Thinking of Getting a Border Collie Puppy?

Border Collies are becoming increasingly popular, and it's easy to see why. They're incredibly intelligent, athletic and beautiful dogs. Social media is full of videos showing Border Collies performing impressive tricks, flying around agility courses, mastering parkour and learning complex behaviours with ease.

But what is the reality of Border Collie ownership? And are they really the right dog for you?

As a Clinical Animal Behaviourist, I work with many Border Collies, from young puppies through to adults struggling with behavioural problems. While they can make fantastic companions, they aren't the right fit for every household.

Here's what I'd encourage you to consider before bringing one home.

How much exercise do Border Collies need?

Border Collies are a high-energy working breed, but that doesn't mean they need endless hours of walking or an hour of chasing a tennis ball every day.

In fact, too much repetitive, high-intensity exercise can sometimes create a dog with even greater stamina and excitement levels.

Instead, think about quality rather than quantity.

Good exercise for a Border Collie should include opportunities to:

• sniff and explore different environments

• solve problems and use their brain

• experience a variety of sights, sounds and surfaces

• move naturally rather than endlessly chasing toys

You may also have heard the old advice to walk puppies for five minutes per month of age. There isn't good evidence behind this rule, and many Border Collie puppies will need considerably more activity than it suggests. The challenge isn't simply providing enough exercise, but finding the right balance between activity and rest.

Indeed – perhaps the biggest challenge with Border Collies is teaching them how to switch off.

These dogs were bred to work for long periods. If given the opportunity, many will happily keep going all day. That's why one of the most valuable things you can teach your puppy from the very beginning is how to relax. Calmness is a skill, and it's much easier to teach from eight weeks old than after months of constant activity.

If you're bringing home a new puppy, my puppy training package can help you build these foundations from day one, rather than waiting for problems to appear.

Are Border Collie puppies easy to train?

Border Collies are exceptionally intelligent, which means they often learn very quickly.

The catch is that they learn everything quickly.

If you're consistent and reward the behaviours you want, you'll probably be amazed by how fast your puppy progresses. If you're inconsistent, they'll often spot the loopholes before you do. Many owners joke that their Border Collie trained them!

Teaching them to perform behaviours is rarely the difficult part. Teaching them to settle, relax and cope with boredom is often much harder.

Border Collies can also be prone to developing behavioural problems if the early warning signs aren't recognised and addressed. These may include:

• chasing cars, cyclists, joggers or wildlife

• chasing or herding other dogs

• excessive barking

• becoming overly focused on lights, shadows or reflections

• repetitive or obsessive behaviours around the home

These behaviours rarely appear overnight. They often begin as small, seemingly harmless habits before becoming much more difficult to change.

If you notice any of these behaviours developing, seeking advice early can make a huge difference. My behaviour support service focuses on identifying the underlying causes and putting a plan in place before problems become more established.

Do Border Collies make good pets?

For the right family, absolutely.

Some Border Collies are perfectly content with two good walks a day before relaxing at home. However, in my experience, most really thrive when they have a purpose and regular opportunities to use their incredible brains.

Many people immediately think of agility when they picture Border Collies, but they often excel at almost any activity they're introduced to.

Some popular options include:

• scentwork

• agility

• hoopers

• flyball

• trick training

• rally obedience

Personally, I'm a huge fan of scent detection work for Border Collies. It gives them an outlet for their natural abilities while encouraging them to slow down, think carefully and work methodically. It can also help to build frustration tolerance, impulse control and confidence.

If you're looking to get started with scent detection, I'd highly recommend finding a qualified instructor. My friend and fellow trainer, Emma at Sniff Happens, offers scent detection classes around Rugby, as well as online scent detection coaching for those further afield.

Whatever option you choose, the activity itself is less important than giving your dog regular opportunities to learn, solve problems and enjoy working alongside you.

How do I know if a Border Collie is right for me?

Before choosing a Border Collie, I'd encourage you to honestly ask yourself whether you can offer the lifestyle this breed is likely to need.

You'll ideally be able to say yes to the following:

• I can dedicate at least 30 minutes every day (ideally more) to structured training, in addition to walks.

• I'm happy to invest time and money in ongoing activities such as scentwork, agility or another dog sport. Puppy classes are a fantastic starting point, but they won't meet all of a Border Collie's needs on their own.

• I'm prepared to learn the early signs of behaviour problems and seek professional advice if they begin to develop.

• I'm home for much of the day. Many Border Collies struggle with spending long periods alone, and busy daycare environments are often more overwhelming than enjoyable for them.

If you can genuinely answer yes to these questions, you'll likely find yourself sharing your life with an incredibly loyal, capable and endlessly fascinating companion.

Border Collies are remarkable dogs, but they aren't an easy option. They need thoughtful training, appropriate outlets for their minds, and just as much encouragement to rest as they do to work.

If you're willing to provide that balance, you'll be rewarded with a dog who will continue to impress you throughout their life.

If you're preparing for a Border Collie puppy or would like help with an adult Border Collie, I'd love to help. Whether you're looking for puppy training, 1:1 dog training, or behaviour support for an existing behaviour concern, you can get in touch to discuss which option would be the best fit for you and your dog.