is border collie good for first time owners
These dogs have thick necks that give them extra stability when chasing or retrieving objects. But theyre not as suited to living in a small apartment as the Boston Terrier, for example. But when you put in the effort, they can be the best dogs you will ever own. They really need someone who knows what they are doing to engage their super smart doggy brain. ), How to Teach your Collie to Dance (Walk on Two Legs), How to Teach your Collie to Cover Their Eyes (Peekaboo! Maybe they are not as high energy as Im being led to believe? They can get this from learning new commands, tricks, or other working tasks. Since theyre also good at guarding, owners can use them for guarding property or livestock from predators, such as coyotes or mountain lions. This means that there are so many options out there for you if you might be thinking a border collie is not for you. Border Collies are famous for using the eye staring intensely at members of the flock to intimidate them. Read more about this in the How To Prevent Separation Anxiety in Collies. Im thinking of getting a border collie as a first time dog but have worries about the horror experiences. We get out at least once a day but usually more. It takes real dedication to live with a GSD, as the breed requires a substantial amount of mental and physical stimulation. But when you put in the effort, they can be the best dogs you will ever own. Epilepsy is another common health issue that usually starts between 25 years of age and sometimes requires medication. 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. 1. 4 worst choice for first-time dog owners would likely agree. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. 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.. The truth of the matter is, ANY dog can bite. In addition to the daily exercise, they also need constant mental stimulation or training. But their incredible intelligence is also what makes playing with the Borden Collie so enjoyable. Comment below with any questions you have! WebAre Border Collies good for first time owners? Being a first-time dog owner can be both exciting and daunting, and what makes an ideal breed for a first-time owner depends on various factors. However, if you know the basics about keeping a dog as a pet and love to know more, things will be quite easy for you to manage. You can take tests like this one to help you make a better decision. Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. 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. Yes, border collies can be an excellent choice for first-time dog owners. But theyd be just as happy outside if this is possible. Its a big commitment. James Dean, Anna Paquin, Bon Jovi, Ethan Hawke, James Franco, and Tiger Woods have all owned Border Collies. As we mentioned previously, Collies never clock off. Dogs in general are a lot of work, but certain breeds require more time and attention than others. WebThe Border Collie Shiba Inu Mix is a smart and high-energy dog that isnt a good choice for first-time dog owners. Is a Border Collie a Good Breed (Is It the Right Dog for Me)? They also have nipping tendencies, and although this is not intended to cause harm, it may end up hurting someone. Blu is a relatively small Borgi even by Border Collie Corgi mix standards. Poodles. Making sure you choose the right breed of dog for your lifestyle is important. Border Collies are a type of herding dog that is well-known for their intelligence and athleticism. Naturally, by long-term periods, its implied that the period is up to 8 hours a day and not more. WebAre Border Collies Good For First-Time Dog Owners? Owning a Border Collie means that you are a responsible pet owner. The average dog has the capability to learn around 165 words and signals. (myth Busting!) They also have strong jaws that help them catch their targets safely; this makes them great for hunting small animals like Rabbits or game birds such as Quail. But i want my dog smart, independed and easy to train. If youre looking to get into agility training or just want a reliable and intelligent dog that will Good luck! However, if this is your first time owning a dog, you may be wondering if a Border Collie is still the best choice. They will be loyal loving companions always at your side, but when it comes to sleeping and resting they generally prefer their own space. If you have a lot of other responsibilities or you are gone at work for a significant portion of your day it could be very difficult to find the time you need to keep your Border Collie occupied. It can be caught early and rectified with medication and surgery. Border collies are very demanding, sensitive, and active dogs. Collies need fun and interactive training sessions that will keep them on their toes and will work their brains. Oh, I also live abroad so itll be an extra challengecant see what lies ahead. Welcome to Howling & Growling, my blog about all things collies. Border Collies are known to be highly active canines. I have studied the traits and behavior of border collies to learn how they expect their owners to behave. Some dogs may feel intimidated by their herding behaviors or they just dont like another dog trying to control their movements. As a general rule you shouldnt walk a Border Collie for more than 5-minutes every month of age. So a 3-month puppy needs 15 minutes of exercise up to twice a day. Are you ready to have a dog that is the most intelligent and obedient dog you have ever seen? 