5 Tips for Keeping Border Collies in Apartments

When I was seven, I unknowingly launched my career as a writer by authoring a little "book"-- spiral-bound and laminated-- entitled, "Molly, the Best Dog in the World." It was dedicated to my father's border collie, who I still remember as the smartest and most loyal dog I ever owned. In my little book, I recounted my favorite times with Molly: when she would go fishing with us and alert us when she noticed the bob wobbling, when she followed us miles down the road if we wouldn't let her into the car, and the time she gruesomely but heroically disemboweled a stray chow that was poised to attack me. I knew that I wanted a "Molly" of my own when I grew up, but there was one problem: my father lived with his border collie on several acres of farmland, while I as an adult live in a little two-bedroom apartment.

Border collies are undoubtedly bred for life in the country, not in little apartments, but you can keep a border collie in an apartment if you do so appropriately. With the help and guidance of a local rescue group, dog training center, and veterinarian, I'm giving my border collie-corgi mix, Maggie, a wonderful life in an apartment. It's not easy, border collies can live in apartments if you act responsibly. Here are five rules for keeping border collies in an apartment.

1. Know what you're getting into.

Do research on border collies before you adopt one, whether you live in an apartment or not. Understand that border collies are intelligent, high-maintenance, high-energy dogs. They were bred for centuries to work hard and run free, not to sit calmly in your lap while you watch TV. A border collie's herding instincts are strong and the breed has a tendency toward neurosis and destructive behavior if doesn't have plenty of mental and physical stimulation. I know one border collie who chewed off her own tail when confined to an apartment for several hours per day. These are collies, not shih tzus.

2. Get your dog a job.

For some breeds, "jobs" are optional. For border collies in apartments, they are mandatory. Your dog needs to have something that she "does." Maggie's "job" involves agility courses at our local dog training center. For other apartment dogs, the "job" might be simple daily tasks like fetching the remote or collecting all of her toys daily and putting them into a box. A border collie in an apartment needs something to do that involves intensive training and a deliberate, specific goal.

3. Give your border collie lots and lots of exercise.

When most people talk about dogs needing exercise, they're referring to the need for physical fitness. In the case of an apartment-dwelling border collie, exercise goes far beyond that: it's essential to the animal's mental health, as well. A border collie needs an opportunity to run, jump, fetch, and walk not just once or twice a day, but many times per day. That means rain or shine, hot or cold, you need to get your dog outdoors. Daily visits to the dog park or long daily walks (at least a mile or two) are minimally necessary for apartment-dwelling border collies.

4. Don't leave your border collie home alone.

If you work full-time outside the home and live in an apartment, a border collie is out of the question. That's because when a border collie can't have a lot of space, you need to be able to make up for it with a lot of attention, and that's something you simply can't give if you work outside the home full-time. I'm only able to give my Maggie a good life in an apartment because I work from home as a writer and can attend to her needs when necessary. A border collie left home alone in an apartment is bound to be anxious and bored, but they can be perfect apartment pets for people who are retired, stay-at-home parents, work from home, or have certain disabilities.

5. Make sure your landlord and breeder or shelter know.

Some landlords will not permit herding dogs in apartments, and some border collie breeders and animal rescue groups will not allow border collies to go to apartment homes. These regulations are understandable, so make sure you have a detailed discussion with your apartment's leasing office and with your breeder or rescue group explaining why and how you plan to be able to responsibly keep a border collie in an apartment. If you're clear about your intentions and ability to give your dog the life she needs and deserves, you will likely be permitted to have your border collie in your apartment, but be prepared to answer a lot of questions and to prove your ability to care for these high-need animals. Border collies are wonderful pets and can thrive in apartments if they get proper care, but be prepared for a demanding and high-need animal if you choose to adopt a border collie and live in an apartment.

Best Names for a Black Dog

If you've adopted a new black puppy, you have a lot to be excited about. While black dogs are extremely common-- particularly in animal shelters-- they tend to be loyal, intelligent and affectionate.

Choosing a name for your new black dog can be difficult, but it's one of the most enjoyable aspects of becoming a dog's guardian. In general, dogs respond best to names that are two syllables long and end in a vowel sound. Choose from any of the following fifty gender-neutral, breed-neutral names for a black dog or puppy.

