Border Collies?

Question

What is your experience of owning a border collie? Most importantly, do you work and if so, how does your dog cope?

Answer 1

They'll find a job, one that you probably wont like, if you don't give them one. I dont know how much experience you have with dogs, but i definately dont think a border collie should be anyones first dog, same with some terriers , but that's just my opinion, i find them hard and if I never owned a dog before, or never did a LOT of research, i think i'd be lost, frustrated, unhappy, so would the dog,

Answer 2

I've seen lots of border collies at dog parks and 2 of my friends have border collies, 1 is a pure 3 yr old, and 1 is a puppy border collie mix.

They are both very mellow but get destructive when they aren't given enough stimulation both physically and mentally. Like, they will destroy your yard if you dont give them enough.

the border collies at the dog parks, are good, but have a tendency to get over excited. I've seen them as well as all other breeds there get in a quick dog fight. They can get fixated on something, like a puppy or ball.

if you work, you'll have to either get up earlier or after work plan on spending alot of time, teaching them to catch a frisbee or letting them do some "job" or neither of you wil be happy.

Answer 3

Ahhh, they joys of a border collie.
The first dog I ever had on my own was a border collie mix (her mom was pure and he dad was obviously mixed with B.C.) I got her at the pound when she was only five weeks old. I was 18 and in my first apartment (yes apartment).

If I could go back I wouldn't have gotten her, because I know she had a miserable first year in my apartment...and so did I.

Just so you know, I know that most of what I'm about to list is my fault. When I was at school/work the following happened in my home.
Chewed walls, windows, and door frames. Chewed coffee tables, dining room tables, desks and bed. She chewed shoes, clothing, and loved my panties. My hamper was her idea of a free for all. She shredded my blinds, and one day she ate and shredded my couch, nothing was intact except the frame, and even that was gnawed on. My favorite thing ever though was when I was washing all my bedding and just had the feather bed on the mattress. She had just gotten a bath, when I decided to run out and grab some lunch. I was gone maybe 15 minutes and when I got back she looked like a chicken, feathers were stuck to every inch of her, they were even coming out of her nose...she had shredded the feather bed and rolled in it.

She was EXTREMELY hyper for the first year (because of the apartment). After about six months I got smart and started taking her to Doggie Daycare on days I had school for a long time.

She was the best dog I've ever had. She was so smart, so loyal, so funny, and so loving. I don't have the words to describe how great she was. She was WONDERFUL with other dogs and people. Although she wasn't too fond of children (like toddler age).

She died almost two years ago. My boyfriend left the back gate open and she got out, got hit by a car...she died 10 days later of an embolism. If I could throw my ex under a car and have Addy back I would do it in a second.

They are great dogs, but need room to play, a job to do, and constant people attention. If you're thinking about getting one, please do your research. If you already have one, love her/him as much as you can.

Answer 4

I have a border collie and he works with me. He's fine to be left alone, and his only problem is when you play with him then he likes to get hold of your sleeve and his barking when anyone goes up the gennel between the houses. Apart from that he's the best dog I've ever had.

Answer 5

I have a border collie, he is a wonderful dog,very excitable,very intelligent and faithful but he does need alot of exercise.If you love the outdoors he's the perfect dog,mine use to go backpacking with me.If you can't walk him as much as you would like to, get him involved with flyball. I don't work now,but use to work part time.If left on his own when he was a puppy he would destroy the house and garden,but I think alot of breeds would do the same.But they are amazing dogs so intelligent that they seem to know what you are thinking.

Answer 6

Border Collies need alot of land to run around on because they are herding dogs and they can't be couped up in a small are for a long period. I have 126 acres for my Border Collies to run around. Before we sell any of our puppies we make sure the buyer has adequate space for the dog to run around; if they don't, they dont get the pup.

Answer 7

i had a border collie years ago and they are really intelligent dogs that need mental stimulation all the time. we couldn't leave her in the house on her own as she would destroy something and she had to have lots of exercise. she died when she was 10 of cancer. i love border collies to bits but in my household situation it wouldn't be fair on the dog to own one.

Answer 8

i have a 1 year old border collie he is great hes very eager to please and loves to learn . i do work but he doesnt mind that i go out with out him hes always waiting by the door when i come home .hes full off energy and if he does do something wrong and you tell him off he sulk s and looks at you with his big brown eyes hes the best dog ive ever had

Answer 9

EVERY person that I know with a BC that works all day has problems with the dog.
A BC is meant to work. Not sit alone in the house all day. They become destructive and hyper.
Even people that are home all the imt enad do NOTHING with the dog have the same problems!!! They are not sit around and do nothing dogs.

Answer 10

I have a mutt who is part Border collie. His other parts are Black lab and golden retreiver. All dogs are willling to please, but beware Border Collies are smarter than most of their owners.