Will Atherton is a dog behaviourist and on a mission to educate people about the importance of choosing the right breed for you.
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His work has saved thousands of pooches from shelters and the euthanasia table.
The 33-year-old wants all potential dog owners to do their research before committing to a breed.
He stresses the importance of only owning a dog that you are certain you can handle.
But due to flippant attitudes towards dog ownership in the UK, he’s noticed there’s one breed that busy families always regret bringing into their home.
That is Border Collies.
“They are able and capable of unbelievable feats of training with their working capacity of herding sheep,” Will told Fabulous.
“They are an absolute joy to watch.
“However, some people hear that they’re the smartest dog in the world and the most trainable dog in the world.
“And what they hear is, ‘easy to train’ as opposed to, ‘most trainable’.”
Due to their high energy levels, Border Collies need more physical and mental stimulation than the average family can provide.
Without this enrichment, they can become bored and develop behavioural problems like excessive barking, digging or destructive chewing.
“Families try and fit this dog that’s bred to work for hours and hours on end everyday into a busy family life,” Will explained.
“I’ve worked with many Border Collies who get bored and extremely destructive.
“They often will herd children – that’s a common behaviour I have to help with.”
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As they are bred to herd sheep, Border Collies have strong herding instincts.
When confined to a family home for most of their time, this can manifest as chasing behaviours, nipping at heels or herding family members.
Will has even worked on cases where frustrated Border Collies have pulled children around by their clothes.
They require ample space to run and play, the expert added.
This means they won’t thrive in small homes without access to big outdoor areas where they can burn off energy.
While Border Collies can make loving and loyal companions for the right families, Will urged potential owners to carefully consider whether they can provide the time, attention and resources necessary to meet the breed’s unique requirements.
All you need to know as a dog owner