Ace
Agate
Asphalt
Bear
Blackjack
Blackberry
Blake
Bullet
Cocoa
Cosmo
Currant
Charcoal
Demon
Ebony
Eclipse
Ember
Espresso
Galaxy
Gothic
Gypsy
Hershey
Inkblot
Inkwell
Knight
Licorice
Magpie
Mamba
Manson
Midnight
Mystery
Nimbus
Onyx
Ozzie
Pepper
Raven
Raisin
Rocket
Rorschach
Shadow
Shady
Silhouette
Spade
Spider
Stallion
Stormy
Sunbear
Thunder
Twilight
Velvet
Vortex

If you don't find a name that suits you relating directly to your dog's color, look for other themes for naming your black dog. Perhaps an aspect of his history, personality or habits can give you a clue about an appropriate name. It may take several days or weeks to determine the best name for your black dog, but this important step is as rewarding as it is challenging.

Best Names for a White Dog

White coats occur naturally in both pure-bred and mixed-breed dogs. Whether you're seeking a name for your new Samoyed puppy or looking to rename an adopted shelter mutt, consider one of these unique names for a white dog. Your white dog's name will help to reflect his personality and appearance.

The following gender-neutral, breed-neutral names can apply to any white dog.

Alabaster
Alaska
Alba
Altoid
Angel
Arctic
Artemis
Astro
Bear
Biscuit
Blizzard
Celeste
Chalky
Chardonnay
China
Cloud
Coconut
Crystal
Daisy
Dazzle
Diamond
Dove
Fairy
Foxy
Frosty
Glacier
Iceberg
Igloo
Ivory
Kitsune
Lightning
Lily
Luna
Magic
Marshmallow
Misty
Polar
Pearl
Phantom
Powder
Puff
Rainbow
Shimmer
Snowdrift
Snowdrop
Snowflake
Sparky
Starshine
Sugar
Yukon

Your dog's veterinarian may also be able to provide some helpful suggestions.

Why Don't People Adopt Black Dogs?

Once, when I took my daughter to our local animal shelter, I noticed a disturbing pattern among the dogs there. In cage after cage after cage, I saw large black dogs-- mostly Labrador mixes, with a few houndish mongrels and black feists here and there. Only two dogs at the shelter-- a husky and a white terrier mix-- didn't don black markings. These two, of course, had the word "ADOPTED" taped to their cages.
Black dogs are disturbingly over-represented in pet shelters and, unfortunately, most of them end up being euthanized rather than adopted. While dogs with white, gray, golden and patterned markings tend to be adopted quickly, most black dogs simply never find their forever-homes-- and end up perishing in the hands of shelter staff.

There are several reasons that people don't adopt black dogs from shelters. Here are a few of the most common contributing factors.

Negative Associations

In Western culture, we almost invariably associate the color black with death, darkness, and despair. We hear talk of "black magic" as evil magic, of "black hats" as bad guys, of "black death" as a horrible pandemic, of the "black market" as a lawless underground economy, of "blackmail" as a form of manipulation. Even if we don't intentionally internalize these associations, we absorb them on a subconscious level. In our mind's eyes, black dogs are bad, and white dogs are good.

Superstition

Few of us believe directly or mystically in superstition, but we do absorb ideas about black dogs gathered from folklore. I remember reading a story about a black dog when I was a child. The dog was actually a ghost and consumed the souls of children. Like black cats, black dogs were once associated with evil, the devil, and bad luck. Black dogs are also said to bring depression into a home. Hence the phrase "living with a black dog" means dealing with depression. These superstitions influence our thoughts whether we consciously accept them or not.

Poorer Photographs 
In today's era, pet adopters tend to preview dogs online before seeing them in person. Black dogs do not usually photograph well; they tend to look like amorphous blobs due to the low contrast between fur color and shadow. Their eyes-- which are such a pivotal expression of the dogs' personality-- don't generally show in online photos due to the low contrast. This alone tends to prevent many potential adopters from giving black dogs a second look.

Too Unremarkable

Black dogs are very, very common. Because many of the most common breeds-- Labradors, German shepherds, and dobermans-- carry black as a predominant color, it tends to occur frequently in unplanned mixed-breed pups. Genes for dark pigmentation are also genetically dominant to lighter colors, so black is one of the most common "default" colors for mutts. Unfortunately, many people looking for a dog simply look past black dogs and instead aim for pets with more striking colors or patterns.

