Known around the world for their versatility and intelligence, Border Collies lend themselves to virtually any activity, from herd grazing to sport, from acting to Pet Therapy.
Amateurs will remember how in the movie Babe, brave pig this sheepdog becomes the teacher of his pig friend, teaching him how to manage sheep.
If it is true that all dogs are special, knowing a border leaves a truly unique and satisfying “footprint”, as is engaging in its training.
Here are some tips on how to train a border collie.
Border collie character
Before talking about how to train a Border Collie, it is necessary to know the many particularities of this magnificent breed, often confused with the Australian Shepherd.
Originally from the territory on the border (“Border” in fact) between Scotland and England, this medium-sized breed was chosen by shepherds who found in this 4-legged a very valuable help to graze flocks of sheep or whole herds.
Equipped with a thick and soft coat that protects it from the cold and rain, it is perfect for country life.
The most intelligent
These dogs are famous around the world for their intelligence – they are able to memorize beyond 1000 parole!
The Border Collie is proof that you can be intelligent, indeed the most intelligent in the world, but also beautiful: not only with the classic black and white coat, but also in brown and white or even blue merle.
Tireless workers
Tireless and devoted workers in the countryside, the Borders are also perfect for family life: affectionate, cheerful, funny and playful, they will participate with interest in all the activities you propose.
The important thing is that you offer them!
An overactive breed
This breed is considered hyperactive: Borders must always have a purpose, a task: only in this way will they feel truly satisfied.
They need open space and time at their disposal. If not stimulated enough or left to fend for themselves, stress can cause them to scratch walls, wear out furniture, and bite.
Affectionate in the family
He is a loyal, sweet dog and will be a wonderful accomplice for active owners and dynamic people who know how to keep up with it.
Are you sure you are ready? If so, here’s how to train a border collie: not just lots of exercise, but also and above all mental activation. And in this, training plays a key role.
How to train a Border Collie puppy?
All puppies should not be separated from their mother before 60 days, but already a few weeks these little Borderini explore the world with curiosity and learn to understand it.
The basic training of a Border puppy follows the rule of “the sooner, the better”: it starts with teaching him the rules of living together under the same roof, such as that of going to the toilet outside the home.
Get a small box
In the first months, a small containment fence can be useful, which will help teach him how to respect the environment and where to go to the toilet. What is his personal space it shouldn’t be soiled.
Create a routine
establishes a routinemade up of timetables and references (eg. after the meal you go out), considering that a puppy frequently needs to evacuate the needs: arm yourself with patience and sleepers!
The puppy should obviously not be left alone for too long: it can stay in the playpen at night and when you are not at home.
How to train an adult Border Collie?
If you are not the one to train your Border, he will do it himself: acute observer, he will absorb everything you teach him like a sponge, but this does not mean that training him is child’s play.
These dogs they learn surprisingly fast even wrong behaviors. They are also tenderly smart: even if they understand what you say, they don’t necessarily want to do it.
For all these reasons the Border Collie is a dog that needs discipline, indeed it requires it. Don’t be moved by those big eyes!
7 tips on how to train your Border Collie
As always, it starts from the basics. At 3 months, the puppy is already able to familiarize himself with simple commands, such as:
Already at 4-6 months you can move on to more physical and complex trainings, such as more complex games than simple “carry over”.
However, it is good to proceed step by step in the training, and move on to the next step when Fido has well acquired the previous teaching: already at 90 days your puppy will be able to begin Obedience training in a dog school.
It would be of great benefit to strengthen the dog-owner bond and avoid mistakes.
1. A good habit
The Border Collie can be patient if you can teach him. Build one routine helps manage this dog’s vitality. This will always include a moment of exercise, play or stimulating activities of any kind.
To start building your relationship, it is good to train in a quiet place and familiar, like the backyard. When she performs them perfectly, move on to the next level by trying to introduce distracting elements.
2. Don’t be softened
Educating the dog allows you to live a more serene dog-owner relationship, free of stress and anxiety. The Border Collie will be obedient when your message is clear and consistent.
Can’t you have that cookie? So don’t tell him NO, then succumbing to his flattery: he will understand that he can get the better of you and will use this discovery in his favor … forever!
3. Plan your activities
Border Collies don’t just need to walk, they want to play, run, ambush and have fun. So a walk around the block isn’t exactly what he is for.
Also there walk to the park it can get boring for a fussy personality, so plan several places to explore and activities to do together.
These will strengthen your bond:
- Playing Frisbee,
- football,
- hide and seek
Also include intelligence games: they will be a useful and much appreciated entertainment!
4. Reward your friend
How to train a border collie? Gratifying him, of course! The positive reinforcement it works very well with this breed: it is very important to reward him when he performs the action correctly.
If not, you don’t have to screamnor scare the dog if he made a mistake, but calmly and firmly scold him.
Initially, giving treats to the dog is very useful, but by observing our body language he will soon learn that a caress can be as rewarding as a treat (or almost!).
5. Yes to socialization
The socialization with his peers and others, will give vent to the need for interaction of this dog, improving his psycho-physical well-being and his relationships with others.
This race is extremely sociable, and intelligent as it is, it has understood that humans are an excellent source of food and caresses, so when it can it willingly takes advantage of it, even with strangers!
6. Accept her shepherd instinct
The Border Collie is chosen as a dog from gathering of the flock. This behavior has been passed down from generation to generation, and sometimes it also emerges in other contexts.
So don’t be surprised if it has the tendency to go around it and wanting to bring all family members together in one place!
This is not the only behavior he has “inherited” from his profession: maintaining eye contact is also a powerful way he has to communicate and his boss also uses it. With a little practice, just one look will be enough to understand you!
The potential of this breed are truly endless: find out which activities are most suitable for you, and embark on this adventure with your Border Collie: it will give you great satisfaction and will make you immense company.
And if you have a flock, training it for this job will be even more incredible, and your friend will be happy: ask professionals, who will teach you how to train a Border Collie for sheep!