Border Collies are brains and brawn rolled into one furry body. So part of keeping them happy is giving them mental and physical exercises.
But with their natural athleticism and wit, your choices for activities are endless! They thrive with a variety of tasks to do, so you need to get creative.
There are a lot of ins and outs about their exercise needs. You may even have many questions about it. But do not worry, this article tackles the most common ones.
Are Border Collies Hyper?
Being energetic and hyper is often considered a breed trait of Border Collies. This means that they have huge mental and physical stimulation needs. If they lack this, your Border Collie can drive you wild.
Boredom can make this breed hyperactive, restless, and often destructive. They get creative in looking for outlets to use up all their energy. So they may excessively dig holes, chew items like furniture, and more.
Male Border Collies are more active than females. They keep their puppy-like energy even after they turn into adults. Females begin to mellow down after reaching adulthood.
But in general, Border Collies will calm down around six years of age. That may be a long time for some Border Collie owners.
So while you wait for this, make sure that they have enough daily stimulation. This will help in making your Border Collie a well-behaved dog.
Why Is My Border Collie So Energetic?
Your Border Collie’s energetic nature is due to how they have been bred for many centuries. They need to be energetic dogs to carry on their daily tasks, this is in their genes. This is a dog that can sprint endlessly for miles, to give you an idea of how high its energies can be.
Being a herding dog is hard, intense, and taxing on their bodies. They need to herd, gather, and protect livestock. All while listening and carrying out commands from their owners.
Since Border Collies are workaholics, they need a job to feel contented. They think about what they can do all the time. Sometimes, they may even beg you to give them some tasks.
This is why they need tons of stimulation, much more compared to companion dogs. And it is your duty as their owner to fulfill this need.
Their intelligence, affectionate nature, and loyalty are all very likable traits. But it is crucial for you to know that their herding instincts and their energy levels are a part of the package too.
If you know how to handle their overflowing energy, they can be the best dog you have ever had.
Why Is My Border Collie Puppy So Hyper?
Puppies, no matter their breed, can be very hyper when they are young, but this is more if you have a Border Collie. Their intelligence and high energy levels are a deadly combo that can drive anyone crazy.
As puppies, they are still learning about the world. They are very curious, so they will inspect anything that they lay their eyes on. Since they have a lot of energy, they can be quite mischievous so they get into trouble a lot.
Even at a young age, they need a lot of stimulation, which many get surprised about. With that in mind, your Border Collie puppy can be even more hyper if they do not get enough of this. This can lead to destructive behaviors like the following:
- Climbing Everywhere
- Chewing Everything
- Barking
- Whining
- Jumping on People
Does this sound like your sweet puppy? If so, you may need to give them more stuff to do. This should help lessen their hyperactivity.
Why Is My Border Collie Restless at Night?
Your Border Collie can be restless at night due to many reasons. An issue like this is not only disruptive for them but also for you. You may also become restless at night out of concern for your poor Border Collie.
Since this is a worrying issue, you need to figure out the root of this behavior right away. Some causes of this need training, while others may need the help of your vet.
Below are the common reasons why they have trouble sleeping through the night.
Lack of Stimulation
You have a dog with very high energy in your hands and it takes a lot to keep them tired. Their need for exercise is higher than other dogs, so they need more intense activities.
If they lack this, your Border Collie will have a lot of pent-up energy. This will not entice them to sleep at night, so they will try to spend their energy for them to finally tap out.
Remember, a few minutes of walking is not enough for this energetic breed. You need to give them more activities, otherwise, they will not let you sleep at night.
Outdoor Stimuli
Your Border Collie has sensitive hearing and they are also quite alert dogs. So when they detect anything unusual, this can make them restless. They will pace around, bark, and whine as a response.
They may hear critters in your attic, hear the bushes rustling, or even smell a female dog in heat. Your Border Collie may even sense that an intruder is trespassing your territory. So they will bark to wake you up and alert you.
Discomfort
There are instances when they do not feel comfortable enough to sleep. It can be tricky to figure this out and you may not notice this right away. Here are some reasons for their discomfort as a guide:
- Fever: If your Border Collie has a high temperature, it may be too hot for them to sleep. You can check their temperature, anything above 101 to 102.5 degrees F (38 to 39 degrees C) is unusual.
- Skin Conditions: Border Collies who feel itchy all the time cannot sleep well. Make sure to check for allergies or parasites, these can cause them to itch excessively.
- Room Temperature: It may be too hot or too cold for your Border Collie to sleep in comfort. Making them sleep in a room with an ideal temperature should help. But keep in mind that some medications can also make them feel too hot or cold.
- Potty Break: You should always make them go to the potty before bedtime. Otherwise, they may need to pester you at night to help them poop or pee outside.
Anxiety
Whenever you feel anxious, sleeping can be hard. The same thing can happen to your Border Collie. They feel restless and will come to you at night for comfort.
In the case of general nerves, some of these may be your Border Collie’s trigger:
- Loud Noises (thunderstorms, fireworks)
- Environmental Changes (death of a dog, new pet, or a new baby)
- Crate Anxiety
Sometimes, their anxiety can be something more serious. Border Collies are prone to developing separation anxiety. If your Border Collie has this, they can be restless when you are not around.
For example, if they suffer from this, sleeping in a different room can be a trigger. Or if you stay somewhere else overnight, they will not sleep to wait for you to come back home. They do this because they feel isolated from you, which sends drives them mad.
Separation anxiety can be hard to treat, but not impossible. It needs a lot of training and relearning for your Border Collie. They only need your time, patience, and a lot of reassurance.
Age
The reason why your Border Collie is restless at night may depend on their age. Puppies and senior dogs often have this issue, but adolescent dogs may also have this.
For puppies, they need to adjust to their new home. Being separated from their mother and littermates is scary in itself. What more if they are in an environment that is entirely new to them?
Other than that, their restlessness can be due to their tiny bladders and bowels. They cannot hold these for more than a few hours, so they need regular trips to the potty. With this, the first few months of their life will mean restless nights for you.
For adolescent Border Collies, they have an overflowing amount of energy! So you need to meet their requirements for stimulation each day. Otherwise, they will not let you sleep with their antics.
For senior Border Collies, a lot of this is medically related. They will develop health issues and cognitive problems with age.
This includes canine cognitive dysfunction, which is like Alzheimer’s disease. One of its symptoms is a change in their sleep cycle, which can explain their restlessness at night. Instead of sleeping when they should, they may sleep more during the day.
Another is heart problems like congestive heart failure. This condition makes it hard for your Border Collie to find a comfy sleep position. This is because a lot of postures make it hard for their lungs to fill with air completely.
Health Issues
If your Border Collie suffers from any health issue, the pain can keep them up at night. They cannot tell you this, so you have to watch out for the signs:
Whispering, Growling, or Yelping
- Agitation
- Restlessness
- Trembling
- Appetite Changes
- Lethargy
If you notice any of these, you should take your Border Collie to the vet for treatment. But before this, you may want to know common conditions that can cause your Border Collie’s pain. This will help you and your vet narrow down the cause much faster.
- Infections or Illnesses: This includes giardia, Lyme disease, and ringworm.
- Injuries: Active Border Collies may have wounds, scrapes, ligament tears, and more. This also includes ingesting foreign objects by accident.
- Dental Problems: Periodontitis, gingivitis, and plaque or tartar buildup can cause this.
