"Predicting the Flow of the Ball"... The Special Ability of Saebyeogi, the Border Collie Mascot of a School on Jirisan Mountain

The special daily life of Saebyeogi, a Border Collie living at an alternative school located near Silsangsa Temple on the foothills of Jirisan Mountain, has been revealed. In the video, Saebyeogi enjoys basketball with students, showing presence as a school mascot beyond being a simple pet.

"Unteachable Instinct"... The Genius of a Border Collie Reading the Flow of the Ball

The most eye-catching scene in the video is Saebyeogi's reaction to the movement of the basketball. The trainer appearing in the video explained that Saebyeogi's movements are on a different level from typical pet dogs. According to the trainer, Saebyeogi does not simply chase the ball but possesses the ability to predict the direction the ball will fly and move accordingly.

The trainer stated, "The behavior of positioning oneself on the opposite side of the ball and predicting where it will fly is not something that can be taught, but a visual instinct one is born with," adding, "Unlike dogs that only get excited seeing the ball, Saebyeogi has the concept of knowing how to wait in between and the ability to read the flow." Based on these traits, the trainer evaluated that Saebyeogi possesses sufficient qualities as a Working Dog.

Daily Life at a Jirisan Alternative School, a Mascot Growing Together with Students

The place where Saebyeogi stays is a small alternative school attended by five middle and high school students. The students here live with Saebyeogi, learning how to care for animals and sharing emotional connections. The school stated that students find healing by spending time with the animal.

The school's lifestyle is also unique. Located at the foot of Jirisan Mountain, this school engages in organic farming to be self-sufficient with a year's worth of food and maintains a horizontal culture where students live as older brothers, sisters, or younger siblings regardless of grade level. In this environment, Saebyeogi secures enough exercise to run around all day, and in the video, shows naturally blending in with the students.

Border Collie Syndrome and Reflections on 'Happy Pet Life'

The trainer also mentioned the specific tendencies of the Border Collie breed. Border Collies have such immense activity levels that there is even a term called "Border Collie Syndrome" due to their inability to stop. The trainer explained, "Border Collies are very sensitive to visual stimuli, so if they focus only on visual exercises like throwing a ball, they may not be able to come down from an excited state (cortisol state)."

Therefore, for Border Collies like Saebyeogi, activities that can disperse visual stimuli, such as walking while riding a bicycle, are helpful in addition to simple ball play. Through this meeting, the trainer shared their thoughts, saying, "The dogs in a neighborhood where neighbors welcome each other might be living the simple life that we have forgotten," and expressed that it makes one reflect on the basics of how to live happily with a pet dog.