We have one, we got him from a rescue home, so don't know his background. When we play ball in the park, he runs round in circles and crouches low with his head between his paws; just like he's herding sheep. We didn't teach him to do this, and I doubt whether he's ever actually been a farm dog. I notice other collies acting similarly. Does this mean this is now inherent behaviour ,and a 'nature' rather than 'nurture' characteristic?
2007-01-24 09:58:36 · 17 answers · asked by Katy W 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
It is an instinctive quality they have. Is because of that natural herding instinct that they make such good sheepdogs, so it's not all training.
2007-01-24 10:10:35 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Border Collies are hard-working breed of herding dog that originated in the border country of England and Scotland. Border Collies are an extremely intelligent breed with an instinctive desire to work. Like most working dogs, Border Collies are highly energetic and require a lot of attention and as a result have a tendency towards neurotic or destructive behavior if not given enough to do. Good things for Border Collies are dog agility, flyball, sheepdog trials, tracking, dog dancing, Disc dog. They are still frequently used on farms all over the world for assisting with the handling of livestock. Though known to be reserved with strangers, these dogs can also be protective of a human family member and affectionate to those they know.
Like most herding breeds, they will attempt to herd family members, cats, squirrels, bicycles, cars, or anything else that moves in the absence of other charges. This might even include birds in mid-air. So as you see your dog is quite normal just make sure he has enough exercise as well a job to do and also enough metal stimulation so that he doesnt get bored.
Have fun
2007-01-24 10:09:10 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes its a inherited behaviour from the collies ancestery working days.Even if a border collies never worked there herding instinct is very strong and is shown with things such as fetch games,playing with other dogs,and some collies have the habit of trying to round up moving cars.With border collies its very wise to get them into some sort of work,flyball and agility are very popular as the border collie excels at these sports.
2007-01-24 23:02:25 · answer #3 · answered by Heavenly20 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We have a border collie that does the same this. This is part of the breed. They were bred to herd. We also got our dog from a rescue place. In some respects he is hard to handle he's stubborn but you know he's been with us a year and we would not trade him for anything. What a good natured dog .
2007-01-24 13:34:17 · answer #4 · answered by thmsnbrgll 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a completly instintcive behaviour - almost all collies exibit this herding behaviour - when you train them for working sheep, you simply put comands to the natural behaviour. My collie spends all day herding our cat at home. Please be aware that collies need mental exercise as much as physical exercise - try to find a club where you can do obediance or agility - apart from being lots of fun for you, the dogs absolutly love it, my collie can't wait to get in the hall for training.
2007-01-25 06:58:59 · answer #5 · answered by MyNutmeg 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We have two, one 13, one nearly 2. They are both nuts and incerdibly energetic. They are quite easy to train but do revert to the herding behaviour quite often. They may even nip you in the heels when playing, just like they would with sheep. I was given the 13 year old when she was 1 year old by a farmer. She was good with up to 3 sheep but any more and she got scared and hid behind a bush! They are all nervous animals. They also like to have one master, one of you will become the boss and the other person will never have as much respect from him. As long as you are firm and consistent with them they will be loyal and loving. Ours are good with the kids too.
2007-01-24 10:20:08 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Border collies are fantastic herders its in there blood.I had chip who came from a pedigree breeder sadly he passed away last year aged 14 years he used to sit at the kerbside and snap at passing cars he never attempted to actually make contact it was funny to watch.
We now have a 4 month old border collie and he loves playing with our tabby cat trying to herd her round the sitting room really funny to watch. I really enjoy the company of border collies because of their intelligence and in my experience are brilliant with children.
2007-01-26 06:45:11 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it's one of the characteristics of the breed, and one of the best breeds IMHO, howver they are very energetic and clever and need lots of attention and activity, you don't need twenty acres like some people seem to think, but they do need at least a few hours a day, and do things like chew up thnigs with your scent, dig holes, shred wallboard, etc. when bored or nercous because they feel (just like kids) that "negative attention" is better than no attention at all.
2007-01-24 10:08:15 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is normal behaviour for a Border Collie.They are an extremely active,highly intelligent,working dog..Your dog will need PLENTY of exercise and mental stimulation. Border Collies have a tendancy to nip at heels, but they do grow out of it. If trained correctly,Borders are wonderful dogs,if not, you could have problems.I know...............I have one!!!
2007-01-24 10:23:43 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
i like border collies! i like the names Primrose, Kayla & Pixie because of the fact they sound like they could be names for a pink merle border collie. i don't comprehend of many different names. i wish this facilitates!
2016-11-26 23:54:49 · answer #10 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