- Digestive Disorder: Check for pancreatitis, diarrhea, or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV).
- Arthritis: This is common in older dogs and can be the cause of their discomfort sleeping at night.
- Bone Diseases: This includes hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and panosteitis, to name a few.
- Cancer: This is a common cause of fatalities in Border Collies. Given this, you should always look for the possibility of cancer. This will help you take action right away, giving you a better chance at extending their life.
How Do You Tire a Border Collie?
To tire them out, you need to combine mental and physical stimulation. Plain old running around the yard is not enough to drain out their energy. You need to be creative in figuring out activities for your Border Collie.
If you are not sure how to start with this, do not worry. Below, you will find some fun ways to make your Border Collie tired.
Obedience
Although this is not too physical, obedience activities are mentally taxing to them. You can teach them tricks like sitting, lying down, and speaking. Border Collies can learn a great number of commands, so take advantage of this!
What is great is that you can incorporate these into their daily activities. For example, during dinnertime, you can give out some commands. Let them sit before you give them food, have them wait for a few seconds, and then command them to eat.
This will get their minds to work in everything they do, draining their energy at the end of the day.
Change How They Eat
You can make eating a bit more inconvenient for them to exhaust their energy. Interactive feeders, foraging mats, and slow feeder bowls are great for this. This will make your Border Collie work for their food and will help with bloating too.
By doing this, you are tapping into their canine instincts. In the wild, dogs will hunt or forage for food. Think of this as mimicking this activity.
Do not worry about your Border Collie hating you for this. The opposite may happen, because they love working, no matter what it may be. Since they are food-driven, this can also keep them entertained to avoid boredom.
food. Think of this as mimicking this activity.
Do not worry about your Border Collie hating you for this. The opposite may happen, because they love working, no matter what it may be. Since they are food-driven, this can also keep them entertained to avoid boredom.
Mind Games
Engaging their brains is an effective way to keep your Border Collie occupied. They can work on tasks for hours on end, draining out their energy.
A good example would be to play hide and seek. You can play this outside or indoors, hiding yourself or their favorite toy.
Make sure you reward them with treats whenever they are successful. This will keep the game fun for them since food motivates this energetic breed.
Sometimes, this can be as simple as commanding them to pick up specific toys. Start by teaching them to pick up their favorite toy and then move on to other toys. In time, they should be able to distinguish which toy is which based on your command.
Or, you can even ask them to put away their toys after the end of playtime. Not only will you save time cleaning up after them, but you will also put their minds to work.
You can also play red light and green light with your Border Collie. But they should already know the basic commands like “sit” before you play this. You should also have a release command to let them know that they can start to play again.
Begin by grabbing their favorite toy and playing with your Border Collie as usual. Give them a go at it for a few seconds and after that, say “sit”. They should pause playing with their toy, as this is their red light to stop.
After a while, give your release command for them to continue playing with their toy. This go command is their green light where they are free to have fun.
Play Fetch With Commands
This is a fun way to combine both mental and physical stimulation. What you should do is to play fetch as normal, but add in some commands.
For example, make your Border Collie sit before you throw a stick. Then make them wait a few seconds before they could go and fetch it. After that, give a “go” command so they get the stick and bring it back to you!
This is a more intense kind of playing fetch. You are challenging them enough with this to drain their energy.
Running
As mentioned, running is not enough to tire out your Border Collie. This dog can go on endless sprinting for miles, so a short run will not do it for them.
So instead of treating running as their exercise, use it as a warm-up for them. This will release their initial burst of energy to make playtime more manageable.
How can you make running more intense for this energetic breed, though? If you are a runner, this is good news for both you and your furry friend.
You can train your Border Collie as a running partner to increase their endurance! With this, you can take your Border Collie on marathon runs and even trail runs. The latter is more intense as you and your Border Collie will have to conquer rugged terrains.
But this change of scenery can get physically challenge them. So by the end of your run, they will need to take a nap since this tires them out.
Dog Sports
Before anything else, keep in mind that dog sports should not be an everyday activity. The intensity of these activities is too high. So if done daily, this can do your Border Collie more harm than good.
But dog sports are sure to decrease your Border Collie’s impressive energy levels. The training and practice itself are already tiring for them. Competitive sessions will make it even more challenging for your energetic dog!
Here are some great dog sports for your Border Collie:
- Herding
- Agility
- Obedience Trials
- Frisbee
- Flyball
- Treibball
- Dock Diving
- Barn Hunt
- Disc Dog
How Do You Tire Out a Border Collie Puppy?
The methods of tiring out your Border Collie are pretty much the same as you would with adults. But their sessions should be less intense and much shorter.
You may think that it is okay to exercise Border Collie puppies more than other breeds. But they still go through the same development as every other pup. Your puppy still has soft growth plates, so they are more prone to injuries than adults.
So pushing your Border Collie puppy too hard can lead to negative long-term effects. This includes misshapen limbs and stunted growth.
With this, you need to cater their exercise to their age. Below are some ways that you can do this.
Free Play
It is hard to figure out your Border Collie puppy’s limits. While they are more energetic than most breeds, you do not want to overwork them. With free play, you can avoid this issue since they can play on their terms.
There are many ways you can do this, but most of them involve toys. For example, you can have them push around a large ball in your yard. Remember, your puppy is a herding dog, so herding a ball will fulfill their instincts!
You can also have them play with a variety of toys. Puzzle toys and interactive feeders are great for keeping their minds engaged.
Do not focus too much on physical exercise, they need mental activities just as much too. With both of these, you can tire your puppy out enough for them to take a good nap.
Free-roaming and running around your yard is also a great idea for your Border Collie pup. They will not only use up their energy, but they also get to enjoy nature. Learning more about the world with their five senses can drain a young puppy out.
Extend Exercise Times
This does not mean that you should exercise your puppy for hours in one go. A safe way to extend playtime is to have many sessions daily while shortening the duration.
By doing this, your puppy has more breaks between their activities. You give them more time to recover before bouncing back and running about again.
This way, you are constantly using their energy throughout the day. You can avoid any sudden bursts of energy that could result in them being destructive dogs.
Hide and Seek
You can play hide and seek the usual way. But remember, food is a great motivator for your Border Collie. So instead of hiding toys or yourself, you can hide treats instead!
Hide a treat somewhere in your home and command them to “search” for it. Your Border Collie puppy will divert all their energy to get that tasty treat.
Any activities that make them use their sense of smell are always great for them. This will wear them out faster compared to what an hour-long walk can do.
The good thing about this is that you can make the game harder anytime you want. At first, you can hide it in plain sight. But once they get the hang of the game, you can hide treats in harder-to-spot places.
This game can evolve as your Border Collie gets smarter and smarter.
Training
A highly intelligent working dog such as Border Collies needs training from day one. This fulfills their needs to perform, as they often think about what they can work on. But this can also make them well-behaved and obedient dogs in the long run.
With puppies, you need to teach them the basics. Potty training is essential, so you can start with that. But keep in mind that they do not have complete control over their bladders yet, so there will be accidents.
You can also teach them basic commands like sit, bed, and come. Do this about three to four times a day for only about 10 minutes. Puppies have short attention spans, so they get bored when training sessions are too long.
Teaching Tricks
You have a dog that is often regarded as the most intelligent breed. So you should take full advantage of this! Border Collies can learn a big number of tricks, which is great for mental stimulation.
