Border Collies are known for being intelligent, energetic dogs who love to have fun! These are dogs that are so energetic you’ll have a very difficult time keeping up!
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If you’re the pet parent of a Border Collie and need information on exercise for your fur baby, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll take a quick look at the Border Collie breed, how much exercise they need, and share some fun activities you and your dog can enjoy together! Let’s get started!
What is a Border Collie?
Border Collies were originally bred as working dogs used to help herd cattle. They were especially raised to herd sheep in Scotland and England. As working dogs, Border Collies have wonderful stamina and energy. They love to have a job, too. In fact, Border Collies are still used on farms and ranges today!
This is a dog breed that’s easily trained and highly intelligent. Border Collies excel at just about any activity, including dog sports, obedience, agility, tracking, and more. Not only that, but Border Collies also make wonderful family companions. However, they do need plenty of exercise.
How Much Exercise Does a Border Collie Need?
Well, we said they need plenty, and we aren’t kidding. This is a dog that easily needs at least two hours of walking a day. More is even better. The two hours of exercise could be broken up across the day, with an hour walk in the morning and another one in the evening.
Border Collies are best suited to active families, especially those who love to spend lots of time outdoors. A dog like this will benefit from plenty of activity over the weekend. The daily walks during the week will not be nearly enough exercise for an energetic dog like a Border Collie.
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Ask a Vet Live NowFun Activities for Your Border Collie
In this section, we’ll take a look at some fun activity ideas you and your Border Collie can enjoy together!
1). Walking/Jogging/Hiking
Your fur baby will need at least a couple of walks during the day. Walking is a great way to burn off energy; however, be warned. This isn’t nearly enough exercise for your dog. So, if you’re a jogger, you may want to consider having your fur baby join in on your daily runs!
Border Collies are natural runners. They’re bred it for. As herding dogs, these dogs have to be able to keep up with the cattle. So, be ready when your Border Collie runs. He’ll probably outrun you pretty easily!
Border Collies also make wonderful hiking companions. With their stamina and long legs, these dogs are able to deal with all types of terrain. If you plan on being out all day, remember to bring supplies for your dog, too. These include treats, dog food, and water.
2). Herding Trials
Because Border Collies were bred to herd, herding trials are natural activities for these dogs. With their instincts, intelligence, and energy, Border Collies excel at herding trials.
You can look for herding trials near you using a Google search or check the AKC’s Herding Program. Your will burn tons of energy, have fun and enjoy the mental stimulation of doing what he was bred to do!
3). Agility Training
Border Collies are also great candidates for agility training. They have the ability to move, change directions, and more quickly. These are agile dogs, so agility training is just right for them.
Not only does running an agility course wear of all the dog’s energy. It’s also a great way to put the dog’s intelligence and work ethic to work.
You can either look for agility courses near you through a Google search or even build an agility course in your own backyard!
4). Swimming
Border Collies are also natural swimmers! If your dog doesn’t know how to swim, you may need to teach him. Just remember, do not throw him into the water. This is the wrong way to teach your dog to swim. Instead, start off with a kiddie pool and then work up from there slowly. Eventually, your dog will have the confidence to swim with you in the lake or a river.
5). Fetch
This is another perfect game for Border Collies! Your fur baby will enjoy chasing and bringing the ball back to you. But it’s not necessary to only use a ball. You could also add a frisbee. Border Collies love nothing better than to chase down and catch a frisbee, sometimes in the air!
6). Biking
If you’re not a jogger, then why not consider taking your Border Collie biking with you? As you ride the bike, your canine companion can easily enjoy running alongside you. This way, he’ll get the active workout he needs and wear off energy at the same time. Plus, it’s something you can enjoy doing together!
7). Tug of War
This is a classic game that most dogs love. However, your Border Collie will happily take this game to new levels! Expect him to tug so hard that he’ll pull you over! You can even combine this game by getting a toy that can be used to play tug of war and fetch. When you’re done tugging, throw the toy and watch your dog fly!
8). Rainy Day Exercises
On those days when you just can’t get out due to the weather, your Border Collie will still be filled with excess energy. For this reason, you may want to consider investing in a doggie treadmill. Walking on the treadmill will get rid of some of the dog’s energy.
Remember to never leave your dog on the treadmill unattended. Accidents can happen. It’s possible for a dog to fall and get hurt while on a treadmill.
So, there you have it! These are some great ways to ensure your Border Collie gets all the exercise he needs. With plenty of exercise, you’ll have a happy, healthy dog who makes a wonderful companion for you and the entire family!
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Julie
Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.
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