Can Border collies be left alone at home? The answer to this question depends on several factors, including where you live.
Do you live in the city or the countryside? If you live in the country and your Border collie has five acres to play in and a variety of things to do in that space, then yes. However, raising a Border collie in an apartment in the city is discouraged.
To be truly happy, he needs to have a purpose and the freedom to play outdoors in a spacious, enclosed yard. A bored Border collie can become destructive, and may turn to bark incessantly and destroy furniture in the apartment. These unpleasant behaviors are not typical of a well-trained and well-exercised Border collie.
That being said, urban Border collies can still achieve the mental stimulation and physical exercise they require if their guardians invest time and effort in getting involved with them. However, this is often easier said than done.
How can Border collies be left alone at home when people are rushing about like tiny, busy ants carrying out daily chores or working multiple jobs to make ends meet?
Can You Leave a Border Collie at Home While You Work?
Whether you have a clingy Border collie or a snobbish Chow Chow, you do not want to leave any dog locked up alone in the house for a long stretch, especially if your collie is still a pup. But due to necessity, we sometimes have to leave our canine buddies behind for a while.
Does that make us bad guardians or fur-parents? After all, we need to work so that we can provide for our furry, four-legged members of the family.
Here are a few tips so that you can leave your Border collie safely and comfortably at home.
Unleash your Collie’s Playful Side
A good rule of thumb when owning an active breed is to make his environment work for him instead of making him fit into his environment. One obvious way to keep your collie happy during your absence is to give him access to the backyard. However, you will need to build a tall and secure fence, as well as a reinforced gate.
Turn on the TV
If you do not have a yard because you live in the city, be sure to leave the TV on. According to National Geographic, our canine companions enjoy watching TV as much as we do. Leaving the TV on as you leave provides constant noise in the house to make your pooch feel like there is someone in the house.
Give Your Border Collie a Job
These workaholics will drive themselves nuts without a job. If there are no livestock to herd, how about giving your collie some puzzles to solve? Remember, the Border collie is the smartest canine breed!
Leave Toys Around
A few balls and a large, meaty bone to chew on will also keep your collie blissfully occupied. Leaving his precious toys around allows him to pick them up and play with them whenever he pleases.
Hire a Nanny or a Dog Walker
Setting up relatives to stop by and check on your collie or have them bring their dog over for some interaction could be arranged. If you have extra money, you could consider hiring a nanny, a dog walker, or enrolling your dog in a doggy daycare.
No Collie is an Island
In theory, getting your collie a canine sibling can help ease his isolation distress. The two brothers will keep each other company while you are away from home, as well as provide each other with the emotional support they need to stay cool and collected. While that sounds positive and reassuring, keep in mind that your obligations have doubled, as well!
How Long Can Border Collies Be Left Alone?
It is common for pet owners to leave their dogs alone for work. Not so long ago, nobody would even give a second thought of leaving their dogs at home just as long as they are supplied with food and water.
While there is no cut-and-dried rule for the maximum amount of time you can leave your collie alone at home, you must not leave your dog for 10 or 12 hours. That duration is too long for a single stretch.
Still, some people would insist that they have always left their collies that long without issues. Of course, some dogs cope better than others, depending on their environment. While these pooches may appear to be fine, it is far from ideal for them, and it is not something they prefer if they were given a choice.
Keep in mind that an adult dog needs potty breaks every four to six hours; senior dogs and those with urinary incontinence need to go out more often. Although a healthy dog may hold its bladder for long periods, it is important to realize that he should not have to. Can you imagine yourself waiting for someone to permit you to use the toilet?
If your collie has no access to a yard, consider getting him an artificial grass turf so that he can tinkle inside while you are away. This indoor potty is made with non-toxic materials, and it is treated with antimicrobial odor control to keep those ammonia smells at bay.
Do They Have Separation Anxiety?
Border collies are predisposed to developing separation anxiety because the instinct to remain with the pack is hardwired in these faithful dogs. Separation anxiety can also stem from trauma suffered by your pooch when he was younger.
As such, the magnificent Border collie transforms into a devastating canine cyclone, and you cannot blame him for the damage he makes because he is under a lot of stress. However, a Border collie’s distress when he is alone at home is not always a case of full-blown separation anxiety.
It is called isolation distress when your dog does not want to be alone, and any human companion will do to keep him at ease. On the other hand, it is called separation anxiety when a Border collie gets agitated if his favorite “hooman” is not around. The dog will remain under a lot of stress, even if other humans or dogs are present.
Regardless, it would help if you made your pooch understand that leaving him for a while is not the end of the world. Cheer your collie up by giving him simple pleasures before you go, such as beef-flavored “chewnolas” and squishy, squeaky toys.
Conclusion
Do not feel bad about going to work because you need your job so that you can buy quality dog food, among other things. Just be sure to arrange a safe and comfortable environment for your Border collie. Likewise, provide adequate entertainment and basic necessities. However, leaving your pooch 10 to 12 hours is too long. If you have to leave your pet that long for a meeting or business trip, hire a nanny, or have your pooch stay in a doggie hotel.