Some fun tricks you can teach your Border Collie are the following:
- Speak
- Roll Over
- Play Dead
- Kiss
- Shake Hands
- Stand
There are a lot of tricks you can teach your smart puppy. This is a wonderful activity to keep their minds sharp but also to strengthen your bond with each other.
Why Is My Border Collie Lazy?
Many dog owners misunderstand their Border Collie’s lack of interest in doing anything. They think that their furry friend is lazy, but it is odd for this breed to be one. Being energetic and full of life is one of their breed traits, laziness is not.
There are three reasons why your Border Collie may appear to be lazy:
- Boredom
- Lifestyle
- Personality
Keep in mind that Border Collies have huge requirements for stimulation. So if they feel bored, they have no motivation to do anything. They will not play with their favorite toys, they will not want to go out, and more.
This disinterest in doing anything they normally like seems like they are lazy dogs. But this is one of the many symptoms of boredom.
So switch up their routine and make it unpredictable. Go on a hike one day and do dog sports the next day. This will help your Border Collie feel motivated since every day is a surprise to them!
But what if you fulfill their daily stimulation needs? If they still seem lazy with this, then it all boils down to their personality.
Some Border Collies are more mellow than others. While they love to frolic around, they love lounging around in the house equally too. As long as they are happy and you give them their needs, they are fine.
They can also appear to be lazy due to their lifestyle. If you have a daily routine with your Border Collie, they know that they can get stimulation when it is time.
They are aware that there is a time for play and resting. So while they wait, they can catch a nap in their favorite spot.
Why Is My Border Collie Puppy Lazy?
Keep in mind that Border Collie puppies sleep up to 20 hours a day. Many dog owners mistake this as a sign of laziness. But in reality, your puppy needs to replenish their energy a lot throughout the day.
While their sleep habits may explain this, there are other reasons why your puppy seems lazy.
Boredom
Like adults, Border Collie puppies can seem detached when they feel bored. Even at a young age, this breed is a big workaholic. So you should give them a variety of tasks to work on, especially mentally challenging ones.
Hotter Weather
If it is summertime, your Border Collie puppy can become less active. Their bodies work hard to regulate their temperature. This is because most of their energy goes into cooling down.
With this, they tire out faster than usual. So make sure to keep your furry friend in cooler rooms during summer. Make sure that they always have access to clean drinking water too to quench their thirst.
Wrong Diet
Have you switched your puppy’s food? If so, their new food may cause them to feel more fatigued. Make sure to consult with your vet to figure out the best food options for your growing puppy.
Depression
Like humans, your furry friend can also get depression. Since one of its symptoms is laziness, you should look into this possibility.
There are many reasons why your puppy developed this. It could be moving homes, the death of another pet, or their owner leaving.
In scenarios like these, they should feel better as the weeks go by. Make sure to give them lots of attention and love while they are adjusting.
But if this lasts for months, you need to take action. Seek help from a dog behaviorist as soon as you can.
Health Issues
A puppy who suffers from medical problems will not seem like its usual self. Their body is working hard to recover, so they try to conserve their energy for this. So if your puppy is suddenly lazy, you should take them to the vet to rule out health issues.
Personality
If the reasons above do not explain your puppy’s laziness, this is their personality. They will always be this way because they are naturally calm dogs.
Is a Border Collie a Calm Dog?
Border Collies are one of the most enthusiastic and energetic dogs you can find. They have such a spirited demeanor that can drive even experienced dog owners mad.
Some might say that they never run out of energy. This is in their genes since they served as herding dogs for many centuries. And with a tough job like this, a dog needs to have an endless supply of energy.
So if you want a calm Border Collie, you need to train them to become one.
Are Male or Female Border Collies Calmer?
Compared to males, female Border Collies are often said to be the calmer one of the two. Male Border Collies keep their playfulness throughout their lifespan, calming down once neutered. While female Border Collies mellow down as they age. Although this may be a slight difference, this is something to consider when choosing a dog.
If you have children, you may want them to have an active playmate to grow up with them. In this case, it may be better to go with a male Border Collie.
But if you want a more placid furry friend, choose a female Border Collie. Even if they are calmer, they still love playing around and being active.
At What Age Do Border Collies Slow Down?
Border Collies will slow down during the latter half of their lives, at around 6 to 7 years of age. During this stage, you will notice that they become less active and more relaxed.
But while they are in the first half of their lives, they are quite hyperactive. With this, they need an owner who is proactive in directing this breed.
You need to invest a lot of your time and energy to keep them happy and contented. If this seems like a long wait to you, remember that you can always train your Border Collie to be calmer. They need active training and socialization to make them well-mannered dogs.
How Do You Calm a Hyper Border Collie Puppy?
The key to curbing their hyperactivity is to ensure that their needs are being met. This includes mental and physical exercise and socialization. If they have all these three, they will be better-behaved dogs.
There are many ways for you to provide these for your Border Collie. If you want to know how to do this, check out the list below.
Physical Activities
Remember this is a very active dog. So you need to find ways to exercise your Border Collie to cater to their high energy levels. Exercising them like how you would with other breeds is not enough to use up their energy.
So if your puppy is a bit more hyperactive than usual, make them exercise more. You can hit two birds with one stone, combining exercise and socialization.
For example, instead of making them play with their favorite toy alone, join them. Play fetch, hide and seek, or tug-of-war.
You can also increase their time for free play. The thing with puppies is that it is hard to know what their limits are. You do not want to overwork them, so it may be best to have them play with a ball outside.
Mental Activities
Sometimes, mental exercise can tire your pup more than physical exercise. You can incorporate these into their routine so that they think more throughout the day.
One way you can do this is to use a foraging mat or interactive feeder whenever you feed them. This makes eating challenging since they have to figure out how to get their food.
You can also teach them new tricks, and commands, or even incorporate these into playtime. For example, you can make them sit before you throw a stick when playing fetch. They use a release command once you allow them to get it.
Training
You can also teach your puppy how to be calm. With patience, time, and a lot of treats, they will learn in time.
Whenever they are hyper, you can command them to sit and stay still. After a few seconds, reward them for being calm. They will soon find out that being calm means that they get treats, so they will do this more often.
There are many ways for you to train your Border Collie to be calm. If this example does not work for you, you have many more methods to try.
Crate Training
You can also put your Border Collie in their crates to help them calm down. Once inside, they can relax, stopping their burst of excitement.
The catch is that some Border Collies may like this, and others may not. But the only way to figure this out is to try it for yourself.
If your Border Collie is familiar with crates, it can be their safe space. They know that they can go in their crate whenever they need a time out and calm themselves down.
But if your Border Collie does not like their crate, this can be a scary situation for them. You can teach them to warm up to it, but it may take you time.
So if you want a shortcut to this, you can always use a dog bed instead. Choose a spot in your home where they can be by themselves and put their bed there. This will now be their calm spot, a place where they can take a break from their antics.
How Do You Calm a Border Collie Puppy?
There are many methods you can try to calm down your hyper Border Collie puppy. Calming them down is no easy task. So if you have a variety of options to do this, there is bound to be one that works for them. To help you on this quest, below is a list of tips that you can use.
A Strong Facial Expression
Dogs can sense your mood by watching your body language and face. You can use this to your advantage when calming down your smart puppy.
Whenever they act out, you can look them directly in the eye while looking angry. This can work for some since Border Collies love to make their owners happy. So the thought of their humans being mad at them can make them stop their antics.
