Border Collie Puppy Running Through A Vibrant Field Of Red Clover Flowers On A Sunny Spring Day

The border collie is a medium-sized herding dog who proudly holds the title of “world’s smartest dog,” and their ability to effortlessly pick up advanced commands is a testament to that! Of course, border collies aren’t just famous for their unrivaled brainpower; their loyalty and affectionate, loving nature make them popular family dogs too.

However, although the border collie has plenty of winning (and totally endearing) traits, they aren’t the right breed for everyone. Their athletic nature and high intelligence mean they need hours of exercise each day as well as plenty of mental stimulation. If their needs aren’t met, they often become restless and engage in destructive behaviors, despite generally being eager-to-please, patient dogs.

If you believe you can give the border collie the life they deserve, then you may be wondering how to adopt a border collie in Arkansas. The state can be a particularly great home for the outdoor-loving border collie, as many of the parks (like Hot Springs National Park) permit dogs on their trails. The adoption process is relatively easy too, provided you’re familiar with the steps involved.

Below, we’ll discuss the process and share some tips on how to find the right border collie for you.

How Do You Adopt a Border Collie in Arkansas?

Adopting a border collie is a big commitment. If you’ve taken the time to familiarize yourself with the breed’s needs and feel you’re up for the task, the next step is to get in touch with reputable rescue organizations in Arkansas to find out if they have border collies available for adoption.

You can also use online adoption portals or reach out to breed-specific rescues if you’re not having much luck with your search. There are plenty throughout Arkansas due to the breed’s popularity.

As soon as you find a border collie you’re interested in adopting, the next step is to fill out the shelter’s adoption application form. You will typically be expected to provide information relating to your family, lifestyle, and pet ownership experience, though the exact contents will vary depending on the rescue you use. Be sure to consult staff for further guidance if you come across any tricky questions.

You will usually hear back within a week if the rescue has shortlisted your application and feels you may be a good match. You will then be invited to “meet and greet” the border collie, where both you and staff can further assess compatibility.

If you and the rescue are happy that the border collie is the perfect match, you will pay the adoption fee and sign the paperwork to gain legal ownership. You can then take them home with you as soon as they are ready to leave the rescue staff’s care.

Other Dogs For Adoption

Adopt MeCoal

Coal

Lebanon, MO
Breed: Border Collie
Sex: Male
Age: 3 yrs 6 mos
Border Collie Sitting On A Rock

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Border Collie in Arkansas?

The cost of living in Arkansas is much lower than the national average, and the adoption fees at rescues usually reflect this. Most organizations set their adoption fee for a dog at $50 to $250, or up to $350 for a puppy.

This adoption fee also typically includes an initial course of vaccinations, micro-chipping, neutering or spaying, and other essential health expenses (like flea and worm treatment).

How Should I Train a Border Collie?

If their prevalence in competitive obedience and dog sports wasn’t a dead giveaway, the border collie is one of the easiest breeds to train. Along with their high intelligence, they have a strong work ethic and an eager-to-please temperament.

However, it’s still vital to use reward-based techniques (positive reinforcement) when training a border collie, as they are sensitive dogs at heart and won’t tolerate harsh measures. Our Basic Obedience Training Program can teach you how to train your border collie with positive reinforcement. Since the course is self-paced, you can learn from anywhere and at any time that suits you.

Some rescue border collies may be prone to anxiety, especially if they were neglected in the past. If your border collie has specialized behavioral needs, you may want to consider working with an in-person trainer in Arkansas, who can watch your interactions carefully and ensure you’re not overwhelming your pup.

Dog Academy can also connect you with a professional dog trainer in your area. Each trainer is vetted and uses reward-based measures, so you can feel at ease knowing your border collie will be in the best hands.

Dog Training with Dog Academy

Border Collie Leaping Over Wooden Fence

Find the Right Border Collie in Arkansas for You

Border collies shine as working dogs as much as they shine as family pets, and there are plenty in Arkansas looking for forever homes.

Adopting the right border collie in Arkansas for you involves researching each adoptable pup’s description, and checking whether they’re a good match in terms of temperament, preferred lifestyle, and care requirements. Some may require households without kids, for example, while others may need a family who can be with them throughout the day.

You should also factor in how you imagine your dream companion — are they outgoing, quiet, a couch-hog? Taking all this information into consideration will help your search go smoothly and give you the best chance at finding the perfect best friend.