All pets deserve an equal opportunity to survive and flourish in happy, loving homes. We can't, as animal lovers, allow our internalized biases to cost animals their lives. If you are interested in adopting a pet, be sure to give black dogs a second look. No animal should die, or be homeless, because it happens to have the wrong color fur. 

5 Reasons to Adopt a Pet

Adopted pets have always been a central part of my life. Ever since I adopted my first kitten from a shelter when I was six years old, my life has largely revolved around loving, supporting, and, in many cases, owning adopted pets. I know my life wouldn't be the same if it weren't for the adopted animals that have nuzzled their way into my heart. I believe that almost all families and individuals can benefit from adopting a pet, and, of course, the pet benefits tremendously, as well. Here are just a few of the many reasons to adopt a pet.

1. Pets offer unparalleled companionship and loyalty. Over the course of my life, I've had falling-outs with many loved ones, from relatives to close friends. While relationships with people can be tumultuous, a pet's love is deep and unconditional. By adopting a pet and treating it with love, you guarantee that-- even when times get hard-- you'll have someone who loves you no matter what.

2. Adopting a pet can improve your health. The Centers for Disease Control reports that people who own pets have lower blood pressure, lower triglyceride levels, and lower cholesterol levels than people who do not. Pets, especially dogs, can also provide their owners with opportunities for exercise and socialization, which can improve overall health and well-being. Just as you care for your pet, your pet has his own way of looking after you.

3. Pet owners are happier. The knowledge that you've saved a life by adopting a pet can dramatically improve your mental health. Pet owners tend to have healthier self-esteem and more confidence than their petless peers, and they are less likely to feel loneliness or depression. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry notes that pets can be very beneficial for the mental health of children who own or adopt them. As any pet owner can tell you, there is much joy in the bond felt between a pet and his master.

4. An adopted pet can strengthen a family. The shared responsibility of caring for our adopted cat, Ziggy, has dramatically improved the sense of unity, solidarity, and respect within my family. A pet can give all the members of the family a sense of shared responsibility, which enhances relationships between everyone in the household. My daughter has shown more respect for me since she became a "mommy" herself, and our family feels more complete because our cat is part of it. Your entire family unit can benefit from the adoption of an animal in need.

5. Adoption saves lives. The ASPCA states that a heartbreaking five out of ten dogs, and seven out of ten cats, will be euthanized because no one is present to adopt them. By adopting a pet, especially from a high-kill shelter, you can prevent an animal's death. The knowledge that your actions have saved a life will remain in your memory, and, to some degree, your pet's memory, for all the years you share with your pet. There are few greater gifts that you can give to yourself, or to the world, than the adoption of an animal in need.

Why Life is Better with a Pet

There have been few times in my life when I haven't had pet of some kind. To me, companion animals are like human friends; they're absolutely essential for me to feel normal and happy. During the brief chapters in my life when I haven't had companion animals of some kind, I've felt an overwhelming sense of emptiness and even despair. I firmly believe that, in every way, life is better with a pet. Here are just a few of the many way that owning a pet improves your life.

1. A pet can improve your health. A pet can dramatically improve your life by making your body healthier and stronger. Dog owners tend to get more exercise, on a more regular basis, because of the physical activity involved in walking a dog on a daily basis. According to the CDC, pet owners also have healthier hearts: ownership of a cat or dog is associated with lower blood pressure, lower triglycerides, and lower cholesterol. Your pet rewards your years of love and dedication by helping to improve the strength of both your mind and body.

2. Pets provide unconditional love and companionship. No one in my life loves me as unconditionally and dumbly as my pets love me. There will always be episodes of tension with my human loved ones, but I've always got the comfort of knowing that I can curl up with my cat and that he'll purr and nuzzle me for as long as I'll let him. Life is better with a pet because there's no other way to guarantee such steadfast and unconditional affection.

3. Animals give us a sense of purpose. The daily grind can eat away at our sense of fulfillment and self-confidence. Many people, especially those who are single or childless, feel a sense that their life is "going nowhere" or benefiting no one. However, these feelings evaporate instantly in flutter of puppy-kisses or kitten-purrs. Pets, especially those who were rescued or adopted, give us the feeling that we are benefiting someone and that our lives are of value. The feeling of fulfillment and productivity is one of the greatest gifts an animal can give his owners.