But this may also not work for some Border Collies. Do not get discouraged if this is the case for you. You have other tips to try out below.
Removing Their Triggers
Your poor puppy can be restless due to fear. To help them calm down, you need to remove their trigger. Or, you can remove them from a scary situation that makes them anxious.
Without the stimuli that are causing them fear, they can finally relax and calm down.
A Soothing Massage
Border Collie puppies are on their feet a lot since they make the most out of their waking moments. But this can be hard on their bodies too since they are more fragile than adults.
Giving them a good massage can help them to calm down. This will help to release any tension in their muscles so they can bounce back and get ready for the next day. But make sure you take precautions while doing this, you never know how they may react.
Obedience Training
This is one of the best ways to make your puppy well-mannered from a young age. Working dogs need training from the day that you bring them home. Especially if you have such a smart dog like Border Collies who needs lots of mental exercises.
Once they learn basic commands, you can easily divert their attention when they act out. For example, if they are getting hyper and running around nonstop, command them to sit. This way, you can calm them down when they need to.
Play Some Music
Research has shown that playing relaxing music works well to calm down dogs. Other than that, some benefits include lower respiratory rates and lower stress levels. So if your Border Collie is hyper or restless, playing music may do wonders.
Using Smells and Aroma
Since dogs have superb noses, some scents may help your Border Collie to calm down. There are many options for these on the market like the following:
- Electric Diffusers
- Lotions
- Sprays
- Atomizers
This can be a hit or miss, but it is worth a try in getting your Border Collie to mellow down.
Do Border Collies Require a Lot of Exercise?
Border Collies are robust, high-energy dogs that need a lot of exercise to be happy and healthy. If they lack this, they may develop several behavioral issues. Their exercise needs are much more than most dogs, which is no surprise when you look into their history.
Herding dogs need a vast amount of energy to herd, gather, and even protect their livestock. They do this while listening to their owners’ commands and obeying them. This job is taxing for many dogs, but your Border Collie can live up to the expectations.
So Border Collies are born for intensity, after many centuries of being work dogs. If you are considering getting this breed, make sure that you can fulfill their huge needs.
How Often Should You Exercise a Border Collie?
This sturdy breed needs a considerable amount of activity, at about 1 to 2 hours worth of exercise daily. Some Border Collies who are more energetic may need more than this. But of course, their exercise needs will still depend on their health, fitness, and age.
The range above is for healthy adult Border Collies. If your Border Collie is younger, older, or suffering from health issues, they need less. With this, you need to talk to your vet and discuss your furry friend’s exercise needs.
How Much Exercise Does a Border Collie Puppy Need?
Your Border Collie puppy’s exercise requirements will depend on its age. In general, the younger they are, the less exercise they need. Since they are growing rapidly, you need to adapt to their needs fast too.
It can be hard to figure out your puppy’s limits. So to help you with this below is a guide that you can follow.
Border Collie Puppies Who Are 12 Weeks Old and Younger
At this stage, their bodies are fragile. So you do not want to overwork them during this developmental stage. This can lead to lifelong repercussions.
Your young puppy still needs some form of exercise. But do not pressure them into doing any intense activities yet.
What you can do is engage in fun and light activities, like playing hide and seek. You can also teach them basic commands, start potty training, and more.
You can focus more on mentally challenging activities. This will burn off their excess energy while being gentle on their growing bodies.
Make sure you do these activities indoors first. At this stage, they have not completed their vaccines yet. Their immune systems are not yet strong enough to protect them from illnesses.
Border Collie Puppies Who Are 1 to 12 Months Old
A general rule of thumb to follow is that they need 5 minutes of exercise for every month of age. So a Border Collie who is a month old needs 5 minutes of exercise. The following month, they need 10 minutes of physical activities, and so on.
This rule does not apply to their free playing, though. This includes playing with their toys or zooming around the house. The 5-minute rule only applies to activities like playing fetch, hide and seek, and more.
To avoid overexercising them, you should break their exercise into smaller chunks daily.
For example, a 4-month-old Border Collie needs 20 minutes of exercise a day. Instead of having them play for that long in one go, divide their time. Have them play 4 times a day for 5 minutes so they have time to recover their energy.
Be careful once they reach 6 months of age and older. While you should stick to the recommended daily exercise time, they will demand more play. They have a lot of energy at this stage, but their bodies still need to mature.
Remember, you are the leader of the pack. What you say goes and your Border Collie puppy should understand this. Do not give in to them begging to play more, this is for their wellbeing.
How Much Exercise Is Too Much for a Border Collie?
There is no cut-and-dry answer to this as this will depend on your Border Collie’s stamina and lifestyle. You can follow the recommended exercise times for their age listed above. But this can be confusing as some Border Collies will demand more playtime.
In general, any activity that is more intense than what they are used to is too much exercise.
For example, if your Border Collie exercises for an hour a day, a 2-hour long session is overworking them. If your Border Collie has not tried hiking, then bringing them on one without preparation is too much.
In the same way, if your Border Collie has 2 hours of playtime a day, an hour of exercise is too little for them. This can lead to behavioral issues, like excessive barking and restlessness.
What Activities Do Border Collies Like?
With their agility, smarts, and endurance, Border Collies can enjoy a lot of activities. The possibilities are endless for this natural athlete. If you are looking for fun activities for your furry friend, you are bound to find one on the list below.
Hide and Seek
You can do this with people, with toys, or with treats! Your Border Collie will be able to engage their minds and use their noses to look for you or any item. This is a fun activity for them and they get a lot of pleasure after being successful!
Tug of War
This is a pleasurable activity for any dog. You can use a tug toy, or even an old towel or sock. As long as they have something to sink their teeth into, they are more than happy.
Fetch
Some Border Collies will even beg you to play fetch with them. You can play this indoors or outside where they can run longer distances.
A way to elevate a fun game of fetch is by incorporating commands. Have your Border Collie sit before you throw their toy and then make them wait for your go signal for them to get it. You are combining both physical and mental exercise, which they need a lot of.
Puzzle Games
Your food-driven Border Collie will do what they can to munch on a tasty treat. When there is food involved, they will not stop until they get every last kibble.
A treat dispenser is great for this. They will figure out how to get the treats out, honing their problem-solving skills. They can nudge it, paw it, move it around, this is all up to them.
Chasing
If you have more than one dog, your Border Collie will have fun chasing them around your yard. But if you do not, they are not picky playmates. They will also enjoy chasing you too!
You can also use a flirt pole for added fun. This will help you more, as you can play while standing up instead of running. This breed can sprint for miles and it is hard to keep up with them.
Training
Learning new tricks and commands is not a chore for this intelligent breed. They love and embrace any challenges that come their way! This not only helps to keep their minds sharp but also makes them obedient dogs.
Walking and Running
These two are common activities that dogs enjoy. If you incorporate these into their daily routine, their endurance builds up.
Not only are you exercising them, but these are also great opportunities for socialization. Your Border Collie will experience new sights, sounds, and smells. Taking all these in will also get their minds to work.
Hiking
Going through rough terrain is challenging for you and even your Border Collie. But as you already know, they love challenges. Although you may think this only fulfills their physical needs, it is also a mental activity.
A new environment will get their senses and brain to work. They have to take in all this information and store it in their mind.
But keep in mind that this is not a daily activity. You and your furry friend can go on hikes as a weekend bonding instead.
