Activities For Border-Aussies

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Activities For Border-Aussies

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Introduction

Border Collie-Australian Shepherd mixes, also called Border-Aussies, are cattle dogs that are going to have seemingly endless energy. These high-energy dogs are going to need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to be happy, healthy dogs. The Border-Aussie is going to need much for physical activity than most other breeds, so you need to make sure that you are always coming up with some way to entertain these fluffy pups.

Advanced Training

Popular

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Any Day

Expensive

Hard

1 - 2 hrs

Items needed

Treats

Leash

Activity description

Border-Aussies are a highly intelligent breed. To keep their minds active, they need to be challenged. One of the easiest ways to do this as a pet parent is to constantly keep your pet in training classes. For dogs with high intelligence, you might need to consider high-level classes. In these classes, your dog can learn advanced tricks or skills. Fortunately for Border-Aussie owners, these classes are fairly easy to find and enroll in. Over time, the cost of these classes can add up, but they can be performed in any weather and are a great way to challenge your dog. If your dog passes the most advanced classes and still needs a way to release energy, you can sign up for private training classes where your dog can work one-on-one with a trainer to learn all kinds of unique tricks.

Step

Research classes

The hardest part for most pet owners is finding an appropriately challenging class. You may need to meet with different trainers to talk about the appropriate level of training for your brainy pooch. After meeting with trainers in your area, it may be easier to decide what courses are the best fit for your dog. While you may only sign up for weekly classes, you can work with your dog at home the rest of the week for practice.

Step

Attend classes

Bring your dog to the classes on a leash when scheduled. For most pets, it is a good idea to stick to a routine, so try to schedule weekly classes on the same day. It is fine to change the day from time-to-time, but a routine will help you stick with your dog's training regimen. Once at the class, listen to the instructor and make sure you follow their advice for at-home practice sessions. The more consistent you are, the faster your dog will pick up complicated tricks.

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Agility Training

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Expensive

Normal

1 hr

Items needed

Treats

Leash

agility membership

Activity description

Agility training is a great way to keep your dog's mind active while you exercise their body. Agility training allows you to teach your dog how to navigate complex obstacles in a variety of different orders. The goal is to complete the course in the best time with the fewest mistakes or penalties. While there are likely to be local and regional competitions for agility in your area, national competitions are a very big deal in the United States. You may consider entering national competitions with your Border-Aussie if the competition in your area doesn't prove to be difficult enough, which for some dogs, it won't be. We suggest taking your Border-Aussie to agility classes as opposed to training them at home. Though classes can be a bit pricey, the challenge offered to your extremely intelligent dog is key.

Step

When you are first getting started, it is very likely that your dog will need professional agility training, especially if you hope to compete. Training classes are offered in most cities, so you should have no problem finding an agility class for your Border-Aussie. Training can take place weekly or more frequently. If you are really serious about competing, you can even sign up for private classes. Although the equipment will be at the class, you can ask your trainer how you and your Border-Aussie can practice at home in between class sessions.

Step

These dogs love to compete. While it may not be easy at first, take your dog to local and regional competitions to test their abilities against other dogs in your area. If your dog's skills outmatch others in your area, you can start to compete on the national stage. There are many different national agility competitions for the best of the best agility dogs.

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Treibball

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Moderate

Normal

30 - 60 min

Items needed

Leash

Treats

Activity description

Treibball is basically soccer for dogs. This competitive dog sport aims to bring dogs and their owners closer together through positive-reinforcement training methods. During training for the sport, your Border-Aussie will be challenged to learn the rules of the game. Once your dog has all of the rules down, you are ready to hit the field. While any breed of dog can compete, this sport is best for dogs that are natural herders without a flock to herd. To play, dogs use their nose or shoulders to get eight balls into a goal in seven minutes in a particular order dictated by their handler. Joining a club will mean a certain outlay of money but it will be worth it to keep your super clever dog's brain challenged!

Step

Start training

While a lot of Treibball is based on instinct, there is still a good deal of training that goes into this sport. First, dogs need to know how to follow commands when off-leash. Once this goal has been met, your dog will need to understand how to move the balls around the field to get them into the goal. Treibball participants also need to be able to follow commands that give them instructions on which ball to put in the goal and when. Training classes for this sport are available, so you can try to find one that is near your home.

Step

Get competitive

This is a competitive sport, and your pooch is going to need a little competition. You can play against other members of the training program you are in, or you can sign up for competitions. There are national competitions where your dog can earn a national title in the sport. Right now, most competitors are able to get all eight balls in the goal in less than 4 minutes, so competition is stiff!

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More Fun Ideas...

Herding

Let your dog practice their herding skills on you and your family. Even if your dog will never herd an animal, their instinct will still be there. By allowing your dog to practice on you and your family, you are giving them an outlet for this behavior. Quell nipping by lightly tapping your dog on the nose if they try to bite you.

Hide and Seek

With a dog this smart, you can play hide and seek just like you would with children. Give your Border-Aussie a command to stay, and then find a good hiding place. When you are ready, yell the seek command and wait for them to find you. Reward your pooch with a treat when they are successful.

Conclusion

Since these dogs tend to do best with two full hours of vigorous exercise each day, it can be difficult to come up with ways to keep them entertained. With this list, we hope that you are able to keep your Border-Aussie happy and active. Give these activities a try and let us know your favorite!