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. Border Consider different activities, exercise options, and plenty of mental stimulation to keep your Border Collie happy. They require constant work and care to live their best lives. 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. Collies have an ability to focus (almost neurotically) on the one thing. Collie Are Border Collies Outside Dogs Border Collies are best for people with large yards, or lots of property where they can run freely and explore. Border Collie: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care - The Spruce Pets Some collies are fine with three 20 minute walks a day, while some need as much as a 6+ miles a day. A Border Collie may be challenging for a first-time dog owner, but with adequate training and care, it can become an extraordinary pet. Pros and Cons of Border Collies When Border Collie puppy starts to go potty, praise it for doing its business. Even for a first-time dog owner, Border Collies are incredibly easy to train for herding or just for obedience. I still walk him every morning and play ball in the afternoons, but I have never had a problem with him being destructive. Border Collies require at least two hours of off-leash exercise every day and lots of daily mental stimulation to keep their minds healthy and avoid behavioral problems. Now that you know a little about border collies and what they need to live their best lives, the decision is yours. Collies are difficult dogs to live with an need a lot of training and exercise. Border collies are very passionate and energetic dogs. Before making any diagnosis, starting a treatment plan, or otherwise changing your pets diet or habits, you should always consult a professional veterinarian. Because theres two of us this means we devote 1:30hs each per day (when we are time restricted) and up to 5 during non busy days (weekends, holidays). Border Collies are extremely intelligent, which is excellent when it comes to training. Are Caucasian Shepherd good for first time owners. The shedding can be managed by biweekly brushing and regular grooming. If you do not want to spend a minimum hour per day simply maintaining a dogs coat, then its best to stay clear of rough collies. 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. Borgi - Size | Appearance | Temperament | Shedding Border collies are very smart. We also have the advantage of living in a dog friendly area, so teaching her indoor manners when going for dinner, etc., has become our favourite sport, and its adequately challenging for her as well! The Border collie is loyal and can be good with children. Border collies are working canines and therefore need to be given a job every day; otherwise, they may turn to more destructive forms of entertainment. If you have a small apartment and dont go out much, then probably not. There are dogs that need hardly any exercise and are happy laying around all day. I mainly want a running partner and someone to cheer me up on my bad days. Border Collies are an extremely intelligent breed requiring both frequent physical exercise and mental stimulation. And that isnt including mixes. With these characteristics, female border collies are easier to train. Collies are not good for inexperienced dog owners, since they require a lot of training and exercise, and they can be prone to behavioral problems which have to be carefully managed. You can always spend more hours with a border collie, but two hours are minimum. They can develop separation anxiety or even be destructive. You need to develop good bondage with your furry friend and healthy chemistry to know his expectations from you. Collies are built to run miles a day on a farm, so if they dont fulfill this urge, they can become distressed and frustrated. They can also get mental stimulation from toys made specifically for this. One of the main reasons I wanted a dog was for the soft, warm, furry cuddles. Read more about Border Collie Barking Here. This dog is high maintenance it needs training, stimulation and plenty of exercise. I dug in a little further and here is what I found out. If you take the time to introduce them properly over a few weeks, then they will be perfectly fine together. For new dog owners it may be a shock to learn just how much of a commitment a dog requires as you are responsible for their health, happiness and general wellbeing. Along with being sensitive and intelligent, they are loyal, energetic, alert, and obedient. are border collies good for first time owners, software analysis of the salaries of a random, american leopard hound vs catahoula leopard dog. Border Collies are one of those breeds. As stated, this breed requires patience and skill, which not many people have. Are Border Collies Good Family Dogs? (For a House or Apartment) With proper training, exercise, and care, border collies can be the best dog you will ever own. