Well, my little Strider has progressed from an overractive, demanding puppy into a beligerent, ungrateful, petulant, excessively demanding 7 month old junior. I know I ve asked this before but is this normal? He will wake me up and 5.45 am and is still going strong at 10pm (last night he wanted to play footbal at midnight!!). In between this time he may fall asleep for only half and hour, an hour at the most. He has at least three varied walks a day, training, playtime but this is still is not enough. He will just go on and on and on. Its wearing me out! Please tell me it gets better!!!!!!!!

Lorraine

Border Collies can be very demanding and one of their breed-specific traits is that they can keep going all day with just a very short rest to recharge their batteries.  The more exercise and playing that you give them the more they will want and demand.  I always find the best way to wear out my guys is with brain work.  Not just training for training's sake but clicker training where they are encouraged to work things out for themselves.  Sillly question maybe but can I ask how you knew he wanted to play football at midnight?  and did you?  Also what do you feed him on?  When you are giving him attention it's always a good idea to use a word or signal that means 'that's it now I have work to do' and then you must not give in to his demands for attention until you are ready to give it again.  If you are consistent with this then he will learn to switch on and off.

Sally