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Original poster

Finding ‘jobs’ for collie in prep for new baby

60 replies

Sep88 · 05/01/2025 13:08

I’ve got a lab/collie cross she’s a darling, but currently gets 3 walks/runs/bike rides a day. My husband has a running addiction, so the two of them have the similar needs😂. However, I’m aware that when the baby arrives we might not be able to give her quite as much exercise as she’s used to, at least initially. Planning on getting a dog walker, but wondered if I could tap into her collie side and give her jobs in the house to keep her stimulated. Currently her job is ‘ball’ and making sure no one gets lost when going to the loo!

I’m teaching her to tidy her toys, but does anyone have any other ideas?? She’s very used to children, and luckily isn’t a herder. Thanks in advance! ☺️

…And any advice how to manage an exercise addicted husband post partum is welcome too 😂

OP posts:
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Didimum · 05/01/2025 17:37

My friend is a dog trainer and behaviourists and told me that sniffing activities for dogs are equivalent to walks. Apparently 20 mins of sniffing is the same enrichment as an hour walk. They also find sniffing really tiring as it provides so much mental stimulation.

Could you Google some ideas based on that?

MumChp · 05/01/2025 17:34

I would ask husband to take a run morning and night. Both husband and dog will benefit.
I walked with the pram during daytime to get a bit of exercise and fresh air. Bring the dog along. Let her work with you during the day too.

It's only a baby. And your dog is wonderful. You can handle it.

LoverOfBells · 05/01/2025 17:34

MinnieBalloon · 05/01/2025 17:18

Oh for goodness sake. It’s a dog. Treat it like one. It doesn’t need a job - it isn’t like having an older child you need to include.

Edited

? Of course it needs a job - it's a Collie, they are working dogs.... OP you sound like a great owner. I have collies too and I know how easily they can get bored!

Ponoka7 · 05/01/2025 17:33

MinnieBalloon · 05/01/2025 17:18

Oh for goodness sake. It’s a dog. Treat it like one. It doesn’t need a job - it isn’t like having an older child you need to include.

Edited

If yypu buy a working breed and suddenly can't give them the exercise they need, you need to find other ways of keeping them entertained. Collies are starting to be used as assistance dogs, because their tasks can make up for the lack of long walks.

Ecstaticmotion · 05/01/2025 17:32

Borrow My Doggy? so locals can have her sometimes?

Balloonhearts · 05/01/2025 17:30

MinnieBalloon · 05/01/2025 17:18

Oh for goodness sake. It’s a dog. Treat it like one. It doesn’t need a job - it isn’t like having an older child you need to include.

Edited

You have no idea what you're talking about.

Collies are working dogs. They need jobs to do to provide mental stimulation and a huge amount of exercise. If they don't have a job, they will make their own fun. This will very rarely match the owners idea of fun.

She didn't suggest it was like a child. She is very sensibly planning ahead to make her own life easier.

Floralnomad · 05/01/2025 17:29

Train her to pack the washing machine , lots of assistance dogs do it . Also fetching the Tv remote , shoes , nappy bag and changing mat .

MinnieBalloon · 05/01/2025 17:18

Oh for goodness sake. It’s a dog. Treat it like one. It doesn’t need a job - it isn’t like having an older child you need to include.

Cece92 · 05/01/2025 17:17

I also have a lab/collie cross. She's more lab traits than collie though but has the speed run of a collie. Do you mind if I see a picture as I've never seen anyone with a lab/collie cross lol. X