The essentials a first-time Border Collie carer needs
A first-time carer needs your Border Collie's daily workload in writing, not a vague promise that he is energetic. State how many walks he gets, how long they last, whether he runs off lead and where, and which games count as real work for him. Border Collies read movement constantly, so also name the commands he already knows and the exact words you use for recall, settle and leave it, since a new voice using different cues will get a confused dog.
Exercise and mental work, spelled out honestly
Exercise for a Border Collie is a job description, not a bonus. Tell the sitter which combination keeps your dog settled in the evening: perhaps a long morning walk, a midday training game and a calmer evening stroll. Name his favourite brain work, whether that is hiding toys around the garden, practising trick sequences or working through a puzzle feeder. Warn the carer plainly that a Border Collie who only gets a short lead walk will likely redecorate, bark at passers-by or herd the household, and that this is unmet need rather than naughtiness.
Feeding, health notes and daily rhythm
Feeding notes for your Border Collie should give the food, the measured amount, meal times and where he eats. Say whether he wolfs meals down, guards his bowl from other dogs, or needs separating from cats at feeding time. Add the practical health picture: vaccination status, flea and worming routine in general terms, any old injury that limits jumping or stairs, and the signs you personally watch for, such as limping after hard exercise or going off his food. Include your vet's name, address and phone number, plus an emergency contact who can make decisions if you cannot be reached.
The herding behaviours a stranger will not expect
Herding behaviour is the section first-time carers most often miss with this breed. Explain that your Border Collie may crouch, stare and circle when children run, when cyclists pass or when other dogs play roughly, and that he may nip at heels if he becomes over-aroused. Tell the sitter how you interrupt it: call him away, give him a known job like carrying a toy, and increase distance rather than shouting. Also note his sensitivities, such as a dislike of fireworks, vacuum cleaners or being hugged by strangers, and where he chooses to rest when he wants quiet.
House rules, escapes and emergency permissions
House rules for the stay should cover doors and gates, because an intelligent Border Collie learns latches and tests boundaries quickly. Say which rooms are off limits, where he sleeps, whether he is crate trained, and what the carer should do if he slips a lead or gets out of a garden. Finish the handover with written permission for the sitter to seek veterinary care in an emergency, your preferred clinic, and how costs and updates will be handled while you are away.
Keeping that herding, exercise and feeding detail in a KinsLe Care Pass means the next sitter starts with your Border Collie's real routine instead of learning it by trial and error.