Swimming
Border Collies are excellent swimmers. Those who love the water cannot get enough of this fun summertime activity. But if your Border Collie does not like to swim, it is best not to force them to do this.
Agility Training
One of the traits Border Collies are often known for is their impressive agility. Training them for this will hone their ability while having fun. This is also a good way to divert their frustration and excess energy.
Herding Trials
Using your Border Collie’s herding instincts for activities is always a great idea. This is a taxing affair for them, blending mental and physical exercise.
Herding drains a lot of their energy, tiring them out. And a tired Border Collie is a happy and often well-mannered one.
Are Border Collies Athletic?
Border Collies are not only known for being smart but also for their natural athleticism. They are speedy, agile, and energetic. To top it off, they also have fantastic endurance.
This is a very intense breed that can move with ease with minimal effort. Their athletic abilities make them excel in their work and even in dog sports.
Is Walking Good for Border Collies?
Walking has many benefits for your Border Collie. This is why you should make this part of their daily routine.
To encourage you more, here are reasons why walking is good for your furry friend.
Keeps Them Healthy
Walking your Border Collie for about 1 to 2 hours each day lessens their risk for health issues. A sedentary lifestyle will not only make them overweight. But it can also lead to joint problems, heart diseases, and more.
Burns Their Energy
With a very active breed like Border Collies, walking may not be enough to drain them. But it will help to use some bursts of energy throughout the day.
As you may already know, excess energy can lead to behavioral problems. So if you maintain their energy levels with walks, they will behave better.
Helps to Train Them
It is easy to command your Border Collie while you are at home without any disturbance. But outdoors, there are a lot of stimuli that can make this trickier.
This is a great opportunity for you to test their obedience. In time, they will learn to keep their focus on you when you are outdoors. This way, you have better control over them in situations where you need to.
Exploring the World
Your Border Collie has a lot to learn about the world. They may always experience something new whenever you walk them outside. This will help to keep their minds sharp, making walking a mental exercise too.
Better Mental Health
Walking is a form of destressing for your Border Collie. They can channel their frustrations and excess energy into this, reducing their anxiety.
Improves Social Skills
Your Border Collie is bound to run into strangers on walks. New people, dogs, and even kids. This is crucial for them so they learn how to interact with people in time.
Make sure your Border Collie is always on a leash in these situations. It will help if they know basic commands like sit or quiet in case they act out.
To make their interactions with strangers a positive experience, use treats. Give them a reward whenever they behave. This will teach them that being calm will get them rewarded.
Helps With Digestive Health
A sedentary lifestyle can lead to constipation and even potty accidents. Walking will help regulate your Border Collie’s bowel movements. The more active they are, the faster their metabolism works.
Reduces Behavioral Issues
Pent-up energy is a common cause of many unwanted behaviors in Border Collies. This is because when they get bored, they find creative ways to entertain themselves. This includes excessive barking, destructive chewing, digging, and more.
But if their energy is all used up, these problems may lessen or even go away. They may not even think about doing any of these anymore. Instead, they will take a nice, long nap to replenish their energy.
Are Border Collies Hard to Walk?
Border Collies can be hard to manage when walking on a leash. They will pull you, jump around, and lunge at anything that moves. This can be tough, especially since they can outrun you without breaking a sweat.
Understanding the cause of this behavior will help you a lot in correcting it. So here are the reasons why your Border Collie is tricky to walk.
Instincts
This herding breed will often act out of instinct. They will try to chase or bark at anything that moves. This includes small animals, moving bikes, and even frolicking children.
You cannot get rid of this desire. So your best bet is to train your Border Collie in useful commands whenever their instincts kick in.
Overexcitement
Border Collies who do not get to go out every day may be too enthusiastic during walks. They make the most out of their time, pulling you around for them to inspect anything that interests them.
They may also get too excited about greeting and getting pets from people. Or even meeting new dog friends and asking them to play. If they smell anything unusual, like someone having a barbecue party, they will pull you that way.
You have to understand where they are coming from. If they spend most of their time indoors, anything that happens outside is exciting to them.
Fear
Sometimes, a Border Collie who does not go out a lot may also pull the leash out of fear. When this happens, it means that your Border Collie lacks socialization.
Any stimuli can trigger their anxiety — the loud sound of cars, unfamiliar faces coming their way, and more. So when they encounter these, they will try their best to get away from the situation.
In this case, you need to be sensitive with your poor Border Collie. Do not force them into scary situations. But you should help them slowly adapt to their triggers.
Dominant Behavior
Border Collies may also pull you around if they think they are the leader of the pack. They will take control of the situation, directing the walk. Think of it as them walking you instead of the other way around.
This is an issue that you need to tackle. Leash pulling is not the only way your Border Collie can act dominant. Sometimes, it can lead to aggressive behavior.
So you need to train them and teach them that you are the leader of the pack, not them. With this, they should respect and obey you.
Male Border Collies are more prone to this dominating behavior. But female Border Collies may also exhibit this as well.
Why Does My Border Collie Not Like Walks?
There are three possible reasons why your Border Collie refuses to walk. It can be due to medical issues, inadequate leash training, or fear.
Since walking is a crucial physical activity for them, this issue is worrying. Understanding what is going on will help you take the right steps to correct this behavior.
So below, you will find explanations for each of these three reasons.
Medical Issues
You must first rule out this possibility. Your Border Collie cannot tell you that they are in pain, some dogs may even hide it. So go to your vet and have your furry friend examined before you do anything else.
If your Border Collie happens to dislike walking overnight, check for physical trauma. They may have wounds, scrapes, or foreign objects on their paws. You should also check if they are limping or if they have a weird gait.
Senior Border Collies may not want to walk due to orthopedic pain caused by arthritis. They have discomfort in their joints, so walking is not as enticing to them as it used to be.
It is important that you do not force your Border Collie to walk if they have medical issues. By doing this, you are only causing them more pain. You may also make their condition worse.
Inadequate Leash Training
Does your Border Collie only like to walk without a leash? If so, you may need to leash train them more.
Walking them off their leash is dangerous if they are not trained for it. Remember that your Border Collie has incredible herding instincts. The moment they see a small animal, they may dash across the street without regard for passing cars.
The key here is for your Border Collie to have a positive association with the leash and collar. Without this, they will see these as something scary, so they refuse to use them on walks.
Use the appropriate leash or harness size for them to provide the most comfort. You can start with the lightest material possible too. An ill-fitting collar will only make the whole process worse for your Border Collie.
Starting this training may be a tough task. During the first tries, they will pull you around, bite the leash, and more.
But in time, your smart Border Collie will get the hang of walking on a leash. With lots of treats and reassurance, you will build up their confidence too.
Fear
Walking involves a lot of taking in environmental stimuli. These can be too overwhelming for your Border Collie, so they refuse to walk out of fear.
You can tell that fear is the cause of their refusal to walk with their body language. Some signs include laid-back ears, tucked tails, and a crouched body. They may also begin to breathe heavily, a sign of stress. Once you see these signs, be sensitive with your poor furry friend. Turn back and change your walking route so that they can calm down.
With this, you need to learn what triggers your Border Collie’s fears on a walk. After learning that, you need to train them so that they learn to ignore these triggers. Counterconditioning and desensitization will do this in time.
But what if your Border Collie had no problems with this before? You walk your usual route and everything seems normal. Then they refused to walk to the same place without notice?
Something may have happened during your previous walks. Whatever that is, it made this otherwise fun activity negative for them. This is hard to tell because fear is very subjective in dogs.
