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Do Border Collies really
make good pets?
Many Border Collies have difficulty adjusting
to life as a pet. They need attention
and activity. Because sheepdogs are bred
to work as a team with a shepherd, they are
human oriented. They do not do well in a household
where they are left alone for long hours of
the day. In this type of situation they often
get into trouble trying to keep themselves from
getting bored. They chew furniture, tear off
wallpaper, dig holes in gardens, chase cars
and paper boys, chase and nip children. Tied
up for long periods without human contact, or
left in a yard where they can see but not participate
in human activity, they may bark incessantly
or exhibit other unacceptable behaviors. Those
that are very sensitive may not take to strangers
or correction well, or may be very shy. Border
Collies with strong herding instincts may exhibit
what some might consider bizarre behavior: circling,
staring at objects for long periods of time,
trembling when excited, appearing to stalk small
animals, other dogs, and small children, and
so forth.
On the plus side, Border Collies are intelligent
dogs, often great "characters" who will entertain
their owners from morning to night. They are
very trainable and can be taught to do a great
many things. Their sensitive nature can make
them loyal and loving. In an active and involved
home, Border Collies can make excellent companions,
and are the true "interactive" pet
- requiring their humans to be a part of their
games and indeed their daily life.
Is a Border Collie for
you?
Many people are now considering a Border Collie
as a potential new pet, thanks to their increasing
visibility in the media and the growing popularity
of dog sports. However as a general rule, Border
Collies are not a good pet for a typical pet
owner. Please be sure you know what you are
getting into before you buy or adopt a Border
Collie. Please read about the breed BEFORE you
get one as a pet. If after you read about the
breed, you decide that a Border Collie is the
right dog for you, please consider rescuing
a Border Collie in need of a good home.
Why not adopt a grown
dog?
Border Collies are intelligent, versatile,
very trainable dogs. You may have noticed them
in movies, television and in magazine advertisements.
They have been written about in books and articles
in the popular press. The Border Collie has
become a popular breed but is still not for
everyone. More and more Border Collies are in
need of rescue each year, and there are more
dogs available for placement than there are
loving homes to place them in.
If you were thinking of getting a Border Collie,
why not consider a grown, rescue dog? Many make
loving and loyal companions; some are excellent
working dogs; others can be suitable candidates
for sports and competition, such as Obedience,
Agility, Flyball, or Frisbee- - as long as you
understand the breed and can meet their need
for attention and exercise. If you are interested,
we welcome you to find out more about the adopting
a dog from NEBCR.
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