How Much Exercise Do Border Collies Need? Vet Approved Guide

If you're thinking about getting a Border Collie or already have one, you may know that they’re highly active working dogs. The dog community is well aware that Border Collies require an owner who can provide an enriching environment and the necessary exercise for this breed to thrive.

But how much exercise do Border Collies need? In general, Border Collies need around 2 hours of exercise each day. In this article, we’ll discuss how much exercise your Border Collie will need from puppyhood to adulthood, along with some great ideas to stimulate your Border Collie mentally and physically.

Border Collie History & Temperament

Border Collies were originally bred to help herd sheep and cattle and to help move livestock to market, and they have a strong instinct to herd. Border Collies are highly intelligent and will require a lot of mental and physical stimulation. These working dogs love having a job to do and love to let off a little steam. Their combination of athleticism, intelligence, and trainability makes them perfect companions for active families.

How Much Exercise Does a Border Collie Need?

Border Collies need a fair amount of exercise, but every dog is different, and every Border Collie can be content with a different amount of exercise. While most Border Collies require around 2 hours of exercise daily, some may need less or more.

Border Collie Puppies

Like most puppies, Border Collie pups also have a load of energy, but exercising them should be kept to a minimum. It’s best not to exercise them too much until they are just over a year old because they have fragile bones and ligaments that are still growing, and if they are over-exercised, it could lead to problems later in life.

Use these first months to socialize your pup. You can visit a dog park and throw a ball short distances, spend some time at home with your pup, or attend puppy classes. From about 8 months, you can exercise them more and enjoy long walks with them.

It’s important to build your pup up to exercise slowly. If they are overstimulated or overexerted, they will quickly become tired, which could lead to behavioral issues.

Adult Border Collies

A full-grown border Collie will need about 2 hours of exercise a day. As we mentioned before, Border Collies were bred as herding dogs and are high-energy, so daily exercise is an absolute must. A Border Collie stuck inside all day will likely develop behavioral problems.

There are many physical activities you can do with your Border Collie that will help expel its energy and deepen your bond, but mental stimulation is just as important.

The 11 Best Exercise Ideas to Keep Your Border Collie Happy

You can enjoy many physical and mental activities with your Border Collie to help bring their energy levels down. It’s great for you and your Border Collie to engage in various tasks and activities to keep things exciting and interesting. Typical exercises include walking, running, and playing fetch, but you can also engage in other beneficial activities.

1. Long Walks

Long walks are an excellent activity for physical exercise. Your Border Collie will love the time to use up its energy while spending one-on-one time with its owner and experiencing new sights, sounds, and smells. A long walk is also an opportunity to slow down, clear your mind, and get fresh air.

A long walk should be a minimum of 30 minutes. You can start at 30 minutes and increase the time. A good way to gauge that your walk has brought down your Border Collies energy levels is if your dog is panting. If there is no panting, it probably wasn’t long enough.

2. Running

If you are active and enjoy your morning or afternoon runs, a Border Collie can be the best running companion. If you have a busy schedule one day and are battling to find time to exercise your Collie, then a quick 15-minute run will be as exhausting as a 30-minute or more walk.

3. Bike Riding

Bike riding is great for people who don’t particularly enjoy running. Your Border Collie can run beside you while you ride your bike, but bear in mind that you will need to hone your skills while holding your dog on a leash.

4. Hiking

Hiking is a great activity you can plan for the weekends. Unlike some breeds, the Border Collie is rugged enough to hike in mountainous terrain, but remember to bring food, water, poop bags, and a phone in case of emergencies. Before setting out on a trip, ensure the area allows dogs on the trails.

5. Swimming

If you have access to a swimming area, allowing your Border collie to swim occasionally is a great form of exercise. It can cool them down on a hot day and work their muscles in the process. Swimming is easy on your dog’s joints as it is a low-impact exercise.

6. Fetch

If you have a large open space, playing fetch is a fun way to exercise your Collie while giving you a bit of a rest. The dog park is also a great place to play fetch, and it will provide an opportunity for socialization. You can play a game of fetch in the afternoon and run or walk in the morning to bring down your Border Collie’s energy.

7. Tug-o- War

Tug-o-war involves a rope toy with an assigned end to you and one to your Border Collie. Border Collies love this game, and they might gnarl and growl out of enthusiasm, so don’t be alarmed. You can play tug-o-war at home or the park, along with a game of fetch.

8. Playdates

Having another dog around for your dog to play with is great for companionship and to help you rest a little. When dogs are together, they are so good at entertaining themselves and will usually run around and roughhouse with one another. This is one of the easiest ways to provide exercise for your Border Collie.

9. Agility Courses

Consider setting up an agility course in your backyard or finding a park with one nearby. They include jumps, tunnels, weave poles, teeter-totters, and more that your Border collie will love. Agility courses provide physical and mental stimulation.

10. Learning Tricks

Border Collies excel at learning tricks, and the training is excellent mental stimulation. You can start with simple tricks and move on to more advanced ones as your Border Collie progresses. They are one of the most intelligent breeds of dogs, and training will be satisfying for you and necessary for your Border Collie.

11. Interactive Toys

Interactive toys are great for letting your dog do its own thing if you cannot be involved. Interactive toys allow dogs to play with toys on their own, and there are many interesting types available that vary in difficulty.

How to Keep Your Border Collie Safe While at Work

Border Collies should typically have an owner at home most of the time, but sometimes you must go out for a few hours. Here are a few tips to keep your dog safe and prevent boredom while you are away.

• Food-dispensing toys can keep your Border Collie occupied and entertained while you are away.
• Invest in a cozy dog bed.
• Provide chew bones or frozen bully sticks.
• Consider calming treats.
• Set up a playpen.
• Consider doggie daycare.

Final Thoughts

Each Border Collie is different, and while they generally need a lot of exercise, each one will have unique exercise needs determined by you, your dog, and how much time you spend together. Border Collies need mental and physical exercise and can equally get tired out by both. On average, 2 hours a day of combined mental and physical exercise is needed to keep your Border Collie healthy and happy.

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Featured Image Credit: Magda Ehlers, Pexels