Border Collies are one of the most intelligent breeds of dogs in the entire world, which is why Border Collie Training is so important. They were first developed as a breed along the border of Scotland and England, (which explains the “Border” part of their name), as herding dogs, (thus the “Collie”).
They tend to be extremely energetic and at times have a tendency to be a bit neurotic and even destructive if they are not properly trained and cared for. Even though they were originally bred as herding dogs, (and are still used as such in many countries), they have become extremely popular as pets and sporting dogs as well.
Potty training with a Border Collie is pretty basic. Just remember that if your dog is still a puppy, they cannot yet “hold it” as long as older dogs, so you should expect to take them out to go potty at least every few hours. Crate training works great with potty training. Dogs feel comfortable with a crate or dog house to call their own, and they are much less likely to go potty in their own space.
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Another crucial part of Border Collie training is giving them plenty of opportunities for both physical and mental stimulation and activity. They are very active dogs and if you don’t plan on working them, you will need to make sure they have games and other challenges to keep them busy. Otherwise their curiosity, intelligence, and energy can easily lead to mischief. Their agility also allows them to escape from fencing and other confined spaces easily. Crate training is again a very helpful way to keep them not only out of trouble but also from hurting themselves as well.
Since they have long been bred as herding and work dogs, Border Collies yearn for a close relationship with their handler or master. If you have a Border Collie as a pet, they will likely form a very strong bond to you and look to you for cues for what you want them to do. This is actually great news for training and, coupled with their high intelligence, can actually make training somewhat easier than with other dog breeds. You need to make sure that you establish yourself as the Alpha dog early on in the relationship; otherwise a Border Collie may try to control you and your household.
Likewise, because of their herding background, Border Collies have a tendency to herd other pets in the home and even small children. You will need to set boundaries about what is and what is not okay while they are still puppies in order to avoid them hurting or frightening young children and other animals when they are older. Ensuring that they are receiving proper exercise and mental stimulation every day will help with this herding instinct as well. As long as they are occupied doing something else, they are less likely to try to round up your youngsters.
Border Collies can make loyal, loving family pets. Just remember – as with any dog training, the key to Border Collie training is to reinforce positive, desired behaviors rather than punishing negative ones.
Click Here to Stop Your Border Collie’s Obedience Problems Right Now
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