| There is much to be said for the herding instinct of the | | | | minutes! |
| Border Collie and the pure intensity that comes along | | | | Secondly get a ball thrower (aka a whip stick or a |
| with it. You've probably seen videos of these dogs | | | | "chuck it"). These can be found at most pet stores and |
| while they work and there is no doubt that every fiber | | | | allow you throw the ball several times further than you |
| of their being is focused on the task at hand. (Check | | | | can by hand. Typically made of plastic with a tennis ball |
| out for tons of Border Collie videos...neat stuff!). As | | | | shaped cup on one end these not only let you throw |
| new owners of the breed we certainly did not have | | | | further but you can pick up the ball with the stick. Not a |
| any sheep or cattle for our dog to focus on however | | | | huge deal but it will help keep your hands clean of dog |
| a very simple substitute presented itself. The tennis ball. | | | | drool, mud and dirt. Our Border Collie can easily run flat |
| With one of these fuzzy little yellow balls you can give | | | | out for over an hour so the longer each run for the ball |
| your dog (and yourself!) exercise and give him a job at | | | | the faster he gets tired. And, as you may know, a tired |
| the same time. | | | | Border Collie is a happy one! |
| While we lived in a townhome when we got our dog | | | | Thirdly is the intensity and focus of the dog when he is |
| we are fortunate enough to live on a small island on | | | | playing fetch with a ball. He is so focused on that ball |
| the Southeast coast of the US. Not only did this allow | | | | that, as far as he is concerned, there is nothing else in |
| us to run our Border Collie on wide open beaches for | | | | the world but that ball. This can be a major safety |
| pretty much the entire year but also on tidal flats and | | | | issue for your dog. Our Border Collie will go after the |
| marsh beds. These dogs have tons of energy and | | | | ball no matter where we throw it and he will get it. Be |
| you do yourself and the dog a huge benefit by simply | | | | very certain to stay away from roads, parking lots and |
| going out and playing ball. | | | | anywhere that your dog could be in danger. We had a |
| After two years with our Border Collie we have come | | | | scary moment one afternoon when the ball hit a rock |
| up with a few tips that make his tennis ball obsession | | | | and flew off at a crazy angle into a roadway. Luckily |
| more productive. The first is pretty simple. Get a hold | | | | there were no cars coming but it certainly makes us |
| of lots of tennis balls. They are cheap to buy if you | | | | more alert to possible dangers! |
| check out thrift stores. Or, if you are like us, you may | | | | There is a funny saying that goes along with dog |
| have some tennis courts close by. About once a | | | | ownership...If your dog is out of shape then so are you. |
| week we walk our dog over around the courts and let | | | | Nothing could be more true for Border Collie owners! |
| him rummage around in the weeds and bushes. His | | | | Grab an old tennis ball and get out there with your dog! |
| record so far is finding 8 tennis balls in under 10 | | | | |