[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]<\/p>\n
We\u2019ve all heard it \u2013 when your dog is bored, they become destructive. But have you ever wondered why<\/em>?<\/strong><\/p>\n Over 100 years ago, Border Collies were bred to be working dogs \u2013 intelligent, attentive, alert and ready to work. They were not just fast, but fast reacting. And they were able to work all day for their master.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image” src=”http:\/\/eylesviewbordercollies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Jen-Tilly-Herding.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” animation=”left” sticky=”off” align=”left” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]<\/p>\n These wonderful traits are still very much in our dogs \u2013 instinct, rather than learned behaviours. One of my first Border Collies was purchased when I lived on a dairy. I still remember the awe of watching her spend hours at a time \u2018working\u2019 the cattle. No one had ever given her instruction, and yet she knew instinctively how to move through them, use \u2018eye\u2019 to control them, lie quietly watching and then move them either singularly or as a mob.<\/p>\n Given the choice, this is how Girlie chose<\/em> to spend her day. She enjoyed it, she felt useful and she was physically and mentally stimulated. Had she spent those five years cooped up in a little back yard without engagement, she certainly wouldn\u2019t have ended up the happy dog that she did.<\/p>\n And yet so often, this is what occurs. Usually, we have no choice – while staying home and keeping our dogs company is highly desirable, it doesn\u2019t pay the bills. So for 10 \u2013 12 hours per day our \u2018working dogs\u2019 are at home, alone. Or they\u2019ve escaped and are out looking for something to do. Or they\u2019ve found something to do \u2013 they\u2019re rearranging your garden bed. So what to do about it?<\/p>\n Throwing the ball a few times in the afternoon is a good start, but not nearly enough for dogs such as Border Collies. They need to work. And \u2018work\u2019 for a Border Collie, can mean many things. It can mean doing their job on the farm every day. It can mean walking to the shop every day and carrying something home (consider a dog backpack for this). Or it could mean participating in dog sports \/ activities such as Obedience, Agility, Herding or Disc.<\/p>\n As my dogs no longer have the run of the dairy, I started looking for something that they could do instead. Tilly was approximately six months old when she started attending the Continental Herding Club. It was amazing to watch her \u2018come alive\u2019 when put in front of sheep \u2013 something that she was born to do. Proving that you can teach an old dog new tricks, Cobber was six when he first started attending our local Disc (or Frisbee) group. He absolutely loves it and has started to show real progress. While these two options work for us, they may not work for you. It is important to find something that fits into your timetable, and most importantly, provides the stimulation that your dog needs and wants. Not every dog will find enjoyment in every activity. While Tilly loves herding, she couldn\u2019t care less for a frisbee. And while Girlie would probably love herding, serious injury has meant that it can no longer be an option for her. Be prepared to try something, but to discontinue it if it isn\u2019t working for you. Be prepared to give up a Saturday, or to drive long distances. Be prepared to devote some time at home to practising. But also, be prepared to have fun, meet new friends, get active and enjoy the company of your dog.<\/p>\n To get you started, I\u2019ve included some links to various groups, mostly within driving distance of Brisbane. If these aren\u2019t in your area, jump onto Google \u2013 there are plenty more!<\/p>\n