Border Collie Puppy Checklist

Before Puppy Comes Home

Border Collie Puppy Prep: Health Docs and Stimulation Plan

Two preparations matter before a Border Collie puppy arrives: collecting the correct DNA test documentation from the breeder, and building a mental stimulation and exercise plan. Border Collies are the most cognitively demanding herding breed — their need for mental engagement is not a preference, it's a requirement. A puppy that doesn't get it will find ways to use its brain that you won't enjoy.

DNA Test Documentation to Request From Breeder

• CEA (Collie Eye Anomaly) DNA test for both parents — should be documented as Clear, Carrier, or Affected
• MDR1/ABCB1 DNA test for both parents — should be documented as Normal/Normal, Normal/Mutant, or Mutant/Mutant
• OFA hip evaluation for both parents
• These are standard documentation for any responsible Border Collie breeder — if unavailable, reconsider the source

Essential Gear Checklist

• Medium crate (30–36 inch with divider panel)
• Dog bed appropriate for a medium active breed
• Stainless steel food and water bowls
• Flat collar + ID tag (engrave on arrival day)
• Harness for walks
• 4–6 ft leash
• Slicker brush for coat maintenance (both rough and smooth)
• High-value training treats
• Enzymatic cleaner for accidents
• Multiple puzzle feeders and enrichment toys
• Fetch toys, herding balls (treibball), and tug toys for drive-channeling play

First Week Setup

First Week: Vet Visit and Mental Engagement Start

First Vet Visit (Within 48–72 Hours)

• Full physical exam including eye assessment
• Vaccine schedule verification and continuation
• Parasite prevention — inform the vet of the dog's MDR1 status from breeder documentation. MDR1-affected dogs cannot safely receive ivermectin and certain other medications
• Discuss spay/neuter timing — some evidence favors waiting 12–18 months for medium breeds
• Microchip if not placed by breeder
• Enroll in pet insurance before this appointment or immediately after

MDR1: What Your Vet Needs to Know

If the puppy's MDR1 test shows any mutant copies (Normal/Mutant or Mutant/Mutant), this information must be in the medical record before any medication is prescribed. MDR1-affected dogs require alternative dewormers, and their anesthetic protocols must be adjusted. Bring the breeder's DNA documentation to the first vet visit and ensure it is entered in the record.

Mental Stimulation from Day One

Start using puzzle feeders for meals immediately — there is no reason to feed a Border Collie from a plain bowl when a puzzle feeder provides the same nutrition plus cognitive engagement. Begin short training sessions (3–5 minutes, multiple times per day). The socialization window (8–16 weeks) is also the primary learning window — begin basic commands immediately.

Training and Drive Management

Channeling the Border Collie Mind

Training for the World's Most Trainable Breed

Border Collies are generally considered the most trainable breed in the world — they learn quickly, retain reliably, and can master extremely complex tasks. This capacity is an asset if channeled; a problem if not. An undertrained Border Collie applies its intelligence to things you don't want it to: compulsive behaviors, managing the household, herding children and other pets.

• Puppy class at 8–10 weeks — start formal training as early as possible
• Progress quickly through training levels — most Border Collies outpace standard puppy class curriculum fast
• Consider agility, herding, treibball, or disc dog — structured sports use the cognitive drive productively
• Teach impulse control exercises: wait, leave it, stay — these manage the intensity that comes with high drive

Managing Herding Instincts

Border Collies will attempt to herd children, other pets, and sometimes moving vehicles. This is instinctual and must be redirected consistently from puppyhood:

• Never chase or encourage the herding stare at children or pets — redirect to a toy immediately
• Consistent redirection to appropriate outlets (herding balls, structured fetch) builds the habit
• Puppies that practice herding behaviors on children develop them as adult habits

Exercise Rules for Puppies

Despite their energy, Border Collie puppies have developing joints. Follow the 5-minutes-per-month-of-age guideline for structured leash walks. Cognitive engagement — training, puzzle toys, controlled play — meets the mental need without joint stress. Growth plates close around 12–14 months. Adult exercise levels (which are high) are appropriate after growth is complete.