The Nature of the Border Collie 25
Intelligence as a Primary Trait 25
The Herding Instinct 25
Energy Level 26
Border Collies in the House 27
Border Collies on the Farm 27
How Hyperactive Are They? 28
Intelligence: The Positive Aspects, the Negative Aspects 28
Border Collies and Your Possessions 29
The Border Collie as a Second Dog 30
Problems with Other Pets 31

Border Collie Care 32
Basic Equipment for Grooming 32
Grooming the Smooth-Haired Border Collie 32
Grooming the Rough-Haired Border Collie 33
Areas Requiring Special Attention 34
Where Will Your Border Collie Live? 35
Traveling with Your Border Collie 37
HOW-TO: Traveling by Automobile 38
HOW-TO: Puppy-Proofing Your Home 40

Activities for Your Border Collie 42
Trialing 42
The AKC Herding Program 43
Obedience 43
Frisbee 45
Flyball 46
Tracking 47
Agility 47
Scent Hurdles 47
Other Activities 47

Training 50
Why Is It Necessary? 50
Various Approaches to Training 50
Housebreaking 51
Obedience Training 52
HOW-TO: Crate Training 54
Basic Commands 56
Training for Stock Work 60

Nutrition 66
Dietary Requirements 66
The Effects of Good Early Nutrition 67
What Is Different about Border Collie Nutrition? 68
Commercial Diets - Pros and Cons 69
Kibble versus Canned Foods 70
Roll-Your-Own Dog Rations 70
Dietary Requirements in Old Age 71

Your Border Collie's Health 73
History of the Health of Border Collies 73
The Most Common Health Problems in Border Collies 73
Contagious Diseases 76
Other Health Problems 79
Emergencies 84
HOW-TO: Treating Automobile Accident Victims 86
Administering Medicine 88
Life Expectancy 88
Old Age and Your Border Collie 88
Euthanasia 89

Breeding 90
Should You Breed Your Border Collie? 90
Working or Show Qualities for Breeding 91
The Canine Estrous Cycle 92
Mating 93
Pregnancy 94
Whelping 94
Puppy Care 95
Weaning 97
Early Socialization 98

Useful Addresses and Literature 101

Index 103

Border Collies: everything about purchase, care, nutrition, breeding, behavior, and training

Author: Michael DeVine