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When To Start Training Border Collie?

by Barbara Wilson

Border Collies are known for their intelligence, agility, and herding instincts. They are generally considered to be one of the easiest dog breeds in the world to train. However, knowing when to start training border collies is crucial to mold them into well-behaved, obedient and happy companions. Starting training at the right time can not only improve their learning ability, but also strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend. This article will explore the best time to start training a border collie, the different aspects of early training, and how to progress as your puppy grows.

Border Collie: a combination of energy and intelligence

Border Collie puppies are naturally intrinsically motivated to learn and work. They are very curious and have a natural tendency to please their hosts. From an early age, they observe their surroundings and learn from their mother and young. These puppies are known for their high energy levels, which can be both a blessing and a challenge in training.

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Newborn and transition (0-4 weeks)

During the neonatal stage (0-2 weeks), Border Collie puppies are completely dependent on their mother. Their eyes and ears are closed, and their main activity is breastfeeding and sleeping. Formal training is not possible at this stage, but lays the foundation for a healthy and well-adjusted puppy. The care of the mother dog, including proper nutrition, contributes to the physical development of the puppy.

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During the transitional phase (2-4 weeks), the puppies’ eyes begin to open and they begin to explore their surroundings. They begin to crawl and interact with their companions. Although it is too early for structured training, gentle handling and positive interaction can be introduced. For example, gently petting a puppy while talking to them in a calm voice can help them get used to human touch and sound. This early exposure contributes to their socialization and future trainability.

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Socialization stage (4-12 weeks)

The socialization stage is probably the most critical period in the development of a border Collie puppy and is when the first steps in training can begin. Puppies at this age are like sponges, absorbing all the experiences and stimuli around them.

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Introduction to Basic Commands

Around 4-6 weeks, you can start introducing some very basic concepts. For example, teach them names. Say the puppy’s name in a cheerful voice and give it a little treat when it looks at you. This simple action helps the puppy associate its name with something positive. Another basic command that can be gently introduced is “come.” Use a soft voice and a piece of food to lure the puppy to you while saying “come.” Repeat several times a day for short periods of active practice.

Social interaction training

Allowing your border Collie to socialize with different people, animals, and environments is essential. If possible, take your puppy to a puppy play area where they can interact with other friendly dogs. Expose them to different types of people, such as children, adults, and the elderly. Make sure all of these interactions are positive. For example, if a child wants to pet the puppy, teach the child to approach slowly and gently and reward the puppy for calm behavior. This helps the puppy develop good social skills and reduces the likelihood of future fear-based or aggressive behavior.

House training

Indoor training should also begin at this stage. Set up a designated area for puppies, such as a crate or a small part of the room with puppy MATS. Observe the puppy’s behavior. When you notice signs that it needs to defecate, such as sniffing around or hovering, quickly bring it to the designated area. Praise and reward the puppy when it uses the area correctly. Keep doing this and gradually expand the puppy’s chances of entering the room as it learns proper toilet habits.

Adolescence (3-6 months)

When a Border Collie puppy reaches the juvenile stage, it has more physical coordination and a deeper mental ability to train.

Obedience training

At 3-4 months, you can begin more formal obedience training. Teach commands such as “sit,” “stay,” “get down,” and “follow.” To teach “sit,” place a treat on the puppy’s head and when it looks up, gently push its back legs down while saying “sit.” Once it’s in a sitting position, treat it well and praise it a lot. Repeat this process several times a day. For “stays,” start with short distances. Tell the puppy to sit down, then step back and say “don’t move.” If the puppy stays where it is, return and reward it. Over time, gradually increase the distance and duration of the “stay” command.

Control training

Rope training is also important at this stage. First put a light leash on the puppy so that it gets used to the feeling of holding it. Take the puppy for a walk around the house or in a quiet yard, gently on a lead. If the puppy pulls, stop and wait for it to calm down. Then, start walking again. When the puppy calmly walks beside you, use positive reinforcement, such as rewards and praise.

Mental stimulation

Border Collies are very intelligent dogs that need intellectual stimulation. Educational toys, candy dispensing balls and interactive games can be introduced at this stage. These activities not only keep the puppy entertained, but also help develop his problem-solving skills. For example, hide treats around the house to encourage the puppy to find them. This takes advantage of their natural hunting and herding instincts.

Teenage years (6-12 months)

As Border Collie puppies reach puberty, they may be pushing boundaries, but it’s also a good time to reinforce and extend the training they’ve received so far.

Advanced command

In 6-9 months, you can teach more advanced commands. For example, “leave it” can be very useful. To teach this, place a treat on the floor and tell the puppy to “leave it.” If it wants to eat, gently push its nose away and repeat the command. When the puppy stops trying to eat the treat, give it a different treat as a reward. Another high-level command is “retrieve.” Start with a soft toy. Throw the toy a short distance and tell the puppy to “pick it up.” If it goes after the toy, encourage it to give it back to you. Reward the puppy when it does.

No traction training

If your border collie already has a good grasp of basic commands, start runaway training in a safe, enclosed area. Make sure the puppy has a strong memory (the “come” command) before attempting the off-leash activity. Start with a short distance, call the puppy’s name, and when it comes to you, give it a big treat. While practicing recall, gradually
Increased distance and interference.

Grazing training (optional)

Since border collies have natural herding instincts, herding training can be introduced at this stage if given the opportunity and the right environment. This may include working with sheep or other livestock under the guidance of an experienced herding trainer. Herding training not only satisfies their natural instincts, but also provides good physical and mental exercise.

Adult stage (1-2 years and above)

By the time a border collie reaches adulthood, it should have a solid training base. However, training should continue throughout their lives.

Refining capacity

In adulthood, you can perfect the skills your border collie has already learned. For example, if you have been doing agility training, you can work on improving the dog’s speed and accuracy in an agility class. If it is a working dog, you can adjust its herding skills.

New challenge

Introduce new challenges and get your border collie involved. This may include learning new tricks, participating in dog sports like flyball or obedience trials, or even therapy dog training. These activities not only keep the dog’s mind sharp, but also strengthen the bond between you and your pet.

Factors that influence the beginning of training

Puppy personality

The temperament of a border collie can affect when and how training starts. Some puppies are more outgoing and eager to learn from the start, while others may be more shy or reserved. In the early stages of training, shy puppies may need more time and a gentle approach. For example, if a puppy is timid around strangers, you may need to spend more time introducing it to different people in a calm and controlled manner.

Owner’s time and commitment

The amount of time the host spends on training is also a factor. Training a border collie requires consistency and regular practice. If the owner has a very busy schedule, it may be more challenging to start training early or intensively. However, even short periods of daily training can be effective. It is important to make the most of the time and ensure that the training is positive and productive.

Living environment

Living conditions can affect training. If you live in a small apartment, certain types of training, such as off-leash training or herding training, may be more difficult to start early. However, you can still focus on indoor training, following orders, and mental stimulation. On the other hand, if you have a large yard or access to open space, you have more opportunities to start a wider range of training activities.

Conclusion

Starting the training of border collies at the right time is essential to their overall development and the quality of the relationship between you and your dog. From early socialization to adulthood, each stage of a border collie’s life offers unique training opportunities. By understanding the characteristics of the breed, being consistent in your training methods, and providing positive reinforcement, you can develop a well-trained, happy, and fulfilled border collie. Remember, training is not just about teaching passwords; It’s about building a strong bond that satisfies the dog’s natural instincts and ensures a harmonious life together. Whether your border collie is a family pet, a working dog, or a dog sport competitor, proper training from the right start is the key to success.

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