What Are Your Dog's Strongest Skills?

 What Are Your Dog's Strongest Skills?


Considering your dog's breed and the purpose they were bred for originally goes some way towards understanding their needs. However, if you read between the lines and look at what they were actually not bred for, it can help to give you a clearer picture of what they truly need and what they may struggle more with.  

For example, if you look at the Border Collie, it is common knowledge that they are bred to herd sheep or cattle and listen closely to the person giving them directions. They are genetically designed to think for themselves, so they are intrinsically intelligent. Their physical exercise requirements are high too, which is why many can struggle in pet only homes without lots of mental stimulation. You don't have to look too far to find out precisely what the Border Collie excels at.  

Black and White Border Collie stood in front of a flock of white sheep in a field


However, if you dig deeper into what the Border Collie is bred not to do, it may make things clearer for you. So, most working sheepdogs are usually worked solely by one or possibly two people, often on a remote farm or smallholding.  

This demonstrates that they will find it straight forward to bond and work with one person and listen carefully to instructions from them. Typically, socialisation of a working Border Collie is not of the highest importance, as they often simply do not need to be around lots of different dogs, people or situations.

If you put them into a stereotypical pet home instead, they may well find it challenging to tolerate busy households with lots of people and other animals coming and going. This is something that they are not bred to cope with particularly well.  

Black and white Border Collie dog stood on top of a red quad bike in a field


Because of the Border Collie's intrinsic desire to chase moving things, they may also struggle with high volumes of traffic in built-up areas. Again, this is something that they have previously not had to become accustomed to in earlier generations. Plus, chasing cars is often an outlet for their strong urge to chase, if they do not have the opportunity to practice this safely and in a controlled manner elsewhere.  

These factors often play a considerable part in potential behavioural issues arising in a home in which the dog is not properly mentally enriched and stimulated. But this raises the question, is this truly a behavioural issue, or just a dog struggling in an environment that is alien to them? An environment that they have no control over? An environment that requires them to go against everything their ancestors have done for hundreds of years previously?

While your dog may not be directly from 'working stock', they will likely retain many of the desirable traits shown in working bloodlines. While this may make them perfect as a working dog, it can in fact make it more difficult for them to adjust to a pet lifestyle. Thankfully, many can and do, live happy and fulfilled lives in an every day household, but this often requires lots of work and understanding from their guardians.  

Group of 6 Border Collies being walked together on lead


Border Collies are not the only breed that this question applies to, they are simply the ones I have chosen for the purposes of this blog. The same can be said for any breed with a strong working heritage. So, the next time your dog does something which seems undesirable to you, ask yourself why this may be? You may well find that it is something totally out of their control. 

While it is clearly important to utilise your dog's strengths, it is also vital to accept and understand their 'weaknesses' too. This can make both of your lives happier and calmer. What's not to love about that?




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