Are Border Collies Easy to Train?
Border Collies are recognized as some of the smartest dogs on our planet coming from Scotland and for centuries, they were used as sheep dogs. As a result of this intelligence, they might be easier to train than other breeds of dogs; nevertheless, it calls for patience, constancy and creation of a customized training program that is appropriate from the dog’s point of view. This guide will help if you are not sure where to start when training your Border Collie dog.
Perspective Understanding Your Border Collie
The first thing in order to effectively train your border collie is understanding what goes through their mind (or paws). Owners often look at things only in relation to themselves especially if they have never trained a dog before. This common training mistake can prevent you from bonding with your Border Collie and make training less effective. While you may understand exactly what “sit” or “stay” mean, these commands might not hold any meaning for them. You need to think like a dog does while making the learning process simplest as possible. If you break it down into simple steps, how would you reward every sign of progress? Whenever your border collie views learning activities as fun and something rewarding, they will remain committed throughout.
Preparing Your Dog for Success during Training
There is also timing involved in the training process of a Border Collie. In choosing when to train your pet consider scheduling sessions around mealtimes. This is because hungry pets are usually motivated by food rewards hence this can act as an impetus for better performance (Tudge 2005). It should however be noted that short consistent daily exercises are more beneficial compared to long sporadic ones. By doing 10 minutes on each day rather than keeping busy for hours after every two weeks allows your border collie remember what you teach them and learn new skills faster.
Preventing Problems Before They Begin
It is better to prevent unwanted behaviors rather than having to correct them after they have been done. Instead of waiting until your dog does something you don’t want them to do (such as chewing on the furniture) and then punishing them, set clear expectations and provide healthy alternatives. For instance, instead of chewing on furniture you can give dog safe items like bully sticks or a stuffed Kong to chew on. Additionally, if your Border Collie always has access to things it can chew on with the stimulation of chewing then it will be less likely that it would choose your favorite pair of slippers.
Teaching Your Dog How to Chill Out Alone
A dog needs boundaries from day one in order to be happy and understand what is expected of them. Those boundaries and expectations should include relaxation time and alone time as well. Intelligent breeds of dogs such as border collies which were bred for hundreds of years for hard work may find it hard to stop moving around. Like any other skill, teaching him how to chill out alone also helps immensely (Rooney & Bradshaw 2002). It might be a good idea to have a designated area where your Border Collie can go and relax when visitors come or when you are away from home.
Mental Stimulation
The key to a tired, satisfied dog is mental stimulation. Playing fetch and running around the backyard is great sometimes, but a smart dog like a Border Collie needs to tire its brain out as well. There are lots of ways you can work with your dog and provide mental stimulation, including teaching them new tricks and skills, letting them use their nose (hunt for food, sniff the grass while on walks, etc.), and letting them play with mentally stimulating toys like treat puzzles and snuffle mats.
Start Training Your Border Collie Today
Whether your Border Collie is a young pup or an adult that has grown old enough for consistent, positive, engaging training helps both. You should start training your puppy as soon as you bring them home. Eight weeks of age is old enough for training, and you can start with basic commands such as stay, sit and come. You’ll also be focusing on housetraining as well as crate training.
With the right approach and training, Border Collies can become reliably trained pets. Always remember to be patient, consistent, and positive in your training endeavors. As one of the world’s intelligent dogs of all time; border collies quickly learn fun in it.