Take time to research a breed to ensure its characteristics will fit with your lifestyle. 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. Border Collies are intelligent and trainable. Then there are dogs like border collies that need lots of exercise and stimulation. With intense herding instincts (they were developed to gather and control sheep), they are best for active families who head outside often. 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. PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. They are no lapdog theyll never settle down with you on the couch to watch a movie. 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. This is not necessarily a hard and fast rule and you need to use judgement with this. What is this? if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'trainingbuster_com-leader-1','ezslot_7',141,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-trainingbuster_com-leader-1-0');So, if you are a first-time dog owner, these are some specific things to look out for in the breed. While some Border Collies have great off-switches in the house, others will constantly be looking for a job to do. Are Border Collie-Dachshund mixes good for first-time owners? A fitness-loving, active first time Border Collie owner who has plenty of stamina will have lots of fun with a Border Collie. Its a big commitment. 10 Essential Training Tips! If your Border Collie doesnt get enough exercise they can turn to destructive behaviors as well as whine cry and bark a lot! This is one of the reasons why they are not recommended for first time owners. But i want my dog smart, independed and easy to train. 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. 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. Borgi can range in size from 13 to 18 inches and weigh between 25 and 30 pounds. You will often see them in dog competitions, agility courses, and sheepdog trials. In general Border Collies do tend to bark more than other breeds. 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. I'm an experienced collie owner from Scotland and the original founder of Howling and Growling. link to Are Border Collies One-person Dogs? 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. But many forget that they also love cuddling and bonding with their owners, making them the best of both worlds! 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. Collies are not a great choice for people who have never had a dog before. But every online search for their personality says the same thing these dogs needs lots of exercise and mental stimulation. This will typically result in a dog with short legs and a sturdy body. As soon as your Border Collie puppy finishes eating take it to the toilet spot and use the words go potty. There may be a potential danger, like adverse weather conditions. Thank you for taking the time to read this article; I hope it has been useful to you! With these characteristics, female border collies are easier to train. I honestly hate to leave them because thats exactly what I want. link to Why Do Border Collies Have Long Noses? This article will help you make a good decision about adopting a border collie, or maybe not. Border collies are very smart. Knowing about their temperament, behavior, grooming and training requirements, and overall care requirements can help you decide if this breed fits into your lifestyle and if you can provide the best care for it. How much exercise do Border Collies need (puppies and adults) ColliePerfect.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. 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. There is a reason this breed of dog is used for herding, because they have the ability to concentrate fully on the task in hand to herd sheep no matter what is going on round about them. All Border Collie owners will tell you they are amazing dogs to have! Collies are high maintenance dogs. Known as the most intelligent of dog breeds, the border collie can be a devilish fiend when bored. Collies need lots of puzzle toys and one on one time spent learning tricks or developing their training with their owner. Maybe they are not as high energy as Im being led to believe? Collies are more likely than other breeds to develop compulsive behaviors because they are naturally quite obsessive dogs. He is older now, but has always been that way. Ill be away for school for 8 hours in the fall so would that be alright? If not provided to them, they can become little troublemakers in the home. They are also very sociable and will work well with other animals such as sheep or cattle. WebAre Border Collies good for first-time dog owners? Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. So a 3-month puppy needs 15 minutes of exercise up to twice a day. Are Border Collies good for first-time dog owners? They can also get mental stimulation from toys made specifically for this. Border Collie puppies tend to have a lot of energy and can exercise for an hour or more a day. The first step is to rule out a medical reason, which involves making an appointment to see your veterinarian. This makes collies a challenging breed to own for people who work long or irregular shifts. WE have a good-sized backyard and are doing all the research possible to be prepared. Are you ready to give them your full attention when they need it? HOWEVER, if you are active and know you can step up to this and give them the attention, fresh air, and life they deserve then there is no reason this should not be great for you and a Collie in need of a home and love.Just remember, Border Collies are some of the most active dogs out there, so really does depend on how much youre willing to put in. Border collies require a little more care and involvement than other dog breeds. Yes, Border Collies can be great first-time dog owners. If you are a first-time dog owner, there are many things you need to learn about dogs. But at certain times of the year, like the start of spring and summer, a Border Collie will start to shed heavily. Read more here. Featured Image Credit: L.A.Kennedy, Shutterstock, What Smells Deter Cats from Peeing? There are dogs that need hardly any exercise and are happy laying around all day. I still walk him every morning and play ball in the afternoons, but I have never had a problem with him being destructive. Even for a first-time dog owner, Border Collies are incredibly easy to train for herding or just for obedience. These dogs have thick necks that give them extra stability when chasing or retrieving objects. 