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Not all Border Collies bark a lot and you can train them not to bark, but it does take some time and effort. Border collies require a lot of training but with this training they really can be perfect companions. Here are some essential tips for keeping your new canine safe: Nicole is the proud mom of 3 rescue fur babies, Baby, a Burmese cat; Rosa, a New Zealand Huntaway; and Mac, a Lab/Mastiff. Dog Breeds That Get Along With Cats A Border Collie may be suitable for you if: A Border Collie may not be suitable for you if: Border Collies make amazing pets. Questions to ask your Border Collie breeder before your visit. A Border Collie needs lots of activity, but not necessarily big yard. The amount of training Border Collies need can be overwhelming for a new dog owner. If your Border Collie pup tends to bark when left alone, try leaving the radio on for company. Make sure your Border Collie pup get plenty of daily exercise. Provide physical and mental exercise to head off chewing problems before they begin. Sometimes collies are just too focused for their own good and run after their much loved ball with no regard for their own wellbeing. It is also used to study and better understand you, in an attempt to anticipate your next move. If you dont take the time to properly socialize your Border Collie while they are young he can become very shy, standoffish, and possibly reactive. A lot of this does depend in the personality of the dog as well though. border collies are good candidates for first-time owners. Because of these traits, they are highly prized by professional dog trainers for their easy trainability. 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. Adult dogs can hold their pee for up to 10-12 hours if needed, but that doesnt mean that they should. The athletic abilities of the Border Collie make it excellent for herding or hunting purposes. ), How to Teach your Collie Paw (Easy Step By Step Guide), Complete Guide to Collie Temperament and Personality. A Border Collie is a large, strong dog with a short smooth coat that varies in color. 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. Border collies require a little more care and involvement than other dog breeds. As mentioned in the linked video, they could decide to train you, too. Picture the ball going through a barb wire fencenow picture your collie also charging through the fence. Then there are border collies that need constant training and reassurance that strangers are not threats. They are very friendly and love their owners company. Goldfish Aquaponics 101: Feeding, Stocking, & Care Guide. This is the reason poodles are one of the most popular dogs in the United States and the world over. ), 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. The latter is the fluffy, Lassie-like collie, whereas the former has a sleek, short coat. Shes the most chilled creature I ever seen. Establish a firm leadership in your home from the moment your dog steps inside your house. The border collie is a dog breed that got its start in the United Kingdom. Border collies are sporting herding dogs and they will not hesitate to chase and herd anything that got lose sleds, cows, sheep, golf carts it doesnt matter if you live in the country or not. Collies are high maintenance and require a vast training and exercise commitment to prevent behavioral problems, however even for new dog owners if youre willing to put in the work collies are extremely rewarding dogs to look after. They are an intelligent breed of dog, who will find clever ways of telling you what they want you to do or how to play with them. This means that a Border Collie warrants increased security if they are being left alone in the yard. However, the adaptable, easy-to-train Border Collie is now increasingly being adopted by active families as an energetic pet who suits their lifestyle. 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. Border collies can be great for first-time owners who have a lot of time to devote to their dog! Some would say that Border Collies are not suitable for a first-time owner, while others say it is an excellent breed for a first-time owner. We are looking to get a Border Collie pup after Christmas. 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. You have to be extra careful while dealing with very sensitive border collies. People love how easy it is to train a Border Collie; this makes them excellent family pets since theyre suitable for everyones needs when it comes to training them to do work tasks and to be companion animals. Yes . But their amazing coat means that they will stay warm and happy even with minimal shelter in a secure yard. This is because they are extremely intelligent dogs, who will quickly learn what is expected of them. There are so many breeds of dogs out there it is crazy to think of. How much exercise does a Border Collie need? Collies are prone to suffering separation anxiety and can become distressed if left alone for long periods. If you use these links to buy something we earn a small commission. They are no lapdog theyll never settle down with you on the couch to watch a movie. They need hours each day just dedicated to them and nothing else. If you think about their history, Border Collies were bred to run around the fields and work hard each day. As with most dogs, they will need regular brushing and shampoo; on occasion, their nails will need to be clipped. But many forget that they also love cuddling and bonding with their owners, making them the best of both worlds! However, while the Border collie may be a good family dog, its not good for every family. However, anecdotal evidence does suggest that male Border Collies tend to be easier to handle and are more devoted to their owners. