Kim Dearth - Your Border Collies Life: Your Complete Guide to Raising Your Pet from Puppy to Companion

The Allergy Solution for Dogs by Shawn Messonnier, D.V.M.

Your Golden Retrievers Life by Betsy Sikora Siino

Your Labs Life by Virginia Parker Guidry

Your Poodles Life by Virginia Parker Guidry

Your Yorkshire Terriers Life by Elaine Gewirtz

Copyright 2000 by Random House, Inc.

Published by Three Rivers Press, New York, New York.
Member of the Crown Publishing Group, a division of Random House, Inc.
www.crownpublishing.com

THREE RIVERS PRESS and the Tugboat design are registered trademarks of Random House, Inc.

Originally published by Prima Publishing, Roseville, California, in 2000.

DISCLAIMER: While the Publisher and the author have designed this book to provide up-to-date information in regard to the subject matter covered, readers should be aware that medical information is constantly evolving. The information presented herein is of a general nature and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Readers should consult with a qualified veterinarian for specific instructions on the treatment and care of their pet. The author and Crown Publishing shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss, damage, or injury caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by the information contained in this book.

Interior photos by Kent Lacin Media Services
Color insert photos Isabelle Franais and Tara Darling
illustrations by Pam Tanzey

Special thanks to the beautiful dogs who appear in this book and their wonderful owners: Tye and Bugsy, owned by Seth A. Linn; Teva, Lori Kavanagh; Rosy, Jason and Michelle Marrone; Spryte, Kim Delkener; Jake, Bill Cuthbertson; and Riley, Mary Lou Stults.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Dearth, Kim
Your border collies life : your complete guide to raising your pet from puppy to companion / Kim D.R. Dearth.
p. cm. (Your pets life)
1. Border collie I. Title. II. Series.
SF429.B64 D43 2000
636.7374dc21 00-034689

eISBN: 978-0-307-54996-9

v3.1

This book is dedicated to my first two-legged child,
who will be making his or her debut in the world
shortly before this book is published.

Your constant presence kept me company
as I wrote every word, and your gentle kicks
reminded me to get back to work
when my concentration wavered!

Thank you for providing me with daily inspiration.
I cant wait to meet you.

I would like to thank all of the people who helped me with this book, from my husband, Dave, who lived through the writing of every sentence with me, to my family, both biological and in-law, who have always provided encouragement and loving support. I also would like to thank the many Border Collie owners who opened their hearts and shared their special insights into this truly one-of-a-kind breed.

And finally, Id like to thank Breeze and Brigga, and their human mom, Lynn, for giving me lots of personal glimpses into the greatness that is the Border Collie.

Thank you all!

I f you are holding this book in your hands, chances are you are a Border Collie owner or are contemplating adding a Border Collie to your life. There is no other breed quite like this, the worlds premier sheepdog. Border Collies are loyal, hard working, and love to please their owners. Perhaps youve heard that the breed is smart. In fact, their intelligence is legendary, from their ability to distinguish meaning in the language of a sheep farmers whistles and tones of voice to their prowess in competitive dog obedience trials and their acting talent demonstrated on television ads and in movies. Maybe you have seen an agility trial on television and were amazed at the speed and responsiveness of this canine athlete. Or, perhaps youve had the unparalleled pleasure of seeing a working Border Collie in action, herding a farmers flock, as the breed has been bred for centuries to do.

Border Collies also are bundles of ceaseless energy and are highly demanding of an owners time and attention. The positive qualities of the Border Collie can quickly turn to negatives if they are not fully understood, especially with a novice owner who has not taken the time to research what living with a Border Collie entails. Before you run out and buy the first Border Collie you see, you need to understand all aspects of this breeds character.

First and foremost, Border Collies are working dogs. Typically, this is not the best breed for the first-time dog owner. These dogs have a high demand for both physical and mental exercise, which many new owners find difficult to satisfy. A Border Collie who does not receive enough stimulation through herding or suitable substitutes (such as organized dog sports) or, at the very least, interactive play with his owner for several hours a day, becomes unhappy, and may become hyperactive and destructive.

This is not a latchkey dog. Border Collies fit in best with outdoorsy, athletic owners who view time spent exercising their dogs as a pleasure, not a chore. Border Collies also need to be true members of the family. If they are isolated in the backyard, they become lonely, bored, and depressed.

Border Collies must be socialized early with all types of people, especially children. While they can make wonderful companions for youngsters, adult Border Collies are easily overwhelmed by the antics of children if they arent used to them, and can become snappish. They also may view kids as little livestock to herd if they havent been taught differently from puppyhood.

Border Collies are sensitive to harsh corrections, yet will dominate the household if given the opportunity. They need fair, gentle, but strong leadership to show them their place in the family and to teach them the household rules.

Are you the right owner for a Border Collie? Are you capable of being strong, yet fair and consistent with your dog? Do you have the time to devote to exercising, training, and playing with this dog, who is the canine equivalent of the Energizer Bunny?

Even if you have a fenced yard, dont expect your Border Collie to exercise himself. To provide him with sufficient exercise, youll need to take long walks, jog, or bike with your Border Collie several times a day, and supplement this with rousing games of fetch or other activities. You also need to realize that the Border Collies mind is as nimble as his body. Sports such as agility and flyball can work your dogs brain while giving his body a workout as well.

If you dont adequately exercise your dogs mind and body, youll quickly learn the downside of the Border Collies intelligence. Your dog will think of all kinds of creative endeavors to pass the time, from redecorating your table legs with artistic chewing to discovering how to scale over, or dig under, your backyard fence.

Some people want a Border Collie because of the breeds incredible work ethic. This drive to work becomes a negative if it is not given a proper outlet, however. Many people underestimate this breeds need for both exercise and companionship. If you put in much overtime at a demanding job or travel frequently, choose another breed. The Border Collie will not thrive without intense, daily human-canine interaction. Would you buy a Porsche to keep it locked up in the garage? Dont buy the worlds premier herding dog to lay on the couch with you while you watch television.