Border Collies are playful dogs who love to be out and about, exercising as often as possible. Yet, statistics have shown that 1 in 5 Border Collie owners don’t regularly walk their dog, behaviour that, if sustained, can result in health problems in the long term.
Exercising your Border Collie doesn’t have to be a chore, however, and there are a variety of ways that you can get (yours and) your Border Collie exercise in, without overly exerting yourself.
Here’s our guide to the best, most varied ways of keeping your Border Collie fit and healthy:
Walking, Running And Jogging
Ok, it’s the obvious one, but the most basic way to exercise your Border Collie is to slip on their harness and take them for a good old dog walk. There’s no doubt that your Border Collie will jump with excitement as soon as they spot their lead, which is an obvious sign that this tried and tested method works.
We’re not suggesting that you take your Border Collie for a sprint, but a short run or jog can do them the world of good. Why not wear the appropriate clothing and, if opportunity arises, get in a bit of extra exercise for yourself as well as your Border Collie. A couple of laps around a local pond, for example, will not only break up the walk, but also allow your Border Collie to burn off a good deal of energy.
If you’re getting bored of the same old walks, why not change them up a bit? Take a different route, or walk a different area of the park… Or, even better, take your Border Collie with you when possible! If you’re meeting a friend for lunch, for example, find a dog friendly cafe, or sit outside in a pub garden if the weather’s good?
Canicross is another option for the more adventurous dog owner but not for the faint hearted!. As long as they’re by your side, your Border Collie will be happy to accompany you!
How fast can a Border Collie run?
The Border Collie breed tends to be one of the fastest breeds of dog in terms of running speed.
One study has shown that a Border Collie can run between 16 and 28 miles an hour while chasing sheep. However, the average canine can only run about 18 miles per hour. A human, by comparison, averages around 5-7 miles per hour.
That being said, it is important to note that a Border Collie only moves so fast because it is chasing a prey animal–in this case, a sheep. The dog would not be able to maintain such speed if it were running for another purpose, such as exercise or play.
In general, a dog’s feet have the capacity to grip and contact the ground. The collies may use their nails for traction. As a result, they can turn and execute complicated and quick maneuvers thanks to this feature. In the case of the Border collies, they will create a four-time, asymmetrical gait meaning that they will run rather fast.
Border collies can also make a double-suspension gallop which increases their velocity and distance as they run at their maximum speed. With this, the dog’s body is propelled via the air using their four legs while they leave the ground simultaneously.
Can Border Collies run long distances?
Border Collies are bred to have a lot of endurance because their jobs as sheepdogs require them to run for long periods. Some dogs have been clocked at speeds up to 40 miles per hour. However, a dog’s speed can vary depending on how fit it is and the surface that it is running on.
Can I train a Border Collie to run fast?
Running fast is simple for Border Collies since they are naturally athletic and clever.
Although it may not be required to begin training your dog as soon as you get them, you should consider doing so. This will give them plenty of time to build the speed and endurance they’ll need for activities like running and hiking.
Fetch
Another way to release some energy fast is a good old game of fetch. Chasing their favourite ball or toy will keep your Border Collie occupied for hours and, with any luck, they’ll kick it around themselves for a while and give you a break. Or, take the toy with you on a walk and give your Border Collie an even longer run!
However, it’s important that you play in a safe and secure area. Make sure that your Border Collie is well trained enough to come back to you if you’re playing outside. Also, be considerate of others around you – you don’t want to be chasing your Border Collie through a family picnic!
Tug Of War
We love a good game of tug of war almost as much as our dogs, and Border Collies especially could play for hours!
Border Collies will play with anything – a favourite toy, a shoe, an old sock – and now you can get special rope toys, designed specifically for the game. These are great because they make it easier for your Border Collie to grip the toy between their teeth without hurting them. They’re also made specially to not fall apart in their mouth.
Whilst playing the game, it’s important to ensure that your Border Collie doesn’t become too aggressive. If they do, it’s a good idea to change the game to something more calm.
Find The Treat
Perhaps a more relaxed game for you, hiding your treats around the house is a great way to keep them occupied and steal away an hour for yourself.
The key is to not go overboard – remember, the more treats you give them, the more energy they’ll have. So, why not hide your favourite toys instead? Some Border Collies will take to the game very quickly, but for others it’ll take a little longer.
Stick with it – you’ll be thanking us when your dog is busy in the other room and you’re free to watch half a Netflix series in peace!
Agility Training
If you’re looking to train yourBorder Collie, then why not exercise them at the same time with an agility course?
There are loads of specialist agility kits on the market that you can buy, and they’re not that expensive. Otherwise, just use household objects – cans of soup instead of cones, old cardboard boxes to walk through, etc.
Repeating the circuit will do wonders in terms of training your Border Collie, whilst giving them the exercise that they need!
How Tailster’s Dog Walking Service Can Help
We know that our lives are busy, and it’s often difficult to find the time to give your Border Collie ample exercise. That’s where we at Tailster can help. Tailster’s dog walking service will ensure that your Border Collie gets as much exercise as you specify, keeping them fit and healthy when you simply don’t have the time.
For more information on our service, head over to the main site.