not dogs that will be satisfied simply being lap dogs. The truth of the matter is, ANY dog can bite. Are you ready for many walks a day (Or a good amount of time spent playing the backyard)? If your Border Collie is well-occupied and has had plenty of time to exercise before you put them in their crate, or other confined area then you shouldnt have a problem. If you answered yes to all or most of these questions then a border collie might be for you. trainingbuster.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. This is another reason to keep them busy, mentally stimulated, and well-socialized. 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. Lets explore a few reasons below why collies generally dont make good first dogs. If you combine this fact with positive and friendly training approaches, then youll soon see just how easy it is to house train your Border Collie. 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. We get out at least once a day but usually more. As a Chewy Associate The Collienois earns from qualifying purchases. link to Why Do Border Collies Have Long Noses? Where Do Border Collies Come From? 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. One of the most popular breeds in the world, the golden retriever is a truly gentle dog. These vet trips will be costly so you will want to invest in some good insurance for your collie to help cover the costs. ORDER OUR DOG TRAINING AUDIOBOOK TODAY The first 14 minutes of our Audiobook is FREE! Border Collie; Meet The 5 Cutest Border Collies In The World; WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. How much exercise do Border Collies need (puppies and adults) ColliePerfect.com is a participant in the And its good manners extend to cats as well as people. 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 animals frequently disturbs them and you. 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. No, inexperienced owners might find it too much of a challenging breed. This means you need to exercise them a lot, either with other dogs or with humans. 4 worst choice for first-time dog owners would likely agree. If you are a first-time dog owner, there are many things you need to learn about dogs. How much exercise does a Border Collie need? Their sensitivity also requires specific attention to socializing them when they are young. Without providing adequate exercise and mental stimulation a collie will cause chaos and wreak havoc in your life.