A Border Collie puppy or adult dog may be highly intelligent, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need human help. They need plenty of exercise, human interaction and a steady routine that includes outdoor “work.” As natural people-pleasers, they thrive with training and are happy to be given a “rule book.” They adapt best to homes where they can clearly understand their place in the pack and may do best in a home with older kids and a yard, so they have plenty of room to run and play without worrying about rounding up toddlers or keeping the cats under control.

Whether you have a rough- or smooth-coat Border Collie, be prepared for shedding all year round. And you may need to fire up the vacuum daily in the fall and spring, which is when Border Collies tend to shed the most. Aside from that, their grooming needs are pretty average. With a coat made for heavy-duty work, a Border Collie doesn’t need frequent bathing unless they get very messy—which can tend to happen given they love being outdoors. Having a towel handy by the door can help you dry off their feet and undercoat when they get home. Daily brushing can help get any tangles or dried mud out of their coat and tail quickly and effectively. Think of these brushing sessions as more of a bonding experience than work. Border Collies may get dry, itchy skin so ask your vet about specific products to use. Their ears can be prone to waxy buildup, so regularly inspecting and cleaning their ears can help prevent infections and keep them in tail-wagging shape. And just like any other dog, make sure their nails are regularly trimmed (every two weeks or so) and kept short.

The Border Collie dog breed is highly intelligent and eager to please. For them, work is fun, and any Border Collie training will be met with full attention. Basic commands like sit and stay can be easy to teach once your puppy has reached 8 months old, and this breed will take to more complicated commands like shake and roll over.

That said, the immense intelligence of your Border Collie can work against them in a training setting. They get bored and distracted easily, and “squirrel” can be more fun than “sit” during the early days of training. But they want to please you, so positive reinforcement with plenty of treats and affection can help remind them to keep their eyes on their teacher. Short training periods every day will lead to better results than trying to cram training into a long weekend session. Seek out a certified dog trainer for additional guidance.

Once Border Collies have conquered basic training, they may appreciate agility training. Think of agility school as college for your Border Collie—a chance to learn to balance, jump and show off their skills to their best friend—you!

There’s no one-size-fits-all optimal nutrition plan for your Border Collie, and the best food for your pup depends on the answer to a few questions. How much does your Border Collie exercise? What is their age? What is their weight? A vet can help you assess the best diet for your Border Collie, including making sure your dog is an appropriate weight for their size, age and activity level. Border Collies can be prone to food allergies, manifesting as a dry, itchy coat or an upset stomach. Changing their diet can be an effective way to deal with allergy symptoms, but you should discuss it with your veterinarian first. Your vet can discuss your next steps, including ingredient elimination or switching to a different formula.

While they’re fun-loving, Border Collies can also be a little bit Type A. They like to know what they and everyone in their family is doing at any given time. That’s why they do well in homes with established routines. Border Collies can amuse themselves in a backyard, but they ideally need plenty of playtime, interaction and long walks with a human companion.

Bred for sheepherding, the Border Collie has a special place in their heart for a farm or the countryside, especially if there are some farm animals that may benefit from the order that comes with their piercing-eye gaze. But they happily adapt to the suburbs as well, especially if there’s enough space for them to run and walk. A Border Collie considers their role in life to help you level up, so they’re happy to hang with their human 24/7 and enjoy heading to the office or accompanying you on errands.