Border Collies may be a favourite choice for many active households, but it's important to remember that these dogs require much more than a daily walk around the block.
Bred for herding sheep, they are high-energy, tireless companions, who must have daily physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
How much exercise do Border Collies need on a daily basis?
When it comes to assessing how much exercise the Border Collie needs, we have to first consider their genetic traits and breed history. Selective breeding has resulted in dogs with highly developed herding instincts, who will try to herd objects, children and other pets if they aren't offered a suitable outlet for this behaviour.
While guidelines typically suggest 1-2 hours of daily exercise for most dogs, Border Collies usually need much more. Their exercise requirements often depend on their individual age, health, and lifestyle, but as herding dogs, this breed is happiest with a job to do. Border Collies love all types of exercise, so if you're an active, outdoorsy person, this breed could be a good fit for you!
Originally bred to work closely alongside their humans, Border Collies do not usually enjoy entertaining themselves. They need a minimum of 2 hours exercise outdoors, which may be split between high-energy activities- like running, swimming or hiking- in addition to brain games and agility training.
Without this combination they can become bored, unhappy and destructive at home.
Exercise frequency
When it comes to the exercise needs of the Border Collie, it isn't solely about the duration of the activity. Frequency and consistency both play a huge role in keeping these dogs feeling settled in a home environment.
It isn't unheard of for a working Border Collie to run 100 miles a day, and then be ready to do the same again the next day. Spreading exercise throughout the day helps cater to their natural inclination to stay active and alert.
How much exercise does a Border Collie puppy need?
It's important not to over-exercise your Border Collie puppy when they first come home. Their bones and joints are still developing at this stage, so intense physical exercise is best avoided until they are at least 12 months of age. Instead, aim for several short play sessions throughout the day.
Scent work can also be an excellent way to get your pup moving, building confidence as they go.
How much exercise does a senior Border Collie need?
Senior Border Collies will often show signs of slowing down, meaning they require less exercise on a daily basis.
The rate at which this will happen varies greatly, so let your canine companion dictate the pace. They will soon make it apparent if they'd rather be snoozing than running around outdoors.
Why is mental stimulation so important for Border Collies?
Not only do Border Collies need physical exertion, they also thrive with regular mental stimulation. These intelligent dogs excel when faced with tasks that engage their minds. Without sufficient mental enrichment, even a physically exhausted Collie may start to show behavioural issues.
Puzzle toys, trick training sessions, and learning new commands will all go a long way in helping you meet the needs of your four-legged friend. Obstacle courses are also a great choice to try at home. While this may seem like a lot, Border Collies are easy to train, so reward-based training should be a breeze!
What happens if Border Collies don't get enough exercise?
If Border Collies don't get enough exercise or mental stimulation, they may become bored or frustrated. Signs of this may include excessive barking, chewing on furniture, digging holes, panting or pacing.
Take the time to observe and adjust your routine to see what works best for your canine companion.
Try paying attention to responses and enthusiasm linked to different types of activities. Does your dog seem particularly excited when it's trick training time? Or are they desperate to run and explore outdoors?
Developing the right exercise regimen involves evaluating your own personal circumstances and your dog's needs to ensure you are offering them what they need to be happy.
While Border Collies may be fairly demanding as far as exercise goes, they make the most wonderful companions in the right home.
