Border Collie Behaviour
Bred to herd and control sheep. They are known for their intense stare, with which they control their flock. They are dogs with huge amounts of energy, stamina, and working drive, all of which make them an excellent working dog.
Positive traits of Border Collies
Intelligence and Trainability
They are highly trainable and intelligent, the Border Collie excels in various canine sports, such as flyball and agility. With their huge intelligence comes a daily need to learn and be given tasks. They excel at puzzle games and trick training. They can make for a great family pet, as long as they get A LOT of physical and mental exercise.
Various studies have shown that Border Collies can retain between 250-1000 verbal commands, and have the ability to pre-determine the direction of a flock, which gives you an idea of their mental capacity.
Exercise and Activity Levels
As they are such an active breed, they make perfect running or hiking companions, which also gives them a chance to burn off a good chunk of physical energy.
You will also have to be comfortable with a dog who can make you feel a little stupid from time to time.
When it comes to the perfect working dog, it doesn’t get much better than the Border Collie.
Potential behavioural challenges of Border Collies
Exercise Needs
Border Collies have a need to be constantly active, which can lead to people referring to them as scatty, they are anything but. They are not suited to busy families that are unable to provide them with significant daily stimulation.
Territorial Behaviour and Frustration
Territorial behaviour is a common trait that can often become problematic if you have strangers coming into the home. Their need to be busy and be given tasks can very often result in them amusing themselves which can see the development of often, severe or outlandish behavioural issues.
Having worked with a large number of Border Collies over the years, I have witnessed firsthand, intense aggression, the need to control the movement of both family members and guests, not to mention problems around food and other possessions, all stemming from a build-up of frustration trough the dog not having sufficient daily outlets.
Their workaholic attitude can become very apparent, and problematic if they are taken into a household that is ill equipped to provide what they require. Their need for daily stimulation and exercise can become easily overwhelming for some families.
Herding and Chasing Instincts
The Border Collie is at heart a herding dog. This means they have a constant need to do just that. The flock could be sheep, children, cats, other dogs, or anything that moves, this often includes cars and bikes.
They have an ingrained instinct to nip, nudge, and bark, at children, adults, and other animals. These are not traits that can be trained out of them, although they can be re-directed by giving them daily tasks. These tasks can include herding sheep or engaging in specific sporting activities.
Owners hoping to get away with a couple of short walks a day, and no mental stimulation will quickly find themselves with a problematic dog on their hands.
Is a Border Collie Right for You?
The Border Collie is a great match for any owner as active as they are, particularly if they want to get involved in canine sports. With the right training, this breed excels in any activity they are involved in, such as sheepdog trials, agility, and advanced obedience. Any owner who is prepared to put in the work with this breed will be hugely rewarded every single day.
help with border collie behaviour
Azz Rainey provides tailored support for Border Collie behaviour and training, including help with separation anxiety, destructive behaviour, aggression, reactivity, high prey drive, extreme fear and resource guarding.
Support is available through in-person sessions across Oxfordshire, Gloucester, Swindon and Evesham and the surrounding areas, as well as online dog behaviour consultations and ongoing support packages.
If you need help managing your Border Collie's behaviour, don’t hesitate to get in touch below.
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