I guess you have to live with one for a while to really notice. I didn't notice until I started walking with other dogs. Some of these were smart and eager to

I guess you have to live with one for a while to really notice. I didn't notice until I started walking with other dogs. Some of these were smart and eager to please as well, but it always felt different, somehow "clunky". Border collies seem to be able to respond to intent instead of command. It wasn't until I started paying closer attention to this mind reading capability that I figured out I, for example, slightly tilted my head before I indicated a direction to go in. That was seemingly enough to prime my dog. With this ability to pick up on subconscious cues, it's not hard to start feeling your border collie is not just a companion, but is an extension of yourself. Even though this sounds great, and something every dog owner would want, I wouldn't recommend having a Border Collie. I feel some of these desirable traits lie very close to neurosis, which can manifest itself in various ways. Some harmless, some destructive. Also, I feel because they are intelligent and highly active, they are more prone to psychological damage. I'd say only get a border collie as a pet if you're willing to let a dog determine a significant part of your life for a long time. If you do so, however, you will have a "magic dog".