How Much Exercise Do Border Collies Need?

Border Collies are incredibly intelligent, energetic, and active dogs. They were bred to herd sheep on big farms all day long, which means they have plenty of energy to burn and need quite a bit of exercise to maintain their health and happiness. How much exercise do Border Collies need? It depends on the dog’s individual personality and your available time to spend with him or her. In this article, we will go over how much exercise Border Collies need.

1. How Much Exercise Do Border Collies Need?

Border Collie dogs known for being having plenty of energy, so getting enough exercise is essential. Adult dogs require a minimum of 90 minutes of activity each day to be healthy.

This, however, may vary based on your dog’s overall fitness, health, and age. Working dogs and dogs who are taking part in canine sports will get far more activity than other pets, while puppies and elderly dogs will require fewer workouts to preserve their joints and bones.

2. Exercise Recommendations For Border Collies

When it comes to exercising the Border Collie, you have a lot of choices. We’re not talking about a leisurely walk in the park, however. These dogs need a lot of endurance training. That isn’t to suggest that you shouldn’t take your Border Collie on a stroll. Walking, on the other hand, should not be the sole type of exercise.

Many owners choose to divide the required amount of exercise into smaller chunks. For example, they’ll go for a 30-minute walk first thing in the morning, then play fetch for 45 minutes in a park. Finally, they go for a 30-minute run at night. As a result, we’ve compiled a list of the greatest workouts for the Border Collie:

2.1 Running and Walking

For any dog, walking and running are the common types of exercise. It’s easy, fast, and good for you and your pup. Border Collies, on the other hand, have a strong desire to investigate the world around them.

Running is a great way to build up your Border Collie’s stamina, just as it does for people. While it’s highly probable that they’ll easily outpace you, it’s still a good idea to be careful.

Start with shorter jogging workouts for pups to gauge their endurance. Then, depending on how relaxed they are on runs, you may increase the length. The last thing any dog owner wants is their dog getting injured from running for too long. 

2.2 Hiking in the Open Air

Hiking is a wonderful activity for Border Collies since it offers both physical and mental stimulation. You’re helping to stimulate your dog’s brains by giving an enhanced environment with appealing smells.

Depending on the route, dogs will encounter a variety of different smells each time they go for a walk. It’s the ideal Border Collie activity when you combine this with the opportunity to get a decent exercise. While going trekking every day may not be feasible, it would be a great weekend activity for both you and your dog.

2.3 Herding Activities

What better way to tap into your Border Collie’s natural intellect than to take them to a herding trial? No, you don’t need a farm to accomplish this. In fact, several ranches provide herding dog training!

Consider checking into local herding programs if the dog is a natural herder, as most Border Collies are. They have both exams and trials available. Perhaps, one day, your Border Collie will participate in the AKC’s herding championships.

But the point is that Border Collies were originally bred for herding. What’s more, herding consumes a significant amount of energy. Herding is a great way to fulfill your dog’s exercise requirements. If you’re serious about it, you should think about the price. Although costs vary, putting your dog through regular herding trials will not be inexpensive.

2.4 Training in Agility

Agility is the ability of a dog to move rapidly, halt, and change directions. Agility training, on the other hand, consists of activities that develop this skill. Border Collies are nimble dogs naturally; therefore, this is an ideal situation for them.

Running an agility course provides many Border Collies with a feeling of purpose. It’s the ideal exercise for redirecting your dog’s dissatisfaction and work ethic into something less harmful. And, unlike herding, the dog doesn’t need to train on an animal ranch. They just need the necessary equipment and a big backyard.

Agility courses are a great place to start since they provide structure for both you and your dog. Unless you want to participate competitively, you won’t need lessons after the dog has gotten the hang of it.

2.5 Swimming

Swimming is a popular pastime for high-energy herding dogs, much as it is for the Australian Shepherd. Border Collies are definitely no exception if they are properly prepared and guided. Gradually introducing your dog to water is the key to training them to swim. Don’t toss them in at the deep end right away! Begin with a bathtub or even a kiddie pool and work your way up to bigger bodies of water.

When you first go out, make sure you have the necessary equipment, such as a dog life jacket. It will instill confidence in your Border Collie while also providing you with some peace of mind.

Not every dog is born with the ability to swim. So the most essential thing is to ensure that your dog feels at ease in the water. Prioritize safety and comfort at all times.

2.6 Games for Dogs

There are many games that you may play with your Border Collie. But whatever it is, the dog will have a lot more fun if you are participating! The most apparent choice is fetch. They can’t get enough of a ball. Border Collies will carry the ball to almost anybody in the hopes that they will toss it.

Consider adding a Frisbee to add some variety to your game. Frisbees go greater at a distance at a slower speed, giving your dog more opportunities to run. If fetch isn’t your dog’s game, tug-of-war will generally suffice.

3. In Conclusion

We hope you now know how much exercise do border collies need so that you can keep your pet healthy and fit. Any of the activities listed above will be the perfect moment to bond with your dog while keeping it healthy too!