But on the other hand, you also need to be aware of her tipping point. Dogs bred to be such highly ambitious, hardworking, and intense animals can easily become “addicted” to their “work”; whether it is retrieving a ball or herding those sheep. Herding dogs can and do frequently get stuck repeating their favorite behavior, engaging in a type of obsessive-compulsive pattern that can be disruptive and unhealthy. Their obsession with their occupation can be so intense that they become dysfunctional, literally unable to think of anything other than their job, and anxiously awaiting their next opportunity to do it. It is indeed a bit tricky to balance the necessary satisfaction of your dog’s instincts with the deliberate regulation of her obsession, but it is important to keep this in mind. She will need your help with regulation—requiring frequent breaks when “working,” interruptions of “work” when it becomes escalated or cyclical, and praise for simply chilling out and doing something else.

She is the perpetual sponge, soaking up every detail in the world around her and attending to each nuance of your voice, emotions, demeanor, and cues. She needs you to give her clear, reliable verbal and behavioral information. In the same manner that a parent constantly explains the world and its meanings to a young child, a herding dog’s teacher must realize that each moment is a lesson for their eager student. You explain, “We are in public. You need to mind your manners. Lie down and wait quietly while I have my coffee.” As you do this, make sure you exhibit very different physical gestures from those you exhibited at home a few hours ago when you were wrestling on the floor with her.

Be consistent about the things that you say, the things that you do, and the way that you do them. Create patterns and protocols, and stick to them. Remember you are always a teacher—she is always watching, listening, and learning at your hand. You are responsible for the lessons, and school is never out.

Border Collie

Lifestyle

Life with your herding dog can be beyond your wildest dreams, the very stuff the old Lassie episodes were made of. She has more capacity for communication, relationship, sport, fun, and work than almost any other kind of dog. The flip side is, you will really have to work for it. She is a fish out of water as a pet in the modern age, to say the least. If she is not adequately stimulated and challenged, she will suffer psychologically and become frustrated, neurotic, or even aggressive. If you go the necessary lengths to ensure her mental and behavioral health, however, you will be a partner to one incredible dog.