4. Companion animals can improve your social life. Crazy-cat-lady stereotypes aside, pets can dramatically improve the social lives of their owners. I know several committed couples who met one another through pet lover social groups and through chats at the dog park. Like any other hobby or interest, pet ownership is associated with a strong subculture of like-minded people, and provides significant opportunities to connect with other people.

5. Pets unite families. My family has never been more cohesive than since my cat, Ziggy, joined it. The shared responsibility of caring for a pet has made my relationship with my partner and my daughter more stable, and our family feels more complete because he's in it. The American Academy of Pediatric and Adolescent Psychiatry echoes my own observations about my pet's impact on my daughter, too, noting that children with pets are more responsible and more confident.

I don't know where I would be without the pets who have made my life more complete and more fulfilling. Pets are as central to my life, and to my sense of happiness, as the people I know and love. Companion animals enrich our lives with love, support, and joy.

What Your Dog Really Wants

We have a tendency to misunderstand our dogs to fit our human-centered view of the world. Our pets are constantly anthropomorphized. We dress our pooches up in human-like clothes and take them to see Santa at Christmastime. These little amusements do no harm, but they're representative of a common problem: many dog owners aren't letting their dogs be dogs. Your pet has many needs beyond the obvious. Here are some of the things your dog really wants from you.

1. Your dog wants companionship-more than just you. Dogs are naturally inclined to live in packs-- not just small family units of two or three individuals, but big, extended families where they can coexist with a dozen or more friends and relatives. If you have a small family, it's crucial to ensure that your dog gets plenty of interaction with other companions (both human and canine). Join a dog-lover's group in your area so your dog can be a regular part of a larger social unit, or consider putting him in a doggy-daycare program so he'll have friends and playmates while you're away. You alone can't meet your dog's social needs, so make sure he has other ways of meeting them.

2. Your dog wants discipline. Many people think of obedience training as an optional part of dog ownership-something that owners should do for problematic dogs, or to teach them tricks for the sake of fun. While your dog may not need formal obedience training, he does need structured discipline. Teaching your dog to obey you isn't just a fun thing you should do to show off to your friends; it's actually essential for his mental health. Dogs need and crave authority from the leaders of their "packs." Without it, they'll tend to claim that authority for themselves, leading to behavioral problems. Give your dog structure and authority, and he'll thank you for it.

3. Your dog wants tasks. If you've ever known a neurotic dog, you know just how hard life can be for an intelligent animal who doesn't feel a sense of purpose. We've spent thousands of years breeding dogs so that they want to work. Collies are born wanting to herd, retrievers are born ready to retrieve, and hounds are ready to assist the hunt. Give your dog everyday tasks that he can do to make himself feel like he's contributing. Teach your dog "tricks" like bringing you the remote, peacefully guarding the door, and keeping track of your cats or kids. These behaviors, while cute, also improve your pet's mental health by making him feel like he belongs and is helpful to your family.

4. Your dog wants to be part of your family (really). Your dog craves complete inclusion in your family-- not as the animal in the back yard who occasionally gets treats and cuddles, but as a contributing member of your pack. Your dog needs and deserves to be included in the activities that define you as a family: outings to the park, rainy evenings snuggled on the couch, and perhaps even the occasional vacation. Make sure that your dog isn't excluded unnecessarily from your family's identity and structure.

5. Your dog wants (and needs) excellent health care. This should be obvious, but it's amazing how many pet-parents overlook this simple fact. Your dog needs and deserves for his health to be a main priority. Frequent exercise for dogs is not optional; it's essential. Annual trips to the vet for vaccines and check-ups are also just as critical for pets as they are for children. Dogs coping with chronic disease like obesity, diabetes, or arthritis need treatment to the same degree as their human counterparts. Make sure that your dog gets the very best you can afford in nutrition and health care.

Dogs have many needs and desires beyond a bowl of dog food and a dry place to sleep. They are intelligent, social animals who can't thrive without proper, attentive, loving care from competent, responsible owners. If you want to give your pet the life he deserves, make every possible effort to meet his needs on every level.