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. It is also used to study and better understand you, in an attempt to anticipate your next move. 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 means that a Border Collie warrants increased security if they are being left alone in the yard. Border Collies are extremely intelligent, which is excellent when it comes to training. I think Ive been to 4 breeders to check them out and each time the dogs come over for a pat, walk around with us and sit with us while were having a coffee and a chat. Their sensitivity also requires specific attention to socializing them when they are young. 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. As highly trainable and people-pleasing dogs, most goldens can be taught to live successfully with cats. My collie is one of the most affectionate, caring, and friendly dogs I have ever seen. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Border Collie; Meet The 5 Cutest Border Collies In The World; WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. Border Collies require at least two hours of Owning a Border Collie means that you are a responsible pet owner. The Truth about Attachment and Loyalty in Border Collies! There is no substitute for this opinion, regardless of what you read on our website. It made me think. If not, then you may want to consider another, easier breed at first. Because they are so smart Border Collies can be highly reactive and sensitive. Are border collies a good first dog? 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. In family situations this can cause problems when the chosen leader is absent. Border collies can be great for first-time owners who have a lot of time to devote to their dog! With that being said, the amount of exercise requiredreally depends on the dog. But theyd be just as happy outside if this is possible. Border Collies have thick double coats of hair. To understand what makes collies tick and whether they may fit into your life, we need to go back in time a few hundred years! James Dean, Anna Paquin, Bon Jovi, Ethan Hawke, James Franco, and Tiger Woods have all owned Border Collies. Blu is a relatively small Borgi even by Border Collie Corgi mix standards. One of the main reasons I wanted a dog was for the soft, warm, furry cuddles. You should consider all these conditions beforehand. WebBorder Collies are not usually recommended for first-time dog owners. They will always want to round up anything and anyone who moves, and they may wander or roam, too, if they become very bored. If aggressive behavior is displayed, it is likely that something else is up like an undiagnosed health condition or issue. Are you ready to have a dog that is always ready to work? If first-time owners do decide on a Border Collie, it is important to understand the breed first before you bring your new family member home. It goes into depth about grooming care for the Border Collie and has links on how to bathe, brush, and care for your dogs teeth, ears, and paws. They can get this from learning new commands, tricks, or other working tasks. 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? WebHistorically collies, therefore, made good working dogs having strong herding instincts and resilience to the great outdoors. Read more about the origins of Border Collies in our feature article here. But is getting a Border Collie a good idea for a first-time dog owner? Training Buster also participates in affiliate programs with Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, and other sites. 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. The result, you have an accident prone dog who may make several trips to the vet over their lifetime. You have to be extra careful while dealing with very sensitive border collies. It may sometimes be too noisy or otherwise too stimulating for a Border Collie to spend time outdoors. What do you think? Since theyre also good workers, this makes them excellent for those who want to use them for work purposes as well as companionship. This can include chasing flies, chasing shadows, or even incessant licking! This breed is extremely driven, loyal, and hard-working. Their Amazing Origins. This is a true characteristic of their temperament, as they were initially bred as herding dogs. They are also very loyal and will listen well to you when you train them. Use the search! ), 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? Are Border Collies Good for First-time Dog Owners? I found a breeder and Im thinking of getting a border collie. Have you ever noticed that Border Collies are featured in many Hollywood movies, commercials, and hit tv shows? Its also wary of strangers, making it a good family watchdog. This means you need to exercise them a lot, either with other dogs or with humans. It is a place they feel safe once they understand what the crate is for. ), How to Teach your Collie Paw (Easy Step By Step Guide), Complete Guide to Collie Temperament and Personality. However, while the Border collie may be a good family dog, its not good for every family. 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. Collies require a minimum of two hours off leash exercise every single day and lots of mental stimulation too. 