Border Collie Training


Border Collies are working dogs that have been bred for many generations to work alongside humans. They were and still are trained to herd livestock and make great companions for farmers, as well as family pets.

One of the standout characteristics of the Border Collie is its level of intelligence. The old adage of brains before beauty is certainly true here. Border Collies are capably of some truly remarkable things however it is crucial that you train them at very young age. If you get this right then they will be obedient and highly responsive for the rest of their lives.

Border Collies need training and guidance, which can take time and effort from a very capable owner. One of the key fundamentals for when training a border collie is to get them to understand the difference between right and wrong. Border Collies often form a strong bond with their owners and are as a result very protective. On occasion they can nip other people and dogs as a result. This needs to nipped in the bud early and your dog needs to be fully aware that this is not acceptable behaviour. Border Collies can also wreck a room in a very short amount of time. Let them know where they can and can’t go in the home and if they chew your sofa make sure they are disciplined for doing so.

Another core area of training is to teach your Collie not to chase everything. This is one of their natural instincts and there are many stories involving Collies chasing cars. You need to catch this early. Collies can also be funny around children and in some cases try to herd them. Make sure your dog is not allowed to do this and gradually introduce them to children.

These are some of the considerations you will need to know when training a Border Collie. If you are adopting a Border Collie puppy make sure you train them as early as possible (after 8 weeks). Our community and team of experts recommend making use of professional trainers and that owners read up on all the training needs of a Border Collie. We have recommended some books below which are available on Amazon. Although training is hard work it can be extremely rewarding and provides you with a highly intelligent and obedient dog.

Training Books & DVD’s

First Steps In Border Collie Sheepdog Training [DVD]

Understanding and Training Puppies

Sheepdog Training and Trials: A Complete Guide for Border Collie Handlers and Enthusiasts

Training the Sheep Dog