Tips to Socialize Your Dog

Dogs are inherently social creatures. Like people, they thrive with frequent interaction and tend to become withdrawn, timid, and depressed when they don't get enough socialization. Very few people would feel content spending all their time with just one or two individuals-- a small family, alone, isn't enough to meet anyone's social needs. The same is true for dogs. As a responsible owner, you owe it to your pet to make sure that he gets plenty of social interaction with other animals-- preferably the sort of interaction that enables long-term bonding. Here are some tips for helping your dog socialize.

Visit the dog park.

Plenty of parks allow dogs, but parks made specifically for dogs and their owners are the best opportunities for getting dogs exercising and socializing. Take your pet to your area's dog park at least a few times a week for exercise, and he'll likely make plenty of good friends while he's there. There's a drawback to this, though: friendships made at the dog park are fast and fleeting. Your dog may never see his new "friends" again, unless they are also regulars, so other options for socializing may be preferable.

Get your pup in school.

Regular attendance at dog classes-- obedience training, agility training, herding lessons, and even training for simple tricks-- can help to improve your dog's behavior and mental health while also giving him an opportunity to associate regularly with other dogs. Check in your area for dog schools; you might be surprised by how many classes are available where you and your dog can learn new skills while socializing with other pets and owners. This also gives you a much-needed chance to establish authority over your pet-- a mandatory prerequisite before he socializes with other animals, since you need to know that he will obey you and interact politely with other dogs.

Join a dog-lover's club.

Social groups for dog lovers exist in cities of all sizes. You might even find groups specific to your dog's breed or category. These groups have frequent events like weekly walks and play-dates at local dog parks. These are important because they provide a consistent social group that your dog will quickly come to recognize as his "pack." He's likely to be much happier if he gets to visit his friends regularly for these fun events, and you may make some friends yourself!

Send your pup to daycare.

It's only natural that your dog will get bored during the day, while you head off to work or run errands. No social animal does well all by himself, especially for extended periods of time-- and dog toys stop being fun after a couple of hours. Call doggy daycares in your area and look into sending your dog there at least a few times per week. Note that they'll need up-to-date vaccine and physical records before letting your pooch in, so now's a good time to schedule a visit for your dog's annual check-up.

Dogs need and deserve to have active social lives, and they can't truly thrive without frequent, positive interaction from both human and animal companions. By taking steps to allow your pet to socialize with others, you can dramatically improve his quality of life.

How to Foster a Cat or Dog

My family occasionally fosters cats and dogs for a local animal shelter. Since we live in an apartment, have a young child, and keep pets of our own, we aren't able to keep foster pets as often (or as long) as we'd like. However, I've found that acting as a foster-owner to homeless cats and dogs can be uniquely rewarding. It gives us the opportunity to help out animals in desperate need and also gives us the joy of having more warm, furry friends in our home. If you're interested in fostering cats or dogs, here's how to get started.

1. Call your landlord if you rent. If you don't own your own home, you'll have to make sure you're in the clear before bringing a cat or dog into your home, even on a temporary basis. Check your lease-- it may have a limit for how long the pet can stay in your home without a deposit. At my apartment complex, no animal is allowed to stay for more than a week unless I've paid an additional pet deposit, but these rules vary between complexes and landlords. Talk to your landlord or leasing agency directly about the possibility of fostering a cat or dog to find out what their rules and regulations are, and if certain pets might be exempt from these rules.

2. Contact your local animal control organization. Pet shelters run by county or city animal control groups tend to have the highest rates of euthanasia, so they're in the most desperate need of foster homes. If they have any cats or dogs that need temporary foster homes (perhaps until larger or no-kill shelters have room for the pets) they might request that you keep them for a few days or weeks. After the end of this time period, the cats or dogs will be transferred to a more competent shelter while they await forever-homes.

3. Check with veterinarians to see if special-needs, pregnant, or very young cats or dogs might need your help. Many shelters can't adequately provide for animals that are undergoing treatment for contagious diseases like parvo, and these pets may need foster homes while they recover. Pregnant cats and dogs and newborn puppies and kittens also need specialized care that shelters often can't provide, so they may end up at local vets' offices. Ask vets in your area if they're aware of any sick, orphaned, or special-needs animals in temporary need of homes.

