About
When we made the decision to get a Border Collie it’s not one we made lightly. My wife and I had read and heard all sorts of horror stories about the breed when it comes to a family pet. We heard about their energy level, the unbreakable herding instincts, the sheer intelligence of the breed and, to be honest, we almost didn’t go through with it. However looking back over the last two years we would not change a thing. 
We have both been dog people our entire lives but are by no means “professional” dog trainers. Like milions of people out there we just like dogs. Everything related here is just personal experience and not to be confused for any sort of professional information or instruction! We’re just having fun sharing our experiences with this breed.
In owning a Border Collie we’ve had to read books on training and tricks and rethink and relearn most everything we thought we “knew” about dogs. It has at times been a real challenge with our dog as he’s grown up.
These dogs are working dogs. Period. If you ignore that simple fact your home life with this breed is not going to be pleasant. We thought we’d share our experiences on raising and owning a Border Collie here online. We now have a great dog and a true member of the family. It’s been a lot of work, frustration and time to get to this point and I doubt that this path is for everyone.
We are now rabid (bad dog joke there) fans of the breed and hope to shed a little light on the process of raising one. By all means do your own homework, read the books, talk with other owners and listen to the negatives of this breed before you jump into it.
A great resource for Border Collie information, both troubles you may be having and for adoption, is to check with a Border Collie Rescue group in your area. To find one close to you simply do an online search for “Border Collie Rescue+ <your state>”. Thanks for stopping by!
I have really enjoyed finding your website today. We are the proud owners of a 8 week old Border Collie as of last night. Your website has been so informative and I appreciate it. My wife called this morning and she said the she had only been up an hour and a half and already taught our BC three tricks. I said that is great in that short amount of time. She said no, he learned all three in five minutes. We tried them out when I got home in the evening, I couldn’t believe it, he still knew them. I hope that you stick with all the articles and info., as I will continue to visit your website.
Have a nice evening.
Hey guys,
Thanks so much for the kind words and I’m glad to head about your puppies rather rapid advancement! These dogs never cease to amaze me.
I have no idea if anyone would be up for this but I’m working out a way to try and get a system set up where folks can send in photos and videos of their dogs and maybe updates. Not sure yet. When I get it ready I’ll stick it on the site.
Also Twitter, RSS feeds on the way by tomorrow if you are into those.
Thanks again and keep in touch on that puppy!
Bill
Hi! Let me echo the thanks from so many others…we just got our first border collie puppy last week and we are quickly researching all that’s involved to properly care for and train this amazing dog. While we knew this was an overly intelligent breed and that it requires LOTS of time and patience, we are now a little concerned after having read so many horror stories! (We also have an Australian Cattle dog)
I’ll keep checking back for advice and tips. And yes, we would be very interested in posting pics and videos–great idea! THanks again. Mike in San Diego.
Mike,
Thanks for stopping by and thank you! Keep after it with that puppy…it will all be worth it.
Bill
Nice site! I enjoyed reading about your experiences with Ned. I am very impressed with the research you have done to become a responsible owner of the breed. I have been training my dogs for competition obedience and agility for 15 years. 2 german shepherds, an australian shepherd and most recently delved into the wonderful world of border collies. I, by no means, would consider myself an expert as learning about dogs and their behavior is a never ending process.
My border collie, Chase, is 14 months old and extremely intelligent, loyal, has an inate willingness to please and very lovable. (By the way, the aussie rivals that intelligence.)
Unfortunately, he is extremely shy, sensitive and easily intimidated. This, I believe, is partly due to him living in a barn without socialization and exposure to the outside world until I got him at 5 months old. I am amazed by his progress. When we brought him home, he was terrified to walk through a door! He now is able to comfortably participate in obedience and agility class. And most recently together we are discovering the cool world of herding!
Again, nice site. Thanks for letting me share a little bit about Chase.
I have a 1 year old Border Collie (also Brown and White) named Toby. We did not know how challenging this dog would be, but none the less he is ours and we want to make him happy. We play ball…walk him and do all kinds of things with him, but he still seems like he is a little OCD…He Fly bites at shadows when he is a little stressed…I love your site as it provided me with some of those Ah ha moments when I just thought my dog was crazy!!! Now I know it is just because he is a border collie! Keep the tips coming as I need as much insite as possible
I thought ours was totally insane at first. The shadow thing, the herding thing, the weird looks, all of it. It gets better! Thanks for the kind words and I look forward to putting more good stuff on here!
This is by far the most helpful website that we have found since getting our 3Y/O Border Collie named “Pepper” from a rescue 6 months ago. This is the first BC we have ever had,I have always been a Bulldog Fan. But Pepper is Awesome! He has had no problem making himself a part of the family.We could not love or appreciate his attitude and personality more!
He is a true gentleman. At first he was nervous because he had suffered some abuse from his 3 male caretakers.Even though it was slow in coming,Pepper now trust me and my twelve y/o daughter,and he seems to know we won’t hurt him.
I certainly understand the behaviours that you mentioned about your “Ned” Pepper also is frantic to catch any light or reflection that he can find. He is the same way with a water hose!Pepper also has another “interesting” fixation. When-ever he is tending to any type of investigation,ie; a noise outside or herding the cat,,he seems to need something/anything to carry in his mouth.His favorite thing is any shoe, but will grab the first thing he can find ie;his foodbowl (empty OR full),or kitchen towel, or article of laundry. laundry.Whatever is close will do.Its like his weapon or something.I don’t understand his reasoning for this action at all. I was hoping someone who reads this might offer some opinions.Its very cute. On any given day when you drive past my house you will see assorted items on the lawn,where he abandons them after his quest.If I can’t find something from my house, I just check the lawn and usually I will find my other shoe or an assortment of stuffed animals or socks or towels.
He has another habit that I am not so crazy about and that is whenever he wants my attention he will swipe me with his paw. usually on my hand or leg,but if I am lying in bed he has got my face and neck.He does not intend to hurt me at all, but his paw is a bit heavy and the claws don’t feel very good to my unsuspecting flesh.It really hurts and I cry out loudly on reaction,but he is not offended,he just happily wags his tail excited to have succeeded in gaining my attention.(usually he wants outside or he wants me to let the cat in (He & the cat have a system worked out where she jumps up on the window sill and he alerts me to open the door for her) He is quite fond of her,but I don’t think the affection is totally mutual :),,,,Pepper is quite the character,I can’t wait to show my daughter the video of “Ned” getting a beer so she can begin teaching Pepper to get a Pepsi for us. I love my Dog!
Cindy…thanks so much and congrats on helping out a rescue dog! Not sure on that paw swiping behavior..anyone?