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A red and white Border Collie puppy leans toward a gold ornament hanging from a low branch of a Christmas tree. 8 / 26

Copper Spotted the Lowest Ornament and Went Straight to It

AI imageborder collieornamentchristmas tree

Nose almost touching a gold ornament that dangles from the lowest branch, the red and white Border Collie puppy leans in with the focus of a puppy on a mission. His fluffy russet ears flop forward and his white paws are planted on the wood floor. A burlap tree skirt and a few pinecones lie nearby, and a grey sofa with folded throws is blurred behind him. A small pile of pine needles and a stray pinecone sit near his feet, a clue that he has been exploring the tree skirt.

Border Collie puppies are smart, curious, and very observant. They are bred to watch and respond to movement, so a swinging ornament is like a tiny sheep to herd. Because they are so clever, they need plenty of mental exercise, like puzzle toys, training games, and gentle play. A bored puppy may make his own entertainment, and the tree is an easy target.

Glass ornaments can break into sharp pieces, so keep fragile ones high on the tree and use shatterproof ones low. Skip tinsel and edible ornaments, which can be dangerous if swallowed. A baby gate around the tree is a simple way to keep a curious puppy safe while he learns that the tree isn't a toy. Praise him for looking at you instead of the tree, and he'll learn the best game is the one with you.

We'll call him Copper. His mission is to keep the ornament from escaping, and he intends to guard it very carefully.

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