Activities For Border Springers
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Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
Border Springers, also known as Sprollies, are light-hearted fun dogs with boundless energy. These dogs are great for active families and people who are looking for a happy companion to follow them on all their adventures. Activities for Border Springers need to take into account their energetic personalities and their vast intelligence. These dogs need to work and they love having a job. If you don't have time to exercise these dogs for at least an hour each day and can't hire a dog walker, this may not be the breed for you. If you love being outside, going for runs or hikes, and playing active games with your dog, you might have found your new best friend.
Flyball
Popular
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Any Day
Moderate
Hard
1 hr
Items needed
Hurdles
Ball throwing apparatus
Activity description
Flyball combines speed, agility, and the love of chasing a ball to make it one of the most perfect activities for Border Springers. This fast-paced team sport starts with the first dog jumping a set of hurdles, activating a ball throwing machine which tosses a tennis ball toward to start line, catching the ball and running back to tag the next dog and human team. Flyball is catching on all over the world and teams can be formed with many different kinds of dogs. It's fun and will challenge your Border Springer mentally, physically and socially. Flyball is a perfect sport for your sweet and energetic pup.
Step
1
Fetch and return
The first step your dog will need to learn to play Flyball is to fetch and return a ball. Border Springers are smart and driven dogs, and they often pick up on this piece quickly. Toss the ball and encourage them to chase after it. Once they pick it up, call their name and offer them a treat to return the ball. When they drop it at your feet, reward them with lots of praise and yummy treats. Soon they will get into the rhythm of fetching and returning the ball to you. As a bonus, add in the command of Fetch. Make your dog wait when you throw the ball and only go after it when you give the command "Fetch."
Step
2
Try a hurdle
When your dog is well trained to fetch on command, set up a hurdle in your backyard. You don't have to make it too high, even though Border Springers are great jumpers. Now, throw the ball over the hurdle and tell your dog to fetch. They should jump right over the hurdle. If they go around it. you can set up a shoot so they learn to jump over the hurdle. You can add a few more hurdles once your dog gets used to jumping them to fetch the ball.
Step
3
Release the ball
The third step is to teach your dog to release the tennis ball from the flyball box by jumping on the spring-loaded pad. This one will take some work. You'll need to break the movement down into steps. First get them to touch the pad. Next, ask them to step on it. Lastly, you'll need to teach them to run up to the pad and jump on it. It may take some time to put it all together, but your dog will remember what to do once they see that tennis ball fly over their heads. When they have all three Flyball components mastered, you can put them together and you'll be ready to join a team.
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Hiking Buddy
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Sunny Day
Cheap
Normal
3 hrs
Items needed
Leash
Dog hiking backpack
Water and snacks
Activity description
If you're looking for a hiking buddy to follow you up long and rocky trails and enjoy every minute, look no further than your Border Springer. This happy dog has a motor that will propel them up steep and lose trails with ease and grace, and their goofy grin will keep you going as you huff and puff trying to keep up with them. Hiking in one of those activities for Border Springers that you'll both be happy and tired after. Even if your dog is not quite as tired as you are, they will always have a wonderful time.
Step
1
Pick a trail
The first step is to pick the right trail. For your dog's first time out, you don't want something that is too long or technical. Border Springers are agile dogs, but they aren't rock climbers, so be wary of peaks requiring rock scrambling. In the hot days of summer, try to find a trail that follows a stream or creek. This way your dog can jump in and cool off when they get too hot. Check out local maps or call your local outdoor or pet supply store for dog-friendly recommendations.
Step
2
Pack your bags
When you go for a long hike, not only do you need to pack items for yourself, you also have to pack gear for your dog. Boarder Springers have enough energy to carry their own backpacks if you don't want to carry their things. You'll need to bring water and a bowl for your dog as well as treats or snacks, a dog first aid kit, and a leash. Once you're both suited up it's time to hit the trail.
Step
3
Hike it!
Lace up your boots and hit the trail. Your Border Springer will entertain you the entire way, and you can't help but catch some of their happiness and excitement. Remeber though, these dogs are scent and prey driven and they can easily get distracted by an animal or scent trail and wander away. Always call them back before they get too far away and reward them for a good recall. Remember to take plenty of selfies with your furry best friend and enjoy the views.
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Agility
Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Moderate
Normal
1 hr
Items needed
Leash
Training treats
Agility course membership or home obstacles
Activity description
Your Border Springer was built for agility. They have an incredible ability to focus on high demand and changing tasks, and they are brave and fast. They enjoy the mental stimulation of watching for your instruction and figuring out new obstacles and they love doing it at Mach 5 speed. Agility classes make sure they don't get bored if they don't have an actual job and can help you two build a strong bond. Agility is growing in popularity and there are many training centers popping up all over the country. Find a good trainer near you to learn the ropes and invest in a few agility obstacles to practice at home.
Step
1
Find an agility center
The best way to get into agility with your Border Springer is to find an agility center near you. These facilities have all the obstacles you'll need to start working with your dog, and they'll have classes and trainers who can teach you the ropes and set you up for a successful agility career. When you sign up for a beginner class, you'll have a community of other dog and owner teams you can bond with and learn from.
Step
2
Practice weekly
Though your Border Springer has the natural qualities needed for agility, they will still need plenty of practice to refine their skills and learn to work with you as part of a team. Take the skills you learn at the center and practice them at home. Agility is just as much about listening as it is about running through obstacles. Working with your dog each day will increase your bond and help them listen when there are lots of distractions during agility class.
Step
3
Increase the challenge
After you finish the beginner class, you and your dog should feel comfortable with several obstacles and with the agility center. Don't stop there. Up the challenge by taking on new obstacles or signing up for an advanced class. You can even join an agility club and train with other dog and owner teams in your area. You'll have fun, make new friends, and your dog will be happy, tired, and mentally satisfied.
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More Fun Ideas...
Tracking
Tracking requires dogs to follow their noses, making it a perfect activity for Border Springers to enjoy with their owners.
Running
Your Border Springer is a running partner you can count on. They will never cancel at the last minute and will always be ready to go when the alarm clock sounds.
Conclusion
Because these dogs are so energetic, activities for Border Springers must include plenty of exercise. These smart and springy pups love to jump, play with other dogs, and run for miles. They are certain to bring lots of joy and laughter in your life. As a bonus, they will help you stick to a fitness routine. These pups love to be outside playing, sniffing the smells, and enjoying nature. Make sure they are well trained before you let them off leash to follow their noses, and they will be the perfect companion for trail runs, hikes, and walks of all lengths.