Activities For Border Collie Bernards
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Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
If you want one of the friendliest dogs around, then a Border Collie Bernard is for you! This mix of a Border Collie and a Saint Bernard can range anywhere from 45 pounds to 120 pounds so you may have quite the large dog on your hands! What kinds of activities can you do with a large, friendly dog? Plenty of things! All of these activities are ideal for your Border Collie Bernard so get ready to have some fun.
Water Fetch
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Any Day
Free
Normal
1 hr
Items needed
Collar
Towel
Ball
Activity description
Saint Bernards are known to love the water and are avid swimmers. As your Border Collie Bernard is part Saint Bernard, this trait has carried over to them! While purebred Saint Bernards are not endurance swimmers, your pup may be able to fare well in the water a little longer than their parent breed. However, you don’t want to push your pup too much! Starting off with a game of water fetch is a perfect way to encourage your dog's natural love of the water while not pushing them to swim unassisted. Besides the excitement of swimming, your dog will also be thrilled to play a game of fetch! What an ideal activity for Border Collie Bernards!
Step
1
Water space
Find a lake, river, ocean or pool near you that allows dogs to swim. Grab a towel, some fresh water, and your dog's collar and leash and go! When you arrive, let your dog run around a little bit and go into the water on their own accord. As this breed is typically a fan of swimming, your dog should seem right at home by the water’s edge. If they seem hesitant or scared, don’t push it! Not all dogs are meant to be swimmers!
Step
2
Swim and play
Walk into the water with your dog and call them to you. If your dog is ready to swim, they will naturally start paddling their legs happily! Now is the time to start your game of fetch! Dry yourself off and stand off the shoreline and toss a ball into the water! Start off by throwing the ball close, making it easy for your Border Collie Bernard to swim and grab.
Step
3
Fetch
Let your pup swim to the ball, retrieve it and join you back on the shore. Then, you guessed it, throw it again! Play water fetch as long as you would like with your playful pup. Throw the ball further and further once you see that they are comfortable swimming for longer. Be aware of fatigue in your dog, though and allow for rehydration often.
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Treibball
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Sunny Day
Moderate
Hard
1 hr
Items needed
Collar
Treats
Goal
Water
8 Exercise Balls
Activity description
Border Collies were originally used as herding dogs who would gather and herd cattle and sheep all day long. This is still ingrained in the brains of Border Collies everywhere! Since your Border Collie Bernard has this need to herd in them, why not teach them a game that revolves around herding objects in order to get a reward? Sounds like a good plan especially since it also means your dog will get to run around and burn off some of their puppy-like energy! This game will also appeal to the Saint Bernard side of your dog who loves to push and pull objects around.
Step
1
Location and gear
Grab all the equipment you need which includes eight large exercise balls, a goal, a bowl of water and a few treats. Find an empty field where you will have space to set up your treibball course. Place the goal at one end of the field and then scatter the eight exercise balls around.
Step
2
Push forward
Begin by showing your pup how to push the exercise ball forward using their nose. You also want to pair this action with a command such as “forward” or “push”. When your dog begins to move the ball, reward them and continue to encourage them toward the goal with the ball.
Step
3
Direct to goal
Show your Border Collie Bernard how to direct the ball into the goal and when one ball goes in, give them a treat and some excited affection. Now, have them herd the next ball. Try not to assist your dog with pushing the balls but, instead, encourage them to do it on their own. Practice the game daily and soon your dog will be herding those balls faster than you can set the game up!
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Jobs
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Any Day
Cheap
Normal
30 min
Items needed
Sled
Harness
Dog Backpack
Treats
Shoes
Activity description
Both Border Collies and Saint Bernards were working dogs back in their heyday. Because of this, Border Collie Bernards love having jobs to do. By giving your job a daily task or tasks, they will have a sense of purpose and be mentally stimulated on a day to day basis. Studies have shown that when a dog has a job, they are happier, more content and more likely to be well behaved. Sounds like something that is pretty important! Giving your Border Collie Bernard a job will also benefit you as you can teach them to do useful things around the house. A dog who does chores? That is like a dream come true!
Step
1
Shoe fetch
Training your dog to fetch your shoes sounds like a cliché but it is a great trick that will give your dog a real, necessary job and will also give you….well, your shoes! Teach your dog what shoes are by saying “shoe” holding up your shoe and then giving them a treat. Once your dog knows the word shoe, they will be inclined to fetch the shoes whenever you ask! So keep your shoes somewhere that your dog can easily grab them and you’ll never have to look for a pair again!
Step
2
Backpack
A doggy backpack is a great way to give your dog a job if you don’t have much time to do in depth training. Just place the backpack on your Border Collie Bernard and they will instantly be focused on getting that backpack from point A to point B. The added weight also is helpful to give your dog a little more exercise than their standard daily walk.
Step
3
Sledding
Pulling a sled is a big job for your Border Collie Bernard but it is one they may love. When the weather turns cold and there is snow on the ground, find a club nearby that will help you train your pup to pull a sled. You’ll need a variety of proper equipment (strapping a sled to a regular leash won’t do!) which is why dog clubs are a good place to start your sled pulling training.
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More Fun Ideas...
Skatejoring
Get a harness designed for pulling and bring your dog out for a fun round of skatejoring. You hold the leash while your Border Collie Bernard pulls you along for a fun ride!
Tracking
Hide a few treats and make a small trail of treats leading up to it. Once your dog is using their nose well, take away the treat trail and just have the pile of treats hidden in your house. Your dog will have fun sniffing around, looking for their treasure.
Conclusion
Border Collie Bernards are friendly, energetic and hard working dogs who will love to play games with their favorite person - you! Life isn’t just about basic walks so keep it interesting for you and your dog. From herding games like treibball to giving your dog a job to do, Border Collie Bernards thrive when kept busy. Of course, at the end of the day your dog may also like a good cuddle session - this breed does also enjoy some love and affection!