What can be normal to you can be terrifying to them. They may have stepped on something sharp, a siren startled them, and many more.
Can Border Collies Walk Off-Leash?
Border Collies are one of the most dependable dog breeds when it comes to walking off-leash. But this is only with a solid foundation in obedience and recall. You also need to train them on how to behave, so socialization plays a big part in this too.
If you live in a large property away from the city, you may see more success with this. But if you live in a busy area with a lot of distractions, this may be harder.
There are a lot of distractions in a city setting, so you do not know how your Border Collie may react. They may lunge at moving cars, or they may run away out of fear. Both of these scenarios are scary as your Border Collie may end up hurting themselves.
Sometimes, they may also get too excited when meeting other people and dogs. In this case, your Border Collie may hurt someone as they do not know their strength.
With proactive training though, your Border Collie will be a well-behaved dog. They will learn to stay calm during most situations like the ones above.
As long as you are confident that they obey you and they understand recall, you can take the leash off.
Will Border Collies Run Away?
It is unusual for Border Collies to run away. They are fiercely loyal to their families and will always find ways to be close to their pack. As long as you meet their needs, they do not have a reason to leave.
But Border Collies are also sensitive and skittish. They are also prone to anxiety and loneliness.
So if things turn sour in their home life, like getting reprimanded a lot, they may run away. This emotional breed cannot take getting shouted at well.
Or if you leave them alone for too long, they may think that you have abandoned them. Since they think their family is gone, they will look for a new home.
These are only a few scenarios that can urge your Border Collie to run away. But as long as they are happy and have all their needs, they will not think of leaving you.
Why Do Border Collies Run Away?
If your Border Collie likes to run away, there are many possible reasons to explain this. A lot of it has to do with their sensitive and skittish personalities.
So if you are trying to figure this out, below you will find the reasons why your Border Collie is such an escape artist.
Lack of Physical Stimulation
Think of your Border Collie’s roots. They are herding dogs who roamed the rugged terrain of Scotland for hours on end. Their job is intense, and so should their exercise routine.
They have huge exercise requirements for their high energy levels. If their daily routine is not enough to drain this, they will look for other ways to do this. This may involve running away from home.
Lack of Mental Stimulation
Their history as herding dogs also needed them to use their brains, not only their bodies. With this, they also have huge mental exercise needs.
They flourish in environments where they always have a job to do. If not, they can get bored and this leads to a lot of behavioral issues. Your Border Collie can be anxious too as a result.
Given their lack of tolerance for boredom, they will look for something fun to do. Unfortunately, this may involve them leaving home.
Mating Season
Is your Border Collie neutered or spayed? If not, they will run away from home in search of a mate. This is a normal behavior in all dog breeds and it is hard to stop this instinct.
Fear
Border Collies can run away from home out of fear. They are sensitive to sounds, so if there are fireworks or sirens, their flight instincts kick in. So during the holiday season, make sure your Border Collie has a safe space to retreat to at home.
Sudden movements may also trigger this behavior. They do not like it when there is a crowd at home moving around like at parties.
Other than these, your Border Collie may also fear you. If they do something wrong, do not use aversive methods like shouting at them. This is a very emotional breed and getting reprimanded that way can frighten them.
Herding Instincts
Their herding instincts are something that you are going to have to embrace. This is part of the package of owning and caring for a Border Collie.
If they see any small animal, like a rodent, they may drop everything and try to herd it. Sometimes, they do not stop even if they are already out of your property.
Easy Escape Routes
Out of boredom, your Border Collie will do anything to keep themselves occupied. If you do not doggy-proof your property well, they will find the flaws.
For example, they will dig near your fence for fun. But if they dig enough, they find an easy way to escape home. Since they are looking for fun, they may go out.
This is why you should inspect the perimeters of your property from time to time. With this, you will be able to find spots where they are digging into.
Separation Anxiety
Border Collies are prone to developing separation anxiety. If they suffer from this, they get very distressed whenever their owners are not home. In extreme cases of separation anxiety, your Border Collie will run away to look for you.
How Do I Stop My Border Collie From Running Away?
If you want to stop your Border Collie from running away, you should tackle the cause of this behavior.
For example, if your Border Collie runs away to mate, you can neuter or spay them. Or if they lack stimulation, give them more mental and physical exercises.
Addressing the reasons themselves should stop this behavior.
Other than that, you can also make running away harder for them to do. You can secure your fencing even more by making it higher and sturdier. Putting some plants near your fences will also discourage them from digging there.
You can also train your Border Collie not to run away. Below are a few ways that you can do this. But of course, you can there are many more methods out there that you can try.
Recall Training
If your Border Collie knows this, they will always respond when you call them. This is useful if they have a history of getting out your door. But it is also useful when training them to walk without a leash.
This needs a lot of patience and continuous practice. Use a lot of their favorite treats during your training sessions. This will make the whole experience a positive one for your Border Collie.
Harness the Power of Treats
Whenever you walk them outside, drop some treats for them from time to time. This will encourage them to stay beside you all the time. They know that the treats are wherever you are.
Use ”Stay” and ”Lie Down” Commands
For reasons that you cannot control, like fear, your Border Collie may dash. And you do not have a good chance of catching this speedy and agile breed.
So if you train them in these basic commands, you may stop them from running whenever they are in a state of panic. With this, you may stop your Border Collie on time before they run into danger, like a moving car.
How Many Walks a Day for a Border Collie?
Your Border Collie needs at least two times each day as part of their daily routine. But given how active this breed is, your Border Collie may need more walks.
Their lifestyle and personality may dictate how many walks they will need in a day.
If they are in an active household, going on hikes every weekend, expect them to demand more walks. But if your Border Collie lives a more mellow lifestyle, they are happy to walk at least twice a day.
Some Border Collies can be less active and this may be due to their personality. Calmer Border Collies will enjoy walking around the park. But not as much as hyperactive ones.
In general, females are calmer than males. They begin to mellow down once they reach adulthood. Meanwhile, males will keep their puppy-like energy even after that. But this is only anecdotal evidence. So you should only base this on your Border Collie’s personality.
As long as you make sure that they have at least 90 minutes of exercise a day, they will be fine.
How Far Should You Walk a Border Collie?
How far your Border Collie can walk depends on how far you can walk. Remember, sprinting for miles for hours is nothing for them. So they can walk for 15 mi (24 km) or more without breaking a sweat. This is easy for them to do, but it may not be the same for you.
So asking how far you can walk your Border Collie may be the wrong question. Instead, it is better to ask how long you can walk your Border Collie. This will help you make sure that you do not overwork yourself and that they get enough exercise.
For a healthy adult Border Collie, a 2-hour walk each day will be enough. You can achieve this by having two or more walks each day.
But this may not be enough to tire them out. They should also engage in other physical activities to drain their energy levels.
Can Border Collies Walk Long Distances?
Border Collies have incredible endurance that which makes them great long-distance walkers. Short walks will not make the slightest drop in their energy levels. Some may need to walk at least 10 mi (16 km) or more for them to start to feel tired.
If you want to take them on a long walk, make sure to start slow first. Try to walk them for 30 minutes and increase the duration gradually.
Always watch out for their body language, though. If they begin to pant, that means that they are getting worn down.
But if they do not, they did not get to walk long enough. With this, you can continue to walk them.
Can Border Collies Hike?
