Mickey's bored

[Love4BCs]

So this week Mickey's been complaining a lot. (aka whining)

He's been bored this week, for some reason.

We've gone for our 2-3 walks each day, played outside, played inside, gets his meals (duh....), had treats.. We'd go to the park, but it's too cold.

But seeing as how he is Border Collie, I think it's time to have a routine job like how some people go to the dog park, or are in agility..

BUT.. we can't put him into agility or bring him to the dog park.

1) We don't have the time for agility right now
2) There are no dog parks closer than 45mins away

Sure, I sound like one of those people who doesn't "MAKE" the time, but I do. But look at it this way.

Both parents work, all kids in school except 1 who is in university..

We don't have the time for a commitment like the dog park once a week or agility.

Any ideas as to things we can do? I can make time to take him places walking distance and outside and such, but anything involving transportation is a nono.

[cali]

do brain work. physical exersize is not enough for a BC, brain work will tire them out MUCH faster. train him to help out around the house for example, have him gather laundry into a basket or put garbage in the trash can, teach him to get the lights or close the doors, or even put the toilet seat down. this way he has a job,and he will feel needed, it will keep him occupied, it will work his brain, and it will help you out.

[Love4BCs]

lol, Mickey's never showed much interest in house work. But, uh, just how would I teach him that?

[cali]

clicker training works best for this, make him think the housework is a fun game, play with things like say a sock and pretend it a great toy, the toss it to him and have him bring it back, keep the basket in front of you and encourage him to drop the sock in the basket then pile on the praise, he's a border collie he should catch on pretty quick lol

[Love4BCs]

Hmm.. That's pretty cool! I think I'll try that sock thing for starters. Thanks!

[Love4BCs]

Yeah, no, he won't play with a sock.... lol