Border Collies aren't house pets, and other myths

I'm a firm believer that any dog can be an amazing pet if looked after properly. I've had comments in the past that working breeds don't belong in the home, but if matched with an owner who understands the needs of their dog then I disagree. Border collies are no exception to the rule.

I'm the proud owner of a beautiful two year old sable furred border collie, called Harvey, who has me wrapped around his little paw.

Here's some of the things we have learned along the way:

1. Border collies are very intelligent. Scary intelligent! Teaching him basic commands and tricks was straightforward, and he's picked other sayings up along the way such as "Where's your toy?". Be prepared for your border collie to learn your routines, develop associations between activities, and be bit of a general mind reader.

2. Border collies are so intelligent and good at figuring things out, it's like looking after an inquisitive toddler. Harvey is always learning new things and getting up to mischief. An example of this: Harvey has slept in a crate since being a tiny pup, which he was very happy to do; when Alex and I started showing signs that it was bed time, he'd hurriedly rush off to his cage, nose the door open, and plonk himself down where he'd stay until we were up the next morning. Harvey's slept through the night without any toileting incidents from the moment he started sleeping in a cage, however there have been times when he's had an upset stomach and needed to go out urgently - he'd alert us to this by scratching on the cage door. Naturally, Harvey then learned that scratching meant that I would get up and let him outside. This started to become a pattern until I began to feel like a new parent, and in the end I had to start ignoring him (hoping that I wouldn't have a clean up job to do the next morning!), until he relearned that scratching randomly at all hours of the night no longer meant a jolly outside.

3. A tired dog is a happy dog. This one's kind of obvious, but so important for working dogs who can develop negative/destructive behaviours if not provided with a better outlet for all of their energy. We take Harvey via a park on his walk where he can be let off the lead and we use a ball thrower to make sure he gets a good run! Fetch is SO IMPORTANT to Harvey.

4. Border collies are not lap dogs. Of course there will always be exceptions to the rule, but generally you won't find a border collie wanting to lay on your lap or sit with you on the sofa for long periods of time. Harvey is incredibly affectionate and not afraid to show it (I'm not allowed to do anything for the first five minutes upon returning home from work until we've had our cuddle), but it's on his terms. He won't be too happy about unfamiliar people trying to go in for a fuss - throw one of his toys however and he'll be your best friend for life! (Seriously).

5. Border collies have good recall - but be cautious about having them off the lead near roads. Collies have a natural herding instinct and may want to 'herd' cars, bikes, or anything that moves quickly!

Well, I hope you found this useful! If you are a border collie owner, please comment below and tell me all about them!