Border Collies can be an excellent hiking partner for you. Their natural athleticism is a huge reason for this.
They can endure long walks, have great stamina, and are very agile. This breed’s origins were to walk and run on rough terrains back in Scotland. So hiking is no problem for a healthy adult Border Collie.
It also helps that your Border Collies is always enthusiastic to spend time with you. They can learn to love certain activities you do because it means they can spend more time with you.
This is a pack breed that loves to always be so close to their family. So if you hike with other people, they will do their best to keep everyone together. This is another benefit thanks to their strong herding instincts.
Before you take them on a hike though, make sure that they know and respond to your commands. Recall, sit, and lie down are some of the basics. This is crucial so that you can control and keep your furry friend nearby.
If they have an excellent grasp of these, they can hike without their leash on. But it is always safest if you keep it on, in case they suddenly go into a state of panic.
Keep in mind that not every Border Collie is fit to go on a hike with you. If your Border Collie is one of the examples below, it is best to make them stay at home.
Border Collie Puppies
Puppies still have soft growth plates during this developmental stage. Their bodies are not as robust as an adult, so they are more prone to injuries. These injuries can have lifelong consequences, like misshapen legs.
Another thing to consider is that their endurance is not as good yet. Hiking is too intense for them and this will easily overwork them.
And if your pup has not completed their vaccines yet, the outdoors are not for them. They are still prone to many illnesses that are avoidable with complete vaccines.
Senior Border Collies
There are a lot of age-related health issues that dogs suffer from. This includes arthritis, cognitive dysfunction, and heart problems to name a few.
In this state, your Border Collie may be in a lot of pain. Their energy and physicality are not the same as they used to be. With this, you should not force them to do such intense activities, such as hiking.
Border Collies With Health Issues
If your furry friend is suffering from health issues, it is best to let them rest and recover at home. Their body is dealing with a lot as it is, so you should not add any more weight to this.
How Far Can Border Collies Hike?
With healthy adult Border Collies, you can hike with them for about 5 mi (8 km). This is once they are already familiar with the hiking trail. But if it is their first time, they may traverse the trail slower.
The important thing here is to build up your Border Collie’s physical fitness. Hiking is no easy task and they may not adjust well without preparation even if they are athletic dogs.
So take them on long walks and make them run around more. Increase the intensity of their exercises for the days leading up to your hike.
Once your Border Collie has gone through a few hikes, they should be able to go further.
How Much Walking Can a Border Collie Do?
Walking for 2 hours a day is adequate for an adult Border Collie. But remember, this will still depend on your furry friend’s energy. If they are more hyperactive, they will beg you to walk them more.
But you cannot expect the same from puppies and senior Border Collies.
Puppies have a lot of growing to do and walking this long can cause them injuries. It is easy to overwork a puppy, and when you do, you may stunt their growth.
Senior Border Collies often already have some pains in their bodies. There are a lot of age-related health issues. So walking for 2 hours a day may not be possible for them.
How Fast Can a Border Collie Go?
Border Collies can run as fast as 30 mph (48 km/h). This makes them one of the fastest dog breeds in the world. At this speed, Border Collies can outrun the fastest human in the world without a sweat.
Along with that, they also have impressive agility. These two are one of the many traits needed in a herding dog like them.
Can You Over Walk a Border Collie?
It may be hard to get to this point, but you can certainly overwork your Border Collie. Too much exercise can lead to lifelong joint and bone damage. This is especially true for Border Collie puppies who are still undergoing development.
So remember that although your Border Collie is an athletic dog, they still have their limits. When they engage in high-intensity activities, always watch their body language. Once you see excessive panting, it is time for a break.
When Can You Start Walking a Border Collie Puppy?
You can start practicing walking your Border Collie indoors when they are about a month old. This includes getting them used to leash training, basic commands, and more. But you can start taking them on light walks outside at 4 months of age.
This is usually the age when they get their full vaccinations. So they have already built enough immunity to protect them from deadly diseases.
Remember to take things slow and not force them into walking too much. They are still growing at this age and you may injure them if pushed too much.
As a general rule, you should walk your Border Collie for 5 minutes per month of age.
So a 4-month-old Border Collie can walk for 20 minutes a day. You can take many walks a day for a few minutes to meet this number. This is better since you can avoid overworking your puppy. They would have enough breaks between walks for them to rest and fill their energy again.
Keep in mind that you should not walk a puppy who is 12 weeks of age or younger. They do not need formal exercise at this young age. They are better off playing with you indoors with a toy or you can even teach them commands.
How Do I Get My Border Collie Puppy to Walk on a Leash?
There are a few steps you can take to train your puppy to walk on a leash. The key here is to make their training sessions a positive experience. So use a lot of treats, give a lot of praises, and remember not to shout at this sensitive breed.
Below you will find the steps you need to take on leash training your Border Collie puppy.
Step 1: Get a Clicker
A clicker is a bridging stimulus. It makes a sound that helps them understand what actions they did to earn themselves a reward.
If you do not have a clicker, you can use verbal praises instead. Say “good job” or “yes” after they do the desired action. You can also use a hand signal, like a thumbs up.
Make sure to use only one of these and stick to it. Using all these during training sessions may confuse them. This will not help in reinforcing their good behaviors during training.
Step 2: Form a Positive Association
Your Border Collie must see their leash and collar as something positive. When they see it, their minds should tell them to get ready for fun.
Without this association, your Border Collie may fear the sight of their collar. This will not help you in putting it on and walking them outdoors.
Begin by having them inspect the leash and collar. Have them smell it while giving them pets and lots of praise. Let your Border Collie know that they are a good boy!
Next, you can put on their collar so they get used to the sensation of wearing it. Each time you put it on, make sure to give them a treat as a reward. In time, they will learn to like the collar because you reward them for it.
Have them wear it while they play around or when they do their thing. While they are wearing it, use the clicker and reward them at random times during the day. Do this especially when they move around.
Step 3: Rewards for Eye Contact
You should not skip this step. Grabbing your Border Collie’s attention on a leash is important so they will not pull you around.
So while they are wearing their collar, use your clicker right away. Reward them afterward to reinforce this behavior. Keep repeating this until they understand that looking at you gets them treats.
You may also add verbal cues when they look at you too. Something like “look” will do. So when they look at you, use the clicker, say the cue, and then reward them.
With practice, you can say “look” while walking them on a leash so you grab their attention.
Step 4: Make Them Come to You
Teaching them the “come” command is useful when walking them in the future. This helps in preventing them from pulling their leash on walks.
Start by placing your puppy by your side. Then throw a treat a few steps in front of you. Of course, they will go towards their treat and eat it.
Once they finish it and they will turn around to look at you. The moment he takes a step to go back to you, use your clicker and say “come”. Keep repeating this until your Border Collie understands this.
Step 5: Practice Inside
Practicing indoors is a good start since they are almost no distractions for them. With their leash on, make them take a few steps around the house. You should stop them from time to time with the “look” command and do not forget their reward.
Always give them treats after every few steps. Whenever you stop, ask for their attention and then reward them. This may take a few days but be patient with your puppy.
Step 6: Practice Outside
Find a good place outside with only a few distractions. This can be your garden or even your garage. Do the same strategies like the ones in the previous step.
Step 7: Change Locations
Once they get the hang of leash training, you can take your training around the neighborhood. Start by walking over to the next house first and rewarding them for every good behavior they show. Practice all your commands, like “look” and “come” during the walk too.
