Top Activities For Border Heelers

Introduction

Your Border Heeler is one of the hardest working dogs around, and they are always looking for a job to do. With the combination of two well-regarded herding breeds and the abundance of energy, owners of this breed really have their hands full. Luckily there are plenty of activities for Border Heelers that address both their need to run and their high intelligence. Everyone knows there is nothing more destructive than a bored dog, especially a bored dog that was bred to do a job like herding animals all day. If you're running out of activities for your Border Heeler, here are a few ideas to try.

Agility Competitions

Most Popular

1 Vote

Any Day

Moderate

Normal

1 hr

Items needed

Leash

Treats

agility membership

Activity description

When you're searching for activities for Border Heelers, look no further than agility competitions. The concentration, speed, and action it takes to compete successfully in agility make your dog a perfect candidate for this challenging sport. Agility dogs need to be fast, smart, and strongly bonded with their owners, all traits that Border Heelers excel at. During this sport, dogs and their handlers work together to navigate a series of obstacles while racing against the clock, trying to log the fastest time without making a mistake. The consistent training is perfect for a dog who feels like they need a purpose and a mission, and you'll love the strong relationship you build with your dog.

Step

1

The basics

Before you can begin agility training, you'll need to master the basics. Agility centers can be overwhelming for new dogs, and if they aren't able to come when called, sit, or stay when you ask, they are going to have difficulty learning to listen to you as they navigate the obstacles. They could also pose a danger if they run into other dogs or act uncontrolled. Master the basics before you sign up for a class.

Step

2

Sign up for classes

Before you can sign up for competitions, you need to learn how to work with your dog through each obstacle. A beginner class will show you the ropes and teach you how to communicate with your dog, show them the right way to go, and give them confidence on the course. You need to learn just as much as your dog before you can start winning ribbons on the course. It takes dedication, time, and the will to work hard from both you and your dog. With enough practice, you'll be competition ready in no time.

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Herding

Popular

1 Vote

Sunny Day

Moderate

Normal

1 hr

Items needed

Dog Whistle

Herding cane

Long Leash

Activity description

If you own a farm, hobby farm, or live out in the country with friends who have herd animals, you can work your dog by letting them do what they were born to do. While herding is natural for your dog, this instinct needs to be refined and your dog needs to learn to take cues from you. Learning to herd is a big commitment for you and your dog, but it will be an amazing site to watch them work with animals and run freely doing what they are best at. Find a local trainer or club near you to help you get started.

Step

1

Start with training

The first thing you need to do is start with proper training. Look for an expert who can work with your dog to give them the proper training. If you can find a herding club near you or a farm that offers group training, this will be ideal. Your dog will learn in a controlled environment right along with you. Sign up for a series of classes and get ready for some fun.

Step

2

Understand the basics

Before you head to your first class, make sure your dog has a clear grasp of basic commands. They should come to you when you call, no matter what is going on. They should also know how to sit and lay down when you ask, even if they are a few feet away from you. You should introduce them to livestock in a safe and supervised situation. Starting them when they are young will give you the best chance to be sure they don't have any issues.

Step

3

Hard work

Honing your Border Heeler's natural tendency takes hard work. They need to learn impulse control, how to read your cues, and how to control and motivate the animals you are working with. Aside from the hour you spend with your trainer each week, you need to practice these skills daily. If you work hard and stay consistent with your training, your dog will turn into an expert herder, doing the job they were bred to do.

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Flyball

Least Popular

1 Vote

Sunny Day

Moderate

Normal

1 hr

Items needed

Ball

Spring loaded box

hurdles

Activity description

Flyball is a fast-paced and fun team sport for dogs. If you and your friends have high-energy, ball-driven pups like Border Heelers, you can form a team and join a competition. In this game, the first dog must run through a 51-ft long course with four hurdles to clear, jump on a spring-loaded box to release the tennis ball and catch the ball in their mouth. Then, they must run race back to the starting line to tag the next team member. This sport is exciting to watch and is a fun way for you and your friends to get together and keep your dogs well exercised and entertained.

Step

1

Form your team

Flyball is not a solo sport, so you're going to need to form your team. Look for friends with dogs who have a similar drive for chasing balls, who are fast, and can learn to jump hurdles. Some teams are all the same breed, and some are full of mixed breeds. There is room for everyone to play, even cross breeds like the Border Heeler.

Step

2

Practice makes perfect

Get together and practice with your team. Break down the components of flyball slowly. Teach each dog how to jump a hurdle before you ask them to jump in order. Your Border Heeler may pick things up more quickly than the other dogs, but that's okay. Feel free to move on to the spring box and running home at your own pace. Your dog may end up being the speedy anchor that takes it all home.

Step

3

Enter a competition

When your team is feeling ready, and each dog is confident jumping the hurdles, pressing the spring box, and running back home, it's time to enter a competition. Search for leagues near you and sign up. There are lots of categories, so find the one that best describes your group, make sure you have all the rules memorized, and head out to see how you stack up. Flyball competitions are great for spectators too, so have fun watching other teams race each other and don't put too much pressure on your self.

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More Fun Ideas...

Take a Hike

Border Healers are perfect hiking companions. They love to be outside, sniffing new smells and exploring new areas. They like to stay close and are unlikely to run off unless they see an animal they need to chase.

Obedience Competition

Because of their high intellect and quick ability to learn, Border Healers are perfect candidates for obedience competition. They can concentrate for a long time and are quick to pick up on cues.

Conclusion

Border Heelers are incredible dogs with a strong intellect and a will to work hard. If you ignore this will and need for a job, you'll be in lots of trouble with a mischevious, anxious, and destructive dog. Use those instincts to your advantage to have them help out on the farm or join you in creative competition. These dogs are perfect companions for any outdoor activity and will keep you guessing and entertained with their antics. If you are lucky enough to have one of these dogs, make sure you keep a few activities for Border Heelers at your fingertips to keep them happy and healthy.