How should I train my Border Collie puppy?

Training a Border Collie puppy can be a lot of fun! Border Collies are incredibly intelligent and energetic, so it’s important to start training early and use lots of positive reinforcement (praise and rewards) to encourage good behaviour. Here are some simple steps to help you start raising your Border Collie puppy:

1. Establish a Routine

Border Collies thrive on routine, so set a regular schedule for meals, walks, playtime, and training sessions. Consistency helps them learn faster.

2. SocialiSation

Begin socialising your Border Collie as soon as possible. Introduce your puppy to different environments and situations, and carefully selected (calm) people and other animals. It’s really important that they only have positive experiences when they’re little, so make sure that any dog you let interact with them is one you know and trust implicitly. Avoid dog parks and any off leash areas. This helps them become quietly confident adults and reduces the risk of fear-based behaviours.

3. Positive Reinforcement

Border Collies respond very well to positive reinforcement. Use treats, praise, or toys to reward your puppy for correct behaviour. Keep the rewards consistent and timely. Make sure a treat is of high value (for example chicken vs dog kibble).

4. Basic Commands

Start with the most useful basic commands like "Look” and “Come”. Use clear, simple, consistent commands and repeat them frequently. Border Collies pick up on things quickly, so keep sessions short (5–10 minutes) and frequent.

• Look: Hold a treat near your eyes. When your puppy makes eye contact ‘mark’ with a clear “Yes” and give them the treat.

• Come: Use a high-value treat and crouch down, calling your puppy by saying “Come” or making little ‘kissy’ sounds. Reward them when they reach you. You can sometimes (entirely accidentally of course) teach them to come to something fun like the Scrappy-Doo theme tune (we didn’t do that, honest)!

5. Crate Training

Start crate training early to help your Border Collie feel comfortable in a crate. Make the crate a happy place - ideally by putting it next to your (or your kid’s!) bed. This can also help with toilet training.

6. TOILET Training

Border Collies are usually quick to catch on to toilet training, but consistency is key. Take your puppy outside frequently (after eating, sleeping, and playing). Praise them immediately when they go to the toilet outside. DO NOT rub their nose in it if they have an accident inside.

7. Mental Stimulation

Border Collies need a lot of mental stimulation due to their high intelligence. Provide puzzle toys, training exercises, and interactive games to keep their minds sharp. This also helps avoid destructive behaviours due to boredom.

8. Address Problem BehavioUrs Early

Border Collies can be very active and might develop bad habits if not given proper guidance. If they start nipping, jumping, or showing signs of herding behaviour (chasing moving objects or people) get in touch with us straight away so we can help you resolve this properly.

9. Exercise and Play

Border Collies have high energy levels, so daily physical exercise is essential. Sniff walks, swims and brain games like Hide & Seek are great for meeting their developmental and enrichment needs.

10. Patience and Consistency

Border Collies are smart and sensitive so they also require patience and consistent effort from their people. Avoid punishing your puppy; instead, focus on rewarding desired behaviours and redirecting unwanted ones.

11. Training Classes

Group classes are essential for helping your Border Collie pup learn reliable, safety-related behaviours around distractions. Padfoot’s group classes held in Buderim commence every few weeks so make sure you enrol now to secure your spot! Your puppy is welcome to attend from around 12 weeks of age (check with your vet if you’re uncertain about when to start socialisation).

12. ANY QUESTIONS?

How old is your Border Collie puppy? The approach might vary slightly depending on their age and temperament! If you have any questions make sure you get in touch straight away!

From group training classes to problem canine behaviour solutions, walk, play and trains to private appointments, and snake avoidance courses to canine myofunctional therapy sessions, Padfoot is the Sunshine Coast’s most trusted applied animal behaviour practice. We’re the team your dog would choose. And we look forward to meeting them soon!

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