THE BORDER COLLIE BLOG
Teaching a Border Collie to Settle in the House
Need Help Teaching Your Border Collie to Settle? “How do I get my Border Collie to settle indoors?”It’s one of the questions I get asked the most and the truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some dogs settle naturally. Others need help. And with breeds like...
Focus and Motivation
IMG 7575 FOCUS, DRIVE AND MOTIVATION If there’s one thing life with Border Collies has taught me both in the city and on the farm it’s this: they are born with focus and drive, but it’s not always on us. Their attention is naturally wired to the environment, movement,...
Real-Life Rewards: How I Teach Impulse Control Without Treats or Toys
When we think about reinforcement in dog training, we usually picture treats, toys, or praise. But did you know that reinforcement isn’t limited to what we hand over? In fact, one of the most powerful tools in your training toolbox is something you might already be...
Breaking Fixation: That’ll Do
IMG 6856 If you live with a Border Collie or any herding breed you’ll know just how powerful their focus can be. That intense stare, the lowered body, the creeping stalk… it’s part of what makes them so brilliant at their job. But it can also tip into fixation, and...
How to Keep Your Urban Border Collie Happy and Fulfilled
Living in an urban environment with a Border Collie can be a challenge. These incredibly intelligent, energetic dogs were bred for working with livestock, and without the proper outlets for their physical and mental energy, they can develop frustrating behaviours. But...
Why Enrichment Alone Won’t Change Your Border Collie’s Behaviour
In the world of dog training, there’s a growing trend that’s hard to ignore — the idea that simply providing your dog with appropriate outlets, enrichment, and choice is enough to create a well-behaved, balanced dog. Social media is full of advice pushing this...
Is Your Dog Doing It for the Treat? Of Course! And That’s Okay!
Summer border collie workshops Many dog owners worry that their dogs are just "doing it for the treat" rather than truly learning a behaviour. But let’s unpack this fear—because, in reality, this concern is based on a misunderstanding of how learning works. How Do...
Why Puppy Training for Border Collies Isn’t About Basic Obedience
When it comes to training Border Collie puppies, the focus shouldn’t be on obedience or ticking off a list of basic commands. Instead, it’s about building a foundation for confidence, communication, and lifelong learning. Here’s why: Puppies Need Time to Develop Much...
Border Collie Puppy Teething: What is it all about?
We all know that puppies go through the process of teething as they transition from their baby teeth to adult teeth. But for many, this stage involves more than just gnawing on furniture, mouthing hands and feet, or bouts of restlessness. Teething can significantly...