Too many Border Collie’s end up with Border Collie rescue organisations because people do not think about which dog breed will best suit their lifestyles.
There is usually not much wrong with the dogs that end up in Border Collie Rescue except they may have had little or no training. An untrained Border Collie is a nightmare to live with but it is never too late to train it.
If you are looking to rescue a Border Collie there are some important things you need to consider.
Border Collie’s make wonderful companions and friends, but they are a high energy breed that does not suit everyone. If you are looking for a new family companion, rescuing a Border Collie may be a good alternative to a puppy....
Facts about the Border Collie
A Border Collie is a manic dog originally bred to herd sheep. They are a medium size dog that comes in an assortment of colours though black and white is the most common.
They make excellent family companions if well trained and are excelling in the obedience and agility sport rings. Border Collies are intelligent and have a natural herding instinct that can be a problem in pets if the dog is not given something to do.
What is the Herding Instinct?
The Border Collie herding instinct is an inherent trait bred into the breed more than 200 years ago. During this time selective breeding has bred some of this instinct out to make them a more appropriate companion dog. While this instinct is being bred out, Border Collies still have the natural instinct to circle and gather without actually going in for the kill.
If left to roam free, in agricultural environments, for example, Border Collies pack up with others and become killers, killing local livestock.
A Border Collie’s herding instinct works differently to other herding dogs. A Border Collie circles the stock and gathers them to its pack leader, whereas other herding dogs drive the stock away.
Border Collies are not forceful getting the stock moving as the use they ‘eye’ which is a forceful stare down that moves the stock in the direction the dog wants it to go. If this does not work, a Border Collie will escalate its desire to move the sheep by barking, nipping and holding on to the most stubborn sheep.
Why Border Collies end up in Rescue
The most common reason Border Collies up in rescue is that inexperienced dog owners cannot control the herding instinct.
Many end up in rescue because they have bitten someone, usually a child. A Border Collie is not a dog that fits in well with families with children unless the adults are experienced Border Collie owners or the dog’s temperament does not have a strong herding instinct.
If you are inexperienced living Border Collies and still want one, make sure you understand what is involved. Enrol in your local dog obedience club and get it started training as soon as it has its full vaccinations.
Border Collie rescue can help you find the best Border Collie to fit into your family.