Tips For Border Collie Training

If these are supposed to be one of the most intelligent breeds, why is Border Collie training said to be so difficult? Simply put, they are either bored with your teaching tactics, distracted or they are just too smart to have the desire to follow direction. Training a Border Collie is certainly not for the first time dog owner! They are a brilliant and capable breed but not everyone is qualified to train a Border Collie.

In a perfect world, all of these dogs would have the same personality, then Border Collie training wouldn't be such a challenge. Unfortunately, there are many sides to this breed. Some are very eager to learn and want to make you happy. If you are fortunate enough to train a Border Collie of this nature, you are in luck because your job will be a breeze. They pick up commands and will often learn through observation, unlike any other breed. If you happen to be training a Border Collie such as this, don't ever stop! They thrive on mental stimulation and are happiest when challenged or given a job to take care of.

Manipulation

Many people wondering how to train a Border Collie will often hear others call these dogs manipulative. This breed is well-known for using their intelligence to get exactly what they want. You may think you're training them but you're not, they're actually one step ahead of you and you'll figure that out eventually.

Bossy vs Shy

Another issue when it comes to training a Border Collie is some are bossy others are shy and you might not really know which one you're dealing with until it's too late. Some people will assume they are training a shy dog when in all actuality, they're not. On the other hand, if you try to train a Border Collie that is shy by being too dominating, many will freeze and shut down because they're so sensitive. When you are learning how to train a Border Collie, you need to try to determine which type of dog you're dealing with. Is yours shy, requiring you to be softer and more gentle or is he dominant and willful, trying to stay ahead of you so he can be boss?

Hyperactive

Another reason many people fail at Border Collie training is because they don't plan their sessions wisely. Attempting to train a Border Collie first thing in the morning after just waking up is a lost cause. They need some exercise to chisel away at that never-ending energy level they have so they can be more attentive. Keep your training sessions short and productive several times per day to get the most out of them. Training a Border Collie for long periods of time will get you nowhere, the dog will become bored and distracted.

How to Train a Border Collie to Herd

While it is natural instinct for a Border Collie to herd everything in site, getting him to properly herd your cattle or sheep is another story. When you begin this level of Border Collie training, the dog has to be made aware of you and the sheep as well as how close he is to the animals. These dogs prefer to work alone, it is your job to earn their respect as a teammate.

When you begin training a Border Collie to herd, permit him to flank (approach the sheep) but be ready to offer a verbal correction, he is unaware of how close he can get and what is acceptable. The terms Come Bye (clockwise) and Away to Me (counterclockwise) need to be taught which can take a little time. Since many of these dogs learn by observation, often walking the path and repeating the command repetitively will eventually work.

Other things to teach when training a Border Collie to herd are to Outrun (move from one side of the sheep to the other without disturbing them), Fetch (bring the sheep to you), Take Time (slow down), There (hold the line), Steady On (continue walking) and Shed (hold the sheep in a specific area).

If you are engaging in Border Collie training to herd your livestock, be patient, proper training will ensure a reliable helper. If you are unsure of the training process, there are professionals who can assist you with your technique.

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