Versatility Of Border Collies

Nose Work

Border Collies have a very strong sense of smell and an exceptional memory. Nose Work or Scent Work involves the task of locating a scent and notifying the handler. It is a challenging task that gives your dog a chance to use their nose and brain. Four skills are tested in these competitions. There are external searches, internal searches, vehicle searches, and container searches to locate an object with a particular odor.

Border Collies are remarkably smart and desire to please their owners. The mental stimulation from this sport is just as important as physical stimulation. The photos are of TBC Wrenn competing!

Herding

Combine the Border Collies intense eye, predatory stance, and tireless energy it’s no wonder why they are the best at herding. Border Collies use their eye to control the stock. They have an intense stare that instills fear into the flock. In fact this stare is so intense that they can control a flock of sheep through intimidation. Ever wonder why Border Collies crouch low? This is a stalking motion. They mimic the movement of a predator prior to striking. All animals have the instinct to survive and move away. Border Collies are also very fast and full of energy.

If you’ve ever seen a Border Collie herding sheep you’ve seen a true master at work. The herding genes are strong and can be seen in puppies as young as 6 weeks of age. Many TBC puppies are on farms working, competing in trials, and working in geese removal businesses. Photos are of TBC Maeve, TBC Kef, TBC Kera, and TBC Tate.

Dock Diving

If your Border Collie loves retrieving and swimming this may be the sport for you. There are two types of competitions. First is distance jumping. The owner throw a toy over the water causing the dog to jump off the dock as far as possible. Second is air retrieve. The dog upon command runs across the dock and jumps to retrieve a bumper suspended over the water. The apparatus over the water is moved further away after each successful jump.

This is the perfect sport for a hot summer day. Take the fun of jumping and retrieving to the water. Many TBC dogs compete in this sport. The photos are of TBC Arlo

Fast Cat

Border Collies are one of the fastest dogs there is, and can obtain speeds up to 30 mph. Fast Cat is a timed run where your dog chases a mechanized lure around a course that simulates the unpredictability of chasing prey. Give a Border Collie a task and they are laser focused and all business. Many TBC dogs compete in this sport and love it. The photos are of TBC Rainy, TBC Wallace, and TBC Kiss Me Mr Finn.

Search and Rescue

Border Collies are ideal Search and Rescue dogs. They have a highly developed sense of smell. Border Collies also have an exceptional memory. Their long term memory is impressive. They can remember things for years even if they haven’t used it. A Border Collie can remember the scent of a missing person for days.

You combine their sense of smell, memory, and high drive and you have an exceptional and motivated partner for Search and Rescue. This partnership requires a lot of hard work, devotion, and training. We have many TBC dogs on Search and Rescue teams. Their service to the community is of unmeasurable value and importance. We are thankful for all the Search and Rescue teams. The photos are of TBC Grem working.

Agility

Agility is the fastest growing dog sport in the USA. It is a fun and exciting sport where the dog and the handler work together as a team to complete a timed obstacle course. When it comes to agility the Border Collie is often the champion. They bring unmatched brainpower, breath taking speed, laser focus, and trainability to the table. They aim to please and love to run, jump, weave, and turn.

There is a magical connection between the dog and handler out there on the course and it is amazing to watch. TBC has a considerable amount of dogs competing in agility all the way up to the world level with their talented trainers. TBC dogs fly around the courses and are Super Stars in the agility world. TBC Swipe, TBC Trek, TBC Quinn, and TBC Kari are in the photos!

Frisbee

Frisbee or Disc Dog shows the bond and partnership between the dog and the handler. This is a fun, exciting, and fast paced sport. There are countless Disc Dog events out there. Basically there are two types. The first is throwing and catching with points based on the zones where the disc is caught. The second type is free style. Short trick routines are set to music. Multiple discs are used with jumps, turns, and flips involved.

Border Collies are super fast and agile so they are perfect for this sport. What a fun way to play with your dog in the back yard too. TBC dogs compete in this sport. Photos are of TBC Caper, TBC Lucy, TBC Reaper, and TBC Prim.

Trick Training

Border Collies are the most intelligent dog. They can learn hundreds of words and commands. The average Border Collie can learn a new command with fewer than five repetitions. What could be more fun than teaching your dog tricks other than showing them to everyone. With their intelligence and playful nature Border Collies are perfect for trick training. The photos are of TBC Spicy, TBC Quinn, TBC Wrenn and TBC Reaper.

Companion

Border Collies are know for their affectionate and loving nature. Ever feel like your dog just knows you’ve had a rough day? Border Collies can pick up on those vibes. They have an exceptional ability to sense their owners emotions. Such emotional intelligence enhances the bond between the Border Collie and its owner.

They are also as loyal as they come. Border Collies often become your shadow following you around the house from room to room. For them family is everything and they want to be right by your side always! Photos are of TBC Katie, TBC Liam, TBC Kef, and TBC Kiss Me Mr Finn!