Exercise & Play

neuroleptical · 01-14-2004, 08:55 PM

I do not have a dog, I am asking about my friend's dog. I always thought that border collies needed a lot of exercise along the lines of roughhousing, but my friend tells me that her dog's breeder & vet say this makes them go after people's ankles & act vicious.

I am confused.
I am willing to do what my friend says, after all the dog is her baby, but the dog just looooves it when I play tug w/ her using different toys.
I do not play outdoors w/ her much as we are usually doing something in the house but I am wondering how much outdoorexercise a dog like this might require, because I might try to spend more time w/ my friend trying to help w/ the dog, if she would like.
It just seems to me that the dog (5 year old border collie) needs to really blow off some steam.

Candycane · 01-14-2004, 11:28 PM

Border collies are high energy and need an outlet for their energy otherwise they will start acting up in most cases.

Roughhousing with a well socialized dog will not make them go after ankles.

Tug is not recommended for younger dogs who may have dominancy issues, but it usually doesn't pose a risk when the dog is older and in a well defined inferior position.

clearjade · 01-14-2004, 11:42 PM

Depending on how the dog perceives it's social order in the pack, rough housing can either be fine or reinforce the dog's dominance. Like Candice mentions, games like tug-of-war that involve you vs. the dog fighting over a toy can encourage dominant behaviour in dogs. If the dog tends to be dominant and you allow the dog to win (i.e. pull the toy out of your hands) it might show the dog that you are being submissive. This could lead to problems later on like nipping, food guarding, etc. But since the dog is 5 years old, I don't think that will be a problem.

High energy dogs like border collies need to have a 'job' to do. Something they can do to give them satisfaction and keep them busy. They look to their owner for instructions and guidence. Could your friend practice basic training commands with her dog for some time each day? That might stimulate her dog. How about playing fetch? It doesn't involve very much physical activity for the owner to pick up the ball and throw it.

Pawzforamoment · 01-18-2004, 04:49 PM

I wouldn't suggest roughhousing where you use your hands or arms and legs but I have played tug with my dogs since they were puppies, and I read somewhere in a book that if you are to play tug you have to teach them to let go when you tell them, this way it shows them that you are the one in control, and when I am finished playing with them I make them sit for the toy I don't just give it to them, then they go and play with it and tug with eachother.
I think flyball and agility are great outlets for border collies, and it seems like they absolutely love it. I wanted to do flyball with my beagles but they don't have as much drive as border collies do.
I think it's great you are willing to help your friend with her dog, but I think it's best to play by your friends rules. She wants to raise her dog a certain way and you should respect that. I know I hate it when I tell people not to do things with my dogs and they do it anyways cuz they don't agree with what I teach my dogs.