Are you looking for practical ways to develop a happy, healthy, and well-behaved Border Collie? Well, see this blog as the go-to guide on all things dedicated to this breed.
Before you can introduce your canine companion into the family, you must understand the characteristics and traits of a Border Collie. After all, it’s not just about seeing whether this dog is the right fit for you. You have to be the right fit for them, too.
So, with that being said, let’s explore the life of a Border Collie.
Now if you know anything about this breed, we’re sure images of a sheepdog come to mind. If that’s the case, congrats on knowing one of the most fundamental things about this dog. While they won’t exactly be herding sheep in your home, their leadership abilities, swift movements and intelligence will often play a major role in their care.
These characteristics often translate into you having an obedient, attention orientated dog, that aims to please. This will create the foundations for an emotional bond between you and your fur friend that will last a lifetime – if you follow these tips.
5 Things Your Border Collie Needs
Exercise
There is a good reason why we are starting with exercise in this specific blog. Exercise is the perfect way to cover your collie’s mental and physical needs. Giving that it is a natural-born herder, finding ways to keep this dog active is the best way to keep them happy and healthy.
Discover: How to Calm an Active Dog: 5 Simple Tricks
So, if you don’t want your dog trying to round up the family like a bunch of sheep, get in the habit of exercising with them. Exercise allows your Border Collie to sharpen their mental skills, release energy and keep them motivated.
Remember that it is also a means of mental stimulation for them when they can activate cognitive signals that improve their nature and temperament. Make sure you give them space and permission to play, learn and explore through adrenaline-inducing exercises.
Related: Top 5 Pawsome Dog Friendly Parks in Cape Town
Grooming
Border Collies are known for having double coats that act as a shield against drastic weather changes, which means it plays an influential role in their overall wellbeing. This means that you need to pay special attention and care when it comes to maintaining their healthy coats.
Get into the habit of brushing your dog at least every second day using specific canine grooming products. Not only is this good for their skin as it helps stimulate natural oils but can become a great bonding activity for you and your dog!
Socialising
Now, let the record show that these are exceptionally sociable dogs – with other animals and human beings. Letting them meet others will do them wonders. If you skip out on this tip, you run the risk of having an anxious dog that easily turns violent in the presence of company.
Get them out and about. They live for the engagements and stimuli from being in social settings. Who knows maybe they’ll force you to embrace your more social side too?
Read this: Puppy Socialisation: 7 Simple Steps to Doing it the Pawfect Way
Health
Thankfully, when it comes to Border Collies, this breed boasts a pretty impressive health chart. That being said, that doesn’t mean you should slack off on knowing what health conditions this breed is prone to.
A few conditions that are linked to this breed include:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Allergies
- Epilepsy
- Cataracts
To ensure that you fully understand the full medical scope of your Border Collie make sure that they undergo several health tests. Make sure that you get a comprehensive health history from the breeder too. This will help reduce the likelihood of future preventable health conditions.
Pet Insurance
Since we just mentioned preventative measures, there isn’t a more rofound or effective preventive action like taking out comprehensive pet insurance. And when it comes to pet insurance companies in South Africa, we can’t say enough good things about Oneplan Pet Insurance.
Here are just a few of the benefits of choosing Oneplan to take care of your fur baby:
- Comprehensive cover (vet visits & hospital admission) from just R160pm.
- You can visit any vet of your choice, meaning you get to keep the vet who knows your Border Collie and their medical history.
- You can pre-load funds for vet visits onto your Oneplan Claim Card in 1 minute, and then swipe after your consultation like a debit card.
- They pay up to R5000 for authorised hospital admissions, or no deposit with their preferred vets network.
- They allow new policies for large breeds up to their 9th birthday, so you can sign your Border Collie up, even if they’re getting on in their years.
- They cover pre-existing, hereditary, and congenital diseases.
- You get up to 25% discount on everything in the Onepet Premium Online Pet Store, including premium pet food brands, tick & flea, dewormer, grooming, accessories, and so much more.
Every single day, your low maintenance Border Collie gives you unconditional love and attention and will dedicate their whole day to proving their devotion to you. And now it’s your turn to do the same. So, save this blog on your phone or laptop, sign up for pet insurance, and show your pup that you care.