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'trainingbuster_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_9',168,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-trainingbuster_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); They also need multiple brisk walks or runs a day, especially if access to a spacious area is limited. But whether you have experience with dogs or not, you can get this breed only if you put in the effort. For example, as seen in the linked video, Border Collies are sensitive and dislike sudden noises like a toaster or doorbell. This means you need to exercise them a lot, either with other dogs or with humans. If you are interested in learning more about taking care of border collies, you can find a detailed guide on the blog. If aggressive behavior is displayed, it is likely that something else is up like an undiagnosed health condition or issue. These dogs are intelligent, trainable and have many good attributes as a family pet. They are a demanding breed to train as they need consistent reinforcement which requires a lot of time and patience. After being bred exclusively to herd for centuries, they are also hard workers who never clock off which can be a problem. 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. So I took that as an advantage. So the border collie will be my first dog but my wife had a huge sheep dog when she was young. 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. You should take your collie for a walk once or twice a day. Border Collies are not usually recommended for first-time dog owners. Are Border Collies good for first-time owners? 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. They do really well in active households and with experienced owners. Collies need to keep their minds busy and occupied or else they will find other (often destructive) ways to entertain themselves. So, are Border Collies good for first-time owners? This breed is extremely driven, loyal, and hard-working. Urinary tract infections, cystitis (bladder inflammation), bladder stones, kidney disease, or arthritis or age-related incontinence could all be causes of house soiling in dogs. Staring is often used as a method to get something they want from you; such as some leftover food, to initiate play, or to get your attention. Whether its because of the lurid, neon colors they are available in or because it appeals to their centuries of experience in tracking that one stray sheep, many a Border Collie owner will tell you about what a Frisbee fanatic their Border Collie is. With some dedication and thought on your part you can have a well-adjusted, well-behaved, super loyal four-legged best friend. If youre looking for a great companion and family dog, but you are unsure if you have the time to spend with your new puppy, this breed is probably not a good fit. Border collies are happiest when they are working or playing, and will Therefore first time Border Collie owners with at least daily access to a good space shouldnt worry too much about amending their current living conditions. Border Collies can double and triple that number. Collies require a minimum of two hours off leash exercise every single day and lots of mental stimulation too. Basic training is easy, but to train your border collie-specific commands and tricks, you require insight into their psychology and behavioral response. They will not be happy with a 10 minute walk in the park to then come home and be expected to rest. A good first dog should fit with your lifestyle. sometimes they can be too smart for their own good! Which dog is best for first time owners: Doberman Pinscher vs Border Collie? Border Collies Good For First Border Collie dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. In family situations this can cause problems when the chosen leader is absent. It depends on their personality but it sounds like you should be fine if you have a big yard and are willing to take her out daily. Whether you are looking for a canine companion, a playmate for the kids, or an adventure buddy, there is a lot to consider before committing to a puppy. Are you ready to give them your full attention when they need it? Pet Keen is reader-supported. 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. 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. 2. WebAre Border Collies good for first-time dog owners? A fitness-loving, active first time Border Collie owner who has plenty of stamina will have lots of fun with a Border Collie. They have a good deal of herding instinct, which means they need mental stimulation as well as physical exercise each day in combination with training. A Border Collie is perfect for a family, but with older children who can play properly with such a large dog and who are physically capable of handling a dog who will pull on the lead. If you take your dog on an extra muddy adventure, you can up the frequency (you dont want mud tracks all over your house! My boyfriend and I lives in an apartment with 2 stubborn male cats in Den Haag.