Walking your Border Collie is a significant part of their training and behavioral health. But, how long should you be walking your pet Collie each and every day? Are they getting enough exercise?
The border collie is a very energetic dog breed. If you don’t give them enough exercise, their pent-up energy will be expressed as hyperactive behavior.
Although Collies have long been pets, the instincts that unite them with wolves have not gone away. A pet needs to release energy, satisfy its hunting instinct, and learn new smells.
Walking your dog could freshen up their day, improve their health, and give you a new sense of achievement. But how long should you walk your Border Collie? How long is too long, and how short is too short?
How Long Should I Walk My Border Collie?
The more often a four-legged friend goes outside, the better for their well-being. But, it depends on a few things like— How old is your pup? Are they in good health? Or is she pregnant?
Depending on your Collie’s age and assuming they are in good health, this is how long you should walk your Border Collie:
How Long Should I Walk My Border Collie Puppy?
With puppies after vaccination, you need to walk for 15-20 minutes 3-4 times a day. The main thing is that they do not come into contact with other animals.
After vaccinations, the puppies should walk 4-5 times a day, little by little. Toddlers cannot control urination and may pee at home.
From 6 months, the duration of the walk increases. 2-3 walks for 30-50 minutes are enough.
From 1 year, a period begins when the body is practically formed, and physical activity is at its peak. On the street, you need to spend at least 3.5-4 hours. This time can be split into several walks.
Walking a Sick Border Collie
How often you need to walk your BC if they are sick depends on what they are dealing with. If this is an infectious disease, then walking on the street is allowed. But it is worth going out where there are no other dogs so as not to infect them.
If your sick Collie collides with a healthy one during the walk, in no case should they be allowed to sniff each other. Even if these two dogs are familiar and usually play with each other.
You should ask your vet before taking your sick BC for a walk. In principle, the BC themselves won’t want to get up and go somewhere. The body is frail and must still recover as much as necessary.
In the case of other diseases, you need to consult a veterinarian.
Walking A Pregnant BC
There are no restrictions on time spent outdoors in the park with pregnant dogs. Unless there are health problems and the veterinarian does not recommend her to walk a lot.
It is undesirable to let her play active games. Also, if you need to climb many stairs, it is better to carry her in your arms.
Who Should I Let Walk My Border Collie?
Walking a Border Collie (BC) is more than just putting on a leash and getting a little exercise together. You have to be a dog lover! Border Collies choose for themselves with whom they would like to take a stroll with.
You work hard all day, and your dog’s been tied up for hours. Now you need them to be good for a walk? Call a professional dog walker.
Take these into consideration before finding one that’s perfect for your BC:
They know as much as possible about dogs. How many dogs do they walk at a time? Some dog walkers can walk up to 10 dogs at a time, of all shapes and sizes.
Do they take into consideration that not all dogs are not compatible with others? Can they handle the dogs when they suddenly become aggressive?
Are they responsible and collect dog waste? Do they know the local laws about walking dogs in certain areas?
If they do all the things above well and have a good past record, then only hand them over your BC for a walk. Even better if someone you know personally can vouch for their expertise.
Where Should I Walk My Border Collie?
Dog parks and playgrounds can be great fun for dogs. They can run and play off-leash with other dogs.
If you live near the sea, then you can also take your BC to the beach. Keep in mind that there may be elderly people and children on the beach who will not always adequately perceive the presence of an animal.
Where Should I Walk My Border Collie Puppy?
You should, in no case, let your unvaccinated BC puppy come in contact with other dogs. That doesn’t mean that you don’t have to walk them.
You should walk the young ones in your yard under your supervision. Also, try to make them run. It will develop their muscles. But don’t overdo it; otherwise, they will likely become susceptible to hip dysplasia.
Where Should I Not Walk My Border Collie?
Taking your dog out in public places is regulated by laws in many countries. You can walk with a dog in public places, but certain conditions must be met.
Places where there are many children:
It is better not to go with the dog at all. If they bark and scare the kids, then the parents can file a lawsuit against you, and the case will most likely be considered in their favor.
To Shops and Market:
Some retail outlets have a sign that says “no dogs should enter.” Even if there is no such law in your country, the last word is still with the administration of a particular store.
Suppose the outlet representatives do not want the buyer to come to the counter with the dog. In that case, they must provide them with a place (usually at the entrance or the door) where the pet will wait for the owner to make purchases.
Benefits of Walking A Border Collie
For your BC to stay healthy and satisfy their instincts, they need daily walks. During your walk you can also play active games. For example, throwing a ball or stick, hiding sweets, and much more.
Walking is beneficial not only for doggies but also for the owners themselves. When it’s warm, you still want to go outside, then with the onset of cold weather, this desire wanes. But dog lovers leave the house even in rain and snow.
In winter, you can play with snowballs. The BC will also get tired faster and will not have the energy to entertain himself at home.
Making a habit of walking your BC, in turn, increases immunity, strengthens the cardiovascular system, the musculoskeletal system, and reduces the risk of developing varicose veins. This is especially useful for those who have a sedentary job and spend a lot of time at the computer.
What else can be the benefit of walking together? Let us know in the comments section!