After a few days of practice, your Border Collie will warm up to this fun activity. Then you will be able to walk them for longer distances.
How Much Should a Border Collie Puppy Walk?
There is a guide that you need to follow when walking your Border Collie, the 5-minute rule. So for every month of their age, they need 5 minutes of walks.
For example, a 1-month-old Border Collie will need 5 minutes of walk. Once they are 2 months old, they need 10 minutes of walk. Keep adding 5 minutes to their exercise requirements each month and they should be fine.
But remember not to make them walk the recommended duration in one go. Walk them 2 or more times a day so that the time they spend walking is shorter. This way, you can avoid overexercising your Border Collie puppy.
Remember that their bodies are still fragile and overworking them has many consequences. Some of them are will remain for the rest of their lives, like misshapen legs.
How Long Should I Walk My 3-Month-Old Border Collie?
Following the 5-minute rule, you can walk your 3-month-old Border Collie puppy for 15 minutes daily. Make sure not to make them walk this long in one go.
It is always best to have many walking sessions each day. By doing this, you are giving them enough time to replenish their energy.
How Long Can I Walk My Border Collie Puppy?
This will depend on how old your Border Collie puppy is. But the younger they are, the less walking time they need. To help you out, here is a guide that you can follow:
- 1 Month of Age: 5 Minutes
- 2 Months of Age: 10 Minutes
- 3 Months of Age: 15 Minutes
- 4 Months of Age: 20 Minutes
- 5 Months of Age: 25 Minutes
- 6 Months of Age: 30 Minutes
- 7 Months of Age: 35 Minutes
- 8 Months of Age: 40 Minutes
- 9 Months of Age: 45 Minutes
- 10 Months of Age: 50 Minutes
- 11 Months of Age: 55 Minutes
- 12 Months of Age: 60 Minutes
How Far Can a 4-Month-Old Border Collie Walk?
Your 4-month-old Border Collie puppy can walk as far as it can within 20 minutes. It is better to base their walking sessions on time rather than distance. This will help you not to overwork your growing puppy.
How Far Can a 5-Month-Old Border Collie Walk?
Their recommended walking time limits how far they can go. But for a 5-month-old Border Collie puppy, you can have them walk as far as they want. But this is as long as you do not go over 25 minutes of walking each day.
How Far Can a 6-Month-Old Border Collie Walk?
You should not base your Border Collie puppy’s walks on the distance they can cover. Instead, you should look into how long they can walk. For a 6-month-old Border Collie, they should walk for 30 minutes each day.
Can You Overwalk a Border Collie Puppy?
It is easy to overwalk a growing Border Collie puppy. Although their energy is enough for them to walk for miles, their body cannot keep up with this. Their bodies and muscles are still developing, so you should ensure not to overwork them.
Once they reach 6 months of age and older, they may start begging you for long walks. Their energy levels are higher than ever and they are so accustomed to walking already.
But it is your duty as their owner to protect them from their hyperactivity. You should be firm and say no to them when you need to.
Is It Ok to Run With a Border Collie?
Border Collies are one of the best dog breeds you can have as a running partner. They have the speed for sprinting and the endurance for long runs. With their pack mentality, they are also great at working as a team with you.
It also helps that this breed loves running a lot. This is one of their favorite physical activities, having a long history of being a herding dog.
An added benefit is that Border Collies are highly trainable. With a solid foundation in commands, you can have your furry friend run alongside you without a leash.
How Fast Can a Border Collie Run?
This speedy breed can run as fast as 30 mph (48 km/h). Although they are not the fastest dogs, they are definitely above average.
Border Collies can outrun any human without any issues. So you need to make sure that yours is well-behaved during walks.
How Far Can a Border Collie Run?
Running for 8 mi (13 km) each day is achievable for healthy adult Border Collies. Some can easily do more than this, depending on their lifestyle. For superathlete Border Collies, they can even cover 50 mi (80 km) or more in a day.
Do Border Collies Like Swimming?
Your Border Collie can like, even love, water if you have introduced it to them at a young age. This breed is not a natural swimmer. The original use for Border Collies did not involve water as they are herding dogs.
But given their natural athleticism, they can be excellent swimmers. Once they get the hang of it, swimming is a great exercise for this sturdy breed, especially during summer. This will help to get rid of any excess energy that they have so much of.
Can Border Collies Swim in Cold Water?
Although Border Collies love to have fun in the winter, swimming in cold waters may not be the best idea. Getting wet in the rain is nothing for them, but getting submerged in cold water is not the same.
Remember, their history as working dogs were on land. They were not used for water activities. Once they are wet, it only takes a slight breeze for them to get cold fast.
In general, 32 degrees F (0 degrees C) is the lowest temperature that they can handle. So use this as a guide if you plan to take your furry friend out for a swim.
How Do I Get My Border Collie to Like Water?
There are a few steps you need to take to make your Border Collie like water. Once they do, you will open more doors for them. They can now add swimming as one of the fun physical activities that they can do.
First, make sure that your Border Collie is in a good mood. So give them a few tasty treats to put them in a positive mood.
Then prepare a large basin of water. This is how you will introduce water to your Border Collie.
Have them inspect the basin first. Every time they interact with the water, like sniffing it, give them a treat. If they start drinking it, let them be.
Continue having them interact with the water and keep the rewards coming. This will help them form a positive association with water.
If they do not want to go near it, do not force your Border Collie. Forcing them to go near will only make them associate water with something negative.
Keep repeating this daily until they get used to it. Once they are more confident, you can ask them to come to the basin filled with water easily.
To make things more fun, you can put toys in the basin for them to play with it. Your Border Collie may even try to retrieve it. If they do, shower them with lots of praise!
Over the next few days, keep playing with them using the basin of water. The goal here is to get them used to how the water feels, tastes, and even smells.
Is It Good or Bad for a Border Collie to Jump?
Jumping is safe for Border Collies as long as they have the correct form and if they do not overdo it. This is another canine instinct that they cannot outgrow.
Although jumping is hard on the joints, Border Collies have strong legs and hips. This makes jumping effortless for them. They can even jump over a fence that is 6 ft (2 m) high.
How High Can a Border Collie Jump?
Border Collies can jump an impressive 6 ft (2 m) high from standing. They are the staple on the list of dog breeds that can jump high. They may even be the highest jumpers out of all breeds.
Is Agility Bad for Border Collies?
Agility is not bad, instead, it fulfills your Border Collie’s physical and mental needs. Running an agility course gives them a sense of purpose, it is a Border Collie’s favorite dog sport.
If you have seen agility competitions, you will know how difficult it can be for the dog. But your athletic Border Collie loves a good challenge, they will thrive doing this.
When done with lots of positivity, agility can do wonders for your Border Collie. It can correct a lot of behavioral issues due to anxiety and boredom. Both of these they are prone to.
With a loving and caring trainer, these are all possible for your Border Collie. But it can certainly become cruel for your Border Collie in some scenarios.
Remember, use only positive reinforcement when training them. This breed is very sensitive so aversive methods will turn them sour. A lot of their misbehaviors are due to fear, sometimes it can cause them to run away.
Another way that agility can become cruel is when you amp up the intensity right away. Agility is a dog sport that is very taxing on their bodies and minds. So your progress should be gradual to keep them happy. If you do this, agility will become a chore to do for your Border Collie. They will find no joy in doing this anymore, which is unusual.