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A lot of people ask us how much exercise our Noonbarra Kelpies need. We thought we'd put together a page that explained it in more detail.
Kelpies need no more exercise than any other breed!
Don't be fooled into thinking that because they are a working breed that they
need to run all day. Also don't be under the impression that they need a huge
backyard. A big backyard is nice (for any dog) but it is one of the less
important criteria. Some of the happiest and most stable Kelpies we know have
little backyards and some live in city terraces with tiny courtyards and even
apartments. But these dogs get a regular walk each day and a run in the park
every few days. Some participate in dog sports on weekends or go camping, to the
beach etc. In other words they are great companion dogs that are involved with
their owners. Both have a lot of fun!
Our own Kelpies get a lot less exercise than most of our customers expect. For the most part they prefer to lie around in the sun more than run around the whole day. That does not mean they don't need any exercise. The Kelpie is best when given a reasonable amount of exercise. This does not need to be excessive and in many cases it is more important to stimulate a Kelpies mind more than the body. We always stress that the Kelpie needs something to do. It doesn't have to be a big activity such as the dog sports of Agility, Tracking or Herding. It can be as simple as teaching your dog obedience or tricks and taking your dog out with you when you go shopping. Really anything that will stimulate their mind.
The Noonbarra Kelpies excel at any activity where they have to think. They do NOT NEED to work sheep or cattle to be happy. When Stephen was battling cancer the dogs here had no stock work at all for at least 16 months. We have sold hundreds of our Noonbarra Kelpies to city and suburban homes over the years. These dogs have had a great life and given their owners a very special friend and companion. They don't need to work sheep. We should however point out that not all Kelpies are suitable for city living. Some dogs are just too intense, too excitable or may be too independent or too wilful or not loyal types. (This may be their genetic makeup but in some situations it can be caused by a behavioural condition that can be improved by training).
We have bred selectively for many years to be able to breed the type of dog we like ourselves. Our own Noonbarra strain of Kelpies can be extremely calm dogs (as adults), they like to be with us and are gentle and responsive. We like a biddable dog with a fun loving personality. We prefer a dog to be a bit laid back as an adult. The 'right' Kelpie can be the most wonderful companion dog imaginable!
Walking on a lead is the most important thing to do with your companion Kelpie. This is not just exercise but a very important lesson in the bonding process. It reassures your dog that you are the alpha leader and you end up with a very contented, happy dog. The walk shouldn't be too short, around 45 mins to an hour and should be conducted with a reasonably short lead and your dog heeling at your side. Never pulling ahead. The dog should not have complete freedom to wander or sniff everywhere. Very few people who give daily controlled walks to their dogs ever experience problems. It can make a massive difference to your dog's life and yours too.
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Please note that cross-bred Kelpies, Show Kelpies, and Kelpies from other breeders may not behave in the same way as Noonbarra Kelpies. We have spent many years and a lot of money to get our Stud to the level it is today. The Bilson family has been breeding and training for close to a century now and bred many thousands of dogs. Our current Kelpies have been carefully linebred to the great old lines such as the famous Kalari Kelpies in the 1950's and 1960's and going back before them to legendary Kelpies in the early 1900's and late 1800's such as Mc Masters Blue, Red Hope, Coil, and Biddy.
We have had a number of people recently that have liked what they read on this website about Noonbarra Kelpies but mistakenly thought it would also apply to any Kelpie or even a part-Kelpie. One man from interstate recently saw a Kelpie for sale in the paper for $250 and asked us if that would be the same as a Noonbarra Kelpie because he wanted to save money. No one can breed puppies for prices like this without cutting corners. We had to explain that no one wants to pay more money than they had to for something and that includes us. We are often offered livestock such as sheep or horses etc. very cheap or we can pay more for quality. In fact, we also buy a lot of dogs ourselves and have often paid more than we sell our own pups for. We understand paying for something special. Our customers want a premium dog bred down generation after generation from high quality parents, grandparents. They want the puppy to be well looked after as well as the dam, so the puppy gets the best in nutrition and care (heated beds in winter etc.), they want their puppy fully vaccinated, wormed at proper intervals, vet checked etc. They want Stud registration. They want certain traits, behaviour and personality. They know they can come to us and get exactly what they require. We have customers who buy from us again and again over decades and then as their children grow up and move out of home, they often buy from us as well.
Many people have picked up cross-breds at the local dog shelter or purchased cheap dogs elsewhere that did not behave the way they expected and they then got no support from their breeder. There are many very good breeders in Australia who do the right thing by their dogs and for their customers but there are just as many bad breeders. Buy only from a breeder who has sold dogs to a similar situation and customer as yourself. Ask to see testimonials from previous customers. Ask if there is video of their dogs etc. We can only talk about how our Noonbarra Kelpies behave in these situations but we are happy to try and help people who are having problems with dogs that they have bought somewhere else. We of course give full on-going support to all Noonbarra customers.
NOONBARRA KELPIES AND EXERCISE
In Australia, among the
city based people is a belief that Kelpies need hundreds of acres to
run on. Even though Kelpies can work hard on even the biggest farms they usually
lie around most of the day under tractors etc. Our dogs sleep most of the
day near the back door and go nowhere unless there is a reason. Many
of our dogs can go months without ever seeing livestock.
Noonbarra Tally and Noonbarra Daisy live in the city of Melbourne in Victoria , Australia. This is a photo of their backyard and garden. Their owners have trained them and give them regular walks and mental stimulation. These two Kelpies are an important part of their life. Daisy and Tally are wonderful companions and enjoy their life in the city with a minimum of exercise. See more about them on our 'Customer Comments' page.
Puppies need a lot more exercise than adults and it can be hinder their bone development if they are denied exercise. Puppies will also be more excitable so a reasonable amount of exercise is a good outlet for some of this energy. Walking on a lead each day in a controlled manner is really essential if you expect to have a well mannered and stable dog. See detailed information in our book 'Kelpie Basics'.
NOONBARRA COPPER AND HIS PLAY SWING IN SYDNEY
It should be noted that not all Working Kelpies are calm or laid back like this. We can only really talk about our own Noonbarra Kelpies that we have bred for many years and select for calmness and easy-to-handle attitude in our breeding program. Some other breeders may have strains of Kelpie that may be great working dogs but may NOT be suitable for your situation. Some Kelpies are highly excitable and stubborn and are not even suitable for small farms and definitely not suited to suburban living.
NOONBARRA DAISY AND TALLY EXERCISING IN THE CITY OF MELBOURNE
NOONBARRA MATE AND SCOTT ASLEEP IN A CORNER OF THEIR HOME IN GERMANY
www.noonbarra.com
Some of our Noonbarra Kelpies lying around in the sun near one of the sheds.
Latest edition of this very popular manual designed for all Kelpie owners of every level from raw beginners through to experienced trainers. This practical manual deals with everything involved in owning and training a Kelpie to ensure he grows up to be a well mannered, obedient dog.
The book is not about training on livestock! It deals with general obedience training, socialising your Kelpie, feeding, crating, toilet training, preventing problem behaviour, dominance issues, car travel, bathing, digging holes, stealing food, walking on a lead, coming when called... and much more.
Over 100 pages.