Hi Fandogg. I'm late replying here i can see but I hope you still check in on the boards.
There is a lot more to owning a Border Collie than exercising it. It irks me when I hear people saying "I want a BC and I'll exercise it a lot". Some Borders, my own included, will drop dead before they will admit to being worn out physically. No matter how much exercise they get, they will still be alert and active. They need mental stimulation as well in order to be stable, relaxed dogs.
Borders herd. Period. If you don't want a dog that herds, don't get a Border Collie.
My dog herds people on occasion, but he doesn't herd me. I am his handler, he looks to me for direction. I'm not something that needs controlling.
One of the things I love about the Border Collie's herding style is that, unlike Cattle Dogs who bite and bark, Border Collies crouch and stare. So, if you don't mind being stared at an awful lot if you're doing anything unusual, it's not very annoying to have your BC stalk you.
If you're not very familiar with the breed's characteristics I would suggest you study up before even considering talking to breeders or rescues.
Regarding show breeders vs. working breeders, my dog comes from a breeder who shows her dogs in conformation and works them in herding as well. I agree that the breeders who raise dogs exclusively for show are contributing to the downfall and eventual "split" (like with GSDs) of the breed. If you want to buy a BC pup, go to a reputable working breeder. Don't bother with show breeders if they don't work their dogs, because stock work ability is what makes the breed. If you want a dog with the temperament of an Australian Shepherd or Golden Retriever, get one, but don't get one of those breeds in a conformationally perfect BC suit.
Oh, and I guess to answer your question more directly, I've never known a BC to herd its handler all over the place. You can't take away their urge to herd but if you refuse to do herding you CAN focus their drive on doing "jobs" such as agility.