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. Border Collies are intelligent, energetic dogs with a strong work ethic, so they are not usually recommended for first-time dog owners. Thanks for subscribing! He's originally from Ontario, Canada and his breeder is from England. There isnt a set amount of exercise they need, but a good rule of thumb is that your puppy needs five minutes of exercise per every month of age twice a day. Border Collies usually prefer to bond to one person. This dog is high maintenance it needs training, stimulation and plenty of exercise. 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. Do they usually like cats because we have a senior cat who isnt afraid to smack the dog in their face. Which dog is best for first time owners: Doberman Pinscher vs Border Collie? They are extremely clever, can easily figure out how to open a door and when it comes to training, they are an absolute joy. If you take the time to introduce them properly over a few weeks, then they will be perfectly fine together. 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. WebGood For First Time Owners. 1. Im adopting an 11-month old BC tomorrow and its not only my first dog as an adult, well also be living together in an apartment. Border Collie dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. If you think about their history, Border Collies were bred to run around the fields and work hard each day. But they do not make a good apartment dog because they need a vast space to exercise and release their pent-up energy. They require constant work and care to live their best lives. It is always better to start with some easy dogs to learn and adopt basic things. 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. I like the way they look and their intelligence. It also means you are a very active So the border collie will be my first dog but my wife had a huge sheep dog when she was young. Border Collies are not usually recommended for first-time dog owners. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'trainingbuster_com-box-4','ezslot_3',138,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-trainingbuster_com-box-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'trainingbuster_com-box-4','ezslot_4',138,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-trainingbuster_com-box-4-0_1');.box-4-multi-138{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}It is possible for a Border Collie to have both a smooth or a rough variety of coats. Therefore, over time, breeders have developed a warm, insulating coat to rival the fleeces of the sheep the breed is known for rounding up. Before your visit to your Border Collie breeder, you will generally want to ask questions that are going to help you understand what to expect during the visit. Well collies need at least 2 hours of off leash exercise every single day come rain or shine! Collies need fun and interactive training sessions that will keep them on their toes and will work their brains. It says that you are willing to put in the time it takes to be a good dog owner. Border Collies originate from the border of Scotland and England and have been used for herding livestock. Lets explore a few reasons below why collies generally dont make good first dogs. They excel at the task because of their strength, stamina, intelligence, and work ethic. They are also known to try and herd things, which is often seen most in other pets and young children. Adult dogs can hold their pee for up to 10-12 hours if needed, but that doesnt mean that they should. However, anecdotal evidence does suggest that male Border Collies tend to be easier to handle and are more devoted to their owners. Yes, Border Collies can be great first-time dog owners. The average dog has the capability to learn around 165 words and signals. If your dog keeps pooping in the house, they may have a health issue, or something might have changed in their routine, diet, or home environment thats causing the accidents. Owners generally want to maintain a healthy and proper weight for their Border Collie in the range of 30 to 50 pounds. As mentioned before, this could be a park, your yard, or even a field. Yet they need lots of attention. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Common causes in Border Collies include boredom, stress, loneliness and depression. 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. Establish a firm leadership in your home from the moment your dog steps inside your house. You can always spend more hours with a border collie, but two hours are minimum. 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. New dog owners may struggle with this, but being prepared can help you have a great experience. Didn't find what you need? But he wasnt that way when I first got him. They also have nipping tendencies, and although this is not intended to cause harm, it may end up hurting someone. Border Collies are working dogs, they need a job to do! Will they be okay indoors? Border Collies are generally not an aggressive breed of dog. We love to walk to the forest, beaches and in the natures frequently. WebAre Border Collies Good For First-Time Dog Owners? 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. Theyre not hurtling around the yard or dropping balls at my feet demanding a game. Border collies require a lot of training but with this training they really can be perfect companions. How to prevent separation anxiety, How To Care For Your Collie: Nine Important Tips For New Collie Owners, How to Teach your Collie to Give You A Kiss (Easy Trick! WebAre Border Collies good for first-time dog owners? hidden. ), How to Teach your Collie to Dance (Walk on Two Legs), How to Teach your Collie to Cover Their Eyes (Peekaboo! If you have a small apartment and dont go out much, then probably not. And its good manners extend to cats as well as people. However, the adaptable, easy-to-train Border Collie is now increasingly being adopted by active families as an energetic pet who suits their lifestyle.