Before bringing home a border collie youngster, it’s vital to appraise one’s present life and what lifestyle is desired for the future. Owning a border collie will change a lot of things. Unless one is lucky enough to get a rare angel of a dog, being a brand new owner of a border collie pup can be surprisingly exhausting.
The Bad Border Collie Puppy Syndrome
Prepare for a rambunctious, mischievous, non-stop puppy, one who’s highly curious, rarely naps, and enjoys nipping at fingers and toes (the herding instinct). One will be astounded at what compacted energy a mere seven pound of fluff contains, at times wishing for a different breed of the more sleepy-eyed, sweet and cuddly stereotypes.
It’s almost a guarantee this youngster will be unruly and sassy, although some border collies are so sensitive it's hard to correct them without severely hurting their feelings. Many border collies only become sensitive after having passed through a bold and obnoxious period. After all – just like all dogs – they are unique individuals.
Nevertheless, one should expect to be a surrogate parent for up to eighteen months or more, because border collies need constant interaction and supervision. They probably can burn up as much energy and time as an actual human toddler around the home. (If one secretly wants a dog that's a lot like a kid, this is it!) Thankfully, this breed tends to be highly amusing (if not a tad odd) which makes up for a nerve-wracking puppyhood.
Border collie puppies are into all kinds of things, constantly rummaging through stuff such as open purses, drawers, closets, cupboards, shelves, Kleenex boxes, just name it. Their high I.Q.s make them eternally curious. New owners will feel naturally overwhelmed and some are simply not patient enough to wait out this period.
Periodically, border collie puppies will act wild, or out of control, not appearing to hear the corrections of their owners. They are like busy raccoons, oblivious to anything but what is before them. This is an insanely trying time. Some may exhibit behavior that is mistaken for aggression when it's probably related to herding. Border collies can be pushy and are certainly not considered low maintenance dogs.
Border Collies are Smart Canine Kids with Special Needs
Border collies pups need a crate (for time out) and a safe yard to play outdoors. Adult border collies, however, should never be crated (unless at night while sleeping) for more than four hours daily (unless this is done infrequently). This is a dog that prefers a stay at home mom or dad since they crave, and absolutely demand, so much attention (Doggy Day Care may be another option). They like to learn something new every day and, in time, become just like Velcro – extremely close, bonded, and even clingy. After first behaving like an unruly and naughty kid, they later become a perfect soul mate.
The border collie puppy should immediately begin homeschooling (a puppy kindergarten class is a good idea, too), as they’re able to respond to human verbal commands after only being in this world a few weeks. A seven-week-old border collie puppy should easily learn simple commands such as sit, down, and come. They can even be taught to count (about up to five) and read words on poster board (seeing-eye dogs recognize signs). Education (obedience and tricks) should begin almost immediately (just like humans, young brains learn quickly) and continue for the rest of the dog’s life.
Early obedience class is an absolute must for this clever breed, supplemented with an active hobby such as agility, flygility, flyball, dock diving, triebball, search and rescue, or herding. Physical activities, such as fetch or frisbee, must additionally be provided at home on a daily basis. Long walks rarely tire this breed, but are enjoyed merely as an interesting change of scenery. Border collies will enjoy going anywhere with their owner, even if just on a car ride to the store where they can watch what’s going on outside the window.
A border collie is somewhat of a cross between a toddler and a chimpanzee in a dog costume. They are only for certain people with a sense of humor, responsibility, lots of patience, energy, time, and perhaps a scientific streak (as they are such interesting dogs to observe!).
Chaser – presently the world’s smartest border collie – recently proved the breed's true versatility because her owner is a man in his eighties. He successfully rechanneled Chaser’s abundant energy into impressive mental tasks.
With proper upbringing, after the (often horrifying) puppy period is over (and it will be, but may last up to two years), this strange and brilliant creature may be the best thing to ever walk into someone’s heart.
Paula Marie Deubel - Published author/writer/journalist/poet I've always written under the pen name "P. Mari," an abbreviation of my full name. I have ...
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