4. Call shelters. Most animal shelters, including no-kill shelters, have a frequent need for foster homes, especially when they get overcrowded or end up with very litters of young puppies or kittens. They generally maintain a list of families to call when the need for a foster home arises-- so get yourself on that list! The shelter staff will ask questions about your home size, whether you have any children, your experience caring for animals with special needs, and any other pets in your home. With that information, they'll match you to pets that need homes. You might get a foster-pet the day you apply, but it might also take a few weeks or months before you hear back from them.

5. Prepare for your foster pet. Regardless of where and how you acquire your foster pet, make all the preparations you need in advance. The shelter might provide you with the supplies you need (like a litter box, carrier, pet food, poo-bags, a dish, and so on) or you might have to buy those on your own dollar. (If you do buy them yourself, they're tax-deductible!) Be sure to let all your family members know about your foster pet, and reach an agreement as a family about whether adopting the animal might be an option down the road. The cat or dog that you foster deserves to come into an adequately prepared home, so take all the steps necessary to ensure that this happens.

Fostering a cat or dog can be wonderfully rewarding, both to the foster-owner and to the pet who benefits from a temporary home. By welcoming a pet in need into your own home, you can enrich your own life and bring much-needed joy and comfort to an animal in need. 

Hidden Costs of Getting a Dog

So, you've decided to buy or adopt a dog. Chances are you've already looked at some of the big expenses: adoption fees, first vet bills, dog food, and, if you rent your home, pet fees or deposits. But owning a dog can come with a bunch of extra expenses that you might not know you'll have to cover-especially if you're getting a puppy. I learned this the hard way when I adopted my dog and then had to face all kinds of expenses I didn't initially anticipate. Here are some hidden costs of adopting a dog or puppy:

Toys and Chewable Treats

I knew that dogs needed bones and toys to chew on, but I factored those into my "food and treats" budget and estimated that they'd cost about ten dollars a month. I couldn't have been more wrong! Most dogs, especially puppies, have a strong desire to chew and will need lots and lots of things to gnaw on. My pup can chew a ten-dollar ham bone to bits in just a few hours. Long-lasting bones and other treats can run in the range of ten or twenty dollars a week, even conservatively. Fortunately, not all dogs want to chew everything within sight, but for those that do, you'll need to expect to pay a pretty penny for good things to chew.

New Shoes, Toys, Underwear…

Again, not all dogs are chewers, but those that are can really burn a hole in your budget. I've finally trained my dog to stop chewing things that aren't distinctly "hers," but until she learned the difference between mine and thine, she destroyed four pairs of shoes (each of which cost over $50 originally), about twenty pairs of panties (my dog is a pervert), and at least $150 worth of my daughter's toys (which look deceivingly like dog toys to a pup). Unless your dog's already been trained not to chew, you're going to need to spend a lot of money replacing the things you treasure.

Carpet Cleaning (or Replacement!) 
Even in the absolute best of circumstances, you can expect it to take a few weeks to potty-train a puppy and you can expect a few accidents from an already-trained adult dog. Take these expenses into account, because they're not cheap. Carpet cleaning products can cost hundreds of dollars over the course of several months if your pooch has repeated accidents (not at all uncommon among previously abused or neglected dogs, who may have behavioral or emotional problems). You may need to pay over a hundred dollars to rent a steam-cleaner if the stench of urine sinks into the under-layers of your carpet, and you may even need your carpet replaced entirely if it gets bad enough. Be ready to spend more money than you may initially expect to keep your floors clean.

Emergency Vet Bills

So, maybe you've already accounted for the cost of spaying or neutering, your dog's first shots, flea prevention, and heartworm medicine… But do you have money set aside in case your new dog suddenly becomes very sick or suffers a serious injury? A friend of mine had to shell out two grand to cover emergency treatment for his dog for a snake bite, just a few months after adopting him. Few people can tuck away thousands of dollars before adopting a dog, but you need to at least have some kind of back-up plan to cover this hidden cost of getting a dog.

It's not news that pets aren't free. Even those that are "free to a good home" tend to cost a lot of money in the long run. But, before you buy or adopt, make sure you can cover not only the standard fees you'd expect for a new pet, but also the hidden costs that may spring up unexpectedly.