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...
Dog training
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...
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...
When the recall fails…
I want to be real and tell you exactly the reality of things as there is no point me telling you he is amazing and I'm doing great as that won't help you! I have been feeling more confident lately that he has finally got used to the routine, he sticks around more and...
You can’t take the herding instinct away from the Border Collie.
If you follow me on Facebook and are in my free training group, The Border Collie Geek Learning Hub, you might have seen this interesting post. One of my members asked me a very interesting question! "When your collie is given increased access to other herding...
Understanding Reactivity in Border Collies
Reactivity in dogs is a term that often raises questions and sparks debates among dog owners and trainers as some don't like the word "reactive" as it doesn't explain exactly what it is that your going is going through.In some ways I agree but I find this is the term...
Failed Sheepdogs
What is a failed sheepdog? Is a failed sheepdog a good fit for a pet home? This post is not to scare people away from adopting a failed sheepdog but it’s to raise awareness of the potential issues you can encounter if you go and adopt or buy a failed sheepdog from a...
Walking vs Training: how much walking is too much walking for your Border Collie?
Border Collies, known for their intelligence and boundless energy, are an exceptional breed that thrives on mental stimulation and purposeful training. While regular exercise is essential for their well-being, it's important to understand that walking alone may not...
How to start your Border Collie training journey successfully!
Embarking on a new adventure or entering a new life stage, such as bringing home your first dog or exploring a new breed, is an exciting and rewarding experience. However, it's essential to make the right choices to set yourself and your dog up for success. In this...
Dogs Chasing and Worrying livestock.
Spring is finally here and with it lambing is on the go all around the country. For the next few months all the fields and mountains around the UK will be covered in ewes and lambs and this includes most of the popular walks and footpath accessible to dog walkers. I...