New Border Collie

Question
Hi, we have recently acquired a 15 month old Border Collie bitch from a farm. She is a lovely even tempered affectionate animal but seems to have no concept of play, ie wont fetch, chase or run around. She loves long walks, but is just content to trot along rather than sprint. I worry that she isnt really getting the exercise she needs. How can we encourage her to play more?
Also as we have never had a dog as a pet before, how often should we bathe her, and what is the least traumatic way for her, she doesnt appear keen on hosepipes!

Answer
If she doesn't like baths, don't give her any.  Instead, brush her several times a week.  A soft bristled brush is a good tool to start with.  In the spring and fall, switch to a wire toothed slicker brush to  cope with shedding.

Here is a link to a picture of my Aster with a pile of hair and a slicker brush in the foreground.  Don't let anybody tell you to get a short haired dog next time.  http://www.photolocker.net/images/Labman/knitanewaster.jpg  Aster hasn't had a bath since she retired as a dog guide almost 3 years ago.  My wife took her to a carry in dinner last Thursday, and nobody complained about an odor problem.  I have a questionnaire to fill out on our 9 month old and return to the dog guide school she belongs to.  One question is about baths.  I will check off Seldom or never as usual, and nobody will say anything.  Dogs don't need baths unless they are allowed to roll in stinky stuff.  Brushing is a much more pleasant alternative for both man and beast.  

I am not sure what to say about the playing.  Usually Border Collie's are more of a problem coping with their energy.  Maybe try giving her several large balls and see if she ''herds'' them.