I understand the "job" part. Both husband and wife have indicated that the dog's "job" can be the owner. They have one female who is a pet rather than a working or show dog. They both work but when they get home this dog follows the wife on a fairly regular routine...esp. at bedtime. As an example, she said if she has brushed her teeth earlier (when the dog wasn't watching) and goes straight to bed, the dog will not go to bed unless she goes back into the bathroom and pretends to brush her teeth. My wife and I are home most of the time, and the woman said she is quite comfortable that if we let the dog follow one of us on certan routines, that will suffice. Not that it will replace exercise (I can toss a mean frisbie), but that it will give the dog the sense of purpose.
Border Collie Owners?
- Thread starter LMTC
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texasjohn
Super Member
I grew up with border collies... they were working dogs on the ranch. Everything that has been said above is true.
My opinion... if you can provide some attention and activity to your border collie, then it will be a GREAT dog for you. Border Collies and Labs are my two favorite breeds. The dog will become very attached to family members. I've not known an aggressive/mean border collie. They are EXTREMELY intelligent and can be trained to do many things. The hearding instinct is VERY STRONG. Without training, I have seen them herd chickens, kids, anything that moves.
I would say that obidence training is a must... any dog and owners should have it....
If you throw a frisbe...you have a friend for life with your boder collie... and, the best thing is that you know the breeder, the sire/dam, and they will dog sit for you.
Take the dog... and it'll be the best thing you have ever done!
My opinion... if you can provide some attention and activity to your border collie, then it will be a GREAT dog for you. Border Collies and Labs are my two favorite breeds. The dog will become very attached to family members. I've not known an aggressive/mean border collie. They are EXTREMELY intelligent and can be trained to do many things. The hearding instinct is VERY STRONG. Without training, I have seen them herd chickens, kids, anything that moves.
I would say that obidence training is a must... any dog and owners should have it....
If you throw a frisbe...you have a friend for life with your boder collie... and, the best thing is that you know the breeder, the sire/dam, and they will dog sit for you.
Take the dog... and it'll be the best thing you have ever done!
kenmac
Super Member
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I have a border collie. About 6 yrs old now but, still likes to run the yard.Mine is somewhat aggressive to strangers.I have to watch him when someone comes over . Like others said ,he don't care for thunder much .It drives him crazy.Like woodchuckie said, He's loves squirrels .If a squirrel gets in the yard , the squirrel doesn't have a chance. My son says he saw the dog jump on the fence the other day & nab a bird ! All n all I like the dog & although I didn't train him, He's a good watch dog .Wayne, It may be ok to keep the dog in the house for now, but, as it grows it will need/want running room ! I think you'll be happy with the choice.
smitesmash
Silver Member
I second the call for "socialize, socialize, socialize"
Border collies need a lot of work, you should expect to take an hour a day to play, (throw stick,frizbee, tennis ball) every day.
BC's can be neuroticly intense about things though, and they bond tightly to one person. This can lead to problems around children though. which is why socialization is so important.
Having acres to play in is a good starting point though. but you want to be there to guide and contol and teach your dog, and not let him wander and get into trouble.
My current dog is a BC/ Black lab mix, and the lab part seems to take off enough of the neurotic intensity that BCs can develop. As he was raised around children, and walkes to an elementary school twice a day, he is very good around children and strangers.
Border collies need a lot of work, you should expect to take an hour a day to play, (throw stick,frizbee, tennis ball) every day.
BC's can be neuroticly intense about things though, and they bond tightly to one person. This can lead to problems around children though. which is why socialization is so important.
Having acres to play in is a good starting point though. but you want to be there to guide and contol and teach your dog, and not let him wander and get into trouble.
My current dog is a BC/ Black lab mix, and the lab part seems to take off enough of the neurotic intensity that BCs can develop. As he was raised around children, and walkes to an elementary school twice a day, he is very good around children and strangers.
thatguy
Elite Member
We are seriously considering getting a dog and I briefly considered the Border Collie or an Australian shepherd. I didnt realize how 'active' they were until doing extensive reading on the internet. We have decided on something that should be a little less active - a goldendoodle (golden retriever/poodle mix)..
check out this website for some ppls first hand BC experiences..
www.bcrescue.org/bchorror.html
I feel a lot of problems are the owners not the dogs, but it will make you think.. And only you can analyse you situation and decide how much time you are willing to devote to training and exercise/play
good luck
Brian
check out this website for some ppls first hand BC experiences..
www.bcrescue.org/bchorror.html
I feel a lot of problems are the owners not the dogs, but it will make you think.. And only you can analyse you situation and decide how much time you are willing to devote to training and exercise/play
good luck
Brian
Oh joy.
Too late....sort of. Molly is here on a trial (meaning the breeder was already attached, and besides offering to take her if we go away, she will take her back if it doesn't work). Our last pair were half Lab, half BC..literally, two breeders had dogs get loose, and Voila! SO, we have some idea....so far it appears she is more neurotic than the half-breeds were. Very loving, but seems to spook pretty easily. Obviously already very capable of learning...very. She has been kenneled at nights for over a month, so we are doing the same. After 4 nights of little sleep, we moved the kennel to the workshop (clean part of the barn, with concrete floor), set it on some foam for insulation and she goes out there at night. Don't know if she is happy, but we got some sleep last night. Get her out and bring her back in the house when we get up...she gets out to play by herself 2-3 x a day for 30 minutes, and at least once with one of us for 20-30 minutes of frisbee or tennis ball. She usually quits and lays down after ten minutes or so. We were told both her parents are quite capable of being in the house and remaining relatively inactive (for a BC), although the sire is a working animal used for training...but his activity is mainly on the weekends. During the week they said he is ok with being a house mutt. We'll see....
Too late....sort of. Molly is here on a trial (meaning the breeder was already attached, and besides offering to take her if we go away, she will take her back if it doesn't work). Our last pair were half Lab, half BC..literally, two breeders had dogs get loose, and Voila! SO, we have some idea....so far it appears she is more neurotic than the half-breeds were. Very loving, but seems to spook pretty easily. Obviously already very capable of learning...very. She has been kenneled at nights for over a month, so we are doing the same. After 4 nights of little sleep, we moved the kennel to the workshop (clean part of the barn, with concrete floor), set it on some foam for insulation and she goes out there at night. Don't know if she is happy, but we got some sleep last night. Get her out and bring her back in the house when we get up...she gets out to play by herself 2-3 x a day for 30 minutes, and at least once with one of us for 20-30 minutes of frisbee or tennis ball. She usually quits and lays down after ten minutes or so. We were told both her parents are quite capable of being in the house and remaining relatively inactive (for a BC), although the sire is a working animal used for training...but his activity is mainly on the weekends. During the week they said he is ok with being a house mutt. We'll see....jand38
Silver Member
No one mention sheding of hair all the time if in the house you will never get al the hair picked up. All of the info that people has shared is a fact I have had 3 and learn my lesson they need work, high engery, will heard grandkids and very loveable oh yes the same is true for a Aussie shed more hair than one could ever imagine, much engery and will love you 24/7.
I have found there is no perfect dog just like no perfect human so research and go with what you think is logical and or with your heart. I hope you find a good match.
I have found there is no perfect dog just like no perfect human so research and go with what you think is logical and or with your heart. I hope you find a good match.
Inspector507
Super Member
Nice looking pup Wayne
we had a border collie, **** good dog. He lived 17 years. He was kept outside earily in life and when he as 6 or so we moved him inside at nights. Never had trouble with thunder till he was 6, then he got scared of it. Smart dogs, he could tell just by the way I looked at him what I wanted him to do.
