Border Collie Training: Tips for Beginners

A border collie needs several things in order to become happy and healthy – one of which is border collie training. As owner or potential owner, you are probably aware of this breed’s history, temperament, energy level and intelligence. If you don’t know anything about this breed recognized for their herding instinct, then it’s about time you pick up some dog books, check out the web or better yet, ask a breed expert to to share to you important border collie information.

First of all, understand that the border collie is far different from chihuahua, maltese, shih tzu and other small dog breeds. Sitting in your lap while you are watching tv is not an ideal activity for this breed. Having such energy and strong need to work, they’d be happy in a household that could provide them with lots of opportunities to work and exercise. But work doesn’t necessarily mean they have to herd animals or scare off unwanted wild birds in public areas. Any activity that resembles work and can expend their energy helps.

But despite of their intelligence, remember that border collie training ought to start as soon as possible. Early training is important because it affects the dog’s ability to develop social relationship in the days ahead. You wouldn’t want a timid or aggressive dog with high energy, right? So better socialize Max before he begins to develop bad habits that are hard to break.

While training is one of the best ways to have a well-behaved dog, there’s one thing it cannot do – that is to prevent a dog from herding. With herding instinct as strong as theirs, teaching them not to herd can only frustrate you since it can be impossible to break the habit regardless of how good the trainer or the border collie training approach is. A border collie will herd anything including people if they see the need to do so. Instead of training your dog, the best method to sort this dilemma is to avoid encounters that can trigger the instinct. Family members, particularly children must be aware about this too.

The border collies make great household pets only if you are able to provide the exercise and training this breed requires. If you are too busy to even walk your pet at least half an hour each day, you better consider other less active breeds.

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