How to Care for a Border Collie

Video Transcript

"I'm going to talk to you now about how to care for a Border Collie. Obedience with our Border Collies is really important. When you have obedience, we have control over our animal. If you don't have obedience, you don't have control and you're not going to get the most out of your relationship with your Border Collie. Early socialization with your Border Collie is extremely important. This is a herding-breed dog and they tend to want to herd everything; your children, your other pets. So, it's important that your dog is socialized with children early and that your children also know to be careful around the Border Collie and don't run away should you stimulate the dog and he comes after you. Exercise is extremely important, again, with the Border Collie. These are working dogs. They need lots of stimulation, both mentally and physically at least two sessions of thirty five to forty five minutes a day in a controlled environment not just throwing the ball around, but walking, looking, checking, bonding with it's owner. Extremely important with this breed. It's important that we groom our Border Collie, at least twice a week. They have a longer coat. It's real important. They look good. Bathing your Border Collie should be done only as necessary. As most of the dirt they pick up will be removed during their weekly grooming sessions. It's very important you and your veterinarian pre-screen your dog for some possible diseases and genetic problems that are common with the Border Collie; hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, collie eye anomaly, osteochondritis dissecans. It's important you check with potential breeders to make sure that they do, in fact, screen for these problems before they breed."