Why do people get them as pets? I don't mean people who get them to use for agility or obedience training. I mean the people, often first time dog owners, that get them simply as a pet.
I am also referring to people who get them as puppies off the farm, rescuing older dogs or puppies from shelters is a completely different matter altogether.
2007-03-22 04:56:14 · 19 answers · asked by Fred 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Sorry, didn't mean to sound judgemental, just very curious
2007-03-22 05:07:32 · update #1
My reason for posting this questions is that I am an animal behaviourist and so many of the dogs that I see that have problems are border collies. Most of the time theres problems are not real behavioural problems, they are just because caused by the dogs are in the incorrect situation and environment at home.
I love border collies and I had to see such a lovely breed having so many porblems, and I really wanted to hear who out there was getting this breed for the correct reasons.
I am so glad to hear that so many of you are getting then for the bast reasons and are giving them all of the exercise and stimulation they require. And as a result you have wonderful pets.
2007-03-22 05:28:33 · update #2
I agree that farm bred collies often make unsuitable pets. Most of the people that I know have Border Collies for Obedience, Working Trials or Agility and their dogs are well exercised and have plenty of mental stimulation.
I own several Border Collies - they are energetic and full of life. They are all obedience trained although they don't compete and have all done Agility at 'fun' level. They get loads of exercise and have a very varied lifestyle.
At home they are relaxed and content.
I have seen some very very sad cases of Border Collies who seem to have gone mad with boredom and frustration because their owners haven't realised what high maintenance dogs these are.
2007-03-22 06:42:53 · answer #1 · answered by DogDoc 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Our 1st collie was sold as being 'unsuitable for work'.His mother was a pet and his father was a non working farm collie. We got a collie because our 10 year old son loved them. Previously we'd had a rescue Irish setter whom we loved dearly but he was never well behaved.Our collie was the ideal pet. He loved children, loved people, was very clever and so easy to train. I throughly enjoyed taking him to a dog club and he got us fit. Sadly we lost him after 13 great years.
So now we're startying again with another collie pup. We just felt any other dog would be 2nd best. They are hard work and they have to be trained and exercised but they are so rewarding and loyal. They really are part of the family. You can take a well trained collie anywhere with no worries about how he'll behave. They introduce you to lots of nice people and give you a hobby as well. Obedience, agility flyball It doesn't have to be for a competition but its great FUN. Collies are all individuals. Our new pup had a similar background to his predecessor. Mother -a pet/obedience dog and father a working dog. However this pup is a lot more of a handful or maybe I've forgotten. Anyway we're getting a lot of satisfaction seeing him develop and I think he's got the makings of a real star. He's definitely the smartest puppy in his class!
Collies can do very well as pets as long as owners have the time to spend on them. But isn't that true of most dogs? Dogs need company training and exercise. Provide that and they're your new best friend.
2007-03-22 11:06:06 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I recently adopted a sheltie...which lots of people ask me if she is a border collie. I had no knowledge of these breeds before I rescued her, but afterward people warned me that she would be very active and high-strung. I'm not sure if they are in the same family or not, but she does look just like a smaller version of a collie. But, she is a very laid back, well mannered, and poised little lady. She is somewhere around a year to a year and a half old and just had puppies(didn't know that she was preggie when I adopted her), but she is a wonderful companion...very loyal and doesn't get into anything..no misbehaving or anything. She is very content to just be near me and I take her outside several times a day for fresh air and exercise and of course to go to the bathroom. She is already to come back in within a few minutes. But, like I said, I'm not sure if she is in the same family, but she has made a very good pet and is obviously a very happy animal. I made an appointment to have her fixed the same day I got her and then she surprised me with her puppies just two days before she was to go to the vet! I had no intentions of breeding her to make money...in my opinion, that just seems like a cruel thing to do. But this is just one person's experience and opinion.
2007-03-22 05:15:37 · answer #3 · answered by Brenda M 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Hi
I got my dog from a rescue centre - but having been around them all my life - I LOVE Border Collies - they are so smart, funny and intelligent, well suited to a highly active individual or family, super dog around kids, - I just love them and dont have a bad word about Border Collies and although would not be working the dog, will definetly get another pup or rehome adult.
People probably get them as pets, due to their obedience and good nature, and once trained seem to never forget training.
I don't understand why more people dont have them - they're great!!
L
(Yes I'm very passionate about my dog, he's just wonderful!)
2007-03-22 05:09:03 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I have asked this question a few people I know that did just that, and they all said the same thing: They're better behaved than most of everything else they looked at. Dogs that have been bred for work are usually smarter than the average hose pet, and they are easier to teach obedience to. On the down side though, If you don't teach them from a very early age, they can be trouble. Lot's of energy and no discipline don't mix well.
2007-03-22 05:06:21 · answer #5 · answered by Zoobie 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Plain and simple people are stupid. They don't research breeds and don't know what's right for them. They see the pretty dog or the smart dog on TV or in a movie and they want one! Herding dogs are high energy, high drive breeds they were bred to move livestock for 12,14, 16 hours a day! They're smart too. if not given enough exercise or enough mental stimulation they get bored. Bored herding dogs can become destructive trying to burn off their boundless energy.
People need to research breeds for a dog that will fit their lifestyle. When adopted my first Australian Shepherd, we got involved in agility. My second one did too, although he prefers Lure Coursing. I'll soon be looking to adopt my 3rd Aussie! She will also be an agility dog. Dog sports are great for all dogs. They create a phenominal bond between dogs and their people!
2007-03-22 05:35:15 · answer #6 · answered by aglaussie2003 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They are complete idiots that don't realize what 'working' means. A dog that is bred for working, especially a BC is bred to work ALL DAY. It is in no way going to be content living in an apartment and going for a walk once a day. And these dogs are the horror stories you hear about when they create their own jobs for themselves and the owner comes home to a 'remodeled' home or garden.
I plan to own a working BC in the next year or two but i work my dogs many times a week and do at least some stock work every day. This type of dog is NOT for the typical owner.
2007-03-22 05:09:10 · answer #7 · answered by SC 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Because people don't realise what bolder collies needs are. They see them on the TV working sheep and just deiced that's the breed they want.This applies to other breeds as well. I got my bolder collie from a farm she was 18 months old and is afraid of sheep and had very little training. But i took her on to do working trails and also to be a pet even if she was no good at working trails.
2007-03-22 10:31:11 · answer #8 · answered by fisherman 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi
Its any type of dog as every breed of dog had a purpose for working!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have a Springer Spaniel and he hasnt been trained to the gun. He is well exercised and shows some "instinctal" tendancies whilst out walking but not much , he has been brought up as a pet and does not no any other life.
As long as a dog is well exercised, loved & not ill treated, why shouldnt these dogs be pets. some people see a dog as a status symbol and dont realise whats involved.
Also. Its how you bring your dog up also
2007-03-22 05:10:02 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have a Border collie/Aussie and she's a great pet. They don't need to be herding sheep to have a good life. Just as with any dog you need to make sure they get enough exercise and mental stimulation.
2007-03-22 05:12:27 · answer #10 · answered by MLE 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