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Traditionally known as herding dogs, border collies can make beautiful pets if appropriately trained. In addition, border collies are highly intelligent and easy to prepare.
New owners of border collies will be immediately impressed with the intelligence and learning capacity of the breed. In addition, border Collies are fun to train and make excellent competitors in obedience or agility. Although traditionally used as herding dogs, border collies can make good house pets, but only with proper training.
Border Collies Need Training as Puppies
Border collies are a smart breed. However, they are highly energetic and need to have some “job” to be happy. If the border collie is not adequately trained as a puppy, behavior problems may develop later. Therefore, obedience training is recommended. Puppy training classes can be found nearly everywhere, and most classes begin taking dogs at six weeks of age.
These classes teach puppies to sit and stay, walk on a lead, obey simple commands, and refrain from jumping up. They also help new pet owners learn how to manage their puppies, establish dominance, and reward good behavior.
Obedience Training
Once a puppy training class has been completed, obedience training can begin. Obedience training ranges from beginner to advanced, mainly if the intention is to show the dog professionally. In obedience training classes, dogs learn simple commands, such as “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” In addition, trainers know to give simple, one-word controls and reward dogs for appropriate behavior. More advanced skills include:
- Teaching a dog to heel.
- Retrieving an object and returning with it.
- Learning fun tricks, such as rolling over and speaking.
Border collies thrive on learning and are eager to please their owners, making obedience class a rewarding experience.
Agility Training
Border collies excel at agility training. They are focused, driven to please, fast learners, and energetic. Agility can be pursued once a border collie has mastered basic obedience classes. Beginner agility classes teach dogs the basics; they learn to perform jumps, run through tunnels, and walk across the A-frame and teeter. More advanced skills include mastering the weave poles, which are fascinating to watch and challenging to perform. Agility training with a border collie is a fantastic experience; these dogs have a somewhat laser-beam focus, and they master new skills very quickly. As a result, border collies are generally among the top performers at agility competitions.
Rewarding Good Behavior
All dogs like to be rewarded for good behavior, and the border collie is no exception. Dog treats and verbal affirmations work wonders with a hyperactive or inattentive border collie. Pet owners should reward their dogs often to encourage desirable behavior and to help them master new skills. Since border collies are such fast learners and tend to be perfectionists, learning new tricks takes no time.
These dogs love to “work,” and potential pet owners should keep this in mind when considering adding a border collie to the household. Above all, this breed needs training. Many border collies wind up in shelters when new owners find their high energy levels too much to manage. However, a border collie trained and worked with frequently can be a wonderful pet and will provide many years of fun and engaging companionship.