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A blue merle Border Collie stands on a wet floor with muddy puddles beside an overturned steel water bowl. 6 / 38

A Blue Merle Border Collie Made a Splash in the Hallway

AI imageborder colliewater bowlspill

A steel water bowl lies on its side, and a muddy puddle stretches across the floor around Sky the blue merle Border Collie. He stands in the middle with his front paws wet, his ears slightly lowered and his gaze turned up toward the person who has just arrived. His coat of gray, black and white is damp at the chest, and a few footprints trace a path through the puddle. A pair of slippers, a coat and a doormat sit behind him near a sunlit window, and the whole room looks soaked.

Border Collies are widely seen as one of the smartest and most energetic breeds. They were bred to herd sheep, so they are quick, focused and happiest with a job to do. Without enough exercise and mental challenges, they can get into mischief, such as splashing in water bowls or chasing anything that moves. Many dogs like to paw at water because it feels fun, and some tip a bowl to see what happens. A heavier bowl or a bowl holder can keep water where it belongs, and a shallow mat under the dish helps with spills. Fresh water should always be available, so refill promptly after an accident. Watch for sudden changes in how much your dog drinks and mention them to your vet. Daily runs, fetch and training games help a Border Collie spend its energy elsewhere.

Sky will help with the towel, in his own way. Floors dry and dogs forget, but a good splash is always worth it.

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