Ball? Forget the ball! Try a laser pointer! My border collie/aussie mix is ADDICTED to “the dot.” She will go bonkers when it gets dark, because she knows it’s almost play time, and even when she can barely stand or breathe, she’ll look at you anytime you move your hand. It’s the best non-toy toy we have for her, esp. since we don’t have a yard.
Border collies are wildly intelligent.
Oh God! Aussie Shepard’s are also working dogs, who like the border collie must be worked all the time lest they develop mental problems.
I got a Lab because I know I don’t have that kind of time to work with the dog.
Aussies and BC’s are good dogs and highly intelligent but they can not abide having nothing to do or not being the center of attention.
I have finally become the alpha over my Moms Aussie and he is a good boy, but they are a LOT of Work.
Labs are pretty smart and love to wok too, but they can kick back too.
Pook can say his prayers. I say say your prayers and he puts both front legs across my lap and bows his head.
I say “Amen” and he snaps his head up and gets a treat.
I feel bad that I don’t work him more often, He would be a great bird dog.
My Dad had a neat trick he would do with his BC
He would point a finger gun at the dog and say POW!
That dog would drop like a rock even if it was in full stride LOL
Good dogs.
They also love agility trials
That is what we worked him at and what Mom currently does with the Aussie.
Had one. Loved that dog. She could read my mind.
Kept me mentally agile trying to keep her entertained.
If I lived somewhere w/ acreage or large lot for running that would be THE dog I'd have.
But, they do shed, a lot.
Have a poodle now. Nice dog, intelligent but not nearly as inquisitive, or as much fun as a Border Collie.