Thoughts On Training Border Collies

Borders are, in general, easy to train.But if you aren't consistent in your actions,your pup will get mixed messages about how to behave.Be forewarned,Border Collies are extremely strong willed and will try to be the boss.

It is best to begin training by eight weeks of age.You must be clear on what you want the pup to do,as he will test you.Borders will come when called for months and then suddenly ignore you.This usually occurs in a dogs "teen years" and is a major factor why Borders are given up for adoption.

But once you get past those troublesome times,you end up with a dog that likes to be around you and join you in what you are doing.

Young Border Collie pups have a greater capacity to learn than most owners realize.On the flip side is their ability to forget just as fast.They do need to be continually reminded of what you want them to do.

When Border pups are ready to leave the nest they look for two things.The pack leader and the rules that are set down by the leader.They need both.Most owners fail to understand that about them.

Too often owners cave and give in to the demands of the pup.This puts the pups in the drivers seat and they can be very demanding!If left to their own devices Border pups will quickly learn that whining will get him whatever he wants.Sounds like a human child doesn't it?

If the young pup isn't given a clear indication of who the pack leader is he will decide for himself who that is and it won't be you.If he doesn't have clear rules he will make his own.You as the owner must then obviously provide that leader role and set the ground rules.

Border Collies are smart and once properly trained can and will do most anything asked of them.You should also keep in mind that Borders are working dogs and like to be kept active.Use that to help in their training and you will probably have less trouble.